Balla Family Torah Scroll
Student Activity – A torah scroll belonging to the Balla family hidden during the Holocaust
| Artefact: | Balla Family Torah Scroll |
|---|---|
| Theme: | Religion and Faith |
| Grade Level: | Intermediate (6-9) |
Suggested time: 10 minutes
Grades: 6+
BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Read Religion and Faith and study each image of the Balla Family Torah Scroll.
Answer the following questions:
- Why is a Torah important in the Jewish religion? (Hint: consult the glossary)
- What was the significance of the Torah scroll to the Balla family before the Holocaust?
- During the Holocaust, Adelle Balla took the Torah into hiding with her and her infant son, even though it identified her as Jewish and was an extra burden to carry. What are two factors that could have influenced her decision to bring the Torah with her into hiding?
- Watch Mancy K.’s testimony. How does Mancy’s story about her family’s Torah scroll differ from Adelle’s? Are there similarities?
- Adelle survived the Holocaust along with the Torah scroll but her infant son and many family members died. How do you think the meaning of the Balla family’s Torah scroll changed after the Holocaust?