Engage your students with stories and resources to help them understand the history and contributions of Jewish Americans. The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Association, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and US Holocaust Memorial Museum have joined together to create a portal providing links to resources.
In addition to learning about the various events that will be taking place during this month, students can listen to oral histories of select Jewish-American soldiers who fought during World War II. They can view online exhibitions, watch presentations, and study images that document Jewish-American experiences. Teachers will find links to lesson plans and other teaching resources that can be used to enhance classroom activities.
Compare one of the oral histories from the Jewish Veterans of World War II to an oral history from another group from the same time period. In addition to identifying similarities and differences between the war experiences of the soldiers, students might also consider whether they had the same experiences after they completed their military service.
Ask students to analyze an image of a Jewish family taken by Lewis Hine. Then ask them to compare this image to their own family lives today. What are the differences and similarities? Would they want to live in the time depicted in the picture or in the current day?
How will and your students commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month?