Lesson Summary:
Ideally, Jewish American history should be integrated throughout the America history curriculum rather
than simply being presented as a discrete topic. The ICS resource Jews in American History: A Teacher’s Guide provides information about topics that are enriched by including Jewish American history along
with significant facts that can be incorporated into existing lessons.
Sometimes teachers may want students to gain an overview of the entirety of Jewish American history,
for example, during Jewish American Heritage Month (May). In this lesson, students read about a specific
period of Jewish American history and form small groups with students who have read about other
periods. Students then teach each other about the information they have read and demonstrate mastery
of the material by creating either a visual or dramatic arts project.
Aims
1) Students will be able to provide an overview of Jewish history in America and will recognize that
Jews have been part of American society throughout its history.
2) Students will be able to discuss tolerance, acceptance, and opportunity in America as it relates
to Jews. In particular, they will recognize that throughout its history, America has offered Jews
relatively more tolerance, acceptance, and opportunity than other countries, but that the
struggle for greater equality is part of the history of Jews in America.