Jewish Individuals Who Shaped America and Iowa

Jewish Americans have played vital roles in shaping the United States through their commitment to faith, freedom, and civic life. Using the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a foundation, choose an individual featured in the course as a starting point for deeper research to create an original biographical essay or poem. Relevant sections include Part 1: America, A Land of Hope (pp. 6-23), which introduces "Jewish Pilgrims" and early patriots like Haym Salomon and Jonas Phillips; Part 2: From the Darkness of the Holocaust to the Shining Light of America (pp. 24–42), highlighting figures of moral responsibility such as Rabbi Herschel Schacter and Natan Sharansky; and Part 3: Jewish American Pioneers and Leaders (pp. 43-61), which features modern "Champions of Change" like Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and innovators like Dr. Jonas Salk.

• Start with the curriculum: Begin by selecting a Jewish individual introduced in the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum. Use the curriculum to build foundational knowledge before expanding your research beyond it.
• Go deeper through research: Strong submissions move beyond basic biography by incorporating additional research that explores the individual’s values, challenges, and lasting impact.
• Choose a meaningful site visit: Select a physical location connected to your individual’s life or work, such as a synagogue, institution, historical marker, or community site. Explain how visiting the site deepened your understanding of their legacy.
• Connect curriculum to impact: Clearly reference specific lessons, themes, or historical examples from the curriculum, found across Part 1 (pp.6-23), Part 2 (pp.24-42), or Part 3 (pp.43-61) and explain how they informed your interpretation of the individual’s contributions.
• Reflect on significance: Use your reflection to explain why this individual's story important today and how the curriculum shaped your understanding of their role in Jewish American history.  

Jewish Leadership and Partnership in Advancing Social Cause

Throughout American history, Jewish Americans have played meaningful roles in advancing civil rights, religious freedom, and democratic values, often in partnership with other communities. Using the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a foundation, research and write an analytical essay examining historical examples where Jewish Americans demonstrated leadership or partnership in efforts to advance civic society and liberty in the United States. Relevant sections include Part 1: America, A Land of Hope (pp.6-23), which highlights early advocacy for religious freedom and civic participation , and Part 2: From the Darkness of the Holocaust to the Shining Light of America (pp. 24-42), which explores refugee advocacy, coalition-building, and moral responsibility in the face of injustice.

• Start with the curriculum: Choose a historical example, movement, or case study discussed in the curriculum as your foundation before expanding your research.
• Focus on Jewish leadership and partnership: Direct your essay toward moments where Jewish Americans played a leadership role or worked in partnership with others to advance civic society, equality, or civic progress.
• Keep your scope focused: Select one or two historical examples and explore them in depth rather than trying to cover too many topics.
• Choose a meaningful site visit: You are required to visit a physical location connected to your topic, such as a memorial, museum, synagogue, or historical landmark. Include at least one photograph of yourself at the site.
• Explain historical significance: Clearly explain the historical context, the role Jewish Americans played, and why these efforts remain relevant today.
• Reflect on what you learned: In your required reflection paragraph, describe how engaging with the curriculum, Part 1 (pp. 6-23) and Part 2 (pp. 24-42) shaped your understanding of Jewish leadership or partnership in civic engagement.

Jewish Ideas and Cultural Contributions to Society

Jewish history and heritage have contributed enduring ideas, values, and practices that continue to influence communities across the nation. Using the Jewish Heritage of America curriculum as a foundation, research and write an analytical essay examining one Jewish idea, cultural tradition, value, or contribution that has had a lasting impact on American society. Relevant sections include Part 1: America, A Land of Hope (pp. 6-23), which explores Hebraic themes in the American founding, such as the Liberty Bell inscription and the proposed Great Seal , and Part 3: Jewish American Pioneers and Leaders (pp. 43-61), which highlights the enrichment of the American cultural fabric through education, innovation, and faith. Students may find it helpful to review supplemental resources, such as Rabbi Dr. Meir Soloveichik's course on Jewish Ideas and the American Founders, Lesson 2 (Franklin, Jefferson, and the Seal of the United States), Lesson 3 (Political Hebraism and the American Revolution), or Lesson 7 (Adams, Jefferson, and the Jews) to further explore how these principles helped shape the American founding. 

