BEACHWOOD, Ohio — Jewish American history is alive and well in Northeast Ohio, and you don't have to go far to learn more about the culture.
Associate curator for Jewish history at Western Reserve Historical Society, Dr. Sean Martin works closely with the Maltz Museum in Beachwood and says every day you can find examples of the rich history.
"Here at the Maltz Museum, this is something the museum does every day and so we are just happy for this extra opportunity to tell people about what we do," said Dr. Martin.
What most people may not know is that Jewish Americans were one of the first groups to migrate to Cleveland.
"Sometimes, I don't think we recognize that Jews were the earliest immigrant groups in the area. Most Jews came from Eastern Europe between the 1880s and 1920s when most of the immigrants came to Cleveland."
Not only does Cleveland have one of the largest and most thriving Jewish-American communities in the country, but Superman just happens to be a Jewish-American from Cleveland.
From music, to literature, and yes...even comics, the Maltz Museum did not disappoint in my quest to learn more about Jewish American history in Northeast Ohio.
Jewish heritage is not just a thing of the past, it is an everyday part of life here in Cleveland.
“Judaism is much more than a religion. It's culture, people, humor, food, history, values and wisdom, which teaches us how to be the best people that we can be to live, meaningful and rich lives," said Rabbi Melinda Mersack the Director of jHUB.
Rabbi Mersack says one of the most important things you can do to honor and celebrate Jewish-American heritage month is to treat others with love and kindness.
“Jewish teachings aren't just focused on the Jewish community, but really Jewish wisdom is personal and helps us again, but it also obligates us to take care of the greater community and greater society.”
For more information on the Maltz Museum, click here.
