Category: Grade 8 – Mr. Washerstein

How could the Holocaust happen?

As we continue to study and analyze the various components of the Grade 8 Jewish Studies curriculum, this week we are beginning to set up the Holocaust. Rather than diving directly into the start of the Holocaust, the Grade 8 class is learning about WWI. This foundation will play a very important role in understanding the historical context in which the Holocaust begins.

Attached you will find the WWI/Treaty of Versailles Presentation and Guided Notes Packet. This will be useful for any students that missed any of the notes during class. Students should be reviewing their notes throughout the week.

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Last week the students had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with a Holocaust survivor on Zoom. Our guest speaker, Tibor Egervari, shared his story and explain how he ended up in Canada. Tibor answered a variety of questions and provided the students with his unique insight. Tibor shared his own life lessons and encouraged our students to take a stand when they witness injustice occurring in our world. We are incredibly grateful that Tibor was able to share his perspective with us.

The past few weeks in Jewish Studies, we have been analyzing and discussing various accounts of antisemitism throughout history. Although we have only begun our journey, you are being tasked with writing a reflection piece to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the concepts we have discussed in class.

Click the link below to access the assignment instructions:

Antisemitism Reflection Assignment Instructions

Click the link below to access the corresponding graphic organizer:

 Antisemitism Reflection Graphic Organizer 

Click the link below to access the reflective writing slideshow:

Reflective Writing Google Slides

Your reflection should answer the following questions:

1. What is antisemitism? 
2. How has antisemitism impacted Jews in the past (prior to the Holocaust)? 
3. How does antisemitism continue to impact Jews around the world?
4. What are the consequences when a “single story” or rumour is used to exclude a group of people from a society? 
5. What lessons can be learned from examining accounts of antisemitism?

Due Dates:

Assigned- Monday (11/9)

Check-In #1 Graphic Organizer Due-Thursday(11/12)

Check-In #2 Rough Draft Due- Monday (11/16)

Final Copy Due- Wednesday (11/18)

This year students will be responsible for researching, analyzing, and presenting a current event in our Jewish Studies course.

Directions: Find an article either in the newspaper or online from a newspaper source. Examples include: CBC News, USA Today,  CTV News, Associated Press, The New York Times, Ynetnews Jerusalem Post, Haaretz, Times of Israel,  etc., or any other reputable national or local source. Read the article and fill out the statements or answer the questions below.

Please find and read about important issues that relate/connect to antisemitism.

Because this is a current events assignment, you are to choose an article that is no more than two weeks old from when the assignment is given.

Be prepared to discuss your article in class on the due date!

Please click the link below to access the current event template: 

Current Events Write Up Assignment Instructions

As we continue our discussion of antisemitism, students will spend time analyzing the documentary Defamation. This documentary examines various perceptions of antisemitism around the world (Israeli, American, Polish, etc.) Through their analysis, students will be able to quickly determine that not everyone shares the same viewpoints in regard to antisemitism.

Defamation Documentary Link

Students will be asked to take notes and respond to four analysis questions as they watch.

Click the link below to access the questions:

Defamation Assignment