The Historical Society of Newburgh and The Downing Film Center Present a Special Screening

Join us at the Downing Film Center, 19 Front Street, Newburgh, 561-3686 on Monday, April 16th at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. for a special viewing of the “The Gefilte Fish Chronicles”.  After each viewing, descendants of the Dubroff and Kaplan’s will discuss their family, the film and the upcoming musical that will bring their story to the stage.

This professional documentary is a loving remembrance of a local family’s annual rituals and reflects the warmth of family gatherings everywhere.

In 1904, Abe and Minnie Dubroff emigrated from Russia to Brooklyn where they raised seven daughters and a son.  For a century, the family has gathered at Passover and celebrated the Seder together.  First in Brooklyn, then in Boonton, New Jersey and for the last four decades, Passover has been celebrated in Newburgh, New York.

Led by the three surviving sisters, Sophie Patasnik, Peppy Barer and Rosie Groman, traditional preparations were made for the Seder at Peppy’s home in Newburgh. Six Weeks before the Seder they shopped and chopped, tasted and seasoned. Using recipes nearly a century old, they began to put together the Gefilte Fish, Cholent, Horse Radish and Sponge Cake.

“I’ve heard it said many times, and it’s the truth:  the family that sits around the table together stays together.  And we have many tables.”

Contact Johanna Porr, Historical Society of Newburgh Bay and the Highlands, (845) 561-2585 for more information about the event. Details about the documentary can be found at www.gefiltefishchronicles.com.