After a long February break, it was great to have our kiddos
back! We are moving on to our new unit, Shemot and Moses. We begin with
our unit on anti-Semitism.. Anti-Semitism>! Moses>?
WHAT?! Actually, the story of Exodus begins with anti-Semitism. The
Pharaoh is scared of the Jews. He is worried that they are becoming to
numerous and will overtake him, so he orders the death of the baby boys.
And so begins the story that we tell on Passover. His hatred toward the
Jews begins with fear.
We began the conversation of anti-Semitism by discussing
Harry Potter and JK Rowling’s use of the word: Half Blood, Pure Blood, MudBlood
and Muggles. We discussed how this was similar to the discrimination and
use of language used to describe African Americans during and after slavery and
to describe people of Aryan decent during the Holocaust. This comparison
really speaks to the kids and it helps the “get it.”
The kids shared a lot about some discriminatory issues that
were going on in their schools. I was appalled to hear about how many
antiemetic issues they were dealing with. I know that the recent election
and the political climate leading up to it has really amped up the hatred
against Jews in the country. It is so disheartening to hear that the
children are being affected by this in such a personal way.
Tuesday, our 7th graders came in to discuss the
Holocaust, which they had been learning about in depth and to talk about how
antisemitism lead to this terrible tragedy. We talked about how
propaganda led to this tragedy and what the stereotypes were that brought about
this propaganda. We also talked about how the story of Purim also hinges on a
deep seated hatred of the Jews.
We live in trying times. Sadly, it is so apropos to
our children what they are learning in Hebrew school. However, I am
glad that they are learning subjects that are relevant to their lives and
their world and hopefully that they are prepared to face whatever unfortunate
hatred comes their way.
Til next time.
Leah
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