Curated OER
Immigration Unit
Third graders develop an appreciate for the various cultures that are present in their local community. Through reading and research, they explain how various culture came to live in their area. At the conclusion of the unit, 3rd...
Curated OER
Molly's Pilgrim
Third graders explore the multi-ethnic nature of America's citizens and examine the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty. In this Molly's Pilgrim lesson, 3rd graders discuss the poem "The New Colossus," examine vocabulary words in the...
DocsTeach
U.S. Policy and the Holocaust Refugee Crisis
How did the United States respond to the Holocaust refugee crisis during World War II? The activity focuses on the United States' foreign policies and the arguments for and against offering assistance. Scholars analyze historical...
Curated OER
George Gershwin
Students explore the life and accomplishments of George Gershwin. They listen to Latin rhythms and practice the rhythmic parts. Students identify Latin instruments George Gershwin added to the orchestra. After practice, they perform a...
Curated OER
Golda Meir: Israeli Political Leader
Young scholars complete readings and mini-lectures to explore the life of Golda Meir, Israeli leader. They study her biography, discuss their research, write response journals and compare her government with its US counterpart.
Curated OER
Freedom from Oppression
Students investigate instances of genocide and role play as reporters writing news stories and editorials.
National Humanities Center
National Humanities Center: Teacher Serve: 20th Cent: The American Jewish Experience: Antisemitism and Assimilation
This essay from the National Humanities Center tracks Jewish immigrants in America, discusses antisemitism and assimilation experiences through the twentieth century. Includes a guide for student discussion and online resources.
The History Cat
The History Cat: History Trekker: Ellis Island: An Immigrant Story
Read about the difficult life of Jews in Russia under Czar Alexander III, one where they faced discrimination and Jewish communities were attacked when pogroms took place. Follow along as a Russian Jew travels to America and is processed...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: City of Immigrants
Players navigate New York's Lower East Side as Lena, a young Jewish immigrant from Russia who is trying to save money to bring her parents to America. She works long hours in a factory for little money and gets caught up in the growing...
Library of Congress
Loc: Immigration: Polish/russian
A chronicle of Russian and other ethnic immigrants from the Russian empire. Information on their struggles, persecution and achievements in their chosen new land, America.
Michigan State University
Michigan State University: Feeding America Collection: Lizzie Black Kander
Lizzie Black Kander was a well known figure in Milwaukee in the early part of the twentieth century. She helped Jewish immigrants settle in the area and learn how to gain acceptance, published cookbooks and promoted the 'domestic arts'...
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Jewish Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Jewish Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Library of Congress
Loc: From Haven to Home: 350 Years of u.s. Jewish Life
This in-depth online exhibit features more than two hundred treasures of American Jewish life from the Library of Congress and other cultural institutions.
Other
Jews in America: Portal to Jewish American History
Complete with music from Aaron Copland, the Center for Jewish History provides an interactive website that traces the history of Jews in the United States from 1654 until today. Authors provide a searchable gallery of photographs,...
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Ida Rosenthal
An outspoken Russian Jewish immigrant sold American women on the first undergarment that uplifted and conformed to their shape -- the brassiere.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Julius Schmid
Once an impoverished German-Jewish immigrant, Julius Schmid became known as the king of condoms by selling reliable modern contraception and making millions in the process.
PBS
A Life Apart: Hasidism in America
Created to support of PBS documentary, this site can stand alone in its offerings of other resources on Hasidism, clips from video and interviews, and background information on this Eastern European religious community.
Digital History
Digital History: American Jews
An interesting look at the Jewish population and culture in America in the 1800s. See how many adapted religious orthodoxy to fit in with American life.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Israeli Americans
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of Israeli Americans. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Other
On the Lower East Side: Observations of Life in Lower Manhattan
Links to contemporary essays about life on the Lower East Side of New York City in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These essays cover a range of topics and are well worth exploring to find out what problems writers were exposing...
Immigration and Ethnic History Society
Iehs: Adam Mendelsohn, "No Business Like the Clothing Business: The Rag Race"
This article focuses on why the Jews who migrated to the US after WWII became more prosperous than those who settled in England. It discusses many factors, including the clothing industry and timing.
Curated OER
Confirmation Class of Miami's Oldest Synagogue, 1931
The National Humanities Center offers a comprehensive site chronicles the history of antisemitism and assimilation that made up the Jewish Experience in America. Site discusses Jewish immigration and status in society.