The Past is Present: How History and Memory Shape Us and the World

Passover is a holiday that invites us to reflect on how our values are shaped by historical memory. How do narratives of the past shape who we are as individuals, as communities, and as a nation? How can conceptions of the past be wielded to gain power, and how can they be leveraged to rectify historical wrongs? The way we construct and remember our past underlies our individual and collective choices. Narratives of the past are powerful, often used to unite, provoke, and even exploit.

As Passover begins, join us on April 12 (Shabbat HaGadol) when Eve Herold delivers the d’var Torah and explores the complex relationship between history, memory, and identity, unpacking relevant scholarly work that can help us think critically about how conceptions of the past are used in the world today. A presentation and Q&A will follow after lunch.

About Our Speaker

Eve Herold earned her PhD in Social Studies Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. Her dissertation research focused on historical narratives, education, and power. She has worked as a history educator for over ten years and currently serves as the History Department Head at The Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Her parents, Betsy and Kevan Herold, are members of Temple Beth El.