Jewish American Heritage Month

The Division of Institutional Equity joins the Jewish Faculty and Staff Association, UMBC Hillel,  Chabad UMBC  and our campus community in recognizing and honoring Jewish American Heritage Month.

Celebrated each May in the United States, Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans. This observance highlights the enduring impact of Jewish individuals and communities in shaping the nation across fields such as education, science, arts, civil rights, and public service. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of Jewish communities, as well as the challenges they have faced and continue to navigate. This month, the Division of Institutional Equity invites you to engage through our “Read, Watch, Listen, Participate” series as we celebrate, connect, and learn together.

To request accommodation(s) or to inquire about event accessibility, please contact the respective program office. All sessions are open to full participation by all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal and state laws, and the University’s nondiscrimination policy.

Events on campus

May 4 | 12 pm  - 1 pm | In-Person: RSVP
Spring Jewish Community Social
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/jfsa/events/153579

May 6 | 6 pm - 7:30 pm | The Commons: 327
Beit Midrash & Pickle Making with Alice
https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/umbchillel/events/153789

Read

Explore stories that illuminate Jewish history, identity, and lived experiences across generations. From personal narratives to critical examinations of antisemitism and cultural resilience, these selections invite reflection and learning.

• The Cooking Gene and Kosher Soul by Michael Twitty 

• For Times Such as These by Rabbi Ariana Katz and Rabbi Jessica Rosenberg

• Beyond the Pale by Elana Dykewoman

• The Jewish South by Shari Rabin

• The Colors of Jews: Racial Politics and Racial Diasporism Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz

• Addressing Religious Discrimination

• Understanding Anti-Semtism: An Offering to our Movements by Jews for Racial and Economic Justice 

• Black Power, Jewish Politics by Marc Dollinger 

Watch

Engage with Jewish stories on screen through film and television that capture humor, history, tradition, and complexity. 

• Yentl

• Fiddler on the Roof

• The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

• Alex Edelman: Just For Us 

• Long Story Short (Netflix) 

• Marty Supreme 

• Avalon

Listen

Tune into conversations, storytelling, and cultural commentary that center Jewish voices and perspectives. These podcasts provide space to explore identity, community, and history.

• Ta Shma by Hadar

• Judaism Unbound

• The Light Lab Podcast

• 2 Queers, 4 Questions

• Gatecrashers - Season 1 Ep.8 - Harvard and the end of the Jewish Ivy League