Effo Abba?

#36, Auschwitz Album Revisited

Oil Painting by Dr. Pat Mercer Hutchens

Mother holds the hand of her toddler while her young daughter leans into her other side. They are already cut off from those with whom they started out the trip – her husband, the girls’ father, parents, brothers, sisters, and other family members. The baby has no idea what is going on and innocently asks, “Efo Abba?”(Where is Father?). The little one looks into the dark belly of the train and wonders if he is still in there. Mother’s face tells all – not only is he is not in the train – he’s probably dead. She also asks, “Efo Abba?” But she means, “Where is our heavenly Father? Efo Avenu shbaShemaim? Where is God?” Millions before and after her have asked that same question. God only knows.