National Museum of American Jewish History

National Museum of American Jewish History The only museum dedicated to telling the more than 360-year history of Jews in America. Welcome to our page! This is your community.
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🎥 Thank you to The Philadelphia Citizen for highlighting "Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round"! This award-winning documen...
02/03/2025

🎥 Thank you to The Philadelphia Citizen for highlighting "Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round"! This award-winning documentary tells the powerful story of how Black civil rights activists and their Jewish allies came together in 1960 to desegregate Glen Echo Amusement Park—an often-overlooked but pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement.

Join us on February 6 at The Weitzman for a special screening, followed by a live talkback with Emmy Award-winning director Ilana Trachtman. Don’t miss this chance to experience history on the big screen and be part of an important conversation about allyship, activism, and change.

Read the full Citizen article here: https://bit.ly/3PWWwxH

Screening tickets available here: https://bit.ly/4gXlEQJ

February is full of exciting events at The Weitzman! There's something for everyone, from film screenings and book talks...
02/01/2025

February is full of exciting events at The Weitzman! There's something for everyone, from film screenings and book talks to a family fun day and an arboretum tour for Tu B’Shevat. 🌿🎥📚

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and celebrate with us all month long! See the full lineup and RSVP: https://bit.ly/4gJgSWz

Where would we be without rye bread? This hearty, slightly tangy staple has been a cornerstone of Jewish delis, the perf...
01/31/2025

Where would we be without rye bread? This hearty, slightly tangy staple has been a cornerstone of Jewish delis, the perfect partner to corned beef, pastrami, or lox, and a timeless favorite for generations. But where did it come from?

Rye bread originated in Eastern Europe, where rye grain thrived in cold, harsh climates that were less suitable for wheat. For Ashkenazi Jews, rye bread became a dietary essential—nutritious, affordable, and perfect for Shabbat meals or weekday sustenance. Immigrants brought their love of rye to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and it quickly became a hallmark of Jewish American food culture.

Today, rye bread is synonymous with deli classics, from Reubens piled high with corned beef to a simple toasted slice with a schmear of butter.

So, what’s your favorite way to enjoy rye bread? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️

📸: Breadtopia

01/31/2025

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's JCRC, Gratz College, ADL, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and AJC - American Jewish Committee for an essential conversation on rising antisemitism in our community.

The Greater Philadelphia Antisemitism Town Hall brings together top local leaders and experts at the forefront of countering antisemitism to share their latest initiatives, programs and strategies. Engage in a structured Q&A session, where you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and learn how to combat this pressing issue alongside those on the front lines.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect and stand together against antisemitism. Seating is limited, so reserve your spot today: https://www.gratz.edu/news-and-events/event-calendar/antisemitism-town-hall

01/29/2025

🎥 Don’t miss the Philadelphia premiere of Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round on February 6 at The Weitzman!

This award-winning documentary by Emmy Award-winning director Ilana Trachtman highlights a pivotal moment in American history: in 1960, Black civil rights activists and Jewish allies united to protest segregation at Glen Echo Amusement Park.

Featuring rare footage and narration by Jeffrey Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Dominique Thorne, and more, this powerful film stimulates conversation about civil rights, allyship, and the enduring impact of interfaith and in*******al collaborations.

✨ Reserve your tickets today for this unforgettable screening and be part of the conversation! Tickets available at https://bit.ly/4gXlEQJ

❄️ Nothing says winter magic like going ice skating! ⛸️ Now be honest—are you more of a graceful glider or a “hold onto ...
01/28/2025

❄️ Nothing says winter magic like going ice skating! ⛸️

Now be honest—are you more of a graceful glider or a “hold onto the nearest friend for dear life” skater? 😂

📸: Postcard from the Nevele Country Club, Ellenville, New York, ca. 1966. Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 2011.174.8. Gift of Gloria Packer

Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, we honor the ...
01/27/2025

Today, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, we honor the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and the Survivors and renew our commitment to combating antisemitism and hate in all its forms.

We are proud to spotlight the opening of the groundbreaking Anne Frank Exhibit today at the Center for Jewish History in New York City. This exhibition features the first-ever full-scale recreation of the Annex, furnished as it was when Anne Frank and her family went into hiding. Visitors can trace Anne’s journey—from her early years in Frankfurt to her time in hiding in Amsterdam and beyond—immersing themselves in the historical context of her story.

This exhibit offers a powerful opportunity for American audiences to connect with this important history.

Learn more at annefrankexhibit.org.

🎉 Happy Birthday to the legendary   and one of the best-selling musicians of all time, Neil Diamond!🎵 His iconic hit "Am...
01/24/2025

🎉 Happy Birthday to the legendary and one of the best-selling musicians of all time, Neil Diamond!

🎵 His iconic hit "America" was recorded in 1980 for the soundtrack of his film "The Jazz Singer." It’s more than a song—it’s a tribute to the immigrant experience.

"That song tells the immigrant story. It was written for my grandparents and the immigrants who came over in the late 1800s—the Irish, Jews, and Italians. But it's the song for the modern-day coming as well." – Neil Diamond

📸: Neil Diamond, 1972 (via The Independent)

🏈✨ Don’t just follow Humans of Judaism—experience it in person!Sam Salz, featured in the "Humans of Judaism" book, the I...
01/23/2025

🏈✨ Don’t just follow Humans of Judaism—experience it in person!

