Origin Stories (how stereotypes begin)

I've written about my experiences with Holocaust education before, and have spoken about the rigorous training that went into my preparations to leave for Israel (you can read about it in this earlier blog post). So, when I finally got back into the classroom to teach this topic I was prepared to be bombarded with questions …

We’re all stories in the end

Margret Attwood wrote “In the end, we’ll all become stories” this idea is one that has framed much of my life and study for the past 12 years. It is what draws me to history, to travel and to literature, and it is what draws me to the Holocaust. From my time in Israel, and …

The farewell tour

So at the end of this year I am leaving the job I have held for the past 5 years. I am remaining a teacher but after 5 years of 100km round trips 5 days a week I have taken a position a lot closer to home. This place is like home to me, I …

Ghetto Music

In my last post I explained the significance the Holocaust has had on me over the past year and a half. It even inspired me to return to university. Here is a story I wrote last semester inspired by what I learnt during my time in Israel...    I’m a Jew. But I’m not Jewish. …

Saying goodbye to Jerusalem

"I will put my breath into you and you shall live again, and I will set you upon your own soil"

Adventures in the classroom…

"Miss did you know that two people have called me dumb today?!" exclaims Miss T "You're not dumb otherwise you wouldn't be in my class!" I reply matter-of-factly. Enter a huge grin and a "thanks miss!" Miss T skips back to her desk happily and keeps plucking away at her work. Miss T really isn't dumb, but …