Yavneh Academy’s mission includes educating the students on the Holocaust. As the years go by, fewer survivors remain. As a people we are committed that our generations “never forget” what occurred. Knowing makes us stronger.
The sixth graders began their day with Mrs. Rubin. Together they studied how the Holocaust began. The children were introduced to Hitler’s rise to power, the loss of dignity for the Jews, the creation of ghettos and concentration camps, and the roles of righteous gentiles. Most touching was the video featuring Gad Elbaz and the Holocaust Survivors Band. Together they visited the sites of terror in Germany and educated young German students. Their visit in Brandenburg ended with music and a shofar blowing.
Mr. Ronald Siesser addressed the seventh graders. A few weeks ago, they attended the eighth grade presentation, Live and be Counted. Mr. Siesser filled in more of the story. Mr. Siesser’s grandfather, Mr. Alfons Sperber, did not live in the past. He enjoyed his family and looked to the future. During Covid, he was invited to speak at Yavneh—remotely—and began to share his story. His journey from Vienna to Paris, with a stay in a monastery and reuniting with his sister and parents was inspiring. More inspiring is that Mr. Sperber put on his tefillin daily during the Shoah. Mr. Siesser’s presentation concluded with a recorded message from Mr. Sperber acknowledging the importance of remembering the Shoah and living lives as Torah observant Jews.
The eighth graders study the Shoah throughout the school year. Under Rabbi Burstein’s tutelage, the children learn Jewish history through the Shoah. They study testimonies, watch videos and most importantly, have the opportunity to ask questions and express their feelings. English classes read and analyze The Diary of Anne Frank. Today, the eighth graders, accompanied by Mrs. Kranczer, Ms. Rimberg, Dr. Frohlich, Rabbi Burstein and Mrs. Rubin toured Anne Frank, the Exhibition, hosted by the Center for Jewish History. On self guided tours, students and teachers learned of the early life of Anne and her family, their escape from Germany to Denmark and their years in hiding. The attic which housed the Frank family as well as others was recreated. All were amazed at the small space which was home to eight adults for almost two years. The audio tour which accompanied the tour was clear and insightful. The exhibition concludes with copies of the diary in 70 languages. To date, more than 300 million copies of the diary have been published.
Throughout the day, students visited Yavneh Academy’s rescued Torah which was saved from the Nazis from Vyskov, Czechoslovakia, and presented by the Class of 1985. The curtain for the Torah scroll showcase is only raised once a year, on Yom Hashoah.
Yavneh Academy will continue to teach the lessons of the Shoah, memorialize the many who were killed and celebrate the continuation of Jewish life. Am Yisrael Chai.
