For that program, as a first-time storyteller, he wrote a story based on the life of his father, Eric Neugroschel, during his father’s youth in the1940s Bronx. The story presentation was held while Matthew Neugroschel was undergoing treatment for cancer and it was not responding as had been hoped.

He delivered his story, “The Golem of Davidson Avenue” on a stage at Skidmore College, “Tn February of that year using a walking stick for both support and as a prop to his story. When he stepped down, the audience went wild. They had absolutely loved his work and those who grew up in The Bronx were ecstatic.

Four months later Matthew Neugroschel, 49 years old, died in his sleep.

As coordinator of SJCA, his paper copy of that story never left my desk. It needed to be shared with others.

In 2024, Israel (IZ) Singer was introduced to me as a talented artist who might be able to take the story and turn it into a book. And, 10 months later we are able present this most memorable work.

With the support of the Jewish Federation and others we are releasing The Golem of Davidson Avenue. It is available for a donation of $25 at all SJCA onsite events.

Contributions raised through this effort will be allocated to The Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and Temple Sinai. Questions may be directed to me Phyllis Wang at sjca.sjcf@gmail.com.