Community Corner

Seeking Refuge in Shanghai from Nazi Germany

A toy engineer recalls his childhood in Shanghai following his family's escape from Nazi Germany in a film that will be screened at Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown on Sunday.

An Oxford man will recount his childhood spent in Shanghai, China following his family's escape from Nazi Germany in a film and talk scheduled for Sunday at Congregation Adath Israel in Newtown.

Bert Reiner grew up in a ghetto in Shanghai where he lived through Japanese occupation and later the Communist movement before eventually emmigrating for the United States. He captured some of his experiences in a half-hour film, which will be screened Oct. 2 at the temple, followed by a question-and-answer period.

Reiner, whose family operated a department store in Munich prior to their escape to China, eventually grew up to be a toy engineer. He told the Connecticut Post that one of his greatest successes as a toy engineer was figuring out a way to mass produce Cabbage Patch Kids.

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He now splits his time between Oxford and Las Vegas.

The film and talk starts at 3 p.m., Congregation Adath Israel, 115 Huntingtown Road, Newtown. Baked goods and lemonade will be served. Donation of $5. No reservations needed. Call the temple at 203-426-5188 for more information.

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