Our cross curricular social studies/language arts Holocaust program at RYNJ came to a close this week after completing our reading of the novel Night by Elie Weisel and learning about the events leading up to the Holocaust. We began with a round robin, where students viewed various propaganda posters used by the Third Reich to promote anti-Semitism. Afterward, the students participated in an interactive roleplay of Jews who were forced into a ghetto. Each student received a card that described what their family had with them when they were moved out of their homes and into the ghetto. A discussion was held as to how they could survive with what was on their card. Next, we moved on to a unit on poetry that was written during WWII and the Holocaust. We read famous poems, such as, “The Butterfly” by Pavel Freidman. Finally, the students watched the testimony of survivors, followed by the documentary Paper Clips. As a culminating activity, each student created their own work of art related to the Holocaust. Students had the choice to paint, color, sketch, or write a poem. It was a memorable experience being able to express ourselves through art. “Learning about the Holocaust was very special and eye opening. Getting to create a piece of art made it even more personal,” said Natan Burg. We, the 8th graders, will always remember the lessons we learned here, and keep them close to our hearts.

By Dov Rosman, RYNJ ‘21