Follow the journey of American Jews from their arrival in 1654 to their significant contributions to the nation's politics and economics, overcoming numerous challenges.
Essential Questions
- How did Jewish immigrants navigate both opportunity and exclusion in the United States?
- In what ways has American life shaped Jewish identity, and how have Jews shaped American society?
- What does the American Jewish experience reveal about the challenges and possibilities of belonging in a diverse democracy?
Big Ideas
- Finding a Home, Facing Barriers: American Jews built thriving communities and contributed to society even as they faced discrimination, exclusion, and violence.
- Shaping and Being Shaped by America: Jewish life in the U.S. has been defined by both cultural adaptation and the preservation of tradition.
- From Margins to Impact: Despite antisemitism and assimilation pressures, Jews have played a vital role in shaping American politics, culture, and justice movements.