Turning Beliefs Into Reality

When you strongly believe that people can make a positive difference in our world and when you believe you have the ability to influence how things could happen, you want to be sure you are acting on your beliefs. Rhoda Goldberg turned her beliefs into reality by becoming a docent at Holocaust Museum Houston (HMH) and becoming a member of the Generation to Generation Legacy Society.

Rhoda became a docent in 2014 after seeing the commitment a few friends had to Holocaust Museum Houston. To Rhoda, Holocaust Museum Houston does not just teach about a moment in history, it sets before its visitors the challenges we individually face every day — the lessons of what happens when evil words and actions are ignored. It also illustrates how critical it is to keep our eyes open and ears attuned to words of hatred, intolerance and bigotry.

"This is an issue I strongly believe in, that people can make a difference on a personal basis, no matter how big or small. I truly believe each of us can have an impact and can make that difference. It is a choice we each have. Holocaust Museum Houston asks its visitors to consider being upstanders, and to consider the possible outcomes if they choose a different path. This is a powerful and timeless message," says Rhoda.

Rhoda is impressed and encouraged by the number of visitors who come to HMH, and how much interest there is in the Holocaust. Overall attendance in 2017 was approximately 162,000. This number includes walk-in visitors and over 400 school tours. Everyone who walks through the Museum's doors experiences a historical lesson accompanied by an introspective moment. Seeing parents bring their children to the Museum heartens Rhoda, as what better place is there to teach your child the importance of respect and tolerance and the consequences of turning a blind eye? The lessons of the Holocaust are as relevant today as they were over 80 years ago.

According to Rhoda, visitors' questions illustrate the effectiveness of the Museum. The visitors' experiences are powerful and compelling, leaving them questioning how they might make the world a more humane place.

Rhoda says, "The Museum does an outstanding job of honoring Survivors of the Holocaust, paying tribute to those who perished and recognizing the importance of upstanders." She passionately feels that the Museum's purpose is to use education and knowledge to teach the history of the Holocaust and prevent future holocausts and genocides. Rhoda feels that each of us can help HMH achieve the Museum's mission by committing to its perpetuity through making a planned legacy gift.

Rhoda used her IRA as the vehicle for her legacy gift. "It was as simple as adding HMH as a beneficiary."

By naming Holocaust Museum Houston as a beneficiary on her IRA, Rhoda will be able to continue influencing positive behaviors long after her lifetime. By making this legacy gift to HMH, Rhoda is comforted to know she is supporting an organization whose mission and message are extremely important to her. Giving a legacy gift is a way to ensure the future of HMH for future generations.

To learn more about ways you can make HMH a part of your legacy, contact Colton Larsen at clarsen@hmh.org or 713-527-1612.