• Begin with a clear idea or value: Choose one Jewish idea, tradition, or contribution discussed in the curriculum and focus your essay on explaining its origins and influence.
• Use the curriculum and supplemental resources: Reference specific lessons from Part 1 (pp. 6-23) or Part 3 (pp. 43-61). Deepen your analysis by incorporating insights from the Tikvah Fund resources and Rabbi Soloveichik’s teachings on religious freedom
• Make your site visit meaningful: Select a site that clearly connects to your chosen idea or contribution, such as a museum, synagogue, cultural institution, school, or memorial. Explain how the visit enhanced your understanding.
• Explain continued relevance: Strong submissions clearly show why the idea, value, or contribution continues to matter today in American or global society.
• Reflect on learning: In your reflection paragraph, describe what you learned through your research and how the curriculum shaped your understanding of Jewish cultural contributions.

Use the list below to help plan local site visits connected to Jewish history in Iowa. These are suggested starting points only — you are not limited to the sites listed.

Your visit may relate to your essay topic in many ways, such as:

• a historic Jewish site or institution
• a community connected to a Jewish American individual
• a town or region where relevant events took place
• a partnership or organization connected to Jewish life

These examples are provided to help you begin exploring places in Iowa connected to Jewish heritage and contributions.

Iowa Jewish Historical Society Museum: Wakee, IA — For security reasons, please email [email protected] or call 515-987-0899 ext. 216 to set a time to visit.

B'nai Israel Living History Synagogue: Council Bluffs, IA —Please request a tour at https://www.cblhs.org/living-history-museum

Iowa Holocaust Memorial: Des Moines, IA — Located outdoors on the grounds of the West Terrace at the State Capital.

Danville Station Museum: Danville, IA — Contact the museum here to schedule a tour. http://www.danvillestation.net/Contact-Us.html

Tri-City Jewish Cemetery (B'nai Ameth Cemetary): Davenport, IA 

Jacob Raphael Building: Davenport, IA 

Ben and Harriet Schulein House: Sioux City, IA 

First Permanent Jewish House of Worship: Keokuk, IA 

Profile a Jewish person who made an important positive contribution to America. Explore how their Jewish identity (and if relevant, immigrant identity) shaped their work.

1. If you don’t immediately have an individual in mind, the “Jewish Heritage of America” curriculum includes numerous examples of Jews who shaped American society and culture. For example, see the remarkable story of Emma Lazarus (pg. 15) and her iconic poem redefining the Statue of Liberty as a welcoming beacon for immigrants seeking a better life. Indeed, many prominent American Jews were themselves immigrants or the children of immigrants, so perhaps consider how the immigrant experience might have shaped their journey.

2. The curriculum’s third section (beginning on page 41) profiles many outstanding American Jews from politics, to business, to academia, to arts and culture. Explore how Jonas Salk discovered a transformative vaccine for polio; how Leonard Bernstein shaped modern American music; or how Sergeant Christopher Celiz earned the Medal of Honor.

3. The person you profile does not need to be a celebrity. Look up Ralph Baer, who fled the Nazis and invented the video-game; human rights pioneer Robert Bernstein; or philanthropist Rebecca Gratz.

4. Whomever you choose to profile, don’t just present facts but tell a story and bring the individual to life. Consider the defining moments and values that drove them, as well as how they made an impact that benefited American society as a whole. Maybe begin with a dramatic moment in their life story, or explore how your own life has been impacted by the individual’s work and legacy.

Spotlight an inspiring partnership between African Americans and Jewish Americans that positively impacted society. Bring to life the dynamic collaboration and draw lessons from it.

1. The “Jewish Heritage of America” curriculum on page 41 spotlights one of the most famous examples of Black-Jewish partnership: the civil rights efforts championed by Martin Luther King Jr. with Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel at his side. Page 47 also mentions philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, who partnered with Booker T. Washington to build a network of over 5,000 schools in African American communities.

