May is Jewish American Heritage Month! Following the advent of Passover, May is a time of reflection and celebration about the historical and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans. In the early to mid-20th century the United States became the new home for several generations of diaspora Jews, who found safety and security in North America that they could no longer count on in a pogrom-riddled, hostile Europe.
JAHM began in 2006 when President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This proclamation was the direct result of decades of concerted effort by Jewish American activists and leaders to get a month in honor of Jewish Americans. At Rio Salado, we’re proud of all our Jewish students, faculty, and staff members.
Let’s Go to the Library
Want to learn more about JAHM? Our library staff have put together an informative guide for the occasion that offers plenty of fascinating details and resources to help you broaden your knowledge about Jewish American history and culture. This guide includes a research database, fun factoids, a gallery of artworks by Alisa Singer, links to podcasts and Netflix shows and films about the Jewish experience, reading recommendations, and two full-length documentaries called A History of Jewish American Achievement and The Jewish Journey: America.
Stay Tuned
On Monday Rio Salado College hosted a virtual tour of the New England Holocaust Memorial in observance of Holocaust Remembrance Day. We’ll be publishing a recap of the tour next week.
Article by Austin Brietta