The City’s Library and Civic Center Will Host These Events
By Dolores Quintana
The City of Beverly Hills, in collaboration with the Community Services Department, is hosting a series of events throughout the month to honor Jewish American Heritage Month. These events aim to recognize and celebrate Jewish Americans’ remarkable achievements and contributions. You can check out the events on the city’s website here.
Head over to the Beverly Hills Public Library and immerse yourself in a display of books and audiovisual items that celebrate influential Jewish Americans and share intriguing stories about Jewish life in America. The collection showcases the Jewish American community’s diversity, talent, and impact. For those unable to visit the library, e-resource links can be found online at bhpl.org. Additionally, a window display in the Library’s Rexford lobby features captivating visual elements that pay homage to Jewish Americans.
On Thursday, May 25, at 1:00 pm, the Roxbury Park Community Center will host “Roxbury Reels – Movies Celebrating Storylines about Jewish Americans.” and screen “An American Pickle.”
On Sunday, May 28, at 1:00 pm, join storyteller, actress, and writer Jessica Honor Carleton for a special Storytime session titled “Shalom Stories.” Carleton, a recipient of five National Daytime Emmy Awards, will bring joy and laughter to the program as she shares stories from her Jewish culture. This delightful event, suitable for the whole family, is a memorable celebration of Jewish storytelling.
Another significant event to mark on your calendar is the Critical Conversations Speaker Series: “The Jewish Contributions to the American Fabric of Life” on Wednesday, May 31, at 6:30 pm. You can RSVP for the event here.
Held at the City Hall Municipal Gallery, this free speaker series will feature dynamic leaders discussing and celebrating Jewish contributions across all aspects of American life. The panelists will explore the Jewish influence in arts and culture, politics, media and entertainment, philanthropy, the tech industry, and science and medicine. It’s an opportunity to gain insights into the profound impact of Jewish Americans on the American landscape.
The esteemed panelists for the Critical Conversations Speaker Series include attorney and non-profit leader Sam Yebri, publisher of the Jewish Journal Bob Eshman, chair of the Women’s International Zionist Organization Gina Raphael, Director of Global Social Action for the Simon Wiesenthal Center Rabbi Abraham Cooper, and board member in Jewish Artists Initiative Sagi Refael. You can find the panelist’s biographies here.
Throughout Jewish American Heritage Month, these events in Beverly Hills aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Jewish American community’s contributions. The city encourages dialogue, cultural exchange, and celebration of diversity by showcasing influential figures, sharing captivating stories, and engaging in critical conversations.
