Join Shalom Austin for an evening of learning and choose from a variety of classes related to Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut!
Participants will choose one class from 6-6:45 PM and one class from 7-7:45 PM, offered by our wonderful community clergy and educators.
Registration is required. Register here!
6 – 6:45 PM
Righteous Among the Nations
Robin Long | San Antonio Holocaust Museum & Shalom Austin Descendants of Holocaust Survivors
This session will include a presentation of the historical background of Yad Vashem and the significance and basis of the Righteous among Nations program. It will contain the stories of three individuals so honored by the testimony of those rescued. The Righteous are Japanese diplomat Sugihara, Master Sargeant Roddie Edmonds, US Army and Anton Sukhinsky, a Polish peasant.
The Magic of Hebrew
Michal Ilai | Shalom Austin
This session will focus on the language in modern Hebrew poetry as a gateway to Israeli culture.
Attendees will have an opportunity to dissect the content as well as the literary devices used in poems by notable Israeli writers. Some knowledge of Hebrew is a plus, but not required.
Israel 101
Rabbi Dan Millner | Congregation Tiferet Israel
Since October 7, more people are thinking about and talking about Israel than ever before. However, many people feel held back due to a lack of information. Come join this session to gain a strong foundation to feel comfortable and competent joining the Israel conversation.
Empowering Tomorrow: Exploring the Integral Role of Youth Leadership in Jewish-Israeli-American Communities
Efri Argaman | Tzofim Shevet Keren and Israeli American Council
Learn about the vital role young leaders play in shaping these communities and how their empowerment strengthens our future. Discover challenges they face and ways to support their development. Understand the importance of youth leadership in our community’s vitality. For both teens & their parents.
7 – 7:45 PM
“Jewish Resisters, Though”: Why There Has Been Reluctance to Apply the “Upstander” Label to Jews in the Holocaust
Dr. J.E. Wolfson | Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission
A large proportion of museum exhibits and popular films and literature on the Holocaust elects to spotlight and applaud the actions of “Righteous Gentiles” who rescued Jews, but not the actions of Jews themselves. What might explain this longstanding tunnel vision or the fact that so few people have even chosen to question it? This presentation will offer answers to that question and will examine fascinating case studies of Jews who resisted the Nazi assault and continue to complicate popularly accepted notions of heroism and martyrdom. Dr. Wolfson suggests that the tendency to privilege stories of non-Jewish rescue of Jews over Jewish resistance reveals much about how our culture has sought to define and remember the Holocaust. We cannot approach a fuller understanding of Holocaust history without acknowledging the challenges, suffering, courage, and selflessness that helped shape Jewish resistance.
Antisemitism in American Today
Jackie Nirenberg | Anti-Defamation League
This class will explore the roots of antisemitism, why it is on the rise all over the world, and what we can do about it.
Grassroots Organization – Activity Outside of Israel
Dorit Heldenberg Sherel | The Hostages and Missing Families Forum and Israeli American Council
This session will explore how to create a grassroots organization that has an Israeli agenda, outside of Israel.
Talking to Your Friends About Israel in a Post-October 7 World
Zohar Vloski | Jewish National Fund
This session will explore:
- How has talking to your friends about Israel changed since October 7?
- You can’t know EVERYTHING, so what are some key things you SHOULD know before talking about Israel?
- Why is it even more important to engage with your friends about Israel after October 7, especially when you see them posting on social media?
- How do you know if your conversation was successful?
- Why education matters now more than ever, particularly for Gen Z
- After October 7, why is it even more important that we celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut this year?
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