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Jewish History Month
Proposal Up To President
The House of Representatives approved a resolution
Thursday calling on the president
to proclaim January as Jewish History Month.


By Beth Reinhard
Miami Herald
12-17-5

 

Quick, who was Judith Resnik?
 
If President Bush heeds Thursday's congressional resolution urging him to designate January as Jewish History Month, schoolchildren across the nation may learn that Resnik was the first Jewish-American woman astronaut. She was killed in the 1986 explosion of the space shuttle Challenger.
 
The Jewish history resolution was sponsored by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Weston Democrat who represents Broward and Miami-Dade counties and happens to be the first Jewish congresswoman from Florida.
 
She envisions classroom instruction, public ceremonies and broadcast announcements similar to those for black and women's history months in February and March. Whether Jewish History Month would gain that level of national acceptance and participation depends on whether it is embraced by schools and other educational institutions.
 
''There's a generation of children growing up with a fading memory of what happened during World War II or even an understanding of anyone who is Jewish or their culture and traditions,'' said Wasserman Schultz in a telephone interview shortly after the 423-0 vote in the House of Representatives. ``Through education comes tolerance.''
 
The Jewish history resolution naturally raises questions about commemorative months for other religious groups.
 
Gary Cass, executive director of the Center for Reclaiming America, a national Christian organization based in Fort Lauderdale, said he supported any group's efforts to celebrate its heritage. But just as he and other Christian conservatives object to secular celebrations of Christmas, he objects to teaching Jewish history without talk of religious practices and values. ''We cannot seem to have an honest discussion about the Christian roots of America,'' he said. ``How much tolerance would [Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz] have for a Christian Heritage month?''
 
Judaism is unique, Wasserman Schultz said, because it is both a culture and a religion. She said she would not support teaching any religion in public schools.
 
The resolution is the second Jewish-oriented measure spearheaded this month by Wasserman Schultz, who represents a heavily Democratic and Jewish congressional district. Last week, the House passed her bill preventing insurers from denying life insurance to applicants who travel to Israel or other countries perceived as dangerous.
 
Par for the course for this first-year member of Congress viewed as a rising star.
 
''When an officeholder has the ability to tap into street-level issues, it's mighty important and mighty effective,'' said political consultant Roy Teicher, who works on congressional races.
 
Wasserman Schultz's office said Sen. Arlen Specter pledged to introduce the same resolution, though Bush could act on the House resolution alone.
 
The House stopped passing laws commemorating a certain period of time in 1995, responding to a deluge of members seeking a symbolic way to connect with certain constituents or a special interest group. But that hasn't stopped lawmakers from asking the president to issue proclamations honoring Irish-Americans, the Wright Brothers and family caregivers.
 
A White House spokesman said the president needs time to review the Jewish history resolution. Bush has proclaimed a week in the spring as Jewish Heritage Week every year since 2001.
 
The Jewish experience in America dates back to the arrival of 23 refugees from Brazil in 1654. Like subsequent waves of Jewish immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries, they were escaping religious persecution. Today, there are more Jews in the United States than any other country.
 
''As part of a pluralistic, tolerant society, it's worthwhile for schoolchildren to be instructed in the mosaic that makes up American society,'' said William Daroff, director of the United Jewish Communities' Washington office.
 
A Jewish history month would be worthwhile, said Art Teitelbaum, southern area director for the Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish civil rights organization.
 
''These efforts at recognizing the contributions of religious and ethnic groups should also serve as a reminder that we shouldn't confine our learning and knowledge of the people who make up America to one week or month, but to incorporate the study of our diverse population throughout our educational efforts,'' Teitelbaum said.
 
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/13419045.htm

 

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