American Jews

Meir Kahane

The founder of the Jewish Defense League pushed the boundaries between spiritual leader, politician, and terrorist.

Ordination of Women as Rabbis

Women rabbis in history and in the news.

The Trefa Banquet and the End of a Dream

The menu at the celebration for Hebrew Union College's first ordained graduating class led to the formal break between tradition and reform.

The Anti-Nazi Boycott of 1933

When news of Nazi assaults of Jewish businesses in Germany reached the United States, numerous Jewish groups responded.

The Day the Rabbis Marched on Washington

Four hundred rabbis marched together to bring to President Roosevelt's attention the atrocities being committed by the Nazis in Europe.

Rabbi Gittelsohn’s Iwo Jima Sermon

A rabbi's eulogy for World War II heroes became famous after a bigoted attempt to ban it.

Mickey Marcus: Israel’s American General

After a distinguished career in military and public service to the United States, Marcus helped Israel win its War of Independence.

Passover Seders During the Civil War

For American Jewry during the Civil War, the Passover story was especially powerful. However, creating a seder in a war zone requires flexibility and creativity.

Lane Bryant Malsin: Fashion Revolutionary

Lane Bryant Malsin started a small business and became a famous fashion designer who made millions, but she was always involved in Jewish philanthropic work.

How Jewish Gangsters Fought the Nazis

During the rise of Nazism and the foundation of Israel, notorious Jewish gangsters proved to be true supporters of their people.