Discovering the Diversity of Jewish Americans
Explore how heritage, culture, and lived experiences shape Jewish American identity.
About this Lesson
Jewish American identity is multifaceted. It is a complex interplay of ancestry, culture, religion, and personal experience. This lesson examines how Jewish Americans, whose origins span the globe and appearances reflect that diversity, think about their identities, and celebrate the rich cultural heritage they bring to the United States.
Essential Questions
In what ways are Jewish Americans a diverse ethnic group?
What bonds Jewish Americans across diversity?
How does the term “Jewish peoplehood” relate to the concept of identity for Jewish Americans?
What are key positive and negative experiences of Jewish Americans both historically and today?
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to:
Understand what makes Jewish Americans an ethnic group
Learn about the geographic origins of Jewish communities
Evaluate the impact of immigration on the development of Jewish American identity
Develop empathy and perspective-taking skills
© Institute for Curriculum Services used under license.
More ICS Mini-Lessons for JAHM
Explore the visible and invisible layers of the rich and varied identities within the Jewish American community. Confront the pitfalls of “single story” thinking.
Discover the dynamic story of Jewish Americans in this brief video lesson. Explore Jewish American identity including the community’s history, culture, challenges, triumphs, and contributions to American society.
Explore the bonds that shape Jewish American identity and help students reflect on their own identity.
Discover how values like community, resilience, and hope have guided Jewish American contributions to American culture, innovation, and progress.
The Jewish Language Project features Passover traditions through images, music, recipes, and an original haggadah!
From the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History