As a professional in the world of Jewish culture, every month of my life can feel like Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). But there’s something so special about May when people from across the community come together in public celebration of Jewish culture, taking a moment to pause and reflect on the many Jewish values and contributions that have helped shape America.
When I think of Jewish American Heritage month this year, I think of three things:
Celebrating JAHM in Boston: I’m proud to be part of the first JAHM celebration at Boston City Hall on Wednesday, May 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. With music, food, and words from City Hall officials, this will be the first coordinated celebration of this type and a really special moment to celebrate Jewish culture in the City of Boston.
The ultimate American Jewish pop star: Just as my parents’ generation looked to Mel Brooks, I think of Jack Black as the icon of Jewish American culture in this generation. His deep Jewish connections shine through in things like his rendition of “Chad Gadya.”
Celebrating Jewish values: “Be the Change,” the JArts/Vilna Shul tzedakah-inspired public art is up in Chelsea, a place known as “Little Jerusalem” in the early 1900s because of its outsized Jewish American population. Celebrating the waves of immigration and Jewish stories that have made the Chelsea story, “Be the Change” is on display in front of the beautiful Chelsea City Hall throughout May.
I’m so proud to have these opportunities to celebrate many facets of the Jewish American experience, and to share them with so many of us in the Greater Boston area.
This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishBoston assumes no responsibility for them. Want to add your voice to the conversation? Publish your own post here. MORE
