Our eighth grade had an amazing experience this week. The grade was divided up into groups and had the opportunity to interview Holocaust survivors. The students prepared extensively for these interviews. The students studied their survivors’ biographies and used them to prepare questions that would discuss the survivors’ memories from before, during, and after the war.
The experience was one the students will never forget. As each survivor entered the building or came on the screen via Zoom, he/she was greeted by our students. The interactions were wonderful. One of the highlights of the program was the intergenerational component. Seeing the faces of the survivors light up and seeing the students’ faces respond in kind was nothing short of magical.
The survivor was escorted to the beis midrash, which was turned into a real set complete with video, sound, and light equipment. Each student took turns in the roles of interviewer, sound, video, and observer. The students were trained and directed by the Names, Not Numbers© production crew. One of the highlights of the week was hearing from HANC High School rebbe, Rabbi Tsvi Selengut, who discussed the importance of emunah as it relates to the Holocaust. The students were mesmerized by Rabbi Selengut’s stories and insights into this topic. Special hakaras ha’tov to Mr. Dov Rosenberg and Mrs. Tova Rosenberg for all of their help in making this week so special for the students.
We thank Michael Puro for all of his hard work with the project. The interviews themselves were most memorable. There were so many poignant moments. I do not want to play the role of spoiler, so everyone will have to wait until the movie comes out with the interviews. Special hakaras ha’tov to Mr. Dov Rosenberg and Mrs. Tova Rosenberg for all of their help in making this week so special for the students.
