Epstein Students Present Holocaust Memorial Projects
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Epstein Students Present Holocaust Memorial Projects

The presentations included 3-D printed memorials, dedications, artwork, poetry, and more.

By Compiled by AJT staff April 30, 2025, 10:58 am Edit
  • (From left) Josh Petchenik, Jordan Smith, and Ellie Small present their memorial, “Souls of the Chamber,” to honor victims of those who were killed by gas chamber.
    (From left) Josh Petchenik, Jordan Smith, and Ellie Small present their memorial, “Souls of the Chamber,” to honor victims of those who were killed by gas chamber.
  • (From left) Mark Abrams, Ryan Blatt, and Ella Maman present their memorial entitled “Divided” to honor the victims of Josef Mengele.
    (From left) Mark Abrams, Ryan Blatt, and Ella Maman present their memorial entitled “Divided” to honor the victims of Josef Mengele.
  • (From left) Reese Sonenshine, Hudson Traub, and Avi Weiss present their memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor the Danish rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
    (From left) Reese Sonenshine, Hudson Traub, and Avi Weiss present their memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor the Danish rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
  • (From left) Gabi Richman, Alex Cohen, and Hannah Levy present their memorial, “Fading Footsteps,” to honor the victims who perished during death marches.
    (From left) Gabi Richman, Alex Cohen, and Hannah Levy present their memorial, “Fading Footsteps,” to honor the victims who perished during death marches.
  • Memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor Denmark’s rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
    Memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor Denmark’s rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.
  • Memorial entitled “Hidden Identities” to honor the legacy of rescuer Irena Sendler.
    Memorial entitled “Hidden Identities” to honor the legacy of rescuer Irena Sendler.

On April 8, The Epstein School’s eighth-grade class presented their culminating history projects to an audience of families and fellow middle school students — marking the end of a yearlong journey through history and the Holocaust. The final presentation was the capstone to months of deep study, critical inquiry, and personal reflection.

“Throughout our study of the Holocaust this semester, we’ve explored the history of antisemitism, rise of Nazism, escalation to genocide, the final solution, liberation, and denial/distortion,” explains Epstein Middle School history teacher, Melissa Silver. “We also consider the importance of public memory — how we choose to remember, honor, and learn from the past in public spaces. With that in mind, we challenged students to design original Holocaust memorials that pay tribute to a specific individual, group, or event that deeply resonated with them.”

Students held a dedication ceremony of their original Holocaust memorials. These presentations included their 3-D printed memorials, dedications, artwork, poetry, and more. Groups also proposed where the memorial would be located. Each project reflects both historical understanding and personal insight. In this, the fourth year of this project, students chose topics honoring the literary voices of Anne Frank and Elie Wiesel, rescuers like Irena Sendler, Corrie Ten Boom, and the Denmark Rescue, and the victims of Joseph Mengele, gas chambers, and death marches.

Memorial entitled “A Wave of Righteousness” to honor Denmark’s rescue of 7,220 Danish Jews.

Through these memorials, students demonstrated the research, STEAM (science technology, engineering, art, and math), writing, and critical thinking skills they’ve developed during their time at Epstein. More importantly, they gave voice to stories that must never be forgotten. Students created their projects by working through the design thinking process with Epstein STEAM Coordinator, Barri Gertz.

As families and fellow students listened to presentations, they were struck by the emotional depth and historical insight the students conveyed. It was clear that this was not just an academic exercise, but a heartfelt act of remembrance and learning.

“We were so moved by the emotion and knowledge the students shared today,” Epstein Middle School Principal Susanna Ames remarked. “They took on a tremendous responsibility with this project — and embraced the charge with thoughtfulness, empathy, and creativity.”

The memorials have a permanent display outside the Bet Tefillah so students and guests can participate in this project of public remembrance while entering or leaving Epstein’s house of prayer.

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