Before May wraps, we want to acknowledge that it is Jewish Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Jewish community. I want to take this opportunity to share some information. Below, we’re sharing some resources that you might enjoy. It’s an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and celebrate the diverse contributions of the Jewish community.

Resources for Jewish Heritage Month:

Books

1. “Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History” by Joseph Telushkin

– A comprehensive guide to Jewish history, culture, and traditions, perfect for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding.

2. “Night” by Elie Wiesel

– A profound memoir of Wiesel’s experiences in the Holocaust, offering deep insights into Jewish history and resilience.

3. “Jewish Comedy: A Serious History” by Jeremy Dauber

– An exploration of the rich tradition of Jewish humor from ancient times to the present.

4. “The New Jewish Cookbook: 101 Kosher Recipes for Modern Cooks” by Paula Shoyer

– A modern take on traditional Jewish recipes, great for those looking to explore Jewish cuisine.

 

Podcasts

1. “Unorthodox” by Tablet Magazine

– A lively podcast that discusses Jewish news, culture, and politics with a mix of humor and insight.

2. “The Jewish History Podcast” by Rabbi Yaakov Wolbe

– Deep dives into various topics in Jewish history, from ancient times to the modern era.

3. “Can We Talk?” by Jewish Women’s Archive

– A podcast featuring stories and conversations about Jewish women and their experiences.

 

Just a small sampling of amazing contributions from people in the Jewish community:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933-2020)

She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1970 and argued six gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court between 1973 and 1976, winning five.

Irving Berlin (1888-1989)

Born in Siberia, then-Israel Beilin fled with his family to America as a young boy in 1893 to escape the Russian persecution of Jews. Changing his name to Irving Berlin due to the rampant antisemitism in the entertainment industry, he became known for writing music and lyrics in the American vernacular. During his 60-year career he wrote an estimated 1,500 songs, including the scores for 20 original Broadway shows and 15 original Hollywood films. His songs were nominated eight times for Academy Awards.

Judy Blume (1938-)

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey into a culturally Jewish family, Blume is a beloved author of children’s and young adult literature that tackled difficult topics like divorce, puberty, death, body image, bullying, and sexuality with openness and honesty and without judgment. She began writing in her early twenties while her young children were in preschool and still writes today.

Levi Strauss (1829-1902)

Levi Strauss invented blue jeans! Born in Germany, Strauss emigrated to America in 1847 with his mother and sisters, initially working as an itinerant peddler and eventually opening a wholesale dry goods business in San Francisco that he named Levi Strauss & Co. An active member of the Jewish community, Strauss helped establish Congregation Emanu-El, the first synagogue in San Francisco.

Stan Lee (1922-2018)

Born Stanley Lieber to Eastern European Jewish immigrant parents in New York, Stan Lee was an American comic book writer, editor, publisher, and producer. He rose through the ranks of a family-run business which would later become Marvel Comics. He led its expansion to a multimedia corporation that dominated the comics and film industries.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Born in Ulm, Germany, Einstein was a theoretical physicist widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time. Einstein was on a trip to the United States in 1933 when Hitler came to power. He realized he could not return to his life in Germany, and ultimately emigrated to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1940.