Jewish American History Month

Jewish American Heritage Month

 

Note: Because being Jewish speaks to both an ethnicity and a faith, it is virtually impossible to find resources that do not reference a God in some way. Part of the conversation you might choose to have with your children is around this unique combination that the Jewish people experience. Yes, Judaism is a faith, but it is also a bloodline. This combination has also made the Jewish people a target for both ethnic and religious oppression and persecution.

The Jewish people go back over five thousand years. In fact, Jewish people have a “Jewish Calendar” which operates on a lunar cycle and in which it is considered the year 5783! Throughout history the Jewish people have experienced enslavement and persecution. In the modern era, The Holocaust is the most notable event where this persecution was demonstrated and resulted in the murder of over six million Jews. Many Jews fled from Europe prior to the Holocaust and a large population found their way to America in the late 1800’s (fleeing from the pograms in Europe) and early 1900’s as the pre-Holocaust climate in Europe caused many to be fearful of what was to come should they stay.

Like many immigrants, the Jews were not welcomed here with open arms particularly just before and during World War Two. In fact, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of lives would have been saved had America allowed more Jews to immigrate at that time. Nonetheless, many Jews did manage to immigrate, some before the war and many thereafter, and have since contributed to our collective culture in myriad ways. To learn about 350 Jewish Americans and their contributions to the world click here.

For more on Jewish American Heritage Month click here.

Here are a few ways to connect and engage with this month’s theme:

Check out our Jewish American heritage month flier for some recommended children’s books. Here are two read alouds from our flyer: Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to be Kosher and Gittels Journey.

Attend the Shabbat Shalom workshop at this year’s Family Culture Night on May 19th taught by fifth grader, Rhia Dorian. Each Friday evening, families begin the celebration of Shabbat. For many, the evening includes favorite foods, company for dinner, special songs, and blessings. On Shabbat, families take a break and spend time together and with community.

Find out how Jewish Pioneers shaped the Wild West here.

Visit the PJ Library site to find activities, recipes and more books lists all featuring Jewish customs, values and traditions.

To learn more as a family about important Jewish holidays; such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, click here.

Buy a challah bread from The Grateful Bread.

Eat matzo ball soup, a pastrami or corned beef sandwich, or bagel and lox from

Gilbert’s on Main (Bellevue) or Dingfelder’s Deli (Capitol Hill).

Watch a film featuring Jewish leads and stories:

  • Live action: Fiddler on the Roof (age 9+)

  • Animation: An American Tale (age 5+)

For parents who are interested learning more:

 

We hope during this month our KE families have the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the experiences, traditions and cultures of the Jewish American community!