Parashat Shemini

Dear Parents,

I have edited and am recycling an article I wrote three years ago at this time of year:

At this time of year, coming back from Pesach, our school weeks are filled with commemorations and celebrations.  We are somber and then we celebrate.  Sort of like life.  Right after our return, we memorialize Yom Hashoah, this coming Monday, April 8..  Some parents ask what it means to be “developmentally appropriate” in regards to our programming.  I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer and even in school we make some very hard choices.  First and foremost, we are very careful about the pictures we utilize.  A child’s imagination can definitely conjure up vivid imagery and even outlandish pictures – but nothing can come close to some of the photographs from the Shoah, many of which are contained in literature, including children’s books.  We also steer clear of discussions of specific acts of violence and graphic details.  We do, however, tell sad stories at times, and in grades 4 and 5, sometimes mention separation of families, and even death, as the children’s discussions take shape.  The commemorations’ placements on the calendar also play a part in their being included in the curriculum.  Had they occurred towards the start of the year, when we hadn’t gotten to know the children so well and when they hadn’t been exposed to other messages of struggle and survival, we would approach these events differently. 

Today, it is believed that, with boundaries, Jewish children should learn about the Shoah at a young age, that matter of fact limited exposure will heighten their sensitivity and make it easier for students in the long run.   Additionally, with the more open nature of today's society and the opening of the Holocaust Museum, information more appropriate (if it really can be "appropriate" for anyone!!) for young children is available.   But, as with any information we may present in school, children’s own personal experiences as well as inter-personal conversations will color or flavor their intake or perception.  As with any topic, we encourage parents to be open with their children and aware of their thoughts and feelings and certainly to contact Mrs. Handloff with any concerns about behavior changes.  She, of course, is in contact with all the teachers and supervising the students to insure their adjustments.  We offer formal, developmental programming for grades 4 and 5 and we limit the amount and kind of material used in our younger grades. Sometimes, as happens, individual children will offer up personal information that offers more details.  We endeavor to maintain a balance in our classrooms and hope that each child will benefit from the “Shoah” curriculum.

The following week, on Monday, April 15, Yom Hazikaron, we will remember Israel’s soldiers and on Tuesday, April 16, we will celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday! Tied all together, the picture is one of the future and our responsibilities as Jews and as human beings.  Again, among other tasks, school should prepare us for the bigger world and the stresses and splendor of life in general.  The roller coaster of life’s experiences takes its twists and turns and well-adjusted children learn to stay on an even path.  I encourage you to talk with your children about the “Yoms” and share your own feelings and experiences as a way to honor our history and remember and celebrate as a family.  Shabbat Shalom (and welcome back)!