“Do we smile?” By Caroline Crandell
As I write this entry on the last night of our Germany trip, I am filled with gratitude, connection, and hope, but also anger, grief, and shame. I am not surprised by this myriad of feelings, because it seems to be an appropriate reaction to our equally-varied itinerary. From lighting candles at Track 17 to […]
If CWB had a playlist it might look something like this….
This fictitious playlist resonates with CWB’s mission of experiential learning, cultural immersion, and professional development for educators: Throughout this ficticious Classroom Without Borders Musical Setlist, these songs seem to underscore CWB’s dedication to providing unique and immersive professional development experiences that go beyond traditional training programs. The setlist is designed to inspire educators to embrace […]
Thoughts at the House of the Wannsee Conference by Ilana Burshtein
The House of the Wannsee Conference is a manor of rough beige stucco, a World War I-era country home with an Art Nouveau-curved façade pared down by a certain German sobriety. In July, the neighbourhood is shaded by a deep green tree canopy threaded with fine white pencils of birch. Across the street from the […]
My Journey by Sara Long
When I first heard about this trip, I knew it was going to be emotionally challenging. Going to a concentration camp, visiting where the Wannsee conference happened, and going to the Holocaust museum just to name a few. There have been several moments in which my stomach was in knots because of thinking about what […]
Justice? by Erica Stone, Allison Dyer and Ariel Kline.
The past few days have been a whirlwind of learning and new experiences. We have been fortunate to have been to many important places in Berlin and the surrounding area, including Sachsenhausen, Track 17, and the Wannsee Conference. After seeing the Nuremberg laws written on signs on the streets of Berlin and then pages and […]
July 23rd 2023 by Sarah Albertson
This week has shown why studying history or at least knowing history is important. History should never be about dates or names of Kings/Queens/Leaders. History is a narrative of everyone’s story woven together throughout time. But it is world events caused by these leaders that guide this narrative. One story I learned this past week […]
Shabbat by Michael Toland
Today was our Shabbat – our Day of Rest. Each member of the team approached today differently. Everyone has unique ways to relax, and everyone had a chance to relax. Some of us woke up early to get an early start on their day, some as early as 6:30. Others decided to sleep in late, […]
Many Colors by Jonell Watson
When I think of my trip to Germany, I think of a quilt of many colors. I think of Shalom Rav sung to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah’; sung by a German-speaking service celebrating Pride in the remaining wing of a Berlin synagogue left standing after Kristallnacht. The way remnants of one time, shards […]
Jewish Museum Berlin Explored by Victoria Golden
As I was preparing to leave for Germany, there were a few places I knew I wanted to visit and experience, one of them was The Jewish Museum Berlin. With it’s incredible and meaningful architecture to the mesmerizing physical and visual exhibitions, it did not disappoint. In this museum you will not just see the artifacts or […]