Jewish American Heritage Month Proclaimed as May: This May marks the first time for national month recognizing the 352 year history of Jews’ contributions to American culture Wasserman Schultz resolution resulted from South Florida awareness effort
(Miami Beach, FL) — A celebratory mood at the Jewish Museum of Florida marked the first public announcement of a national month recognizing the accomplishments of American Jews and the important role that members of the Jewish community have played in the development of American culture.
Last Thursday, President Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month. The announcement was the culmination of an effort originated by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders and resulted in resolutions introduced by U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz and U.S. Senator Arlen Specter that urged the President to proclaim a month that would recognize the 352 year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The resolutions passed unanimously, first in the House of Representatives last December, and later in the Senate this February.
“This is an historic occasion,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “Generations to come will have the chance to live without anti-Semitism through greater understanding and awareness of the significant role that American Jews have played in
The President’s proclamation highlighted both the contributions of American Jews to American culture and the importance of the observance of this month.
“The Jewish people have enriched our culture and contributed to a more compassionate and hopeful
While modeled after Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month and Women’s History Month, Jewish American Heritage Month may actually have a greater challenge ahead of it because of the small percentage of Jews in
“The very synagogue that we stand in today, now the home of the Jewish Museum of Florida, was built here because Jews were not allowed to live north of
“While only 2% of the population, Jews have played a vital role in every aspect of American culture, from the westward expansion to advances in medicine to such quintessentially American symbols as the song God Bless
Many Americans have very little understanding of Jewish culture simply because the majority of Americans have few interactions with Jews or Jewish traditions.
“To most Americans, Judaism is only a religion,” said Michael Adler, President of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. “In reality, Judaism is a religion, a rich tradition, and a culture that dates back over 4,000 years. It is my hope that Jewish American Heritage Month will help the majority of Americans better understand both Jews and our contributions to American history.”
It is hoped that the creation of Jewish American Heritage Month will serve as a catalyst for educators and others to further the understanding of the role that Jews have played in American history.
“Our nation’s limited understanding of American Jews and their cultural and historical roles in our country’s development leads to ignorance, which contributes to stereotypes and prejudices,” said Stanley Tate, a member of the Advisory Council of the Jewish Museum of Florida. “We owe it to the next generation to include the contributions of all Americans in our discussions of history.”
“For too long American Jews have felt content to stand in the background of American history,” said Jimmy Resnick, a South Florida Jewish community leader. “For instance,