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British soldiers on guard of walls of old Jerusalem, 1947 |
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Wednesday, September 14, 2005
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Lectures at the AHC Wyoming Stock
Growers’ Room with a reception to follow
Free and Open to the Public
 Print a poster of the event  (98 k)
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Program:
September 2004 launched the beginning of a year-long celebration in which the national Jewish community initiated programs, events , and exhibitions marking 350 years of communal life in America. Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America 1654-2004 coordinates this year-long celebration.
The commemoration dates itself from the landing in New Amsterdam (today's New York City) in 1654 of a small group of Jews from Recife, Brazil. Fleeing persecution and seeking refuge, this first boatload was the vanguard of millions of Jews to follow. The story of Jews in America is a unique and noteworthy chapter in Jewish history. It is a grand, gritty, and complex narrative well worth recalling, and the 350th anniversary provides the perfect context for doing so.
A century ago, and again 50 years ago, the Jewish community mounted an array of activities to reflect upon its experience in America. On each occasion, Jews noted the integral relationship between American freedom and Jewish continuity. But in a larger sense, the Jewish experience in America - with its commitment to the values of freedom, opportunity, religious liberty, equality, and pluralism - is the story of America and American ideals as well . Therefore, all Americans are invited to join in Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America 1654-2004 .
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