The Jewish Americans
Explores 350 years of Jewish American history, beginning with the first Jews who arrive in the 17th century, who epitomized the immigrant experience. Even as they faced rejection, Jews embraced American culture while keeping alive their own heritage. Focusing on the tension amid identity and assimilation, the series features Jewish Americans who have made major contributions to American life. (Yad Vashem)
Cast: Liev Schreiber, Carl Reiner, Mandy Patinkin
Miniseries
3 episodes
- 1. They Came to Stay / A World of Their OwnIn the 1700s, a small number of Jews came to America, struggling to hold fast to their faith while becoming part of the emerging nation. During the 19th century, German-speaking Jews arrived from Central Europe, gravitating to the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Jewish Americans developed their own cultural institutions and the Yiddish theater became popular. (Yad Vashem)TV-PGCC1 h 56 minJan 9, 2008
- 2. The Best of Times, the Worst of TimesIrving Berlin transferred himself into one of America’s top songwriters. Sometimes excluded of American life, Jewish Americans developed and established their own businesses. In the 1920s, Jewish immigrants came to dominate Hollywood. At the end of WWII, the American Jews found themselves the largest and most powerful Jewish community in the world. (Yad Vashem)TV-PGCC1 h 55 minJan 16, 2008
- 3. HomeBy 1946, with the return of Jewish American servicemen, a new optimism emerged. Jewish Americans supported the creation of Israel. By the turn of the century, many Jews begin experimenting with new spiritual practices. Today, they continue to weave themselves into the American life. The old issue of negotiating Jewish and American identities remains. (Yad Vashem)TV-PGCC1 h 51 minJan 23, 2008
The Jewish Americans
Explores 350 years of Jewish American history, beginning with the first Jews who arrive in the 17th century, who epitomized the immigrant experience. Even as they faced rejection, Jews embraced American culture while keeping alive their own heritage. Focusing on the tension amid identity and assimilation, the series features Jewish Americans who have made major contributions to American life. (Yad Vashem)
Creators and cast
- Directors
- David Grubin
- Created by
- David Grubin
- Studio
- David Grubin Productions, JTN Productions, WETA
Maturity rating
TV-PGCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
