May is Jewish American Heritage Month! (Pretty cool, huh?)

JAHM was started in 2006. The entire month is devoted to recognizing prominent individuals, reflecting on the Holocaust and honoring Jewish contributions to all parts of society, including literature, music, cinema and the arts.

The 2019 theme is American Jewish illustrators, who have created beloved children’s books, iconic graphic novels, superheroes, syndicated comics and cartoons.

Some folks on the list are world-famous like Stan Lee and Maurice Sendak. Lesser known—but definitely talented—artists like Maira Kalman and Jack Kirby are also getting some well-deserved attention. 

Where The Wild Things Are is one of my favorite books! It belongs in every child’s library.

I feel very lucky that the Jewish community can be celebrated by the whole country. In the same regard, I am happy to acknowledge other communities during their heritage months. We are all Americans and we need to honor each other.

JHAM has more info on their website, including a list of events, activities/resources and a free toolkit that can be downloaded.

The Jewish community in Palm Beach County, Florida has changed in a big way, according to the latest demographic survey. Defying its image as a retirement haven, young families are the largest growing segment of the population, with median age dropping from 70-years-old in 2005, to 60-years-old today. 

In addition to being younger, households were different in other ways—over half are Interfaith families and a surprising 20% of respondents described themselves as barely paying their bills or poor. 

The Palm Beach metro area has more Jewish residents than Miami, Northern New Jersey and Detroit, and is predicted to expand further in the next two decades. 

Since my sister lives there, and I’ve witnessed changes in the area firsthand, I agree with their findings. 25 years ago, it was uncommon to see day cares, nursery schools and/or play groups; everything was geared towards seniors. Today, there are tons of organizations and activities that cater to kids and younger parents. Each stream of Judaism is available, from Secular Humanist to Ultra Orthodox. Some of the public schools even take the Jewish holidays off, Kosher food is plentiful and there is a lot of support and awareness from non-Jewish citizens. 

While it’s much too hot for me to live there year-round, it’s wonderful for extended vacations in the winter. I love the Judaica stores, beaches and Jewish museums. There is also a nice feeling of “Jewishness” in  Florida that you don’t experience in most places, outside of NY or Israel. 

Whether you’re hosting Passover for the first time or the fortieth, a guide can be very helpful, especially if you’re overwhelmed and unsure where/how to start.

Here are a few that I really like:

Want step-by-step instructions? As usual, Chabad is the best resource. 

Dealing with allergies? Kosher.com has great advice for those who need to avoid eggs, ground nuts, and other holiday staples.

The Forward has a very comprehensive guide, with activities divided up over a few days, instead of a single marathon night of cooking and cleaning. 

Heritage Florida suggests visualizing the Seder you want, then planning. They also recommend potluck as an option, which is fun if others want to chip in.

Reform Judaism has a nice checklist that can be printed—wonderful for those who enjoy crossing things off as they go.

Are you hosting Passover this year? I’m having 11 people at my house!

It started at a synagogue appreciation dinner in Brooklyn, when Heshy Ceitlin, came up with a unique idea for outreach: gift and install a Mezuzah to any Jewish family that wanted one. Only a few years later, over 1,000 door posts—and numerous hearts—have been changed for the better by the Chabad Rabbi. 

Many of the individuals he has shown kindness and support to were formerly secular, never had a Mezuzah, and some weren’t even sure how to find one. Because he was willing to put time and effort into these people, they were able to connect with Judaism.

This is what makes Chabad so special. They are the only Jewish group that is actively doing outreach, unlike the Reform which actively pushes members out the door. (Yes, there are good Reform temples/rabbis, but overall, they’re not willing to go the extra mile and meet someone where they’re at.)

You don’t have to be orthodox to love Chabad, or to attend a Shabbos service or a holiday event. Not only are you welcome, you are wanted! Seriously, if you’ve become unaffiliated, if you are fed up with liberal Judaism that isn’t Torah based, try Chabad. There is little or no cost and you can be sure that there won’t be rejection or judgment. 

Judaism is supposed to be about love—God’s love for us, our love for Him, and our love for each other. You can definitely follow a religion on your own, but it’s so much nicer to have a community where you feel safe and included. 

Putting a Mezuzah on a door is a simple act that may produce incredible results. Even if you’re not religious, embracing tradition is worthwhile. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Every effort counts, no matter how small.