Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life

Facing History’s viewing guide will help you connect with key lessons and messages while watching this important documentary.

by Jessica Weingartner , Oct 19, 2023

Facing History & Ourselves uses the lessons of history to challenge teachers and their students to stand up to bigotry and hate. Of course there are many ways to teach these lessons, and one of those methods is through film. That’s why Facing History is celebrating the premiere of Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life.

About the Movie

This moving documentary chronicles the response to hate and antisemitism in the aftermath of the deadly attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The film follows survivors, families of the victims, diverse community members, participants, and civic leaders for three years as they examine their vulnerabilities and the impact of rising antisemitism, racism, hate speech, and gun violence. Against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in the country, citizens that have faced violence and trauma work to heal and grapple with what it means to be stronger than hate.

Repairing the World is presented by Not In Our Town. Visit repairingtheworldfilm.org to learn more.

How to Watch

Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life will air on PBS stations across the country this month in commemoration of the anniversary of the Tree of Life shooting on October 27. Check your local listings for the air time. You can also stream it through PBS online through November 2023.

Over the course of this year Facing History is partnering with various organizations in multiple cities across the US to host screenings and conversations about the films—stay tuned for more information on each event as they are confirmed.

Viewing Guide and Other Resources

As we witness a renewed rise in antisemitism across the country, Facing History is helping students gain a deeper understanding of contemporary antisemitism and how they can stand up against it. Bringing this documentary into the classroom can help start the conversations and learning that is required to recognize and confront hate.

Facing History’s Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life Viewing Guide is designed for use with multiple audiences: educators, students, or a larger school community. This guide provides a framework for watching and examining the film broken into four parts. Inside you’ll find discussion questions and activities that will allow for thoughtful reflection of the film that can add dimension to your experience with the documentary.

For educators wanting more background and context for viewing and teaching this movie, our free, on-demand professional learning can help. Virtual Webinar: Confronting Hate: Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life

Educators can also review the Current Events piece Facing History published the day after the devastating attack took place in Pittsburgh.
Mini-Lesson: Responding to The Tree of Life Shooting in Pittsburgh

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Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life

About the Movie

How to Watch

Viewing Guide and Other Resources

You might also be interested in…

Holocaust Denial: How Teachers Can Turn the Tide

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None is Too Many: Antisemitism in Canada's Past

Preparing Your Classroom for Conversations about Antisemitism

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Teaching about Contemporary Antisemitism in Canada

Facing Hate: Confronting Antisemitism in Our Schools

Democracy at Risk: Holocaust and Human Behavior

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Holocaust Education Amid Rising Antisemitism: An Interview with Leslie White

Turning Point: the Anniversary of Kristallnacht and Why We Remember

Why We Remember Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) (UK)

Donate now and together we'll build a better world

Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life

About the Movie

How to Watch

Viewing Guide and Other Resources

You might also be interested in…

Holocaust Denial: How Teachers Can Turn the Tide

7 Classroom Resources on the Holocaust

None is Too Many: Antisemitism in Canada's Past

Preparing Your Classroom for Conversations about Antisemitism

After Charlottesville: How Uncomfortable Conversations Can Overcome Hate

Teaching about Contemporary Antisemitism in Canada

Facing Hate: Confronting Antisemitism in Our Schools

Democracy at Risk: Holocaust and Human Behavior

Responding to Antisemitism in the Classroom

Holocaust Education Amid Rising Antisemitism: An Interview with Leslie White

Turning Point: the Anniversary of Kristallnacht and Why We Remember

Why We Remember Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) (UK)

Donate now and together we'll build a better world

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