American foreign aid to Israel has long relied on the support of American Jews. But American Jews have never been unified in their support for Israel or about Israel’s role in American Jewish life.
Articles on American Jews
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Most ideas about Jewish culture in the United States come from Ashkenazi traditions, but there’s a vast landscape of Jewish cultures around the world – and represented in the US.
Jewish activists have been central to protests against how Israel is conducting the war with Hamas, and not just on campuses – the movement goes back decades.
This month marks Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, as well as Jewish American Heritage Month.
The secular carol doesn’t mention Jesus, angels or wise men, while reminding listeners of what makes them not just American, but human.
Assimilation no doubt played a role in making Hanukkah the commercialized holiday it is today. But other factors shaped the modern festival, too, a scholar of Jewish studies and gender explains.
A memorial at the site of the 1911 fire remembers those who died; a cadre of young Jewish women helped push for change in the wake of the tragedy.
As American Jews grieve, many are giving as well.
Incidents of antisemitism in the US have risen to historic levels, and the White House has vowed to fight them.
Political situations in both Israel and the US could be changing prior patterns with these donations, which fund hospitals, museums and a wide array of organizations.
Multicultural Jewish families and Jews of color are innovating food-centered holidays to bring their whole selves to the table.
During the Cold War, Russia’s refusal to allow Jews to leave the country reflected its political aims. The same is likely true today, a Jewish studies scholar explains.
A collaboration between advertiser Joseph Jacobs and the famous coffee company produced the classic U.S. haggadah. The book sets out the ceremony for the Seder meal.
Judith Kaplan became the first American bat mitzvah in 1922. The Jewish coming-of-age ceremony has become more popular for girls ever since.
Figuring out whether to celebrate holidays, and how, is tricky for lots of interfaith families – but thoughtful communication makes a difference.
Every president since Jimmy Carter has recognized Hanukkah with a special menorah lighting ceremony.
The American Jewish community is changing as it becomes increasingly diverse and politically polarized.
In the 19th century, Purim became an occasion to hold fancy dress parties, the proceeds from which were given to charities. These parties helped American Jews gain a standing among the elite.
In choosing a Hebrew Bible belonging to a civil rights leader, Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, Sen. Jon Ossoff appeared to be sending out a message on the strong historic ties between Black people and Jews.
For much of American history, the only December holiday to be recognized in the White House was Christmas, but menorah lightings are now an annual tradition.
Top contributors
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Associate Professor of Women and Gender Studies & Jewish Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
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University Professor and Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History, Brandeis University
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Associate Professor of Jewish Education Research, Brandeis University
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Managing Director of the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, University of Michigan
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Professor, Michigan State University
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Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Professor of Israel Studies, University of California, Los Angeles
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Professor and Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women's & Gender History and Director of the Jewish Studies Program, American University
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Visiting Scholar of Philanthropy, Indiana University
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Professor of Sociology, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University, Canada
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SD Clark Professor of Sociology, University of Toronto
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Professor of Sociology and Criminology, Penn State
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Professor, University of Washington
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Professor of Comparative and World Literature, Director, Program in Jewish Culture and Society, Director, Initiative in Holocaust, Genocide, Memory Studies, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
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Professor of Social Work and Judaic Studies, University of Michigan
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Lecturer, Brandeis University