Below: Ninth graders view the Holocaust Torah with Art Skerker
Poster featuring Eta Wrobel, a famous Partisan during the Holocaust, and grandmother to field trip speaker Corinna Dodson.
This spring, the ninth graders have been engaged in an interdisciplinary unit in their English and Modern World classes. In Modern World History with Mr. Wolfe, students learned about the historical background of the Holocaust, studying the escalation of hate that led up to the atrocities. In English with Ms. SJ, they explored the individual stories of people who endured the Holocaust, chronicling their lives and legacies before, during, and after the Holocaust.
The unit culminated on May 7th with a field trip for all ninth graders to Shir Shalom Woodstock Area Jewish Community in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. There, we were privileged to hear from Mrs. Fran Malkin, who shared her incredible story of survival during the Holocaust. This field trip was especially memorable and powerful because Mrs. Malkin is 9th grader Jessica Pierce’s grandmother. It was so special to see the three generations of Fran’s family–Fran, her daughter Debbi, and her granddaughter Jess–share the same stage at Shir Shalom.
Students also heard hopeful, poignant remarks from Ms. Corinna Dodson, granddaughter of famed Partisan Eta Wrobel, and they had the unique opportunity to view Shir Shalom’s Holocaust Torah Scroll, which likely dates back to the 1840s. Finally, students were treated to delicious pizza and popsicles, which were generously provided by Shir Shalom.
This field trip was made possible by the generosity of Mrs. Malkin and her daughter, Debbi Schonberger-Pierce, and of Shir Shalom leaders and congregants, including Rabbi Haigh, Lois Fein, President Mike Brown, Roni and Art Skerker, and others. Lois Fein was especially instrumental in planning this field trip and unit, and we owe her many thanks!
Jessica Pierce stands on stage with her mother, Debbi, and her grandmother, Fran. Art Skerker holds the Holocaust Torah.
With the help of Corinna and Art, Jess, Debbi, and Fran pass the Holocaust Torah, symbolizing the passing of Holocaust remembrance from one generation to the next.
Above: Lois Fein plays guitar and sings throughout the field trip.
