WSJHS Testimonials
WSJHS is dedicated to preserving the oral histories of Washington’s Jewish community. One way to participate is by recording a short testimonial using TheirStory, a digital oral history platform. The testimonial links below have instructions as well as prompts provided on the side of your screen that can be used to guide your responses.
With your consent, your recording will be saved in our archives. These testimonials may be published in collections, used for research, and shared through other educational and historical projects.
If you have questions about how your interview may be used, please contact us at info@wsjhs.org.
How to Record a Testimonial
Here are some helpful tips to navigate the platform:
Before your scheduled oral history meeting, you’ll receive a link to TheirStory, which you’ll use to log in for the interview.
1. Access the Link: Select the call you want to record a testimony for from the options below. We provide several active testimonials for you to choose. Read through the descriptions, pick the one that feels right, and click the corresponding link.
2. Join the Call: Once you've clicked the link to go to the Joining Call page. Enter your first and last name, along with your email, then click “Next.” Please note that you are not joining an active meeting with other people; "meeting" is what TheirStory calls the recording room.
3. Grant Permissions: A pop-up will ask for permission to access your camera and microphone. Click “Allow.”
4. Check Your Setup: You should see yourself on the screen. If not, ensure your camera is turned on using the button on the right below your camera view. Also, check that you’re not on mute. Once everything looks good, click “Join”.
You’re now ready to start recording your oral history testimonial! If you encounter any issues, please reach out to us at info@wsjhs.org for assistance.
If you would like more information on navigating TheirStory, please refer to the TheirStory website for additional information.
Active Testimonials
Distant Replay
In the WSJHS publication Distant Replay: Washington’s Jewish Sports Heroes, we highlight the stories of athletes, team owners, managers, broadcasters, and more who have shaped the world of sports. We invite you to share your own story. What memories stand out from your experiences in sports? How has participating in sports shaped your Jewish identity or how has your identity influenced your connection to sports? Do you or someone you know have a connection to Distant Replay? Submit your reflections using the link below and help us preserve these shared experiences.
Six-Generations Family Trees
This WSJHS exhibit features more than 77 six-generation family trees, revealing the connections that weave families together across time. We invite you to share your own family story. What traditions, values, or memories have been passed down through generations? Have you discovered new relatives or unexpected branches in your family tree? If your family tree could speak, what message or moment would you want future generations to remember? Add your voice through the link below and help preserve and grow the story of Jewish families for generations to come.
Stories and Memories of Washington Jewish Businesses
Jewish-owned businesses have played a vital role in shaping Washington State’s economic and civic life. We invite you to share your story. Do you have a memory of a Jewish business past or present that left a lasting impression? What did it mean to you, your family, or your community? Did you work, volunteer, or spend meaningful time there? How has that experience shaped your sense of identity? We also welcome you to highlight newer Jewish-owned businesses that are meaningful to you today. Share your story through the link below and help preserve the legacy and future of Jewish life and community in Washington.
America 250
As official partners of Washington State's efforts to commemorate this historic year, we are capturing the Stories of Place and Belonging: how Washington shapes Jewish identity and connects us to our roots. The testimonials we gather will be curated into a collection and published at the end of the year. Click the link below to share your reflections and help foster connections with Jewish communities across Washington.