TeachersFirst's Jewish Americans' Contributions to American Culture
The tapestry of American culture is richly woven with the contributions of Jewish Americans, a narrative that spans the breadth of the nation's history. From the earliest days of independence, Jewish citizens have played a pivotal yet often unrecognized role in shaping the United States, infusing the American ethos with a spirit of innovation, resilience, and a profound commitment to community. This collection of resources explores the influence of Jewish Americans and their impact on everything from the arts and sciences to politics and social reform. It celebrates the indelible imprint of Jewish intellectual, artistic, and ethical contributions to the American landscape. View our collections related to Hanukkah, Passover, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur.

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Jewish Americans: Identity, History, Experience - ICS Resources
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cultures (226), diversity (46), identity (37), jews (52), perspective (20), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Students can analyze the visible and invisible aspects of identity by creating their own "icebergs," identifying elements of their identity that are seen versus those that are hidden. Have students compare Jewish American identity struggles with those of other ethnic groups, discussing themes of immigration, discrimination, and cultural preservation. They can create Venn diagrams on paper or using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here or Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here. Students can also create a short story, poem, or digital presentation using Powtoon, reviewed here, imagining the journey of a Jewish American immigrant based on historical sources.10 Jewish Americans Who Changed History - ThinkTV
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): acting (21), composers (20), cultures (226), famous people (28), immigrants (48), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Assign each student a historical figure from the list to research. They can give clues about their person's achievements while the class guesses who they are. Students can choose one figure and research how their contributions shape society today. They can present their findings through a written essay or a slideshow using Visme reviewed here or Google Slides reviewed here. Assign students to compare one of the Jewish Americans from the list with another historical figure from a different background but in the same field (ex., Albert Einstein vs. Marie Curie in science, Gloria Steinem vs. Susan B. Anthony in activism). They can create a Venn diagram on paper or digitally using Canva's Venn Diagram Creator reviewed here.Unpacked for Educators - Jewish American Heritage Month - OpenDor Media
Grades
6 to 12This site includes advertising.
tag(s): cultures (226), famous people (28), harlem (10), identity (37), inventors and inventions (81), jews (52), perspective (20), religions (113), scientists (71), sports (85), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Have students explore key events in Jewish American history by analyzing newspaper headlines from different decades. They can then create their own headlines for major contributions made by Jewish Americans in politics, science, or the arts. Have students create a short video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, a podcast using Buzzsprout, reviewed here, or a blog post using Telegra.ph, reviewed here reflecting on a theme from Jewish American heritage. They can incorporate interviews, personal reflections, or an analysis of historical events. Assign a video from "Unpacked for Educators" (ex., A Jewish American Tale). Students can take notes, discuss key themes, and connect the content to broader American history and social movements.Jewish American Heritage Month - American Association of School Librarians
Grades
K to 12tag(s): composers (20), cultures (226), famous people (28), immigrants (48), immigration (84), inventors and inventions (81), jews (52), perspective (20), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Set up a gallery walk featuring famous Jewish Americans in literature, science, politics, and the arts (ex., Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). Students rotate, take notes, and discuss contributions. Have students read and analyze excerpts from Jewish American authors like Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are) or Emma Lazarus (The New Colossus). Discuss themes of immigration, identity, and resilience. Students can create a poem, illustration, or digital artwork using a tool such as Google Drawings, reviewed here honoring a Jewish American historical figure or cultural contribution, explaining their impact. Introduce students to Jewish American musicians like Irving Berlin or Bob Dylan. Play samples of their work and discuss how their heritage influenced their music and American culture.Jewish American Heritage Month - Yale Library
Grades
11 to 12tag(s): audio books (29), cultures (226), diversity (46), ebooks (47), jews (52), perspective (20), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Assign students a Jewish American scholar, activist, or leader featured in the library's collection. Students can create a short presentation slide deck using Visme, reviewed here or Google Slides, reviewed here to share their findings. Students can also use these tools to design a digital or physical exhibit showcasing the achievements of Jewish American leaders. Provide students with excerpts from writings, speeches, or articles by Jewish American figures and have them present their findings in a short written reflection or group discussion.Jewish American Heritage Month - Library of Congress
Grades
4 to 12In the Classroom
Students can explore primary sources from the Library of Congress or the National Archives on Jewish American contributions. In pairs, they can analyze an artifact (ex., a historical photo, letter, or newspaper article) and present their findings. Assign students a prominent Jewish American figure (Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Albert Einstein, Emma Lazarus). They can research their impact using resources from the site and create a short podcast using Spotify for Podcasters, reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here. Students can also interview other students, as if they were that historical figure. Students can explore Jewish contributions to literature, science, politics, and civil rights and create digital slides with Visme, reviewed here or Genially, reviewed here highlighting key figures, inventions, or cultural traditions.Ruth Bader Ginsburg for Kids - Bedtime Stories
