Last Reflections of My Time in Poland

As I ponder a word to describe the reason why the Holocaust happened, i come up short. Unfathomable. Incomprehensible. Then I think, is there a why? Or are man’s inhumanities to man  to perplexing to define in a simple term?

If I am unable to answer why, I am going to need to believe there is good in the world. The Catholics who hid Jewish children in orphanages. The zookeeper’s wife who concealed Jews amongst the animals. The businessman who strayed away from a profit to save 1,100 Jews. Yes, those righteous gentiles who stood up not watch the Holocaust happen without their intervention. 

All peoples must stand up and say stop when injustice is done toward others. Dr. Halperin has created opportunities for us to understand and take the message never again back to our Dallas community. We must focus on the good in the world to combat injustices while dreaming for a day when peace will come to all. 

Langston Hughes wrote, “ Hold fast to dreams for if dreams die life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” I must cling to the same dream of hope Holocaust survivors clutched to throughout their torture. A hope to see their families again. A hope to see a new day. A hope for justice. 

I realize why is answered in the next ioffense done to mankind that is stopped by someone who has learned from the past to make a better future. 

I Thought I Knew

“I thought I knew until I learned a little.” 44,000+ labor, concentration, extermination camps. I have visited four them and am only beginning to learn. All were dedicated to the destruction of the intellectual spirit and to the end of peoples’ identity. We say never again, but are faced with questionable policies in the U. S. and throughout the world even today. 

Dressed in a warm coat with many layers underneath, the cold air still dug to the bones of my body. Winter is an pensive season to visit Holocaust sites as it may help one experience a little of what threadbare dressed prisoners experienced.

My first camp was one I had never heard. Walking through the reconstructed gates of Stutthof, I should appreciate the fortune of being able to walk out and share my experience. In my mind, Stutthof was what a concentration was suppose to look like— barracks, guard towers, and barb wire. A dense fog engulfed the property in a chilling silence. Hidden in the back of the camp lies the ultimate evil— the gas chamber and crematorium. Comparatively, this camp wasn't the worst.

Several hours to the south, nine hundred thousand were killed at Treblinka. An open field  of jagged rocks dedicated to the dead and the towns they came from pop up like hundred of shark fins just above the water. The only remnants of the camp were a few unearthed trinkets from victims and perhaps bits of ashes left in mass graves. 

I am privileged. I can leave Treblinka without a scratch. I can reflect and share my journey. Taking a swig of water from my water bought to I quench my thirst after only a 45 minute walk around what remains of the death camp. I really want a coke. My joints ache, so I take two Advil. Why were the paths made of cobblestone? It’s too hard to walk. As I maneuvered around the death grounds, I looked for the easiest path. Did the victims of Treblinka look for the easiest path to their deaths? Was it designed to be laborious to honor those who never left. 

Chelmno was a different experience for those who perished and me. It is the fourth-largest death camp in the number of Jews murdered. They were gases via carbon dioxide death trucks. Once these victims arrived, they were stripped of their belongings and loaded into a lorries. The exhaust fumes were funneled to the compartment where the men, women, and children were crammed. By the time the trucks arrived from the camp to a 4 km journey all were dead and packed tightly into the mass grave sites. 

Now that I know more, I am tasked how to share what I have seen to honor the memories of the dead as well as the call to action— Never again! 

Ready to Learn

SMU semester course work is complete, sub lesson plans are sent, and I’m already missing my students (yes, the same ones who were making me pull my hair out last week). 

I’m ready to learn more about what happened during the Holocaust by seeing what remains of the camps, meeting survivors, and having discussions with experts in the field and other learners seeking answers. Our leader, Dr. Halperin, has led this trip for over 30 years. 

As I make this journey with the SMU Human Rights department, my goal is to find a way to bring back a little insight into what occurred 80 years ago. There may be no clear answer of why, but perhaps I can feel a glimpse of the survivor’s, and those who perished, pain. 

Why I Teach at a Jewish School

Train up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) As a child, I benefited from participating in many Jewish organizations that would guide my life. I went to Young Judaea for summer sleep-away camp, I attended and worked at year-round youth activities and summer camps at the Jewish Community Center, I was active in BBYO, and I attended USY activities and graduated from Shearith Israel's religious school. Many events led to me choosing to teach at Levine, and my first few months have been what I hoped.

After becoming a teacher in the public schools, I used my school breaks to take part-time work in the Jewish community. I chaperoned weekend conventions, taught Sundays and weeknights at religious school, and led activities at Young Judaea and then Camp Chai in the summers. All the time developing relationships with Jewish youth and their families while planning memorable activities while intertwining a love for Judaism and Israel. I felt working in the Jewish community kept me connected to the people who had supported and influenced me through my childhood. I squeezed in this commitment between my public-school teaching positions, yet it was through this part-time work that I received many of my most memorable educational experiences.

