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CELEBRATING

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

Bring Jewish American Heritage Month to Your Classroom

At no Cost
Educators and schools, enrich your curriculum this Jewish American Heritage Month
(May 2025) with ” Journey Through Jewish American History” An engaging free
4-session recorded course that brings the inspiring story of American Jewry into your classroom

Get Your Free Course Recordings

Why Teach Jewish American History?

  • Preserve Heritage: Helps students understand and connect with Jewish culture and traditions.
  • Combat Antisemitism: Promotes tolerance and awareness by teaching about Jewish struggles and resilience.
  • Celebrate Contributions: Highlights Jewish American achievements in arts, science, politics, and civil rights.
  • Explore Immigration: Offers insights into assimilation, identity, and diversity.
  • Inspire Civic Engagement: Teaches about activism and social justice, encouraging responsible citizenship.

Exclusively for Schools and Organizations:

This course is available only to schools, synagogues, and organizations committed to bringing meaningful Jewish heritage education to their students and communities.

* Recommended for 7th to 12th grade.

✅ To request access to recorded content please fill out this form.


Course Overview:


Each session covers key moments and themes in Jewish American history and
is best when watched in sequence. Each session will include a mix of presentations, maps, short readings suggestions, and multimedia materials to engage participants and deepen their understanding of the
rich and diverse history of Jews in America. Attendees will also be encouraged to share their insights, experiences, and questions throughout the course. 

 

Session 1

Arrival and Settlement (15 minutes) 

  • Overview of the early Jewish presence in colonial America 
  • Examination of Jewish contributions to colonial society 
  • Key figures and events in the early Jewish American experience 
  • The push-and-pull factor of Jewish immigration to America

Session 2

Assimilation and Community Building
(16 minutes) 

  • Exploration of the development of Jewish communities in urban centers 
  • Overview of Jewish cultural, religious, and communal life in the 19th century 
  • The evolution of immigration: Boston’s Jewish Quarter, NY’s Lower East Side
  • The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

Session 3

Challenges and Achievements in the 20th Century 
(22 minutes) 

  • Examination of the tension and racism between assimilation and cultural preservation .
  • Antisemitism 1898-1941.
  • Refugee challenges on the brink of war in America and in Europe.
  • Analysis of the rise of Jewish religious movements and denominations .

Session 4

Contemporary Issues and Future Directions 
(17 minutes) 

  • The evolution of the Jewish American identity
  • Overview of Jewish contributions to American culture, arts, and sciences .
  • Antisemitism and the tragedies of the 21st Century: Charlottesville, Tree of Life, Blaze Bernstein.
  • Post October 7th – challenges with universities and social media.

Written and Delivered by Leslie White:

The course is presented by Leslie White, a distinguished Holocaust and Jewish studies educator with extensive experience in museum education, curriculum development, and student engagement. Leslie is passionate about making Jewish heritage relevant and accessible to learners of all ages.

Leslie White

Past Courses

Thank you for your commitment to educating the next generation about Jewish heritage. For any questions or support, feel free to reach out ofekregistration@israeliamerican.org
Enjoy the journey!

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