RESOURCES FOR ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE,

AND SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS

CELEBRATING FLORIDA JEWISH HISTORY MONTH

JANUARY 2008

“Contributions of One Ethnic Group in

Shaping the Destiny of Florida”

This pocket watch with Hebrew letters was owned by

George Dzialynski (1857-1937), the first known Jewish boy

born in Florida. The Dzialynski family still lives in Jacksonville.

A COLLABORATION BETWEEN

THE JEWISH MUSEUM OF FLORIDA AND

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS’

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION, SOCIAL SCIENCES

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida

Mr. Agustin J. Barrera, Chair

Dr. Martin Karp, Vice Chair

Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla

Ms. Evelyn Langlieb Greer

Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman

Ms. Ana Rivas Logan

Dr. Marta Pérez

Dr. Solomon C. Stinson

Mr. Adam Wexelbaum

Student Advisor

Dr. Rudolph F. Crew

Superintendent of Schools

Mr. John R. Doyle

Administrative Director

Curriculum and Instruction, Social Sciences

November 2007

Dear Educator:

January is Florida Jewish History Month. The Jewish Museum of Florida initiated the 2003 legislation that designated this month to honor the indelible imprint of Floridian Jews on our State’s history. Florida’s greatest asset is its people. Diverse cultures have enriched the State since early times. It is a common belief that Florida Jewish History began after World War II, when it actually begins much earlier. Jews have actively participated in shaping the destiny of Florida since they were first allowed to settle in 1763. Florida Jewish History Month is a time to learn how Jews have been involved in enriching the lives and dreams of all Floridians.

As you plan for Florida Jewish History month, did you know that?

· A Jew, David Levy Yulee, is known as the “architect” of Florida Statehood.

· His father, Moses Levy, among the earliest and largest developers in Florida, published a plan to abolish slavery and was a proponent of free education in Florida.

· More than 100 Jewish families have lived in Florida for over 100 years.

· Floridian Jews have served in all the wars. Fort Myers is named for Col. Abraham Myers.

· For nearly 250 years, Jews have lived in Florida, maintained traditions of their heritage and contributed to our State in every sector.

In this packet, we provide you with educational materials to complement your existing curriculum with the stories and history of one of Florida’s most influential ethnic groups. They include:

· Florida Jewish History fact and theme webs;

· Timeline of Florida Jewish history;

· Lesson guide of important Florida Jewish History time periods and personalities; and a

· Jewish Museum of Florida school field experience form.

The mission of our Museum is to collect, preserve and interpret the material evidence of the Florida Jewish experience. We examine how Jews form a part of a dynamic mosaic of ethnic groups, all seeking to balance the continuity and traditions of their heritage with the values and customs of a larger society. Florida’s Jews have brought their visions of freedom and their creativity and have left their footprints across the entire State. We are your resource in the community. Please feel free to contact us at 305-672-5044 ext. 3187 if you have any questions about Florida Jewish History, the integration of our curriculum materials or to arrange your student group tour.

Yours truly,

Marcia Zerivitz Sid Krupkin

Founding Executive Director & Chief Curator Director of Education & Public Programs