Conversation Circle: A Program of the Manovill Institute

What does it mean to sit across from someone who survived?

In this six-week program, high school students will have the opportunity to sit down with a Holocaust survivor, not to hear a lecture, but to have a conversation.

Together, we’ll explore the history of antisemitism as well as its contemporary manifestations, what it means to be an upstander, and how testimony, from both survivors and descendants, serves as a powerful tool for remembrance.

A hybrid program, three sessions will be in-person at the Tauber Library at JFCS Holocaust Center and three will be virtual. Attendance is required for all sessions.

Applications are due September 16, 2026

Before applying, please take a moment to review what this commitment involves—assignments, sessions, and fees—then submit your application below.

More About Conversation Circle

Assignments

There are limited assignments between sessions allowing students to process their knowledge and come to each session ready to engage. During the final session of the program, students will present a reflective project on their experience. This project should take students no more than 60 minutes to develop.

The group will meet for six weeks. It is expected that participants attend every session. The schedule is as follows, each session is from 5:00 – 6:30pm PT: 

  • Session 1 | October 13, 2026 (in-person)
  • Session 2 | October 20, 2026 (virtual)
  • Session 3 | October 27, 2026 (in-person)
  • Session 4 | November 3, 2026 (virtual)
  • Session 5 | November 10, 2026 (virtual)
  • Session 6 | November 17, 2026 (in-person)*

In-Person sessions include dinner.

*Families are invited to attend session 6 alongside their student for an in-person Celebration of Learning.

The fee to participate in this program is $300. 

JFCS Holocaust Center is committed to making sure finances are not a barrier to participation in our programs. Financial aid is available for those who are eligible.

Apply for Conversation Circle

Conversation Circle Application

Name(Required)
Address(Required)
Grade Level(Required)
What city is your school in?(Required)
What best describes your high school?(Required)

Have you ever heard testimony from a survivor of the Holocaust or genocide?(Required)

The next two questions are to gauge your current understanding. Your response does not affect your application.

How did you hear about JFCS Holocaust Center’s Conversation Circle?

Applicant's Statement of Accuracy(Required)

Conversation Circle is made possible through program fees and generous donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations including the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund. Leadership support is provided by the JFCS William J. Lowenberg Speakers Bureau Fund.

 

Donate to the JFCS Holocaust Center

You can help combat antisemitism by donating to our educational programs that reach thousands of students each year.
Donate Today