Several times a year the Penn's Village Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee recommends several resources to help our members and friends to be more aware of the racial biases in each of us and in our society, and the resulting inequities, past and present. It is the committee’s hope that this information may even inspire us to make corrective changes. These resources assembled by Penn’s Village members represent different mediums, different perspectives and experiences, and diverse authors.
Penn’s Village welcomes and actively encourages an inclusive and diverse community of members, staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. Inclusiveness and diversity mean welcoming all and excluding no one because of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical abilities, religious or political beliefs.
At the very bottom of this page, blog readers have the opportunity to comment. The Inclusiveness and Diversity Committee welcomes your opinions about any of our suggested resources and any suggestions about their mission.
May, 2026 Jewish Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a federally recognized, annual celebration in the United States honoring the history, culture, and profound contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation’s society. Established in 2006, this month highlights Jewish Americans' achievements in arts, sciences, politics, and civil rights, with events held nationwide to promote understanding and combat antisemitism.
In Conjunction with America’s 250th Celebration the Weitzman National Museum Of American Jewish History Presents: The First Salute: An Untold Story of the American Revolution
This is the first-ever major museum exhibition to explore the little-known story of a small group of Jewish merchants in the Caribbean whose outsized contributions to the cause of American Liberty tipped the scales in the fight for American Independence. It is on display through April 2027.
A Mini Virtual Summit on Antisemitism on Tuesday, May 26th from 7-8:30 pm
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition is hosting a virtual summit on antisemitism.
This presentation will focus on how the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is addressing antisemitism at the state level. It will discuss current policies and enforcement efforts to safeguard Jewish communities and protect human rights. Speakers include the Executive Director of Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, Chad Lassiter; Pennsylvania House Representative Jared Solomon; and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday. To register for this free event click here.
Book: The Light of Days: The Untold Story of Women Resistance Fighters in Hitler’s Ghettos By Judy Batalion
The Light of Days is a soaring and harrowing account of the role dozens of Jewish women played in the resistance during the Holocaust. This book may be difficult to read because Batalion does not flinch from telling the truth. Yet it reveals and exults in the small but significant successes the women achieved against all odds. Their examples of courage add a dimension to our understanding of the Holocaust and serve to inspire and empower us. To listen to a 4-minute excerpt of this book, click here.
The Jewish Lives Podcast
This is a show that explores the lives of Jews who changed the world. Hosted by Alessandra Wollner, each episode features an interview with an acclaimed Jewish person. To learn about the lives and accomplishments of Edmond De Rothschild, Stephen Sondheim, Carole King, Ayn Rand, Philip Roth, and many, many more, click here.
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Movie: A Real Pain
A Real Pain is a 2024 comedy-drama film produced, written, and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. An international co-production between Poland and the United States, the film stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mismatched cousins who reunite for a Jewish heritage tour through Poland in honor of their late grandmother. The tensions that surface between them amidst the backdrop of their family history produce smiles and laughter as well as reveal feelings of intimacy and affection. This film may be rented On Demand for $3.99.