A Spotlight on the Orthodox Jewish American Community | The Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning Portal

Topics

Jewish Identity
Jewish American Heritage

Summary

The Orthodox Jewish American community is not a monolith, but rather a collection of sub-groups, each with distinct traditions and practices. While they all share core beliefs, these sub-groups range from the Modern Orthodox – who balance tradition with contemporary life, to the more insular Haredi communities.

By understanding these distinctions, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Jewish American life and experiences. This knowledge is particularly relevant for students in New York City, a hub of Orthodox Jewish American culture, where these communities coexist and contribute to the city’s vibrant Jewish community.

Essential Questions

How do the different groups of Orthodox Jews approach religious observance and daily life?
What values or key beliefs do different Orthodox groups have in common?
How does the presence of diverse Orthodox communities contribute to the cultural richness and vibrancy of New York?
How can understanding the diversity within Orthodox Judaism help us combat stereotypes and foster greater respect and appreciation for different religious perspectives?

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

Identify some of the major Orthodox groups that live in New York and the ways in which they are similar and different from one another
Appreciate the diversity that exists among the Orthodox Jewish American community
Challenge stereotypes, understand the danger of a single story, and gain appreciation for difference

More ICS Mini-Lessons for JAHM

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

Passover matzo were given to poor Jewish people in New York City. Jewish communities established mutual-aid societies to aid the poor in their neighborhoods. April 1908

Lesson

Highlighting the History and Experience of Jewish Americans

Take your students on a journey through Jewish American history including waves of immigration, shifting perceptions of identity, and exploration of the ways Jewish Americans have shaped and been shaped by American society.

Grades:

6 - 8

Jewish food on light background. Traditional food concept. Flat lay, top view, copy space

Lesson

Discovering the Diversity of Jewish Americans

Explore the vibrant diversity of Jewish American identity and the cultural values and traditions that unite the community.

Grades:

6 - 12

A family sits at a table eating a meal, with a man wearing a kippah and a child sharing food.

Lesson

An Eye on Jewish American Identity

Explore the visible and invisible layers of the rich and varied identities within the Jewish American community. Confront the pitfalls of “single story” thinking.

Grades:

6 - 8

Crowded early 20th-century market under an elevated railway with vendors and shoppers.

Lesson

Making a Mark: Highlighting Jewish American Contributions

Discover how values like community, resilience, and a better future have guided Jewish American contributions to American culture, innovation, and progress.

Grades:

6 - 8

Graphic design for Jewish American Heritage Month featuring a blue Star of David inside a red and blue circular emblem at the top, with the words “Jewish American Heritage Month” in bold blue and red text below. The background is white with scattered red and blue stars.

Lesson

Pump up the JAHM: Jewish American Heritage Month

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with a mini-lesson on the history, diversity, and contributions of Jewish Americans.

Grades:

6 - 8