On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush officially declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The celebration recognizes the many ways Jewish Americans have had an impact on the United States and motivates people to learn more about Jewish culture, history, and traditions.
However, this month was not always as widely acknowledged. In 1980, Congress approved a resolution asking the president to designate April 21-28 as Jewish Heritage Week. As time passed by, the celebration expanded to a month-long nationwide commemoration.
There are many Jewish Americans who have left their mark on the United States. Throughout many fields such as government, science, education, and the arts, many have made huge contributions. One extraordinary example is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Before joining the Supreme Court, she was an attorney and law professor, working in areas that were greatly dominated by men. She broke barriers and became the second female justice and the first Jewish woman justice in the Supreme Court.
Another well-known Jewish American is actress and producer Scarlett Johansson. Born on November 22, 1984, Johansson first gained attention for her role as Grace MacLean in the film The Horse Whisperer. She even attained more recognition as she went on to play Black Widow in many Marvel films like Iron Man 2 and The Avengers. In addition to acting, Johansson even hosted the television show Saturday Night Live, and won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, following her performance on Broadway in the 2010 revival of Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge. Johansson is just one of many Jewish Americans who have had influential impacts.
Many students and families continue to honor and value the Jewish culture and many traditions. “My favorite part of Judaism is definitely the culture and community that comes with it. I feel like wherever I am, there’s always a network of people like me to support me and to talk to,” Isaac Biel, next year’s Jewish Student Union co-president at B-CC, shares.
Being a part of such a special community is incredibly valuable. Biel also shared that one of his favorite Jewish traditions is Shabbat, a weekly Friday-to-Saturday evening observance devoted to worship, family, and reflection. “I feel like it’s a very nice bookend to the week and a great chance to spend time with family and friends over a nice dinner,” Biel remarks.
Jewish American Heritage Month encourages people to take note of the importance of having a diverse nation and traditions that have helped shape American history. This month allows people to recognize the achievements of Jewish Americans and continue to celebrate a heritage that makes up 2.4% of our nation.
