In class we talked about turning points. What turning points can we identify in our own lives. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah! A birth or a death? What are turning points in Jewish history? Moses receiving the Ten Commandments? The Holocaust? Jews coming to America?
The turning point that was our focus today was the wave of antisemitic riots, or pogroms, that took hold of Russia in the 19th century. During this time, the Jewish population of Russia was the largest in the world - numbering 5 million. Jews lived in shtetls, tiny bubbles of thriving Jewish culture. We talked about how these attacks shook the foundations of Jewish life.
Jews responded to the deteriorating conditions and harsh realities in three primary ways. Some Jews stayed in Russia and tried to make reality better for themselves . Others moved to Palestine and reinvented the Hebrew language. Others found hope in the dream of America, the Land of Opportunity. We discussed how these different responses helped to shape the Jewish world we know today. We also discussed how the students would have responded if they had been living in Russia at the time.
After this intense day of discussion, a breather was needed. We closed our day in the gaga pit having fun together (pictures below).
I invite you to begin discussing your individual family histories. How and when did your family come to the United States? Was there a turning point that helped your family make this big decision? What was left behind and what was gained? In the coming weeks we will be talking about immigration to America and I would love for the kids to have stories to share.
Reminders: -No Hebrew School next Sunday!
-TeenConnect Kick-off Event: Saturday, October 11th at 7pm.
-Simchat Torah B'Yachad: Wednesday, October 15th.
See you Wednesday! Shavuah tov v'shana tova.
Morah Mikey
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