In May, 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month, lifting up and honoring the contributions of Jewish Americans in our school community, our extended communities, and our country.
May is a rich month of heritage celebrations which includes 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉβs third year celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month. Since 2006, May has been so that we can center and honor the many lived and historical experiences of Jewish Americans. As is true of any community, there is no single way of being Jewish. In Berkeley Unified School District, we have a beautiful spectrum of the Jewish community represented by our students, staff, and families.
The Bay Area has an especially proud history of Jewish activism and spirituality embodying the Jewish concept of β healing the world to make it a better place for all. It is in this spirit of Tikkun Olam, that we offer these resources to our community. And it is in this spirit that we honor all the ways that people are connected to Judaism here in 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ: through birth, adoption, marriage/partnership, conversion, through secular and religious tiesβwe celebrate the diversity of the Jewish community.Μύ
Among the resources shared, you will find first person stories and biographies of creatives representing some of the many ways that people connect to Judaism and Jewish heritage. Some members of the Jewish community are recognizable by the clothes, or symbols they wear, and others you will only know by asking and listening to their stories. Through these resources we also strive to center Jewish community members who are too often marginalized.
In this month of May, it is important to unequivocally state that we as a district stand firmly against anti-semitism and united against all forms of hate. We denounce the rise in antisemitic rhetoric against Jewish people and are committed to teaching about the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust. We also recognize that the Jewish American community is so much more than the stories of the discrimination against them and this month is an opportunity to shine a light on contemporary Jewish creatives and the resilience of the Jewish people.
In unity and Χ©ΦΈΧΧΧΦΉΧ (Shalom),
Enikia Ford Morthel
Superintendent
Events
On May 19, 2024 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ will host a visit to UC Berkeley’s Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life located at 2121 Allston Way. While everyone is welcome, this event will focus on elementary families with special arts and history activities connected to exhibits. Admission is free, and 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ staff will be there to welcome our students and families.
Reading Lists
These reading lists, organized by grade level, represent recently published books that celebrate Jewish-American heritage, affirm identity, and promote cultural awareness. Sharing these books is one part of our effort to develop a diverse consciousness with and for our youth and ensure they know they are not alone, and that they can speak out to help stop the spread of bigotry
Click on each book to access the associated list.
Educator Resources
This T was compiled by 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ’s Equity, Achievement, and Belonging Department and 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ Jewish community members.
“We denounce the rise in antisemitic rhetoric against Jewish people and are committed to teaching about the history of antisemitism and the Holocaust.”Μύ Μύ -Superintendent Ford Morthel
Here are some examples about how these topics are taught in Berkeley Unified Schools
Elementary School
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- Many teachers incorporate read alouds that affirm Jewish American identities and that uplift Jewish holidays; many teachers also invite Jewish family members to share about family traditions with their classes each year
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4th grade Historical Fiction Book Clubs Unit is taught in late spring and the book is β through this book, teachers teach about the Holocaust
Middle School
- 6th gradeβ included in a history unit about world religions, that includes learning about Judaism and Jewish beliefs and traditions.
High School
- WWII and the Holocaust is taught in 10th grade World History
Ethnic Studies also naturally invites students to be their whole selves in the classroom and for all aspects of their identities to be valued and supported, so there are many opportunities for Jewish students to share about their culture(s), traditions, and ancestral connections to Judaism throughout their time in 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ.
Family Guides
Arabic Family Guide (91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉβs translation provider is closed today for International Workers’ Day. This guide will be available on the 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ website on 5/3/24. )
Lifting Up 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ Staff Jewish American Voices – May 2024
In celebration of our Jewish American community, 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ has introduced “Lifting Up Jewish American Voices,β a campaign to share our Jewish American staff narratives with our students and community by creating posters featuring their stories and experiences. Later this month, these posters will be displayed around the district, on the 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ website, in social media, and in district publications. Sharing these narratives with our students will allow them to deepen connections with Jewish American staff in 91ΔΫ²έΒιΆΉ.
Mr. B
Longfellow and Willard Middle School, Berkeley High School
Substitutute Teacher
Mollie Blustein
Cragmont Elementary School
4th Grade Teacher
Forest Borie
Longfellow Middle School
World History Teacher
Kate Rosen
Berkeley High School
English Teacher
Jessica Stern
Ruth Acty Elementary School
3rd Grade Teacher