2. Blacks and Jews have a deep history of collaborating on civil rights efforts. For example, learn about the founders of the NAACP. Or look up the story of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner. Or research the story of how Bayard Rustin (organizer of the 1963 March on Washington) stood up for Jews in 1967.

3. Music is another prominent area where African Americans and Jewish Americans have done pioneering work together. Jazz music, for example, is filled with stories of creative collaboration. Look up why jazz icon Louis Armstrong wore a Jewish star necklace.

4. In some cases, prominent African Americans have themselves been Jewish, like legendary singer Sammy Davis, Jr. or Rashida Jones. The memoir “The Color of Water” by James McBride portrays one family example. Research “African Americans Jews” to explore this theme.

5. Whatever partnership you choose to spotlight, bring it to life. Explore what challenges and opportunities brought the individuals together, as well as how they developed a dynamic partnership. Don’t forget to analyze what lasting lessons and inspiration we can take from the example.

Create an artwork celebrating Jewish American Heritage. Options include composing a song or poem, designing a painting or mock-up for a street mural, and producing a video clip.

1. Works of art reflect the spirit and soul of the creator, so with this prompt definitely unleash your creativity and be open to thinking outside the box. That being said, outstanding entries will need to resonate with popular audiences. The goal is to create a work of art that will educate and inspire others.

2. You might consider focusing on a particularly dramatic incident from the American Jewish experience. Browse the “Jewish Heritage of America” curriculum for inspiration. Perhaps select a scene from early American history or a modern moment. Whatever you choose, bring the scene to life. Try to capture its energy and main themes.

3. Inspiration might also come from looking at the suggestions from the other three prompts. You could choose to focus on an outstanding individual, a Black-Jewish partnership, or the struggle to stop antisemitic bigotry.

4. If you write a song, upload both the music and lyrics – ideally with a recording. You can do this as a sound file or make a music video. If you make a painting, upload a digital photo of it. If you have an idea for a street mural, you can actually make one in your neighborhood (which would be amazing) but it is likely much easier simply to create a mock-up design for what the mural would look like. If you can, describe where specifically you would like to place the mural. If you make a video clip, be creative and concise – remember the time limit is two minutes.

Propose concrete ways Americans can counter rising antisemitism and promote appreciation for Jewish American heritage. Analyze the challenge and present an innovative plan.

1. Antisemitism is an age-old form of bigotry and intolerance that has unfortunately surged in American society in recent years. This prompt asks you to consider how Americans of all backgrounds can take conscientious action in response. Your entry should identify a particular aspect of contemporary antisemitism and explain how your proposed response could make a positive impact.

2. The “Jewish Heritage of America” curriculum includes several sections on antisemitism. Page 11 tells the story of how President George Washington addressed it. Part 2, beginning on page 22, explores the legacy of the Holocaust. Part 4, beginning on page 60, examines the recent surge in antisemitism, including at American schools targeting Jewish students. See page 67 for examples of Americans, both Jewish and non-Jewish, tackling the problem. Examples like Tiffany Haddish, Anila Ali, and Richie Torres might help inspire your entry.

3.  Another source of inspiration may be the Civil Rights Movement and the Soviet Jewry Movement, both of which are explored in the curriculum (see pages 33 and 41). What lessons might be drawn from these successful movements, where Jews and non-Jews mobilized together to overcome bigotry? Look also at the example of Holocaust Survivor and Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel, profiled on page 50, and how he worked to raise consciousness about antisemitism.

4. Consider how antisemitism doesn’t only impact Jews but is often a symptom of larger problems in society. Related, consider how tackling antisemitism is not just a responsibility for Jews but for Americans of all backgrounds. Think about the larger issues at stake, and also the positive impact for American society of standing up to antisemitism while celebrating Jewish American heritage.

5. An outstanding entry won’t simply describe the problem, it will also offer potential solutions. It will not simply offer generalities or abstract denunciations of antisemitism, but also provide creative ideas for taking action. Outside-the-box thinking and a can-do attitude are encouraged.