Jewish American Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, achievements and contributions of Jewish Americans throughout the United States.

From influential films and documentaries to acclaimed books and music playlists, there are many ways to explore the stories, traditions and voices that have shaped Jewish American experiences across generations.

To help celebrate the month, the Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Council has gathered a few recommendations to explore.

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Books

Fiction

• Sons and Daughters by Chaim Grade: A sweeping novel portraying Jewish life in prewar Poland and Lithuania as tradition and modernity collide in a rapidly changing world.
• This Is Not About Us by Allegra Goodman: A heartfelt family story exploring sisterhood, parental expectations and the connections that shape families across generations.

Nonfiction

• How Yiddish Changed America and How America Changed Yiddish Edited by Ilan Stavans and Josh Lambert: An engaging exploration of how Yiddish language and culture have influenced American life and identity across generations.
• First Lady of Laughs by Grace Kessler Overbeke: The story of pioneering comedian Jean Carroll and her groundbreaking rise as one of the first Jewish women stars in stand-up comedy.
• Beyond the Synagogue by Rachel B. Gross: An exploration of how traditions, food and cultural experiences help shape modern Jewish identity and community.

Movies

Contemporary Films

• A Real Pain (2024) Two very different cousins travel to Poland to honor their grandmother and reconnect with their family history while navigating personal differences and painful memories.
• The Fabelmans (2022) A young aspiring filmmaker navigates family challenges, personal identity and his dreams in post-World War II Arizona.
• Maestro (2023) A biographical drama exploring the life, career and enduring relationship between composer Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre.

Classic Films

• Fiddler on the Roof (1971) A Jewish milkman navigates family, tradition and a changing world in pre-revolutionary Russia.
• Funny Girl (1968) A musical drama following comedian Fanny Brice’s rise to fame in New York entertainment during the early 20th century.

Documentaries

• RBG (Netflix): A documentary exploring the life, career and lasting legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
• Spielberg: An HBO documentary exploring the life, career and creative influences of filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

Music

• ACLU – “Jewish American Heritage Month” Playlist (Spotify)
• Milken Archive of Jewish Music – “Jewish Heritage Month: Chamber Music Month” Playlist (Spotify)

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We hope you enjoy exploring these stories, voices and experiences throughout Jewish American Heritage Month.