News & Updates

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

BE WATCHING FOR NEW PERFORMANCES IN 2021

Presentations

Cast and project members, Jaime Walker and Ellie Perry, presented to over 250 people at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City on August 13th. Two long time members of Life in a Jar/the Irena Sendler Project presented a program sponsored by Reflections of Us. Irena Sendler and other diversity role models in history were shared. The audience was very enthusiastic about the program. Jaime is an employee at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City and arranged the presentation.

Madison, Wisconsin

We send a big thank you to Dina Weinback and Steven Morrison of the Jewish Federation of Madison, Wisconsin for our warm welcome last week-end. The Life in a Jar cast loves telling the story of Irena Sendler and our Madison venues were very well attended. Thanks Dina and Steve for taking care of everyone.

Life in a Jar is big hit in Florida

Here are the words of Gloria Max, venue director of the Life in a Jar performance at Ormond Beach:

On a rainy night, 617 people came to see the play “Life In a Jar” a sold out crowd. In fact 300 people had to be turned away because of the fire code laws. These young people did an incredible job of portraying how the courageous heart of Irena Sendler saved 2,500 Jewish children. Their acting was superb but more important their sincerity shone through. The audience really got the message, that one person definitely can make a difference. It is amazing that in a city of 300 people in Kansas, students from a small public school were the ones who discovered this brave heroine. We tend to think that big, technologically provided schools produce outstanding graduates but it goes to show that your small school with an extraordinary instructor Norman Conard has brightened the world When Megan Felt who was 14 years of age found Irena Sendler, she was so taken aback at what Irena Sendler accomplished that she wrote this play “Life in a Jar”. For these past 10 years, she has traveled the United States and the World, playing the part of Irena Sendler. The one regret that Irena Sendler had was that she was sorry she couldn’t do more. Throughout this play , the students in their simplicity makes you realize that all of us have to have a hand in repairing the world. If anyone ever has the chance to see this play, make it your business to attend. Young people are our future, and these students exemplify the very best. All I can say is Bravo!

Texas and Irena’s Legacy

Here is a note from the Texas Principals Association:

It was an honor to have the cast with us for the conference. I was awed by their powerful performance coupled with their humble nature. They are a truly remarkable group of young people, and their leadership and passion give me great hope for our future. Your mission and commitment are a shining example of what one person can do to make this world a better place for all of us.

Austin & More

Life in a Jar presented in Austin, Texas last week, to the Secondary and Elementary principals from the state. We send a big thank you to all of those who made our trip so rewarding.

Florida Presentations

Life in a Jar presented in Florida last weekend. Sandra Lilienthal and Stephanie Greenberg directed a powerful venue. We thank all of those who helped make this visit possible, the Custage family, the Karlen family, Rabbi Lilienthal, Sandra and Stephanie’s daughters, Hillel Day School and Donna Klein Middle School of Boca Raton, and many, many more. Departing was like saying good-bye to family.

Hallmark’s The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler

Hallmark Hall of Fame has finished filming The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler, a movie on the war experiences of Irena Sendler. Golden Globe winner, Anna Paquin, plays the role of Irena Sendler. Irena’s story came to light almost a decade ago, when the Life in a Jar project students traveled to Poland and the world’s press took notice. The Life in a Jar play and web site continues to tell her story. The Hallmark program will air on CBS this April 19th.

Internet Sites on Irena

The Irena Sendler Project warns of misinformation about Irena on Internet web sites.

The students in the project have done over 100 primary interviews, including ten visits with Irena. They have collected 4,000 pages of research, much of the research being primary. With that said, some web sites, most notable, snopes.com, have incorrect information. Snopes lists Irena as ‘Iliana,’ as being German, and that she was a plumbing and sewer specialist. Attempts to correct this information have been ignored. Other sites have corrected information. Irena told us on a visit that she went over our site with a translator and the students need to be applauded for their work.

ANNOUNCEMENT

BE WATCHING FOR NEW PERFORMANCES IN 2023