

At a Glance
Language
English — USSubject
- History
- Social Studies
Grade
6–12Duration
One 50-min class period- The Holocaust
Overview
About This Lesson
This lesson provides an introduction to teaching the Holocaust in a Jewish setting and is designed to help students reflect on the ways in which memory is an integral part of Jewish identity. During the lesson, students consider the place we give the Holocaust in Jewish memory, which is one facet of Jewish identity. In a Jewish setting, the Holocaust is part of many students’ family stories, and all Jewish students share the Holocaust as part of their collective story as a people.
To explore the relationship between history and memory in this lesson, students will view three video clips featuring Jewish educator Avraham Infeld. In one of the videos, Infeld compares the idea of Jewish peoplehood to a “five-legged table,” whereby each person chooses at least three of the following five “legs” to express their Jewish identity: memory, family, covenant, Israel, and Hebrew. Infeld explains that although a table that stands on five legs is the strongest, as long as it stands on three, it is stable. Thus, if every Jew identifies with at least three of the five legs, we all will have at least one leg in common. The lesson concludes with a discussion of a poem by Chinese poet Ha Jin that explores the relationship between the individual and the past, helping students grapple with the question of why we study the past and the ways in which history and memory impact their Jewish identity.
Lesson Plans
Activities
Assessment
Extension Activities
How are you planning to use this resource?
Tell Us MoreMaterials and Downloads
Explore the Materials
Was this resource useful?
Tell us MoreUnlimited Access to Learning. More Added Every Month.
Facing History & Ourselves is designed for educators who want to help students explore identity, think critically, grow emotionally, act ethically, and participate in civic life. It’s hard work, so we’ve developed some go-to professional learning opportunities to help you along the way.
Exploring ELA Text Selection with Julia Torres
On-Demand

Working for Justice, Equity and Civic Agency in Our Schools: A Conversation with Clint Smith
On-Demand
Centering Student Voices to Build Community and Agency
On-Demand
