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How do we teach the Holocaust using interdisciplinary methods? How can poetry, art, film, and literature contribute to the study of this complex subject? In this video Jackie Metzger, of the International School for Holocaust Studies at Yad Vashem, presents three poems by Primo Levi, Dan Pagis, and Haim Gouri, outlining possible uses in the classroom for ages 16 and above. The ideas, imagery, dilemmas and contemplation inherent in such poems allow for a deeper study of the subject.

Jackie Metzger is a staff member at the International School for Holocaust Studies, Yad Vashem.


Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: "Shema" - Primo Levi
Part 3: "Written in Pencil in the Sealed Railway-Car" - Dan Pagis
Part 4: "Heritage" - Haim Gouri


Poem credits in order of appearance:
Primo Levi, "Shema", in Primo Levy, Collected Poems, Faber & Faber, p. 9.
Dan Pagis, "Written in Pencil in the Sealed Railway-Car" in Dan Pagis, The Selected Poetry of Dan Pagis, translated by Stephen Mitchell (University of California Press, 1989).
Haim Gouri, "Heritage" in Hilda Schiff (Ed.), Holocaust Poetry (New York: St. Martin's Griffin, 1995), p. 5. (courtesy of ACUM)

Artwork:

Zinovii Tolkatchev (1903-1977)
Taleskoten, 1944
Gouache, charcoal and crayon on paper
Collection of the Yad Vashem Art Museum, Jerusalem.
Gift of Sigmund A. Rolat, New York, in memory of his parents, Henryk and Mania, who perished in the Holocaust.
Cain and Abel - Josep Vergara.
The Sacrifice of Isaac - Caravaggio.

Illustrations - Liz Elsby, International School for Holocaust Studies, Yad Vashem.

Film produced by Mikooka Productions - http://www.mikooka.com.


Archival footage:

Yad Vashem Photo Archive.
Yad Vashem Film Archive.
Steven Spielberg Film and Video Archive, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

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The Holocaust Education Video Toolbox is supported through the generosity of Jan and Rick Cohen, USA.