Yavneh's commitment to honoring the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust has always been noteworthy, as exemplified by our intensive Holocaust-studies program in 8th grade and accompanying dramatic production. Against that backdrop, our observance of Yom HaShoah was a memorable and moving one.
Near the end of tefilla, Rabbi Burstein, our director of Holocaust studies, recited two קל מלא רחמים prayers - one in memory of all those who perished, and a second one in memory of the community of Vyshkov, Czechoslovakia, a community that was entirely wiped out by the Nazis, and whose lone remaining Sefer Torah sites outside of our cafeteria. Rabbi Knapp then shared a few words and a poem written by a survivor.
Later that morning, Mrs. Rubin led an assembly with the 6th grade students where she helped them to direct their thoughts to what happened during the Shoah in an age-appropriate fashion.
The 7th and 8th grade students viewed a powerful documentary about the Mengele Twins, done by NBC several years ago in honor of Yom HaShoah. The students were prepped in advance by Rabbi Burstein and warned of its harsh nature. Minutes of the documentary, in fact, were skipped to avoid graphic content.
A great treat came after the completion of the viewing when Rabbi Burstein announced to a greatly surprised audience that one of the twins featured in the NBC documentary, Mr. Rene Slotkin, graciously agreed to attend and answer the students' questions. Mr Slotkin was overwhelmingly received with love and respect as he paid tribute to the next generation and urged them to carry the memory of the six million kedoshim on to the next generation.
A great treat came after the completion of the viewing when Rabbi Burstein announced to a greatly surprised audience that one of the twins featured in the NBC documentary, Mr. Rene Slotkin, graciously agreed to attend and answer the students' questions. Mr Slotkin was overwhelmingly received with love and respect as he paid tribute to the next generation and urged them to carry the memory of the six million kedoshim on to the next generation.
