"An inspiring story of persecution, survival, adventure, courage, faith, and spirituality charmingly told by an extraordinary human being." -- W. Michael Blumental, Director of Jewish Musuem Berlin, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and fellow former Shanghai refugee "Hans Cohn has given us a great gift, a remarkable personal saga of courage and commitment. Hans Cohn's story is a living spark of inspiration that transcends the impact of the furious fires of Kristallnacht as well as the arsonist's torch of his California synagogue. A journey of oppression, hope and renewal, this book will never be forgotten by those who read it." -- Lee S. Shulman, president, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching The range of his experiences and the love and humor with which he recounts them give the book wide appeal.... It is hard not to feel sympathy for him, or to find inspiration in his constant positive attitude. Also, the book is divided into fifty-seven short chapters, usually two to four pages, which makes for a brisk and enjoyable read. Risen from the Ashes is a valuable contribution to literature on the Holocaust, Jewish music, and California Jewish history, as well as an example of how to execute an informative and entertaining memoir. * Western States Jewish History *