Month-long Series of Programs Featured During May

The National Museum of American Jewish History and the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia are joining together for “American Jewish History Through the Arts,” a month-long series of free programs on consecutive Sundays in May, which has been named Jewish American Heritage Month. These programs will highlight the American Jewish experience through an exhibition, theater, and film. The American Jewish Heritage Month program also includes Federation’s Sunday, May 6 Israel Independence Day Celebration and the Museum’s Thursday, May 10 annual Only in America© Gala.

Following the May 6 “Israel 59-Israel In Our Hearts” program at the Horticulture Center in Fairmount Park, the month-long celebration shifts to the Museum.

On Sunday, May 13, the Museum will present A Taste For … in conjunction with the exhibition, Forshpeis! A Taste of the Peter H. Schweitzer Collection of Jewish Americana. A Taste For … is a dramatic presentation of interactive storytelling that engages visitors of all ages and connects them to the themes, environments, eras, and artifacts of Forshpeis! Performances will be repeated from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

On Sunday, May 20, the public can enter the world of the Jewish immigrant through first-person historical readings with HIStories, HERstories, YOURstories, OURstories. Performances will be repeated from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Forshpeis! A Taste of the Peter H. Schweitzer Collection of Jewish Americana reveals aspects of American Jewish life by looking at food in a range of settings and explores themes of identity, immigration and cultural expression. American Jewish Heritage Month concludes at the Museum on Sunday, May 27th with the screening of two films. At 1:00 p.m., enjoy Gentleman’s Agreement, the classic film starring Gregory Peck about a journalist who discovers what it is like to be a victim of religious intolerance. The 118-minute film won three Academy Awards, including for Best Picture. Following this screening at 3:30 p.m. there will be a second film, Matzo & Mistletoe. This film by Kate Feiffer explores issues of religious and ethnic identity with heart and humor.

The annual Independence Day celebration will be held in a new location this year, the Horticulture Center. Israel In Our Hearts promises to be a unique experience for the entire family. From historical characters to wine tasting, from outstanding musical performances to Israeli food, from craft fair to sporting activities, Israel In Our Hearts will bring the community together in its expression of love for and solidarity with the State of Israel.

The Museum’s annual Only in America© Gala theme is “Collections” and the Gala and Album will feature the Museum’s artifacts, which help comprise the cultural heritage of the Jewish people in America.

The month of May now celebrates the American Jewish experience and its contribution to American society through Jewish American Heritage Month. JAHM also enables the exploration of the meaning of religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and participation in American civic culture. Many Americans have little understanding of Jewish culture simply because the majority of Americans have few interactions with Jews or Jewish traditions. The ignorance of Jewish culture can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to educate all Americans about Jewish culture and traditions and highlights the many positive roles Jews have played in American history and culture. May 2007 marks the second annual Jewish American Heritage Month.

The National Museum of American Jewish History, on Independence Mall East in Philadelphia, presents educational programs and experiences that preserve, explore and celebrate the history of Jews in America. Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.

The Museum is in the midst of a $148 million Capital Campaign for a new Museum at 5th and Market streets on Independence Mall in Philadelphia, across from the Liberty Bell and less than a block from Independence Hall. The new site is a block south from the Museum’s current location.

Established in 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is the central non-profit Jewish community organization in the Greater Philadelphia area. Its mission is to identify and prioritize the important issues and needs of our local and global community, then organize and mobilize human and financial resources to successfully impact them. Federation focuses on Jewish education, human services, family, and economic needs, and provides support for Israel and for Jews at risk elsewhere in the world. Visit Federation at www.jewishphilly.org.

Contact: Jay E. Nachman 215.923.5978