Readers Remember

Albert Einstein invited the five of us, the only Jewish student/sailors at Princeton, to join him for Passover dinner in his home on the lush green school quad.

It was early spring, 1945.

The professor lived in one of those small cottage-style homes owned by the university which they selectively parceled out to favored teachers.

Dr. Einstein looked much like the photos of him show: tousled hair, long-sleeve sweater, baggy pants, those athletic-type white socks, wearing some unpolished loafers. Almost slight, he spoke softly and slowly, with a pronounced German accent. The six of us sat around his dinner table, with the doctor at the head. We sat and ate and talked for over two hours, while he asked about our pasts, and our dreams for the future. Dr. Einstein reminded me of my own grandpa, gentle and wise.

I don’t remember any particular Passover service. Perhaps there was one. I don’t think any of us very young student/sailors had any idea what a historic giant this small, gentle and unassuming host really was.

JOE SEINFELD

Malibu

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V-J Day is my first vivid memory. It was my 5th birthday, I was wearing a sailor suit, and my mother told me everyone was celebrating my birthday. Apparently my enthusiasm was infectious, because I can remember drawing a crowd.

GENE CHAMP

Pacific Palisades

In 200 words or less, send us your memories, comments or eyewitness accounts of the 20th century. Write to Century, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053, or e-mail century@latimes.com.