And then, an awaking moment happened. My grandmother passed away. It was she who my mother put in charge of my Jewish education. It was she who made sure I attended religious school through 12th grade. It was she who assured I went to Jewish camps. And it was she, who fostered a love of Judaism for me. I hadn't put it all together until I was listening to her eulogy. As I reflected on what she taught me, my experiences with Judaism, and all the ways she had influenced me, I decided that working in Jewish education is where I wanted to be teaching.

My first few weeks at Levine have been rewarding. I have connected Jewish values into discipline lessons. Our one classroom rule comes from the Talmud— “That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is explanation; go and learn it”. I have been able to infuse my Jewish knowledge in many places while I teach reading and writing. As we read Gossamer by Lois Lowry, I shared the story of the two Shabbat Angels. Learning about Chinese culture while reading In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Bette Bao Lord has led to connections to our own Jewish culture. During brainstorming activities for our Writer's Notebook, I shared my favorite Yiddish word to add to the list of interesting words one might add to their writing. I am eager to see what other ways I can infuse Judaism into my teaching throughout my first year at Levine.

More than in teaching lessons in my language arts classroom, I feel a connection to each one of my students and their families. There is a personal stake in the success of each one of my students. Not only because they are my students, but because they are part of the Jewish community that helped raise and define who I am as an adult. And now that I have become a veteran teacher, I want to return to the path I was led through in childhood. A Jewish path.

North Texas Teen Book Festival

North Texas Teen Book Festival

March 3-4, 2017

Irving Convention Center

How many unwanted emails to do we get in one day? I had seen the email about a book festival come across my inbox several times. I was just about to send the latest one to trash when one of my learners began his book talk on Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson. As I reviewed the email one more time, her name appeared as one of the authors attending. I was going.

Converging with thousands of book lovers, I recently attended the North Texas Teen Book Festival. Authors shared their views on writing, life struggles, and teen issues. R. L. Stine of the Goosebump series was a keynote speaker. There were hourly moderated author panels with the likes of Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent series, Laurie Halse Anderson, and other authors (some of whose books are soon to be released as movies).

On the Educator’s Day, the first day of the Festival, I arrived to hear Jack Gantos speak. I had heard of his books but had never read any. He was sharing how his stories were pulled from bits of his life’s experiences. Not only has he written the Joey Pigzby series, but he has also written young adult books one of which I had bought for my classroom library, Hole in My Life. I was quite impressed he had written books for all ages. He was funny and charismatic. He shared his new book that will be out in the fall on how to write your story from your life’s events. My cogs are already in motion for the lessons I will create from his book.

One of the panels of authors I heard speak included Laurie Halse Anderson. Her support of the plight of African Americans in America was clear in her comments. I had always picked up, but never read her trilogy about the Revolutionary War as told from the perspective of the African American slaves. It is now on my to-read-list. In addition, I was impressed by the Black authors at the festival. Jason Reynolds, Renee Watson, and Ibi Zoboi. I knew these authors could inspire some of my reluctant readers find the right book for them.

Another highlight of the festival was its use of Twitter. This was the first time I actively tweeted during an event. Each author had Twitter handles at the bottom of their nameplates, and I could interact with them through their social media. Laurie Halse Anderson replied to one of my tweets. I felt like a teen girl during Beatlemania.

On the second day of the festival, I brought four of my high school students with me. I don’t know how excited they were, but I did my best to guide them to certain panel discussions which included identity issues, mental health concerns and, of course, Black themes and characters. Veronica Roth of the Divergent series said something I had to tweet @therealdonaldtrump. “Free press should be at constant struggle with our government. This makes our democracy stronger and fortifies our checks and balances.”

Watching students from around the Metroplex filled with exhilaration about reading and meeting their favorite author gave me proud for the future of America. I heard things like, “He is my favorite author,” and “I can’t wait for that book to come out.” Kids were crying when they met the authors they loved.

All in all, it was a great experience. I look forward to connecting with more YA bloggers and learning about BookTube. I recommend the Festival for any educator or parent who wants to expand the passion for reading (and writing) in children.

Book Talk: A Dog's Purpose

“My purpose, my whole life, had been to love him and be with him, to make him happy. I didn’t want to cause any unhappiness now—in that way, I decided it was probably better than he wasn’t here to see this, though I missed him so much at that moment the ache of it was as bad as the strange pains in my belly.”

This is the amazing story of one dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives. First, he is a feral dog where he learns lessons to help him in his next life. Next, he understands his purpose is to comfort and take care of the boy Ethan which creates experiences to help in his upcoming life. He then becomes a rescue dog and finds a new purpose. In his last life in the book, he is treated poorly but uses all the lessons he has learned over the course of his lives to find where he is needed most.

At one point, the dog’s owner wants to quit. Being in the rescue dog division of the police department is too hard. However, she uses many of life principles, especially desire, time, and effort, to persevere.  “Because failure isn't an option if success is just a matter of more effort.”

