The process of connecting the events into a story with an experienced coach was really valuable. I became the person in voice, and the story flowed in a way that surprised me. Those who have heard me tell the story have responded in amazing ways.

Deborah Fripp’s presentation to our adult Introduction to Judaism class was an excellent way to introduce the topics of antisemitism and the Shoah to a group of adult learners with relatively little knowledge about the Shoah. She made the topics relatable and understandable for learners from diverse backgrounds, many of whom were brand-new to learning about Judaism, and came from a variety of educational backgrounds with regards to prior knowledge about the Shoah. Deborah’s presentation reached both head and heart, connecting the lessons of the Shoah to the realities of the present-day, using stories and images to engage students. Partnering with her in the weeks leading up to and following the class was a joy, as she always asked thoughtful questions about who the learners were, what questions and background they already had, and she was eager to customize her presentation to meet the educational needs of the class.

What you have created is such a precious gem. We are all so blessed to have this sacred space.

Dr. Fripp brings new light to the understanding of passing on stories, the most interesting thing about these stories is that they are told through the perspective of the Jewish survivors. This adds more of a personal level and makes the students more intrigued.

Dr. Fripp was able to take someone’s story and retell it as if you were there in the moment with her.

Good liturgy bends time. It has a way of taking the past and bringing it into the now, connecting us generationally. It takes you to your descendants and brings your ancestors to you. You really captured that.

I really enjoyed her story telling. I think Dr. Fripp has such an amazing passion for history that she really made these stories interesting. I also believe that her delivering these stories made them easier to connect with and understand.

I didn’t know about the personal individual hardships that certain Jewish teenagers went through… Teenagers! It blows my mind that they would have to go through these hardships.

[Moments of Witness, the interfaith commemoration,]  was beautiful. I felt seen, a sense of belonging and a common thread of humanity with the strength to look at the horrors we face as reminders to keep fighting the good fight

Your words were powerful.

How to keep the memory of the Holocaust alive without living witnesses poses a critical dilemma for those who care deeply about the history of the Jewish people. Light from the Darkness offers a powerful tool to help future generations bear witness, to understand the history of the Shoah, and to apply its universal themes to modern times.

I first learned of Jennifer Zunikoff’s work with college students researching and telling Holocaust stories over a decade ago at a NewCAJE Jewish Educators’ conference, and I was in awe of the devotion and respect with which the presenters shared their stories. I learned of Teach the Shoah as it was being developed by Deborah Fripp and Jennifer a few years ago, also at a NewCAJE conference. What an essential program this has become! Their invaluable programs should be required for every Middle School and High School program everywhere, in Jewish and secular settings. It is an invaluable visceral experience to hear a Holocaust story told in first person as a result of immersive research and heart connection.

We cannot ever forget. Through guided Storytelling training, the chance to share stories via ZOOM programs, the research, the rituals of the commemoration, the classroom lectures and so much more, Teach the Shoah is ensuring that the memories of those who perished in the Holocaust and those who survived are remembered, as their precious stories are preserved and perpetuated. Teach the Shoah is a lifesaving, life-giving treasure for the ages.

Oh my, there was a moment of striking oral history, ancestral traditions, ancestral connection as I heard my first “Their Stories, Our Voices” through Teach the Shoah. Time folded in on itself and honoring the living experience of a person came to the forefront.

The Flower Mound Public Library has collaborated with Teach the Shoah for several years to bring programs to our community in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Their leadership team and presenters are experienced, knowledgeable, and an absolute joy to work with. These touching remembrance ceremonies enable people of all backgrounds to hear the powerful stories of those whose lives were changed forever by the Holocaust. Teach the Shoah is a valuable asset to our community, and we are grateful for their dedication to ensuring that these stories are not forgotten. We hope to continue partnering with them to bring high-quality, educational programs to the Library for years to come.