In honor of Yom HaShoah, WTA’s fifth grade students created a powerful and deeply personal tribute through their annual Immigration Museum. This year’s exhibit was especially meaningful, as it provided a space for students to honor the memories of those who came before them by sharing their unique family histories. Each story, told through a cherished heirloom, became a testament to the bravery, perseverance and enduring legacy of the Jewish people.
Over the past two months, students delved into their own family immigration stories, tracing journeys from countries across Europe, North Africa and Israel to the United States. With the help of their parents, each student selected a single artifact—an object that holds personal and historical significance—to represent their family’s journey. These heirlooms became the centerpiece of heartfelt displays, telling compelling stories that spanned generations.
WTA is incredibly proud of how seriously the students approached both their research and their roles as storytellers. With maturity, empathy and genuine curiosity, they explored complex themes of heritage and identity. Their commitment to honoring their ancestors’ journeys was evident in every detail—from the thoughtful questions they asked during interviews to the pride with which they presented their displays.
The Immigration Museum was not only an academic project but also a moving commemorative experience. Acting as confident docents, students guided guests through the exhibit, sharing their knowledge and pride in their heritage. In a special intergenerational session led by WTA Rav Bet HaSefer, Rabbi Avi Hoffman, students, parents and grandparents came together to reflect on the themes of family, memory and kibud av v’em—honoring one’s parents.
This meaningful project reminds everyone that memory is not just preserved in history books, but also in the stories we pass down and the values we live by. May the memories of our ancestors be remembered through their good deeds—and through the children who continue to tell their stories.
