Up from Hester Street

In 1896, on Hester Street in New York's Lower East Side, a religious candle ignites the dress of a young Jewish immigrant mother, her eyes covered as she holds her toddler in her arms. Up from Hester Street presents the dramatic autobiography of Mollie Flaumenhaft, who thanks to the tenement's residents, survived her mother's tragic death. Mollie's childhood is a tale of poverty, illness, and death. She eventually became a school teacher, then married the son of Irish immigrants. She tells of his family's struggle as well. Mollie's story, supplemented by insights from her son and daughter-in-law, reveals the values of perserverance, family devotion and surprising humor. As we follow Mollie and her family, they successfully emerge from social distruption and despair and we encounter a new chapter in the American story of assimilation, survival, and achievement against overwhelming odds. Up from Hester Street will renew your faith in the future of our country and in the indomitable spirit of the human condition.