May is Jewish American Heritage Month

Since 2006, May has marked the celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month in the United States. This month of recognition celebrates the contributions of Jewish Americans to American culture since their first arrival in New Amsterdam, what is now New York. In search of better opportunities, lifestyles and a space where they could openly practice their faith, Jewish Americans arrived on American soil in 1654. Twenty-three refugee men, women and children landed in New Amsterdam fleeing a Dutch colony in Brazil.  

The majority of Jews living in America today are third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation descendants of the some 2.6 million immigrants who arrived in America between the 1880s and 1930s. These immigrants, many of them merchants and artisans, brought valuable skills to America’s economy including publishing, garment making and manufacturing. 

Before immigrating to America, many European Jews were socially active, speaking out against social inequities. Upon arriving in America, Jewish Americans continued the tradition of speaking up for their fellow humans and neighbors, demanding social and political justice. Jewish American political and religious leaders were staunch supporters and advocates of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s and the Women’s Rights Movement in the following decades. 

For more than 350 years, Jewish Americans have made significant contributions in the fields of science, law, business, art and culture. Some prominent Jewish American figures include:

Albert Einstein. Einstein is credited for the creation of the Quantum Theory, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, and the Unified Field Theory. Einstein’s contributions to science altered our very understanding of the universe.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ginsburg was the second woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States and the first female Jewish Justice. She also co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union. 

Irving Berlin.  Over his career, Irving Berlin wrote more than 3,000 songs and produced 17 Hollywood film scores and 21 Broadway scores. His best known hit song is “White Christmas,” which is recognized as one of the best-selling music singles in any category. 

Stan Lee. Lee is best known for his comics and created what fans refer to as the “Marvel Universe,” which has a net worth in the billions of dollars. 

Elie Wiesel. Eliezer “Elie” Wiesel was a Holocaust survivor, award-winning novelist, journalist, human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. His novel, Night, tells the story of the horrors of the holocaust and his struggles with faith. 

Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim was a multiple award winning Broadway composer and lyricist His awards include eight Tony awards, an Academy Award, multiple Grammys and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His best-known song, “Send in the Clowns,” has become a modern standard and has been covered by acts such as Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra.