Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7
Temple Israel
“When we are gone, who will tell our stories?”
That’s a compelling question that the survivors of the Holocaust ask, as do the liberators and the Righteous Among the Nations of WWII. Now their children, the second generation, and even the grandchildren ask, “Who will tell Papa’s story? Who will remember what Mother experienced?”
The answer: “We will.”
Teach the Shoah, along with those reading this article, will tell the stories. Teach the Shoah trains people of all ages, generations, and backgrounds to share testimony-based stories and lessons of the Holocaust. Its programs challenge ignorance and hate by building personal connections across generations, faiths, and identities.
The organization trains storytellers to do this important work, not to become professionals, but to share these stories: at synagogues, local schools, at family gatherings. Together, voice can be given to people who cannot speak today. Interested individuals can do this work with Teach the Shoah.
Temple Israel invites the entire Tidewater community to two impactful and innovative programs with Teach the Shoah.
Dr. Deborah Fripp, TTS founder and executive director, is travelling from Singapore, and Lynne Feldman, TTS director of Holocaust Scholarship and general manager, is traveling from Israel to lead the events. Along with local TTS instructor and teller Tanya Wisoker, they will help participants step into history through story, including the story of local liberator Bill Jucksch.
Havdalah program
Saturday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 pm
Sharing Their Stories: Voices of Resistance and Liberation in the Holocaust: A program of remembrance and inspiration connecting to the past through the power of storytelling
This 90-minute program interweaves powerful firsthand accounts with historical context, bringing to life moments of resistance in the ghettos and the camps, and the moment of liberation. Three authentic stories anchor the evening: two stories of Jewish resistance and the courage of the underground, and the moving story of local American liberator William John “Bill” Jucksch. Historical framing between each story deepens understanding and connects the personal to the larger history.
The evening concludes with space for reflection and conversation.
Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 9:30-11:30 am
Exploring Their Stories: Transforming Testimony into Story
How is Holocaust testimony transformed into meaningful, memorable stories?
In this two-hour program, participants will learn about Teach the Shoah’s unique method for shaping testimony into story. The program begins with an example story and ends with an open discussion. Along the way, participants will discover tools for listening deeply, giving and receiving appreciation, and finding the story within testimony. This is an interactive experience for anyone who believes memory must be carried forward.
All programs are free and open to the public, but registration is required. Contact the Temple Israel office: 757-489-4550 or templeisraelva1954@gmail.com.