JS: Holocaust Studies

Just as we celebrate Jewish moments throughout the year, we also observe sad events. Students at the Day School grow up with an awareness of the Shoah--the destruction of Eastern European Jewry in World War II. Yom HaShoah Ve'Hagevurah - The Holocaust and Resistance Memorial Day - is observed in the Day School in developmentally appropriate ways. For example, there are many fine children's books that introduce the topic via fable, or family story. There is a recent classic that describes the odyssey of a Torah scroll during the Holocaust. There are simple photographic family albums that invite conversation. These books are carefully selected and screened by teachers for use in their classes. Generally, the topic is not brought into the classroom by teachers until fourth grade. However, very often younger students will introduce the topic with their own family stories or with questions, and then, in the safe environment of the classroom together with teachers and classmates, a foundation is laid for later reading and study.

The day of Yom HaShoah Ve'Hagevurah - Holocaust and Resistance Memorial Day - which falls soon after Passover each year, is marked with a ceremony that is shaped by seventh and eighth grade students. The students choose the poems and readings, prayers and images that they wish to use for a school observance.

Middle School students study the Holocaust as part of their study of history in eighth grade. This extensive unit is part of their general studies curriculum. Their teacher has studied with prominent Holocaust educators from "Facing History and Ourselves" as well as with important researchers and scholars at Yad VaShem in Israel, and holds a doctorate in Holocaust education.

In their course of Jewish studies in eighth grade, students also explore the theme of "destruction and renewal" as it appears throughout Jewish history. The cycle is examined in ancient times as well as in the twentieth century. Students emerge with a solid historical foundation of the Holocaust period and also with a personal sense of responsibility to continue to tell the story and to avoid apathy in the face of evil.

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