BJE’s Project Heritage inspires families through “The Happiest Man on Earth”
The Board of Jewish Education (BJE)’s Project Heritage brought together students and parents for a powerful cultural and educational experience at the theatrical production, “The Happiest Man on Earth” at the Sydney Opera House last Sunday afternoon.
Children and parents attended the moving production, which explores themes of survival, resilience, identity and hope in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The event created an important opportunity for intergenerational learning and meaningful conversations about Jewish heritage, history and identity.
Students from Rose Bay and Bellevue Hill schools (photo supplied)
Leanne Kaplan, a parent, reflected on the experience:
“I am grateful to BJE for the opportunity to see such an incredible play. Seeing it with my son was incredibly moving. It opened conversations about the Holocaust, honouring the resilience of those before us and feeling immense pride that we are here, proud of our heritage and the next generation who will carry these stories forward.”
BJE has revamped Project Heritage for Year 6 students at Rose Bay Public School and Bellevue Hill Public School, recognising the growing importance of understanding the past and how it informs the future. The program encourages students to deepen their understanding of Jewish history, strengthen their cultural identity and continue sharing important stories with future generations.
Year 6 student Aaron Guttman shared his reflections on the performance:
“I found the play interesting because I got to learn about my culture and the tragedy of the Holocaust that my family and the Jewish people went through.”
The theatre performance marked the beginning of the BJE Project Heritage program. Throughout the program, students will continue exploring the Holocaust while engaging in discussions about prejudice, persecution and moral courage. A key focus of the initiative is encouraging students to become “upstanders”, examining how the actions of the Righteous Gentiles changed lives and shaped history. This is particularly meaningful for students growing up at a time when many have themselves experienced feelings of being targeted or isolated.
Mothers and students at the Opera House (photo supplied)
As part of the program, students, together with parents, will also visit the Sydney Jewish Museum, where they will hear firsthand testimony from a Holocaust survivor.
Justine Shakenovsky, Lead Educator at BJE, said:
“The program aims to leave students not only with knowledge of the past, but with hope and responsibility for the future.”
In the words of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku:
“What I have to share is not my pain. What I share is my hope.”
Parents and students left the Opera House with tears in their eyes and hope in their hearts.