Grades
3 to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): courts (24), jews (52), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Students can create a timeline of key events in Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life using drawings, captions, or digital tools such as Timelinely, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here. Students can research another historical figure who fought for fairness (ex., Malala Yousafzai, Thurgood Marshall, Rosa Parks). They can present their findings in a "living museum" where they act as the person. Divide students into small groups and assign roles: judge, lawyer, and citizens. Then, present a simple fairness-related scenario (ex., "Should recess time be equal for all grades?"). Students debate both sides before the "judge" makes a decision, practicing critical thinking and public speaking.Ruth Bader Ginsburg - National Geographic Kids
Grades
3 to 7tag(s): civil rights (219), courts (24), jews (52), religions (113), supreme court (30)
In the Classroom
Display some of Ruth Bader Ginsburg's famous quotes (ex, "Fight for the things that you care about...") and have students match them to their meanings. Set up a mock Supreme Court scenario where students act as justices, lawyers, or petitioners. Present a simple, kid-friendly case about fairness, such as equal rights in sports teams, and let students debate and make a ruling. Students can also use an online debate tool like Kialo Edu reviewed here. Have students create a timeline using Class Tools, reviewed here or Timeline Infographic Templates, reviewed here of important moments in Ginsburg's life and compare them with key events in U.S. history. Inspired by RBG's famous collars, students create their own "justice badge" that represents a cause they care about. Students can use Canva Infographic Creator, reviewed here to make the badge online.Teachers- Holocaust Museum Houston - Holocaust Museum Houston
Grades
K to 12tag(s): critical thinking (137), ebooks (47), empathy (37), holocaust (43), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), professional development (393), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Using the museum's digital artifact collection, students can select an item (for example, a diary, identification card, or photograph) and analyze its significance. Then they can write a short reflection or narrative from the perspective of the artifact's owner. Students can examine examples of Nazi propaganda versus resistance writings (e.g., underground newspapers, speeches, or poems). They then create their counter-propaganda messages promoting human rights and resilience. Students research a current human rights issue and compare it to lessons learned from the Holocaust. They then design a "Take Action" campaign, including posters, social media posts, or letters advocating for change. Posters and social media templates can be found on Canva Edu, reviewed here.9 Jewish American Heritage Month Activities for Children - Britt Hawthorne
Grades
K to 8tag(s): blogs (73), crafts (76), cross cultural understanding (178), cultures (226), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Reach out to local community centers or synagogues in nearby cities to inquire about any planned events or programs in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Have students read books and movies that highlight Jewish American experiences. They can present their thoughts through a podcast using Adobe Podcast reviewed here or a slide presentation using Google Slides, reviewed here. Introduce students to Tikkun Olam (the Jewish concept of repairing the world). As a class, brainstorm and complete a community service project, such as writing letters to elders, organizing a classroom donation drive, or creating kindness posters for the school.The Jewish Americans - JTN Productions
Grades
8 to 10tag(s): cultures (226), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
After discussing factors that shape identity (family, culture, experiences), have students create a collage using images, words, and symbols representing who they are. Create the collages on paper or digitally using a tool like PhotoCollage, reviewed here or Photo Joiner, reviewed here. Students can select a historical or literary figure (Jewish American or otherwise) and create an identity map using Yed Live, reviewed here outlining factors that shaped this person's identity. Students can write a short personal narrative describing a moment that shaped their identity.Jews & the Arts:10 Innovators - PBS
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): artists (87), composers (20), cultures (226), famous people (28), immigrants (48), jews (52), religions (113)
In the Classroom
Students can create posters or digital slides using Canva Edu, reviewed here showcasing an artist's biography, artwork, and impact. Display the projects around the classroom, and have students walk around the room in small groups to learn from each other. Students select one artist from the list, research their life and work, and present their findings to the class. They can use multimedia, such as images of the artist's work or short video clips with moovly, reviewed here to make their presentation more engaging. After learning about one of the artists, students can create their own piece of artwork, whether it's visual, musical, or a poem, inspired by the themes or styles of the artist they researched. They can present their work to the class and explain the influences they drew upon.Who Are American Jews? - Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cultures (226), diversity (46), identity (37), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52), perspective (20)
In the Classroom
