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MC Library's Guide to Jewish American Heritage

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Welcome to MC Library's guide dedicated to Jewish American Heritage! Here, you will learn about Jewish American history, culture, and receive several book and video recommendations. You will also find helpful research databases and resources from MC, local, and national sources, all dedicated to Jewish American Heritage. 

 

May is Jewish American Heritage Month

In May 2006, former President George W. Bush proclaimed the first Jewish American Heritage Month. Since then, May has been proclaimed as Jewish American Heritage Month in which Jewish contributions that have been made towards American culture, history, and more are recognized. 

Some Notable Jewish Americans

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933 - 2020)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933 - 2020)

Ruth Bader Ginsburg became an attorney and law professor back when women didn't typically pursue law degrees. In 1970, she co-founded the Women's Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and argued six gender discrimination cases before the Supreme Court from 1973 to 1976. In 1993, Ruth was appointed to the Supreme Court by then President Clinton and became known as the second female justice and first Jewish woman justice. 

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Stan Lee (1922 - 2018)

Stan Lee (1922 - 2018)

Born to Eastern European Jewish immigrant parents, Stan Lee was born Stanley Lieber. Lee was an American comic book writer, publisher, producer, and editor who rose through the ranks of a family-run business which eventually became Marvel Comics. He led Marvel's expansion into a multimedia corporation. He is best known for co-creating characters such as Spider-Man, Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, the X-Men, and Thor. Stan Lee was known to cameo in many Marvel films.

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Aly Raisman

Aly Raisman (1994 - )

Now a retired American gymnast and two-time Olympian, Aly Raisman holds the third highest number of Olympic medals among American gymnasts. She has a total of six medals. 

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Levi Strauss (1989 - 1902)

Levi Strauss (1989 - 1902)

The inventor of blue jeans emigrated to the United States with his mother and sister back in 1847 and would later go on to open a wholesale dry goods business he named Levi Strauss & Co. An active member of the Jewish community, Strauss helped established the first synagogue in San Francisco--Congregation Emanu-El. 

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

One of the greatest and most influential physicists of all time, Albert Einstein was visiting the United States when Hitler came into power in 1933, leading him to emigrate to the United States. He became a U.S. citizen in 1940. Einstein taught as a professor at Princeton University for over two decades and is best known for developing the theory of relativity. In 1921, Einstein received a Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical physics.". 

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Judy Blume (1938 - )

Judy Blume (1938 - )

Born in a culturally Jewish family, Blume began writing while in her early twenties and is best known as the author of several children's and young adult novels today. She is the winner of several children's literature awards.

Source: Amazing Jewish Americans | American Jewish Committee

Videos on Jewish American Heritage

Events

Lab Takeover with Jews United for Justice (JUFC)

"Join Jews United for Justice and Beloved Community Incubator for a workshop to learn about local history and the campaign to decriminalize street vending in DC..."

Date: Wednesday June 5th, 2024

Time: 5pm - 7:30pm 

Location: Capital Jewish Museum | 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 

Registration: Free

Film Screening | Jewish Deli's: Something to Kvell About 

"Discover Maryland’s Jewish delis with this mouth-watering documentary!..."

Date: Sunday June 23rd, 2024

Time: 1pm - 2:30pm 

Location: Capital Jewish Museum | 575 3rd Street, NW, Washington, DC 

Registration: Free

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