Tibor Spitz was only 10 years old when he was kicked out of school because, being Jewish, he was not of the right religion during World War II Europe.

His family and he hid in the in the forest for the better part of a year and he talked of their harrowing story Sunday to a Day of Jewish Learning held at the Woodstock Jewish Congregation.

“We survived in conditions where only animals live—snow, darkness, starvation. And we did it. A family of six, hidden under the ground,” he said. “I was 10 when they kicked me out of school for being the wrong religion, the wrong race, as they called it.”

Now an acclaimed painter and sculptor, Spitz says art has been his sanctuary and his weapon against despair. “Art is an illusion, yes—but it’s also a bridge. It can warm, comfort, irritate, inspire. It lets me show what I’ve seen, without needing to speak every word.”

The day’s program featured a lineup of scholars, rabbis, musicians, and artists. Presenters covered topics ranging from cyber security to Klezmer music to feminist theology.

Notable sessions included Rabbi Sivan Rotholz’s "When God Was a Woman," Judith Kerman’s portrayal of a Jewish clown, and Julia Indichova’s workshop on creativity and activism.

“It’s a chance for people to come together and explore parts of Jewish life they may not have encountered,” said Rabbi Ellen Triebwasser, chair of the event’s organizing committee. “People think of their lives in silos—this event opens those silos up.”

A highlight of the afternoon was the keynote performance, The Jewish American Songbook, presented by Rabbi Jonathan Kligler and bassist Robert Bard, which examined the Jewish influence on American music.

“This is our way of giving back,” said Triebwasser. “We’re saying to the community: come learn, connect, laugh, and reflect together.”

Attendees traveled from Kingston, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, and beyond, all drawn by the promise of meaningful learning and community spirit. “This isn’t about politics or headlines,” said Triebwasser. “It’s about identity. It’s about remembering that we are not alone—that we are part of something ancient, resilient, and deeply human.”

As Spitz put it, “History is a teacher, but only if we listen. And today, I think people really listened.”