After reading the Facing History & Ourselves section on Jewish identity, students can create a word cloud using Aha Slides, reviewed here using words that describe their own identities. Have them compare their results with the key aspects of Jewish American identity. Students can analyze movies, TV shows, or literature that feature Jewish characters or themes. They can discuss how Jewish identity is represented, compare portrayals to real-life perspectives from the website, and present their findings in a class discussion or written analysis. After reading the Jews of Color Initiative report, students compare the experiences of Jews of Color with broader Jewish American experiences. They can create a Venn diagram on paper or using Venn Diagram Creator, reviewed here.The Jewish Americans - The Jewish American Project
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): cultures (226), immigrants (48), immigration (84), jews (52)
In the Classroom
Have students create a collaborative digital using Timeline, reviewed here or Timeline Graphics Timeline Maker, reviewed here or a physical timeline tracing key events from The Jewish Americans PBS series. They can add images, quotes, and reflections to make historical moments more meaningful. Students can research and present a personal or family immigration story (or a historical immigrant's journey) through a short video using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, podcast with Buzzsprout reviewed here, or written narrative. If clips from The Jewish Americans series are available, students can watch, take notes, and respond to guiding questions. They can discuss themes like identity, discrimination, and resilience in small groups or write a reflective journal entry.Jewish American Heritage Month - Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Grades
K to 12tag(s): cultures (226), jews (52), social media (50)
In the Classroom
Use the JAHM posters and resource guides to create an interactive bulletin board. Encourage students to add facts, reflections, or connections to what they're learning in other subjects. Incorporate Jewish American heritage into literature, social studies, and art. Read works by Jewish American authors, analyze their impact, or explore how Jewish American experiences connect with broader historical events. Have students research notable Jewish Americans featured in the toolkit's posters. They can create timelines using Preceden, reviewed here or Sutori, reviewed here, or create short essays highlighting these individuals' contributions to history, science, arts, or politics.American Jewish History and Culture - NYU Libraries
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): civil rights (219), critical thinking (137), cultures (226), immigration (84), inquiry (30), jews (52)
In the Classroom
Students can choose a primary source, such as an immigrant's letter or an editorial, and write a response as if they were a contemporary witness to that moment in history. In small groups, students can select primary sources from the NYU guide to design a virtual museum exhibit on a theme such as Jewish immigration, civil rights, or cultural contributions. They can present their "exhibit" using Google Slides, reviewed here or Venngage, reviewed here. Students can also explore the guide's digital archives to find a historical newspaper article, photograph, or document related to Jewish American history. Students can share their findings in small groups, discussing the historical significance and connections to broader U.S. history.Jewish American Heritage Month Resources - American Jewish Committee
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (219), cultures (226), immigration (84), jews (52)
In the Classroom
Use articles and videos from the AJC website to analyze historical documents or speeches about Jewish American experiences. Students can work in groups to interpret the sources and present their findings. Students can create a short podcast or video featuring a Jewish American figure, event, or cultural contribution, including interviews, historical analysis, or reflections on the topic's significance. Students can use Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here or Buzzsprout, reviewed here to make podcasts, and Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here or moovly, reviewed here to make videos. Students can explore current issues related to antisemitism and civil rights, using AJC resources. They research advocacy efforts and develop an awareness campaign or action plan to educate their school community.The Jewish Americans - PBS
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): civil rights (219), cultures (226), immigration (84), jews (52)
In the Classroom
Utilize the links on the PBS resources page to visit virtual exhibits from institutions like the Museum of Jewish Heritage or the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. Assign students to explore specific exhibits and share their findings with the class. Guide students to use JewishGen, a genealogy resource linked on the PBS site, to research Jewish immigration patterns. Students can investigate family histories or community case studies and then present their insights on how these migrations influenced local cultures. After researching Jewish American music, art, or literature using the PBS resources, students can create artistic pieces inspired by their findings. This could include composing music, creating visual art, writing poetry, or performing scenes that reflect Jewish American cultural themes.Jewish American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide - Library of Congress
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Assign students to investigate how a commemorative observance becomes official, from public advocacy to federal laws or presidential proclamations. They can use examples from the guide, such as the creation of Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Students can then write a short essay or give a presentation explaining the process. Use the guide's links to access examples of presidential proclamations for national observances. Assign students to analyze one proclamation, examining its language, tone, and purpose. They can summarize its main points and discuss why such proclamations are significant. Challenge students to select and research a lesser-known commemorative observance (ex., National Hispanic Heritage Month or Constitution Day) using the guide. Students can also create these presentations using a resource such as Google Slides, reviewed here or Padlet, reviewed here.African, Jewish, and Middle Eastern Studies - Library of Congress
Grades
6 to 12tag(s): africa (170), jews (52), middle east (50), religions (113)