Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By richards on May 6, 2012

Since high school, I've always known that May is a month- long tribute to many aspects of Asian America. But it wasn't until last week when I was compiling a list of D.C.-area events related to this month that I found out that May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. Here's a brief synopsis of what I know and learned about the origins of the two observations, as well as a few events:

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

It first started out as a week after Congress passed a 1978 joint resolution proclaiming the first seven days of May to be Asian/Pacific Heritage Week. May was chosen to commemorate the first arrival of Japanese immigrants on May 7, 1843. It was also chosen because the transnational railroad, labored by mostly Chinese immigrants, was completed on May 10, 1869.

President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation shortly after the resolution passed in Congress. Other presidents have also continued to issue similar proclamations. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush extended the celebration to the month of May.

APA Events

Monday, May 7, 7:30 p.m. Aasif Mandvi of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart will headline the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies' comedy show titled "Entertainment Night" at the Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater.

Tuesday, May 8, 5:30 p.m. Macy's and the National Association of Asian American Professionals will sponsor "Taste of Asia." The event will feature samples of Southeast Asian cuisine prepared by guest chefs from Super Pho, Case Asia, Bangkok Noodle Restaurant. It will take place at the lower level furniture gallery of Macy's in Metro Center.

Saturday, May 12, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Asian Heritage Foundation is co-sponsoring its May celebration in downtown Silver Spring's "Fiesta Asia." The event is free admission and will take place on Ellsworth Drive.

Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. A week later, Asian Heritage Foundation is hosting Fiesta Asia in downtown D.C. The street festival is also free and will take place between 3rd Street to 6th Street along Pennsylvania Avenue.

Saturday, May 19, 7 p.m. Korean pop singer Jay Park will headline Verizon's APA Heritage Month Tour at the Fillmore Silver Spring (8656 Colesville Rd.)

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May Celebrates Asian, Jewish Heritage

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Posted By simmons on May 6, 2012

Nakba What Is al-Naqba, or al-Nakba - The Catastrophe? May 14, 1948 marks Israel #39;s declaration of independence.

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Nakba - Video

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Posted By richards on May 3, 2012

President Barack Obama celebrated the shared struggle of Jewish identity in proclaiming Jewish Heritage Month for the month of May.

In the proclamation issued May 1, the president discussed the perseverance of Jewish Americans in overcoming adversity and hostility to reach success in America.

Even here, Jewish Americans bore the pains of hardship and hostility; yet, through every obstacle, generations carried with them the deep conviction that a better future was within their reach, Obama said. In adversity and in success, they turned to one another, renewing the tradition of community, moral purpose and shared struggle so integral to their identity.

The proclamation highlighted the achievements of Jewish Americans such as composer Aaron Copland, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, physicist Albert Einstein and writer and art collector Gertrude Stein, stating that their achievements forever enriched our national life.

Our country is stronger for their contributions, and this month we commemorate the myriad ways they have enriched the American experience, Obama said.

Jewish Heritage Month was first proclaimed in 2006 by President George W. Bush following two resolutions that unanimously passed Congress in 2005 and 2006.

The House of Representatives resolution, which was introduced by Jewish Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), passed in December 2005. The Senate resolution, introduced by former Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), also Jewish, passed two months later. jta

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May is Jewish Heritage Month

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Posted By simmons on May 1, 2012

01-05-2012 08:03 To the Middle East now, where Israel is taking new steps to shield itself from its Arab neighbors. Having already walled-off the Palestinians, Tel Aviv's now seeking to do the same with the Lebanese. We get the latest from RT's Paula Slier in Israel

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Fences Up: Israel walls off Lebanon, Egypt - Video

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Posted By simmons on May 1, 2012

Arch-terrorist Abu Jihad glorified for killing dozens of civilians, in PA TV documentary palwatch.org http://www.palwatch.org Narrator: "The Palestinian revolution was at its peak, and many times Fatah carried out 60 special operations a day. Among the leading operations of the Prince of Martyrs (Abu Jihad): the explosion of the Zohar reservoir in 1955, the explosion of the Israeli National Water Carrier in 1965, the 1975 Savoy Hotel operation in Tel Aviv, in which 10 Israelis were killed, the Dalal Mughrabi operation in 1978, in which more than 37 Israelis were killed, the shelling of the Eilat Port in 1979, and the Dimona Reactor operation in 1988 (bus hijacking and killing of 3 civilians), which was the principle reason for his assassination on April 16, 1988." [PA TV (Fatah) April 16, 2012] Note: Abu Jihad (Khalil Al-Wazir) was a founder of Fatah and deputy to Yasser Arafat.