Sam Salz, featured in the "Humans of Judaism" book, the Instagram account, and the "Portraits of a People" Museum exhibit, made a special trip to see his story brought to life.

Be like Sam and explore this inspiring exhibition at The Weitzman before it closes on February 2!

Created in partnership with Nikki Schreiber's viral project, this exhibit beautifully complements the museum's celebration of resilience, pride, joy, and diversity within the American Jewish community by spotlighting powerful stories of connection and representation from the global Jewish experience.

Don't miss your chance to see it for yourself—visit us this weekend!

🎉 Mazel tov to Ralph Lauren, the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom! 🇺🇸🏅Born in the Bro...
01/21/2025

🎉 Mazel tov to Ralph Lauren, the first fashion designer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom! 🇺🇸🏅

Born in the Bronx to Ashkenazi Jewish immigrant parents, Lauren’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon is the quintessential American dream. During the ceremony on January 4, 2025, President Biden remarked, “Ralph Lauren designed not only clothes but a new American identity, full of inspiration, dreams and a sense of belonging.”

Lauren joins an esteemed group of Jewish recipients of the Medal of Freedom, including Bob Dylan, Elie Wiesel, Itzhak Perlman, and Sandy Koufax. From his timeless designs to his visionary storytelling, Lauren’s legacy continues to shape how the world views American fashion.

📸: Bloomberg

01/20/2025

🎻✨ Join us for Secret Chord Concerts Live: A Night of Ladino with Lily Henley on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at The Weitzman!

Experience the soulful melodies of acclaimed singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lily Henley as she brings new life to the endangered Sephardic Jewish ballad tradition. 🎶 This evening will honor the rich cultural legacy of Ladino music and pay tribute to Flory Jagoda, a beloved figure in Sephardic music.

Don’t miss this enchanting celebration of resilience, culture, and connection.

📅 6 PM Cash Bar | 7 PM Concert
🎟️ $20 General Admission | Free for Weitzman Members

Reserve your spot now! https://bit.ly/40jcI0T

Love is in the air, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with a beautiful, customizable ketubah from ...
01/19/2025

Love is in the air, and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with a beautiful, customizable ketubah from The Weitzman Museum Store.

Each ketubah is a work of art, made personal with your custom text and details to honor your special day.

Slide 1: Blooming Tree Ketubah Circle in Dusty Blue by Melanie Dankowicz
Slide 2: Peacock Ketubah by Daniel Azoulay
Slide 3: Encircled Paper Cut Ketubah with Color Wash by Adriana Saipe
Slide 4: Blue Garden Ketubah by Patty Shaivitz
Slide 5: Shefa B'rachot Ketubah by Betsy Platkin

Explore our full collection and find the perfect one for your wedding: https://bit.ly/4fXtM2l

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! 🕊️Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, a visionary leader who fou...
01/15/2025

Happy Birthday, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.! 🕊️

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, a visionary leader who fought tirelessly for justice, equality, and peace. His partnership with leaders from all backgrounds, including Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and the Jewish community, reminds us of the power of unity in the fight for civil rights.

As we reflect on his words and actions, let’s continue striving for a world where freedom and dignity belong to everyone.

🥯 TOMORROW is National Bagel Day! 🥳Bagel lovers, unite! Whether you’re team toasted or untoasted, plain or everything, s...
01/14/2025

🥯 TOMORROW is National Bagel Day! 🥳

Bagel lovers, unite! Whether you’re team toasted or untoasted, plain or everything, schmear-only or lox-loaded, tomorrow is THE day to celebrate everyone’s favorite doughy delight. 🥯✨

Tell us: What’s your ultimate bagel order? Drop it in the comments 👇—and tag your bagel buddy to plan your feast!

📸: Jeff Minton

01/13/2025

🕊️ What really happened during the 11-hour standoff at Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX?

Join us on the third anniversary of the 2022 hostage crisis for a special screening of the acclaimed documentary (80 min), followed by a powerful discussion with Rabbi Cytron-Walker and director Dani Menkin.

🎥 Go beyond the headlines with exclusive footage, meaningful artifacts, and a live conversation that will inspire and move you.

🎟️ Grab your seat—this is a night you won’t want to miss. Tickets available here: https://bit.ly/40qYpJ3

  in 1927, Louis B. Mayer—a Jewish immigrant from Belarus and the legendary head of MGM Studios—helped shape the future ...
01/11/2025

in 1927, Louis B. Mayer—a Jewish immigrant from Belarus and the legendary head of MGM Studios—helped shape the future of cinema by announcing the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

What began as an effort to unite film professionals and resolve industry challenges quickly evolved into a cultural cornerstone: the Academy Awards, first presented in 1929.

Mayer’s journey from his father’s scrap metal business to the helm of MGM Studios is a testament to the immigrant spirit and the drive to dream big. His work helped define American cinema, leaving a legacy that continues to celebrate storytelling and creativity on a global scale.

Which Oscar-winning films have inspired you? We’d love to hear!

📸: The first organizational meeting of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the Crystal Ballroom of the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel on May 11, 1927. Louis B. Mayer, Jack L. Warner and Darryl F. Zanuck attended the banquet. By Getty Images

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101 S Independence Mall E
Philadelphia, PA
19106

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Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

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(215) 923-3811

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