Step back in time to a world where cobblestone streets, simple homes, and close-knit communities defined the essence of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. In our upcoming virtual tour, To Be a Kid in the Shtetl, hosted by the Baltimore Zionist District and guided by the knowledgeable Evgenia Kempinski, we invite you to experience the richness and challenges of childhood in the Shtetl—the small towns that were once the vibrant heart of Jewish society. 

This immersive experience will transport you to the everyday lives of shtetl children, where tradition met modernity and the rhythms of religious and cultural life were interwoven with the innocence of youth. We’ll explore how boys and girls navigated their roles within the family, their experiences in religious and secular education, and the joys of holidays and lifecycle events that marked their passage through childhood. 

Delve into the impact of economic disparities on their upbringing, the strong sense of community that sustained them, and the cultural practices that shaped their identities. From the warmth of the Sabbath table to the challenges of poverty and external threats, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, creativity, and spirit that defined the lives of these young Jewish souls. 

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student of Jewish culture, or simply curious about the past, this virtual tour offers a unique opportunity to gain a rare glimpse into the formative years of shtetl life—an experience that shaped generations and left an indelible mark on Jewish history. 

Join us as we journey back to a time when the community was everything, and childhood was filled with the simplicity and complexity of life in the Shtetl. This is more than just a historical exploration—it’s a celebration of the enduring spirit of Jewish children who, despite the hardships, thrived in a world all their own.