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Arch-terrorist Abu Jihad glorified for killing dozens of civilians, in PA TV documentary - Video

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Posted By richards on April 30, 2012

CINCINNATI, April 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national commemoration of the contributions that Jewish Americans have made to the fabric of American history, culture, and society, announces expanded plans for its 2012 celebration.The main priority of JAHM, observed annually in May, is to raise the national consciousness regarding contributions by Jewish Americans to our country's heritage through a variety of events and programs nationwide. JAHM's objective is to highlight history and culture across all 50 states.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120430/CL97505LOGO)

In his proclamation of April 30, 2010, President Barack Obama declared: "As leaders in every facet of American life Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped steer the course of our history." The first-ever White House reception in honor of JAHM was hosted by the President and First Lady Michelle Obama on May 27, 2010. The President has supported JAHM annually through events and proclamations. It was President George W. Bush who declared in 2006 that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month.

"As one who has been part of JAHM since its inception, we could not be happier that it is headquartered in Cincinnati. The Jewish contributions to our country have manifested themselves in diverse locations across the nation. Cincinnati, Ohio is a place in which significant portions of our history culminate. This includes the beginning of Manischewitz, the home of Reform Judaism and the contributions of Isaac Wise," noted Gary P. Zola, Executive Director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of The American Jewish Archives (AJA) at Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR).

"We are proud to commence efforts for JAHM 2012.JAHM's objective increases tolerance and understanding and decreases anti-Semitism. We thank our major benefactors, including Empire Kosher Poultry Inc., Manischewitz and The Biography (BIO) Channel. JAHM is historically rich due to the high-level involvement of some of our nation's leading historians and their continued commitment," said JAHM national coordinator Jennifer Mooney, executive communications director for Northlich, a Cincinnati advertising agency.

JAHM 2012 is anticipated to be even more comprehensive in scope than previous years. A&E Networks' BIOChannel will feature profiles of well-known Jewish personalities. The five confirmed segments, airing 7/ 6c AM are:

"We are excited to partner with JAHM for the third year in a row," said Libby O'Connell, senior vice president and chief historian at A&E Networks. "BIO's objective is to inform and engage viewers by giving them an insider's looks at the lives of exceptional people. We are pleased to expand this concept by educating teachers and students across America about the contributions of Jewish Americans."

BIO Classroom will air the JAHM profiles every Tuesday morning at 7/6c during the month of May in schools across the country. Additionally, BIO will support JAHM with cross-promotion between the organizations' websites.

JAHM is seeking additional corporate and foundation support to ensure the longevity of its mission. JAHM 2012 plans include increased educational outreach and resources; a PSA and media campaign; a national speakers' bureau; a traveling exhibition of Jewish American history; a national writing contest for middle-school students; expansion of the JAHM website (www.jahm.us) and a national infrastructure for JAHM, including point persons in each state.

The JAHM Advisory Committee consists of leaders from major national organizations whose mission is the preservation of Jewish American history: the American Jewish Archives, the American Jewish Historical Society, Jewish Women's Archive, the National Museum of American Jewish History, the Council of American Jewish Museums, the Jewish Historical Society of Washington, D. C., and the Jewish Museum of Florida. The advisory committee also includes representatives from Manischewitz and Empire Kosher.

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Jewish American Heritage Month Kicks Off May 1, 2012

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Posted By richards on April 30, 2012

Send your North Central public event notices (including recreational sports) for free to Edmond Ortiz at eortiz@primetimenewspapers.com; by fax at 250-3350; or by mail to him in c/o North Central News, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171. Submissions must be received by noon Friday prior to the next desired publication date. Items run on a space-available basis.

ONGOING

Wellness/support

Mental Health First-Aid class takes place 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays in May, through May 22, at Unity Church of San Antonio, 1723 W. Lawndale. Mental Health First Aid is a 12-hour training course designed to give members of the public important skills to help someone experiencing or developing a mental health problem or crisis. Mental Health First Aid teaches a five-step action plan to offer initial help to people with the signs and symptoms of a mental illness or in crisis, and connect them with the appropriate professional, peer, social, or self help care. The $100 per person fee includes CEU credits, manual, materials and three-year certification. Contact: http://www.mhfasa.org or 355-6096.

