Step back in time and immerse yourself in the reality of Jewish childhood in the shtetl, the small towns that were once the heart of Jewish life in Eastern Europe.

From the moment a child was born to the joyous celebration of their wedding day, we will explore the daily lives of shtetl children and the factors that shaped their futures.

June 6, Thursday Part One: Daily Life and Family Traditions

In the first session, we will delve into the everyday lives of Jewish children in the shtetl. Discover how they balanced education, chores, and play. Learn about the family dynamics and the roles of each family member in maintaining the household and preserving cultural traditions.

Highlights include:

• Education and Learning: Explore the religious and secular education, and the role of cheder (traditional Jewish school) in a child's life. Understand the different paths boys and girls took in their upbringing.
• Family Roles and Responsibilities: Look at the daily routines and responsibilities of children within their families, and how these varied between boys and girls.
• Festivities and Traditions: Experience the joy and significance of Jewish holidays and lifecycle events through the eyes of a child.
• Economic Disparities: Learn about the contrasts between the lives of children in poor and wealthy families, and how economic status influenced their upbringing and opportunities.

June 13, Thursday Part Two: Community and Cultural Identity

The second session focuses on the broader community and cultural identity that shaped the lives of Jewish children in the shtetl.

Highlights include:

• Community Life: Investigate the structure and function of the shtetl community, including the roles of synagogues, marketplaces, and community leaders reflected in the clidren's life.
• Cultural Practices: Gain insight into the customs that were integral to the cultural identity of Jewish children.
• Challenges and Resilience: Learn about the challenges faced by Jewish communities and how children were taught to navigate and overcome them.
• Gender Roles: Explore how boys and girls experienced community life differently, including their roles in religious and social activities.