Maggid gives children of Holocaust survivors (2Gs) the unique ability to learn more about their parents’ narratives and help them to share their family’s experiences publicly.
Our program connects peers who can relate to these uniquely difficult conversations and who know the importance of preserving these narratives. Together, participants develop compelling presentations and hone strategies for effective engagement with young audiences.
Fall 2024
Wednesday, November 6, 13, 20 and December 4th
Sunday, December 15th, In-person
Winter 2025
Wednesday, February 19, 26 and March 5, 12th
Sunday, March 23rd, In-person
How does Maggid work?
Maggid empowers the DC area’s 2G population to preserve their families’ Holocaust narratives through training sessions that help them better understand and teach about their legacies.
Two workshops are planned for 2024-2025, one beginning in November and one in February. Each typically includes five training sessions (four evenings and one Sunday afternoon), lasting roughly two hours per session.
Why is this important?
The JCRC has created the Maggid program to ensure that personal Holocaust histories will be shared and passed down to future generations.
Survivor testimony is a powerful tool that prompts genuine caring and behavioral change in students. As the number of Holocaust survivors who are available and able to provide personal testimony diminishes, our best resource for continuing their narratives and legacies is their children (2Gs) and grandchildren (3Gs). We must pass the baton now to bolster Holocaust education and to ensure these factual accounts are not lost.
Who is leading the workshop?
| Tobi Bassin’s father was a child Holocaust survivor from Poland. Tobi has devoted her teaching career to Jewish Education. Tobi served as the Vice President of Education for the B’nai Israel Congregation board, overseeing, working with and advising the board on the Preschool, Hebrew school, Adult education and the preschool’s summer camp. Tobi has been working as an ESOL teacher, supporting the Israeli community at JDS to learn English and integrate into the Jewish community in the diaspora. |
Sharon Freundel is the daughter of two Holocaust survivors. Sharon has been a Jewish educator for over 45 years. She is now the Managing Director of the Jewish Education Innovation Challenge, a national organization that works with Jewish Day Schools. She has taught throughout the Greater Washington, DC, area and has lectured in Canada, Australia, Israel and throughout the United States. |
What is expected of program participants?
While the JCRC is proud to offer this program at no cost as part of our core mission, we do expect participants to present to students in schools, synagogues and other venues throughout the region at least 2-3 times a year.
Please contact Mandy Book, Assistant Director of Education Programs and Services if you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming Maggid cohorts.
MAGGID PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS
I found it fulfilling and emotionally draining. And totally worthwhile! I found real connection with some students and respectful listening by all.
My preference would be to speak to one or two classes at a time. It’s too hard to make eye contact and connection in larger groups.
—Connie Liss
Program Participant
I found the process of crafting our stories extremely valuable. Being led to find our 'nuggets' and creating a presentation around them was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. I have spoken about my father several times now to school groups and have been so pleased with the thoughtful questions the students have asked as well as conversations with staff and students after the talk. I look forward to being able to speak again this school year.
—Suzette Tanen
Program Participant