San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department's Fitness in the Park program offers free fitness classes such as fitness boot camp, running/cross conditioning, fitness conditioning, adaptive exercise, zumba and yoga, as well as organized hiking and walking on the trails in various city parks. Classes will be offered in the following parks in April and May: Brackenridge, 3700 N. St. Mary's St.; Eisenhower, 19399 N.W. Military Highway; Lions Field, 2809 Broadway, McAllister, 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road; Hemisfair; MacArthur, 1907 N.E. Loop 410; Panther Springs, 21456 Blanco Road; Phil Hardberger West, 8400 N.W. Military; San Pedro Springs, 1315 San Pedro Ave.; and Woodlawn Lake, 1103 Cincinnati. Visit: http://www.sanantonio.gov/parksandrec or http://www.sabalance.org.

Eczema Support Group has formed. Contact: Gabi Mehta, EczemaGroupSA@yahoo.com or 748-8824; or Pam Van Scoyk, EczemaGroupSA@yahoo.com or 862-1684.

Oak Meadow United Methodist Church, 2740 Hunters Green, begins a faith and sports program for boys and girls, ages 6-11, interested in playing soccer. Contact: The Rev. Benitez, 378-9283.

North Central Baptist Hospital hosts support groups and free educational programs: couples dealing with fertility issues meet 6 to 7 p.m. every fourth Tuesday within the atrium (call 297-4483); cancer patients and their loved ones meet at 10 a.m. fourth Saturdays (297-7005); pediatric asthma education classes 9:30 a.m. each third Saturday (297-7005); gestational diabetes program starts at 9 a.m. every second and fourth Monday in the second floor education room (297-7005); expectant mothers and their families can tour the hospital's women's service area at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. each first Monday; Gamblers Anonymous, 7 p.m. Thursdays (260-2616). Free health screenings are offered 7:30 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Also, Bridges Beyond Grief meets at 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 20523 Huebner Road, and 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays at Independence Hill Retirement Community, 20450 Huebner (297-4752).

Nydia's Yoga Therapy Studio, 4680 Lockhill-Selma Road, is hosting a variety of daily and semi-daily classes, such as yoga in Spanish, gentle yoga and yoga for children. Contact: 764-1616 or http://www.nydiasyogatherapy.com.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has formed iConnect, a new networking group for cancer survivors. Adult survivors of all cancer types ages 21-40 meet once a month at La Madeleine at Loop 410 and Blanco Road. All events are free, but do require a reservation. Contact: http://www.LLS.org/stx or 800-683-2458.

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North Central Community Calendar — April 26

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Posted By richards on April 30, 2012

BRIDGETON Members of the community, including local Native Americans, got a first-hand view of an argument for factual data regarding the history of Naticoke Lenni-Lenape heritage in the Cohansey River area.

Dr. Marshall Becker, a professor emeritus of anthropology at West Chester University, argues that if he cant prove an ancestral story based on hard data, hes not buying it.

Thats what angered some of the attendees during his lecture at Bridgeton Public Library Sunday afternoon.

His lecture detailed Indian activity around the Delaware River area prior to 1740.

Because of what the lecture suggested, it came under protest earlier this month, then was canceled.

The Save the Library (STL) organization, which hosted the event, however, reversed their decision and held the lecture, despite the opposition.

This is what a library is all about, said Sally Garrison, a member of STL. A lively exchange of information is very good.

The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Native American tribe was recognized through a state resolution in the early 1980s.

But Becker argues their native descent may not be fully accurate.

If they were a native group, they could get federal recognition, Becker said. They can pressure the state because all politics is local.

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Bridgeton Lenni-Lenape lecture questions evidence on local heritage, met with opposition

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Posted By simmons on April 23, 2012

Inventing Our Lives: The Kibbutz Experiment - Excerpt Set against the backdrop of its glorious 100-year history, Inventing Our Life: The Kibbutz Experiment reveals the heartbreak and hope of Israel #39;s modern kibbutz movement as a new generation struggles to ensure its survival.

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Inventing Our Lives: The Kibbutz Experiment - Excerpt - Video

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Posted By simmons on April 23, 2012

23-04-2012 04:59 What goals has the BDS movement achieved so far? Does it aim for a constructive solution to the conflict? How should Israel react to it?

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CrossTalk on BDS: Sanctioning Israel (ft. Gilad Atzmon) - Video

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