May is also Jewish American Heritage Month. Judaism has existed for nearly 4,000 years and is one of the world’s earliest monotheistic religions, although not all US Jews are necessarily religious. Jewish people have been in North America since long before the creation of the United States, first arriving in New Amsterdam (now New York City) in 1654. Jewish American Heritage Month was established by George W Bush in 2006.
On this page, you’ll find book recommendations for kids and adults, and you’ll also find some additional resources below!
Books for Children
Middle Grade Books
Books for Young Adults
Books for Adults
Fiction
Nonfiction
Additional Resources
Jewish Culture and Traditions: Resources in the American Folklife Center
American Jewish Historical Society
Illinois Jewish Communities Oral History Project
Central Illinois Jewish Communities Archives (CIJCA)
“Jews in the Land of Lincoln” – National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP)
TBR Books 