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jewish american heritage month

Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrated in May, is an opportunity to learn about the history, contributions, and experiences of Jewish Americans.

 

Below is a curated list of unbiased, educational resources appropriate for students in grades K-12 that highlight Jewish American history, culture, and contributions.

These resources offer a broad and balanced view of Jewish American history, culture, and contributions, suitable for all grade levels.

 

Whether through books, websites, or multimedia resources, these materials ensure a respectful and comprehensive exploration of Jewish American heritage during Jewish American Heritage Month.

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​Jewish American Heritage Month – Official Website
This government-supported website provides resources, events, and information to help educators and students explore the history of Jewish Americans. It includes links to articles, videos, and projects designed for all age groups.

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The National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB)

This website is a valuable resource for exploring Jewish contributions to American life, including notable Jewish American figures, historical timelines, and stories from Jewish American communities.


PBS LearningMedia – “Jewish American Contributions”
PBS LearningMedia provides videos, lesson plans, and interactive tools to teach students about Jewish American history. It highlights Jewish American achievements in science, art, politics, and more.


Jews in Early America: From Inquisition to Freedom

Touro Synagogue History; George Washington Letter; Religious Liberty in America; Jews in Early America; Jewish Burial Ground

The Jewish Americans: A PBS Series by David Grubin

As Beth S. Wenger wrote in her introduction to THE JEWISH AMERICANS companion book, “These Jews had fled the island of Recife [Brazil] when the Portuguese seized it from the Dutch. They took refuge aboard the Sainte Catherine, which happened to be sailing for New Amsterdam. Governor Peter Stuyvesant, who ruled the Dutch-owned colony, wanted to refuse them admission and requested that his superiors in Holland prohibit Jews from settling in New Amsterdam. Stuyvesant insisted that ‘the deceitful race,’ ‘the hateful enemies and blasphemers of the name of Christ’ would only bring harm the new colony.

 

But the Jewish settlers contacted fellow Jews in Amsterdam, who successfully petitioned the Dutch West India Company to overrule Stuyvesant’s pleas. Because Jews had been loyal and economically productive residents of Holland, the Dutch believed they could be the same in the fledgling colony and ruled that Jews would be welcome to live and work in New Amsterdam.” (The Jewish Americans, by Beth S. Wenger, Doubleday, 2007)

FEATURED & RECOMMENDED SOURCES

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Children in Classroom

k-5th grades

Free Professional Development for educators and materials in preparation for Jewish American Heritage Month (K-5), including lesson plans, teaching ideas, reading lists and more resources.

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The Jewish Museum – Educational Resources for Kids

This museum offers interactive online activities and educational materials about Jewish culture and traditions, designed for younger audiences.

BOOKS

"The Keeping Quilt” by Patricia Polacco
Book Summary: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a Jewish family’s heritage through the creation of a quilt, passed down through generations. It highlights family traditions, Jewish identity, and immigrant experiences.

“The Passover Story” by David A. Adler
Book Summary: A simple and engaging retelling of the Passover story, perfect for elementary school students. It introduces key Jewish traditions and holidays in an accessible way.

6-8th grades

Library of Congress: Jewish American Heritage Month – Education Resources 

The Library of Congress provides online exhibits and educational materials, such as articles and images, which explore the history of Jewish Americans and their impact on American society.

Facing History and Ourselves – Jewish American History Resources

Facing History offers lesson plans, videos, and primary sources to explore the contributions of Jewish Americans in various aspects of society, including civil rights, politics, and the arts.

BOOKS

“The Story of the Jews: Finding the Words 1000 BCE – 1492 CE” by Simon Schama
Book Summary: This engaging book is part of a broader series that explores Jewish history and culture. While it spans more than just American history, its accessible narrative helps middle schoolers understand the broader context of Jewish identity and contributions, including in the U.S.


“The Orphan’s Tale” by Pam Jenoff
Book Summary: Set during World War II, this novel explores Jewish history and culture through the lives of two women, one Jewish and one non-Jewish, in a traveling circus. This is an appropriate read for middle schoolers with some background in Jewish history.

College Friends

9-12th grades

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) Educational Resources
The NMAJH provides a wealth of resources for high school students, including online exhibits, educational videos, and collections related to the Jewish American experience. Topics include immigration, civil rights, and the role of Jewish Americans in shaping U.S. history


PBS – "The Jewish Americans" (Documentary)
This three-part PBS documentary offers a rich history of Jewish Americans, tracing their experiences from the early colonial days to the present. It’s an excellent resource for high school students to understand how Jewish Americans have shaped and been shaped by American history.


Jewish Virtual Library – “Jewish American History”
The Jewish Virtual Library provides a comprehensive collection of articles, essays, and resources covering Jewish American history from early immigration to modern contributions in politics, science, and culture.


The Holocaust Education & Archive Research Team (HEART)
While HEART focuses primarily on Holocaust education, it also includes relevant information about Jewish American history and the post-Holocaust Jewish experience in the United States

BOOKS

“The Jewish Americans: A History in 3 Acts” by David M. Rubenstein
Book Summary: This comprehensive book chronicles the experience of Jewish Americans from colonial times to the present. It highlights their contributions to American culture, politics, and society. It’s appropriate for high school students studying U.S. history and Jewish culture.


“The Rise of David Levinsky” by Abraham Cahan
Book Summary: This 1917 novel is one of the first American works to explore the life of Jewish immigrants in the U.S. It’s a powerful look at the challenges and aspirations of Jewish Americans during the early 20th century.

PRINTABLE

60 PRINTABLE POSTERS OF JEWISH-AMERICAN HEROES

GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH AMERICAN HISTORY

This interactive site offers virtual exhibits, videos, and immersive experiences that explore Jewish American culture and contributions. It’s suitable for learners of all ages and can be used as a supplement to classroom lessons.

CURRICULUM

The Trevor Project Exploring Identity for Jewish American Heritage Month

San Diego County Office of Education Guide to Observing Jewish American Heritage Month

 

Institute for Curriculum Services

 

New York City Public Schools Jewish American Heritage Month 

MUSEUMS

MUSEUMS

Library of Congress Jewish American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide

The National Jewish Museum’s Virtual Jewish American History Month Resources: NMAJH Virtual Exhibits

The National Museum of American Jewish History offers virtual exhibits and interactive tools that provide insight into Jewish American history. Their educational programs and exhibits are designed for both students and educators.

National Archives Jewish American Heritage Month

Smithsonian Jewish American Heritage Month

American Library Association Jewish American Heritage Month

 

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