JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
RESOURCE TOOLKIT FOR AMERICAN SPACES
This Resource Toolkit is designed for programming at American Spaces to foster a greater awareness and understanding of the Jewish American community in the United States.
RESOURCES
Official Jewish American Heritage Month Resources
A compilation of U.S. Government educational resources
American Library Association
Curated lesson plans
The National Museum of Jewish American History
Articles on famous Jewish Americans, artifacts, and art
WHAT IS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH?
Jewish American Heritage Month is a month to celebrate the contributions Jewish Americans have made to America since they first arrived in New Amsterdam in 1654. Jewish American Heritage Month had its origins in 1980 when Congress passed Pub. L. 96-237, which authorized and requested the President to issue a proclamation designating a week in April or May as Jewish Heritage Week. President Carter issued this first proclamation, Presidential Proclamation 4752, in April 1980.
This May American Spaces can promote American values of inclusion and diversity by running programs on this diverse group of Americans.
KEY VOCABULARY
Abrahamic Religions – Because Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all recognize Abraham as their first prophet, they are considered Abrahamic religions.
Melting Pot – A place where a variety of peoples, cultures, or individuals assimilate into a cohesive whole.
Yiddish – Language used by Jewish people in Central and Eastern Europe before the Holocaust. It is mainly spoken in the United States, Israel, and Russia.
The Holocaust – The genocide of European Jews during World War II. Nazi Germany and its collaborators systematically murdered some six million Jews.
Antisemitism – Hostility to or prejudice against Jewish people.
ARTICLES
FILMS*
RBG Ruth Bader Ginsburg (100 minutes, 2018)
This 100-minute documentary explores the life and work of former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. This film takes a look at the legacy and personal journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was born into a first-generation American Jewish family.
Supergirl (80 minutes, 2016)
This film tells an uplifting story of an 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish weightlifter.
Nana: A Holocaust Survivor Fighting Intolerance (100 min, 2017)
Maryla Michalowski-Dyamant, a Polish Holocaust survivor, was forced to interpret for Josef Mengele, the Nazi Angel of Death. She dedicated her life after the war to speak publicly about her experiences.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (89 min, 2017)
Austrian Actress Hedy Lamarr became one of Hollywood’s most famous stars in the 1940s. Behind her talent on camera, Hedy Lamarr was an inventor whose work created the basis for Bluetooth technology.
*Post may need to procure these films. The Office of American Spaces does not endorse all movies as they may not be appropriate for all audiences. Coordinators should viewthe films ahead of showing them. Here’s a link with more information on showing movies at American Spaces.
The views expressed in these links and resources do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. government.
Updated May 2024
