Life that Was

Black-and-white photo: a rowboat on a body of water. A man, Leo Schmucker, turned to face the camera, has his hands on the oars. His companion, a woman, Julia Schmucker, smiles for the photo. In the background can be seen various boathouses.
Student Activity – A series of photographs of Jewish life before the Holocaust
Activity Details
Photo Series:Life that Was
Theme:Jewish Life in Europe Before the Holocaust
Grade Level:Intermediate (6-9)

Suggested time: 20 minutes

Grades: 6+

 

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: Watch the Historical Reflections video and read Jewish Life in Europe Before the Holocaust. Then scroll through the carousel of photographs in The Life that Was.  

Pick three photographs from the slideshow and answer the following questions for each photograph.

  1. Quickly scan the photo. What do you notice first?
  2. List the people, objects and activities you see in the photo.
  3. Where was the photograph taken? (Hint: read caption)
  4. When was the photograph taken? (Hint: read caption)
  5. Who do you think took the photo? (e.g. friend, family, enemy, official photographer)
  6. Summarize the photograph in one sentence.

 

Consider all the photos together and answer the following questions:

  1. Create a list of adjectives that describe Jewish life before the Holocaust. Explain your word choice by using specific evidence from the photographs.
  2. What did you learn from these photos that you might not learn elsewhere?
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