Following a proclamation in 2006 by President George W. Bush, Jewish American Heritage Month has been celebrated during the month of May to honor Jewish American culture and the many contributions the community has made in our country. To honor the occasion, Fairfax County Public Library is hosting presentations, storytimes, crafts, an innovative virtual reality exhibit and more throughout the month, highlighting members of the Jewish American community and their heritage.
Check out a small sample of what we have planned at a library near you:
*Please note that dates/times of the following events are subject to change. Check the event listing for the latest information.
Jewish American Heritage Month Scavenger Hunt! - Kings Park Library – All Month Long
Locate 12 famous Jewish Americans among the Children’s section of the library to win a prize.
The Journey Back: A Virtual Reality Experience from the Illinois Holocaust Museum – Centreville Regional Library – May 5-15 (no session on May 9)
Travel through a concentration camp with a Holocaust survivor in this first-in-the-world virtual reality exhibition.
Learn About Shabbat, A Holiday that Comes Every Week – Lorton Library – Wednesday, May 7
Learn about and celebrate Shabbat with a Jewish Family Ambassador from the JCC of Northern Virginia.
Jewish American Heritage Month Art Party: Celebrating Jewish Artists of the WPA – Richard Byrd Library – Wednesday, May 14
Be inspired by muralists, printmakers and rising artists who worked for the WPA during the Great Depression in this presentation and craft program.
An Afternoon with Susan Gaeta: The Life and Music of Flory Jagoda – Pohick Regional Library – Sunday, May 18
Join master vocalist and guitarist Susan Gaeta as she celebrates the rich traditions of Sephardic music though the inspiring life of her mentor, Flory Jagoda.
Explore Jewish Paper Cutting – John Marshall Library – Monday, May 19
Learn about Jewish folk art paper cutting and make your own papercut.
We All Dance the Hora – Dolley Madison Library – Friday, May 23
Sing and dance during this Jewish American Heritage Month dance party for all ages!
American Girl Book Club: Jewish American Heritage Month Edition – Sherwood Regional Library – Sunday, May 25
Talk about American Girl Rebecca – a Russian-Jewish immigrant living in early twentieth-century New York City in this special edition of The American Girl Book Club.
For a complete list of Jewish American Heritage-related events, visit bit.ly/FCPL_JewishAmericanHeritage.
You can also celebrate by selecting a new read from our specially curated Jewish American Heritage Month booklist found here.