In Celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, the Jewish Voice in American Song

Jewish American Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish American achievements and contributions to the United States of America. It is observed annually in the U.S. during the month of May. Signed by President George W. Bush on April 20, 2006, the legislation was the culmination of efforts by individuals and groups in the Jewish community that resulted in resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). They urged the president to proclaim a month that would recognize the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.
Jews make up less than two percent of the population and yet there is a lack of understanding that Judaism is both a religion and a culture.
Jewish immigrants came to our country, hoping to fulfill their dreams by participating in the American promise of socio-economic mobility, democracy, and cultural acceptance. With a culture that places a strong value on education and community, Jewish Americans have enriched our society and contributed to the economic and cultural vitality of our nation.
To celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, Beth Judah Wildwood will present a program on Thursday, May 11 at 7 p.m. called the Jewish Voice in American Song. The program will be held in Beth Judah’s social hall; it is free and open to the public.
Dr. Karen Uslin, adjunct professor of Musicology at Rowan University, accompanied by Jonathan Delgado, director of music and liturgy at Notre Dame De Lar Mer Parish, will explore the unique role of Jewish composers, lyricists and performers in the creation of the modern American Musical. The performance will provide a back-and-forth between narrative and songs.
It may seem paradoxical, but it took a Russian-born cantor’s son, Irving Berlin, to write “God Bless America” and the musical of quintessential Americana, Annie Get Your Gun. It was Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II, both Jews, who wrote the American masterpiece Show Boat. George and Ira Gershwin composed Porgy and Bess, often considered America’s first and best opera. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II created and defined aspects of the American landscape in Oklahoma! and explored American values in South Pacific. And, in the latter half of the twentieth century, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick wrote the prototypical “Jewish” musical, Fiddler on the Roof.
For more information, visit Beth Judah Wildwood located at Spence & Pacific avenues in Wildwood, find them online at www.bethjudahtemple.org, or email bethjudahtemple@yahoo.com.