It wasn’t long ago that history classes taught only the stories of white, Christian men. Today’s history teachers seek to incorporate more diversity into their lesson plans, and some of the most fascinating stories in history come from the Jewish diaspora. From reading a Jewish biography to learning about Jewish entrepreneurs, here are three ways to discover Jewish history in your classroom.
Literature and Biographies
There is no better way to learn history than through the eyes of those who experienced it. Incorporate a Jewish biography or literature by Jewish authors into your lesson plans. These works were often penned during or shortly after historical events, so they perfectly capture a snapshot of time.
Documentaries
Many students learn better through visual and auditory media than reading, and documentaries are a great resource for these students. There are many great documentaries about Jewish history, and some cover less well-known stories like how Jewish immigrants helped establish the film industry in Hollywood.
People in Your Community
There are probably many Jewish citizens with fascinating stories to tell right in your community. Invite a Holocaust survivor, a local rabbi, or a Jewish entrepreneur to speak to your class in person or through online chat.
Are you looking for an amazing true story to share with your class? “Unstoppable” is the account of how Auschwitz survivor and penniless immigrant Siggi B. Wilzig became a Wall Street legend. Learn more about Wilzig’s journey at their website.