This book is a must read for any dog lover who has or has lost a pet. It will take you through many emotions. Told from the dog’s perspective, I laughed, cried, and reflected on my own dog’s purpose.

My Educational Journey Essay

I wanted to share this essay I wrote for a possible scholarship for a master degree in education. Even if I don't receive the scholarship, I am proud of my past, career and the trajectory my future may take.

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The Leslie and Howard Schultz Excellence in Jewish Education Award Essay

I was raised to follow the path to success. I just wasn’t given a roadmap. Being raised by a single parent, my mother enlisted the help of others. Luckily, the Jewish community has many support systems to aid in developing a strong people. I am a product of the Dallas Jewish community by de facto. As I reflect on it, I realize this is the primary influence and direction I have used throughout my life.

As a child, I benefited from participating in many Jewish organizations that would guide my life. I went to Young Judaea for summer sleep-away camp, I attended and worked at year-round youth activities and summer camps at the Jewish Community Center, I was active in BBYO, and I attended USY activities and graduated from Shearith Israel’s religious school.

After graduating college and without the strong Jewish connection I had in my adolescence, I was lost. I held a generic degree in Speech Communication and was working at the JCC preschool while I waited for a job to fall in my lap. The problem, or solution, was the only work experience I had was with children. Luckily, a road sign was coming up. Because of my work at the preschool, I now understood I wanted to be a teacher. I saw an advertisement and applied for the Dallas ISD alternative teacher certification program.

T. D. Jakes said, “If you can’t figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right to your purpose.” Education would be my passion and become my purpose, and my participation in the Jewish community had guided it.

        Though I worked full-time in public schools, I used my school breaks to take part-time work in the Jewish community. I chaperoned weekend conventions, taught Sundays and weeknights at religious school, and led activities at Young Judaea and then Camp Chai in the summers. All the time developing relationships with Jewish youth and their families. All the time influencing and teaching young staff to be better than they were the day before. All the time planning memorable experiences through special days while intertwining a love for Judaism and Israel. I felt working in the Jewish community kept me connected to the people who had supported and influenced me through my childhood. I squeezed in this commitment between my public school teaching positions yet it was through this part-time work that I received many of my most memorable educational experiences.

For instance, one year I was given a 2nd grade class to teach Sunday mornings at religious school. Though I have worked with all ages, I had not taught a full class of 7 year olds. I began to research activities that were tailored to 2nd grade. After each class, I took the challenges I faced and searched for techniques to improve the situation. I implemented a behavior plan for my students to encourage them to focus on their learning. I devised procedures to help them learn and practice Hebrew in pairs. I reached out to the parents for their support. I continued to do this and more throughout the school year to make their learning experience the best I could design and implement. This and many other experiences served as missed road signs to a path I should have explored further.

However, a clear road sign was just up ahead. Last August, my grandmother passed away. It was she who my mother put in charge of my Jewish education. It was she who made sure I attended religious school through 12th grade. It was she who assured I went to Jewish camps. And it was she, who fostered a love of Judaism for me. I hadn’t put it all together until I was listening to her eulogy. As I reflected on what she taught me, my experiences with Judaism, and all the ways she had influenced me, I made a decision that Jewish education would not be a supplement to my teaching career but my central focus.

In September, I attended “A Night to Celebrate Jewish Education.” I felt at home in a room full of educators and community members who supported us. I was inspired by Leslie and Howard Schultz’s contributions, and even more excited to see their grandson, Ben Romaner, speak. I was Ben’s Unit Head and club advisor when he was a child at Young Judaea and was proud to see what an eloquent speaker and reflective adult he had become. Later that evening, as Leslie Schultz walked passed me, she said, “Thank you for being a Jewish educator.” This event, the nachas I felt for Ben, and the kind words from Mrs. Schultz gave me more direction towards being a full-time Jewish educator.

Finally, this December, I received a follow up email from CJE reminding me about the opportunity to refine my educational practices with a masters from SMU. Now, my passion and purpose were colliding once again. I had used my Judaism as a supplement to my education. It was now time to make the commitment to devote my entire career to what has shaped me, what my grandmother devoted my youth to, what my mother always encourages me to stay true to -Judaism. I am currently applying to Levine Academy, Akiba Academy and Yavneh Academy for a full-time teaching position for the 2017-2018 school year.

With all this, receiving the scholarship to obtain a Master’s in Education, will not only continue my dream of being the best teacher I can be, but it will also strengthen my bond with the Jewish community that was fostered so long ago and continues to solidify today. I would be honored to receive this scholarship, and then dedicate my time to the CJE, my synagogue, the JCC, and hopefully my position at a Jewish school to continue shaping young, Jewish minds.

In my final reflections, I now realize Judaism is my road map, I have decided to put working in Jewish education first. Though I might not be as influential as Leslie and Howard Schultz, I will follow their legacy by sharing my passion for Jewish education for many years to come.