Dr. John has been joined by creative collaborators and extraordinary performers with
global professional credits. Their combined talents create the timeless and powerful
impact of The Sh’ma Project: Move Against Hate.
The Sh’ma Project uses the following tools to build understanding across diverse learning styles:
THE FILM
The new dance film, Sh’ma follows a close-knit community through struggle and survival during the Holocaust. Sh’ma focuses on director Suki John’s mother as she journeys from school days to the Jewish
ghetto, deportation to concentration camp, refugee to American citizen. Originally
a live choreodrama performed in the former Yugoslavia and New York City, Sh’ma has been recreated as a powerful dance film. Produced with 4 cameras, 15 extraordinary
performers, original music and design, Sh’ma highlights resilience, connection, and hope.
The film is currently in previews, and will be available in full length and abbreviated
formats appropriate to high school and college classes.
UPSTANDER WORKSHOPS
Through movement, writing, and dialogue, Upstander Workshops give young people thoughtful,
safe, and collaborative methods to contextualize history and create personal responses
in empowering ways. Students are invited to participate in these workshops before
and after viewing the Sh’ma film.
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER)
To deepen the meaning, breadth, and impact of The Sh’ma Project, students and educators are invited to access the free educational resource, The Holocaust: Remembrance, Respect, Resilience. This digital anthology was written by a team of international scholars, co-edited
by Dr. John and fellow 2nd generation survivor, Dr. Michael Polgar (Penn State University
Sociology Professor).
SH’MA (sh-mah) means “listen” in Hebrew, and comes from the central prayer of the Jewish liturgy.
