Judy Blume Poster & Resources | The Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning Portal

Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History

Topic

Jewish American Heritage

Summary

Meet Judy Blume, an American Jewish writer and one of the most prolific and influential novelists of our time, in this poster and resources from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Her literary career is known for being sensitive to experiences faced by young people going through awkward and painful changes. She stands up to censorship, and her legacy is that of a writer who breaks silences in the name of liberation. Her work gives voice to the uncertainties, awkwardness, insecurities, and pain of growing up and experiencing change.

Her work represents the following Jewish values:

Standing up to censorship

Promoting free speech

Valuing emotional intelligence

These resources feature Blume as part of a poster series recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month at the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History. Classroom learning resources such as lesson plans, teaching materials, and children’s books are included. Professional learning resources, including websites, books by Judy Blume, biographies and books about her, videos, and podcasts, are also provided.

More For Jewish American Heritage Month

Video

Lesson

Reel History: The Jewish American Story on Film

Discover the dynamic story of Jewish Americans in this brief video lesson. Explore Jewish American identity including the community’s history, culture, challenges, triumphs, and contributions to American society.

Grades:

6 - 8

A worn scroll with faces of the ancient Jewish family tree

Video

Educator Guide

Lesson

Who Are the Jewish People?

Take your students on a journey of the Jewish people, examining a story rich in history, shared experiences, love for Israel, and persistence against hatred.

Grades:

6 - 12

Friends put hand in hand the concept of a friend connection that make Star of David hands

Lesson

Who are Your People? Defining Jewish Peoplehood

While reflecting on their own sense of belonging, students will learn about the diversity of the Jewish people and their strong sense of shared community.

Grades:

6 - 12

Composition of israel and middle eastern food: ritual goblet of wine, challah, pita bread, hummus, falafel, shakshuka, pomegranate and lemons on a rustic table

Lesson

We Belong At the Table: Centering Jewish Diversity

Jews represent a wide range of cultures, languages, ethnicities, races, and religious practices. As Jews have moved around the globe, they have adapted, blended, and preserved traditions, and found new ways to express their culture. This lesson will show your students how different cultures express their Judaism through the foods they eat and the traditions they observe.

Grades:

6 - 12

Educator Backgrounder

Jewish American Diversity Fact Sheet

Provide students essential context for understanding Jewish American diversity using this fact sheet on peoplehood, culture, and belonging.

Grades:

K - 12

The New Colossus sonnet by American poet Emma Lazarus who wrote the poem to raise money for construction of Statue of Liberty's pedestal. Plaque in pedestal.

Visual

Educator Guide

Emma Lazarus Poster & Resources

Learn about Emma Lazarus, a Jewish poet and activist from the late 1800s, who demonstrated the Jewish value of welcoming the stranger and dedicated her life to making society more open, inclusive, and accepting.

Grades:

3 - 7