A History of Jewish American Achievement

Gr 7 Up—The accomplishments of Jewish American men and women from the first pioneers to arrive in the New World in 1654 through the beginning of the 21st century are presented. Arranged chronologically, the individuals profiled run the gamut from fur traders to labor leaders, from writers to scientists, from actors and musicians to beauty queens and star athletes, from judges to tech gurus. Each production is divided into five to seven segments running three to four minutes each. Actress Mare Winningham introduces each program, lauding the unique contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation's history. The foundation of Jewish participation in society is stated as deeply rooted in religious teachings, stressing social responsibility, the importance of education, and helping others. These attributes come to life in the context of historical events, highlighting notable personalities. Period film footage combined with still photos is of particular interest. The script repeats "Jewish Americans" entirely too often when describing each individual. In some instances, the narration is prone to exaggeration and oversimplification. For example, in the instance of J. Robert Oppenheimer, whose work led to the Manhattan Project and development of the atomic bomb, the repercussions of his work are barely mentioned. There are interviews with professors whose commentary is at times overly dramatic. These aspects interfere with an otherwise historically accurate presentation.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, Fort Washakie, WY