In all the years that I shopped at Kaufmann’s Downtown and  Monroeville, I never knew the story of determination and triumph behind it. 
Growing up in Squirrel Hill, I knew the the Kaufmann family existed and was important to the Jewish community but, never knew the specifics. 
The store reminded me how much I miss Kaufmann’s - the TicToc Shop, the Vendome Tearoom, the gorgeous rugs. 
Even when I lived in New York, I did my Christmas shopping at Kaufmann’s and Horne’s downtown. 
I’m so sad that all the stores and the Kaufmann legacy are history.