June 8, 2018 -- Dr. Leatrice Rabinksy, a noted scholar who pioneered Holocaust education in CH-UH and beyond, died June 5 at age 91.
In 1973, as an English teacher at Heights High, Dr. Rabinsky created a Holocaust literature class. It became the model for Holocaust education programs across the country, according to the
Cleveland Jewish News. She also started the Journey of Conscience trips, taking students to concentration camps in Poland and Israel.
The current class, Lessons of the Holocaust, is a social studies elective and is taught by Mark Sack, a former student of Dr. Rabinsky.
From former student Ilene Shapiro, on Dr. Rabinsky's online obituary: "Her Holocaust class at Cleveland Heights High School changed my life. The summer of 1978 I met her in Israel, and together we interviewed Hannah Senesh's mother. Her passion, intelligence, and kindness were an inspiration to me. She was truly a gift to the world."
The Heights Schools Foundation recently held a reception honoring Dr. Rabinsky and other Heights High Holocaust educators. HSF continues to honor her contributions through the
Holocaust Education Fund. Created in 2012, the fund is used by the program to attend lectures, visit museums and other education experiences and programs.