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.
What Jewish Looks Like
Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Asian Jews, Black Jews, Hispanic Jews--all live in Washington D.C. Join the Library and the American Jewish Committee for a fireside chat moderated by Liz Kleinrock, co-author of the book, “What Jewish Looks Like.”
Liz Kleinrock, a transracially adopted Korean, Jewish, queer, antibias, and antiracist educator, will address “What Jewish Looks Like” by sharing her personal journey and chatting with a few of the Jewish people featured in her beautifully written and illustrated new book. In addition to a compelling conversation, the event will include a performance by the University of Maryland’s Jewish Acapella Group, Kol Sasson.
Books for Kids
Amazing Abe: How Abraham Cahan's Newspaper Gave a Voice to Jewish Immigrants
Norman H. Finkelstein
Books for Teens
Books for Adults
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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.
