SOCIAL SCIENCES

Witness: Lessons from Elie Wiesel's Classroom

by Ariel Burger
Houghton Harcourt. Nov. 2018. 288p. ISBN 9781328802699. $26; ebk. ISBN 9781328804075. ED
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Rabbi and teacher Burger, who served as Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel's teaching assistant, details Wiesel's inspiring approach to education as a method to open minds and improve the world. Wiesel encouraged his students to wrestle with difficult issues including the nature of human suffering, faith vs. doubt, the meaning of witness, and the value of activism. Burger provides examples of Wiesel's reflective discussion-based lessons that used readings from classic religious and literary texts to engage students in philosophical, ethical, and spiritual debates. The author also offers insight into Wiesel's role as a mentor and friend, as Burger struggles to determine his own personal and professional path.
VERDICT This work demonstrates that Wiesel's effectiveness as a life-changing teacher is a major part of his formidable legacy and presents valuable guidance for teachers seeking methods to approach difficult ethical issues in the classrooms.
Reviewed by Ingrid Levin, Salve Regina Univ. Lib., Newport, RI , Nov 01, 2018
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