Facing History and Ourselves: The Jews of Poland
considers the ways Jews and their non-Jewish neighbors in Poland and
other parts of Eastern Europe responded to questions of identity,
membership, and difference at various times in their shared history.
Students explore this history by reading autobiographies, diaries,
official documents, literary works, and other sources. Each helps them
"draw conclusions from what we see to what we do not see" and
"recognize themselves in the past, on the steps to the present."
Like other Facing History publications, Facing History and Ourselves: The Jews of Poland
is a resource book. It provides a meaningful but flexible structure for
examining complex events and ideas. Teachers are encouraged to select
the readings that are most appropriate for their students and match the
objectives of their curriculum. They are also encouraged to choose the
questions and activities that further those objectives from a section
entitled "Connections." It appears at the end of every reading and
contains suggestions for class discussions, writing assignments, and
research projects. Many of the questions encourage students to
investigate key concepts and issues, prompt perspective taking, and
offer opportunities to explore connections between historical events
and their own lives.
Preface and Overview
Chapter 1: In Search of Identity
Chapter 2: Outsiders in Eastern Europe
Chapter 3: At the Crossroads
Chapter 4: In Time of War
Chapter 5: The Warsaw Ghetto
Chapter 6: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprisings
Chapter 7: Legacies
Glossary and Index