I will be spending Thursday afternoon at the White House as part of a group invited by President Obama to join him in celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. I feel deeply honored to have received this invitation. And whatever one thinks about this President, his administration, its policies on Israel, etc. if you love America and are proud of being Jewish, this is a big deal. Anyone who fails to grasp that places their personal politics ahead of their devotion to our nation, the Jewish people or both.
According to a White House press release, “the reception serves as an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the range and depth of Jewish American heritage and contributions to American culture, with guests representing the many walks of life that have helped weave the fabric of American history.”
In his proclamation declaring May to be Jewish American Heritage Month the President said, “The Jewish American story is an essential chapter of the American narrative. It is one of refuge from persecution; of commitment to service, faith, democracy, and peace; and of tireless work to achieve success. As leaders in every facet of American life – from athletics, entertainment, and the arts to academia, business, government, and our Armed Forces – Jewish Americans have shaped our Nation and helped steer the course of our history. We are a stronger and more hopeful country because so many Jews from around the world have made America their home.”
So I ask you, what do you think are the greatest contributions made by Jews to this country? I am also curious if you think the contributors’ Jewishness was a real factor in the contributions which they made, or merely a fact of their existence in which Jews now take pride?