Stan Greenspon Center Shines at Association of Holocaust Organizations Conference in Charlotte

The Charlotte Jewish News August 2022

By Rabbi Judy Schindler

In mid-June, Charlotte and the Stan Greenspon Center took center stage as 115 leaders and scholars representing national and international Holocaust centers, university programs, museums, and councils gathered for the 35th annual Association of Holocaust Organizations Conference. The theme was “Reconvening, Recalibrating, and Reimagining Holocaust Education for the 21st Century.”

During the conference, attendees collectively examined what the work of Holocaust education means in the context of current local, national, and global realities. They reevaluated foundational practices and narratives identifying those that are relevant and effective in today’s quickly evolving field of education. They addressed and confronted implicit assumptions that require reconsideration and explored the intersectionality of the Holocaust with contemporary issues of justice.

Highlights included presentations by international experts Mark Weitzman, Dr. Michael Berenbaum, Dr. Menhaz Afridi, and Dr. Tracey Petersen. Local educators Dr. James Grymes, Dr. Willie Griffin, and Rosalia Torres-Weiner shared their knowledge and expertise as well. Attendees were impressed by the diversity of voices and content. Participants took part in the Jacobs-Jaffa Charlotte Jewish Heritage Tour, which offered insights into the Charlotte Jewish community from 1850 through today. Over the past 172 years, Charlotte Jews have been civically, philanthropically, and interfaith minded; religiously and culturally proud; and part of American history with its highs and lows. With the tour’s final stop at Shalom Park, participants expressed admiration for what the Charlotte community has built.

With the conference completed, the Greenspon Center is now focused on a newly established partnership with a nationally known Holocaust education institute and on developing significant programs for the coming year:

The New York-based, internationally renowned YIVO Institute for Jewish Research invited the Greenspon Center to create and facilitate a program that will highlight and evaluate YIVO’s Bruce and Francesca Cernia Slovin Online Museum. Donna Tarney, the Greenspon Center Education and Outreach Specialist, responsible for overseeing the program has already recruited the first cohort of educators from North Carolina, New Jersey, and Florida. The year-long program will involve 40 educators and hundreds of students.

On September 11, the Greenspon Center will host a half-day interfaith conference (in person and/or virtual) titled “Sacred Threads: The Complex Tapestry of Interfaith Relations” at Queens University and Myers Park Baptist Church. Community members are invited to connect with Charlotteans from varied faiths, be inspired by nationally recognized interfaith scholars and talented musicians, and engage in powerful conversations. The event runs from 1 to 7 p.m. and will provide time and space for reflection about the changing nature of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian interfaith work since 1965. The agenda combines prayer, learning, and opportunity for personal reflection. Partners sponsoring the conference include Belmont Abbey College, First United Methodist Church of Gastonia, the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, MeckMIN, Paulist Fathers, Temple Beth El, Temple Emanuel of Gastonia, Temple Israel, Temple Sinai of Atlanta, and Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte.

As the center gears up for its fall programs, plans include a brand new educational workshop titled “Restorative Practices in the Classroom.” In cooperation with CMS’s Kit Helaku, a halfday seminar will allow teachers to study and rehearse different ways to diffuse conflict and misbehavior with their students. Mr. Helaku brings his experiences in using these practices in the Chicago public schools as well as here in Charlotte to create genuine change.

The Greenspon Center is also accepting registration for its fall Signature Jewish Studies community course taught by Rabbi Judy Schindler: “Wellsprings of Prayer - Finding Resources to Support your Own Spiritual Journey.” One need not be left to face the hard moments of life without spiritual resources. This class will explore ancient and creative words that offer strength in the face of life’s storms and expand one’s sense of gratitude in the midst of one’s daily routine. Participants will have the opportunity to enhance their educational experience by crafting their own personal prayer books. This course will be offered in person with a hybrid option and recording for those who are traveling. Guest scholars will be incorporated into the program.

For more information on Greenspon Center Programs, visit www.stangreensponcenter.org.