The acclaimed 2022 documentary by Ken Burns’ raises significant concerns relevant to our time. We will first review the film itself, including the myths about the Holocaust and America’s response to it, which the film seeks to dispel. The discussion will then turn to an examination of three issues that have been the topics of vigorous historical debate: American Jewry’s response to the Shoah, FDR’s reaction to this genocidal catastrophe, and the question of whether or not the U.S. should have bombed Auschwitz.
Participants are kindly requested to view the film prior to the session, as your input will be more welcome. The film can be found here. (PBS Membership Required)
Non- Members Register Here
Members Register Here
DR. ELLIOT LEFKOVITZ is an Adjunct Professor of History and Holocaust Studies at the Spertus Institute. He is an Oral Historian for the Illinois Holocaust Museum, and an Interviewer for the Spielberg Survivors of the Shoah Project. Elliot is now retired from his roles as an Adjunct Professor of History at Loyola University of Chicago, and as the longtime Education Director at Am Yisrael Congregation in Northfield.
(Postponed) The Arch of Titus and the Jewish Community of Rome with Judith Testa
A Close Look at Prophets with Rabbi Andrea London
Beit Shammai v. Beit Hillel—Legends and History
