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Spring 2024 Workshops
Our Spring 2024 student sessions are crafted to support your school community in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month, commemorating Yom Hashoah, and beyond. These interactive sessions aim to enhance your students’ understanding of Jewish history, the Holocaust, antisemitism, and social media literacy.
They are designed to equip students with the skills necessary for engaging in respectful and courageous conversations across differences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic school environment. Explore our offerings below to find the perfect fit for your school’s needs. If there’s a topic you’re interested in that’s not listed, we’re open to discussing additional student educational session options and tailoring a session specifically for your community.
Faces of the Holocaust
In this interactive workshop, students delve into the history of the Holocaust by examining the roles of the upstander, bystander, victim and perpetrator. Through a unique approach that emphasizes the human mosaic of this era, participants gain a deeper understanding of both the history and its enduring lessons for the present day. Through exploring personal stories and the dynamics between different groups, students are encouraged to reflect on the moral choices individuals faced and the broader implications for humanity.
Kristallnacht: The beginning of the Holocaust
This workshop traces the path leading up to the Holocaust, with a focus on Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. By examining the economic, political, and social factors that enabled Hitler’s rise to power, participants understand the incremental nature of the atrocities that led to the Holocaust. Through discussion of essential questions, students explore the importance of commemorating tragedies like Kristallnacht to inform our actions and prevent future genocides.
Unpacking antisemitism: From age-old to modern conspiracies
This workshop explores the subtle and overt forms of antisemitism, using real-world examples to help students recognize and understand its roots. Participants will learn to identify antisemitic tropes and conspiracies, gaining insights into their impact on Jewish identity and community. Through interactive discussions, students are empowered to recognize and challenge antisemitism and contribute to a more inclusive and respectful society.
Jewish American Immigrant Experience
In this workshop, students explore the journey of Jewish immigrants to America and their profound impact on the nation’s development. Through historical accounts and personal narratives, participants will delve into the challenges and triumphs of the Jewish immigrant experience, from the vibrant communities of the Lower East Side and Harlem to the pioneering spirit of Jews in the Wild West. The session aims to foster an understanding of the diversity and resilience of the Jewish American story and its significant role in shaping American history.
Influential Jewish Americans: Pioneers and Trailblazers
This workshop takes a look at the contributions and complexities of influential Jewish Americans across various fields, from law and science to sports and social justice. Students will explore the lives and legacies of figures such as Louis Brandeis, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, and Henry Kissinger. Participants will gain insights into how these individuals navigated challenges, broke barriers, and championed change, inspiring a deeper understanding of their impact and the legacies they leave behind.
Social media literacy 101
In today’s digital age, where information is readily available but not always reliable, this workshop equips students to be critical consumers of content on social media. Participants will explore the impact of online interactions on real-life perceptions and behavior and learn strategies for assessing the credibility of sources. This workshop will draw from examples including the Israel-Hamas War and political ads, providing students with tools to navigate the complexities of digital information and promoting responsible online engagement.
Courageous conversations across differences
This workshop aims to equip students with the skills to engage in courageous and respectful conversations across differing opinions and identities, especially on sensitive topics. Participants will learn the importance of active listening, leading with curiosity, and expressing their perspectives in a way that fosters understanding. The session emphasizes the principle of extending “empathy without a rider,” promoting open-mindedness and empathy in discussions.