Skip To Main Content
Oakland Unified School District

OUSD Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month Throughout May

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, celebrating diverse cultures and contributions.
OUSD Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month Throughout May
OUSD Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month Throughout May
OUSD Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month Throughout May

This is Jewish American Heritage Month, and here in the Oakland Unified School District, we honor the significant contributions of Jewish Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and society. From the arts and sciences to civil rights, Jewish Americans have been vital in shaping the United States.

This month presents an opportunity to celebrate Jewish culture and reflect on the resilience and accomplishments of the Jewish community. It’s essential to stand in solidarity, promote understanding, and support all community members.

There are approximately 15 million Jews in the world today representing only .2% of the global population, with 90% of Jewish people residing in either the United States or Israel. The Bay Area has the fourth-largest Jewish community in the nation. Some of the key aspects of Jewish heritage are its traditions of scholarship and commitment to justice.

Since the waves of Jewish immigrants arrived here in the 19th and 20th centuries, Jewish Americans have had a profound influence on American society. They have not only enhanced American culture but also shaped the nation's ethical and intellectual framework, influencing its future in the 21st century.

Here are two of our wonderful teachers who are Jewish, and their thoughts on their heritage.

A woman wearing glasses and a black top stands in front of a white door, smiling confidently.

Phoebe Diamond

3rd grade Teacher at Chabot Elementary School and is a former OUSD Teacher of the Year

Jewish American Heritage isn’t a month. It's my Grandma Mildred teaching me how to make chicken stock. "Go to the butcher’s and get backs, necks, and lots of feet." It’s learning how to braise a brisket until it falls apart into tender bits and melts in your mouth. It's reading Sydney Taylor, Judy Blume, Ezra Jack Keats, Maurice Sendak, and Shel Silverstein when I was young. It's reading Isaac Beshevis Singer, Joseph Heller, Elie Weisel, Franz Kafka, and J.D. Salinger as I got older. Jewish heritage is sitting in a synagogue during a bar or bat mitzvah and recognizing the sounds of Hebrew, even though I never learned it. It's listening to the drash and being reminded that intellectual activity is an inherent part of being Jewish. Jewish heritage is an integral part of who I am.
A man stands in front of a colorful mural depicting another man, showcasing urban art and cultural expression.

Randy Porter

Music Teacher and former Teacher of the Year at Roosevelt Middle School

I'm proud to share a bit about what it means to me to be Jewish and to be an educator in Oakland. Oakland has a strong, active, and vibrant Jewish community - one that my family has been deeply connected to for generations. My dad moved to Oakland when he was just three years old, and my mom was born here and still lives in the city today. Their roots, and mine, run deep. The central tenet of Judaism is Tikkun Olam, the idea that we are all responsible for repairing the world. This guiding principle is at the heart of my Jewish identity, and it’s what fuels my work as a teacher. In Judaism, we are obligated to make the world better, and for me, that means showing up every day with everything I have to be the best music teacher I can be for my students in Oakland. Now in my 39th year of teaching, I’m filled with gratitude for the career I’ve had. My Jewish faith and heritage have been a constant source of inspiration, purpose, and joy throughout this journey.

Here are a few inspiring individuals from the Jewish American community whose contributions have shaped California and the Bay Area, leaving a lasting mark on our shared history:

An old black and white photo of a bearded man, capturing a vintage and timeless portrait.

Levi Strauss

German-Jewish immigrant who arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush and founded Levi Strauss & Co., revolutionizing workwear by creating the first blue jeans. His innovation transformed global fashion and created an iconic American brand still headquartered in San Francisco.
An old black and white photo of a woman wearing a striped shirt, looking thoughtfully off to the side.

Gertrude Stein

Oakland-born writer, art collector, and cultural figure who became a pivotal influence in modernist literature and art. Her Paris salon brought together artists and writers, and her experimental writing challenged traditional literary conventions. Her legacy includes coining the term "Lost Generation" for American expatriate writers.
A man wearing glasses and a black shirt, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression.

Josh Kornbluth

Bay Area-based monologist, filmmaker, and writer who has been recognized by The Contemporary Jewish Museum as an important voice representing the Jewish community. His autobiographical performances often explore his Jewish identity and experiences. His work frequently examines cultural identity and belonging in contemporary society.
A woman in a suit seated in front of an American flag, symbolizing patriotism and professionalism.

Barbara Boxer

Brooklyn-born Jewish American who served as United States Senator from California for four terms (1993-2017). She inspired many Jewish women in politics while championing environmental protection, women's rights, and social justice. In 1992, she made history alongside Dianne Feinstein as the first two women to represent California in the Senate simultaneously. Her grandchildren have also attended Oakland schools.

Reading List

We’re also sharing a reading list including books that highlight the experiences and perspectives of people of Jewish descent and demonstrate a rich diversity in themes, locations, and narrative styles. Students can access each of these texts and many more in Sora, our digital District Library collection.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's iconic "I dissent" quote, symbolizing her legacy in advocating for justice and equality.

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark

(Kinder - Grade 3)
Cover of Rivka's Presents featuring colorful illustrations and bold title text.

Rivka's Presents

(Kinder - Grade 3)
Honey jar with a wooden dipper beside it, set against a soft, warm background, evoking a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Honey and Me

(Grade 3-6)
Max exploring a mysterious room filled with spy gadgets and secrets, surrounded by shadows and intrigue.

Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of the World War II

(Grade 4-8)
Angels departing from a nostalgic landscape, symbolizing a farewell to the old country and its memories.

When the Angels Left the Old Country

(Grade 9-12)

And here’s a Jewish American Heritage resource guide from Project Shema.

Oakland Unified is committed to fostering an environment in which all students and staff of every background feel valued and respected. As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, it’s important to reiterate that OUSD stands strong against all forms of hate. The experiences of Jewish Americans are diverse, and we invite you to learn more here in Jewish American Heritage Month.