At Delta region’s Spring Convention 2024, we had a BBYO separate about our Jewish “flame”. We discussed how we represent our Judaism to the outside world, our Jewish peers, and ourselves. In this conversation, our regional Mazkir/Gizbor brought up the fact that they were proud of historic Jewish achievement. From that conversation, I started thinking about the Jewish innovators who have shaped our culture. Where would we be without them? Does the Jewish faith/culture have anything to do with these achievements?  And finally, what do those changemakers’ legacies have to do with the Jewish teens of today?

The Jewish people and their contributions to society have an undeniable influence on the way we live our lives. To start, our inventions and discoveries have changed modern understandings of science. We can thank Albert Einstein for the theory of relativity, Hedy Lamarr for Wi-Fi, and Carl Sagan for making America care about astronomy. If you have taken or are taking biology, you’ve learned about Chlorophyll and Glycolysis, both discoveries that gained Jewish scientists Nobel Prizes. In fact, 216 out of 967 total Nobel laureates are Jewish. In terms of activism/politics, many Jewish Americans are and were involved in the A.C.L.U. and N.A.A.C.P., like Jack Greenberg, Henry Moskowitz, and, my personal favorite, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Similarly, Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan were key figures in second-wave feminism. Even today, I am proud to be represented by Jewish political leaders like Josh Stein and Nikki Fried. 

When thinking about Jewish achievement, a well-known stereotype is that Jewish Americans “Run Hollywood”. This stereotype arose when, in the early 20th century, Jewish immigrants were denied access to other industries due to anti-Semitism. They turned to entertainment, where they made the industry what it is today. Jewish filmmakers have directed classics (Jaws, A Space Odyssey: 2001, and Superbad), produced pop-hits (“Rehab”, “Green Light”, and “Hallelujah”), and written for iconic TV shows (Saturday Night Live, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Severance). To be clear, Jewish Americans don’t run Hollywood. Rather, the stereotype follows a pattern dating back thousands of years–immigrants, in this case, Jews, are locked out of jobs, so they are forced to enter occupations in specific fields. Then, they are discriminated against because they did the jobs they were forced to do. These ignorant stereotypes fail to consider the nuances of the communities they harm. 

In reality, the Jewish focus on education and achievement likely started with rabbinical practices dating back thousands of years. The Talmud specifically states that education should start from an early age and that learning (specifically the Torah) should be a lifelong journey. Also, there’s not really a defined afterlife in Judaism, so focus is placed on being a good/accomplished person while on Earth. Finally, our religion always encourages questioning, scholarly debate, and making a positive impact on the world around you, e.g. “Tikkun Olam”.

Furthermore, the general experience of being an immigrant likely contributes to Jewish achievement. Many of our great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents fled brutal conditions and persecution in their home countries. Their survival was miraculous, and they often fought through terrible, poor-paying jobs. It only makes sense that after so much struggle, they would want the best, most rewarding lives possible for their children. Ensuring their sons and daughters got the life they fought for meant providing premium education and demonstrating the value of hard work. My great-grandmother left Hungary and worked as a bookkeeper, so my grandfather could be a lawyer (working a factory job to afford law school), so my dad could be an engineer, and so that I could be an artist or writer. Personally, knowing my family faced discrimination and hardship so I could succeed motivates me to accomplish more. I am lucky to have access to the opportunities and resources they weren’t afforded; it’s important to me to make the best out of them. My family’s story is not a distinctly Jewish one. It applies to the lived experience of immigrants everywhere.

As many of us are second, third, or fourth-generation immigrants, it’s crucial that we don’t lose touch with our past. Reflecting on our reputation for social justice and achievement yields Jewish pride, a tool essential in fighting anti-semitism. Moreover, Jewish changemakers have forged the paths we walk on today. As Generation Z, it’s our job to continue their work. Jewish survival depends on each generation passing down values that encourage unity, innovation, and life-long learning. We should actively break glass ceilings now, the same way our ancestors did, so that the next generation can make a greater impact. We can all relate to that ecstatic feeling when you find out a celebrity you love is Jewish–strive to be that person for future generations. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing that you have made a difference and served as a role model for others.