This May, celebrate the rich history of Jewish contributions to American culture during National Jewish American Heritage Month. First observed in 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month is a wonderful opportunity to lift up the accomplishments of people across the diaspora as we check out great books recommended by the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, dive into the roots of Jewish history in Washington, D.C. at events, stream movies and music by Jewish creators and more.
Celebrating Songs of Social Consciousness
Sunday, May 17 at 1:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Explore the history behind iconic songs that fueled movements for civil rights, peace and equality.
From folk anthems to protest ballads, hear how artists around the Jewish world used their voices and lyrics to spark change and empower communities with messages that live forever.
About the Artists
LOX & VODKA is the Washington based, widely acclaimed klezmer-Jewish band offering an enchanting, entertaining and emotionally enriching ethnic experience. LOX & VODKA performs lively and spirit filled music where audiences can expect to be active participants, learning songs in foreign languages and clapping to Klezmer rhythms. Their hora (circle dance) is always action-packed and, when they teach an audience full of enthusiastic listeners to folk dance, the atmosphere is electric!
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Great Reads to Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month
This May, a young reader reached out and asked for a reading list for Jewish American Heritage Month! The library realized that it had not yet shared a list for this special month that recognizes Jewish-American families here in D.C. and across the nation. This list is specially curated for young readers. Jewish-American readers will be able to see themselves reflected in the stories and others will be able to identify with the characters as they learn about and better understand the experiences they go through.
Eight Books for Eight Nights of Hanukkah
This year many of our neighbors will celebrate Hanukkah, starting the evening of Thursday, Dec. 7 through Friday, Dec. 15. Hanukkah is a winter "festival of lights." Families mark the occasion by lighting a menorah each night, sharing gifts, and enjoying special foods. The word Hanukkah means "dedication," The lighting of the menorah symbolizes the story of a miracle where when the Maccabees reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it. They only had enough oil to light the Temple's Menorah for one night but the supply lasted for eight whole nights.