Historical Context and Excerpts from the Purim Story
Students use this handout to complete a Purim text study.
Joining the Partisans
Former Jewish partisan Sonia Orbuch recalls the moment she and her family joined a group of Russian partisans.
Joining the Resistance
Holocaust survivor Vera Laska describes her teenage experience as part of the resistance against the Nazis in Czechoslovakia.
Killed as a Fighter, Not Because I Am a Jew
Former Jewish partisan Sonia Orbuch describes how she approached the dangers of life as a partisan.
Life in the Forest
Former Jewish partisan Frank Blaichman discusses how partisans persevered in the face of challenging weather, hunger, and suffering.
“Payos for Cornrows” by Aaron Samuels
In this spoken-word poem, Aaron Samuels reflects on his experience with the identities of Black and Jewish.
Partisan Life
Former Jewish partisan Sonia Orbuch explains how she perceived life among the partisans as a "good life."
Power and Responsibility
Former Jewish partisan Frank Blaichman reflects on how he managed the responsibility of carrying firearms.
Protecting Jews
Former Jewish partisan Frank Blaichman describes finding shelter for Jews who could not join the partisans' resistance efforts.