Hidden Voices: Jewish Americans in United States History Volume 1

Jewish Americans have shaped the social, political, cultural and economic landscapes of the United States in profound ways throughout American history. Their contributions continue to influence the nation’s identity, yet traditional curricula often overlook many of these figures and stories.

To help address this gap, New York City Schools’ Hidden Voices initiative centers the perspectives, experiences, and impact of individuals and communities who have been underrepresented in historical narratives.

This lesson on Jewish Americans includes profiles, overview essays, original artwork, primary sources, and curricular materials spanning from the 16th century to the present. Together, these resources highlight both well-known and lesser-known individuals, offering a narrative of American history through the lens of Jewish identity and experience.

Students explore themes of immigration, ethnicity, faith, and identity. They learn about Asser Levy, one of the first Jewish settlers of New Amsterdam and an early advocate for Jewish civic inclusion, gaining insight into the challenges surrounding citizenship and property ownership for Jews in colonial America. The lesson also examines the influence of Levi Strauss, whose blue jeans became emblematic of the Gold Rush era, and Ernestine Rose, a 19th-century abolitionist and suffragist.

The lesson also features dozens of additional Jewish Americans and includes a timeline tracing Jewish life in the United States. It addresses both the opportunities and challenges of teaching Jewish American history, defines key terms, and provides guidance for supporting students through this complex subject.

Together, these stories invite students to see American history as more expansive and inclusive, shaped by voices that have gone unheard.