Council of American Jewish Museums

Jewish Museums Strengthen American Democracy

The Council of American Jewish Museums (CAJM) is doing its part to keep Jewish history alive – and applying its lessons to the challenges America faces right now. At a time when American democracy feels fragile, CAJM is strengthening civic education and engagement in the public square by supporting critical conversations, sharing information, and modeling the inclusion of diverse voices. Through participation in the Jewish Partnership for Democracy, CAJM is expanding its resources and influence to connect with a wider audience and grow their impact. 

According to CAJM’s Executive Director Melissa Yaverbaum, this is a critical time for her organization to lend a hand. 

“Many of us grew up taking democracy for granted,” said Yaverbaum. “Now we are experiencing tremendous fracturing and divisiveness in the public square, and it’s time to act using insights from history and the trusted spaces available in museums.”

Yaverbaum believes that Jewish museums have a particular responsibility – and a special ability – to help strengthen democratic culture and civic dialogue. In dozens of communities across the United States, Jewish museums offer a public-facing space for understanding and conversation that is thoughtful, non-denominational, and transpartisan. At the same time, Jewish culture offers a particularly useful lens for exploring and supporting American pluralism. 

“A diasporic culture is constantly interfacing with others and working through the dynamics of cultural proximity, immersion, and adjacency,” said Yaverbaum. “Jewish culture brings distinctive textures, wisdom, and navigational experience to the American tapestry, and helps us all transcend stark red-and-blue thinking.”

In May, CAJM will be hosting its 2024 national conference titled Museums and Democracy: Elevating Civic Engagement featuring A More Perfect Union as their marquee partner. The event, which doubles as the organization’s commitment to the Jewish Partnership for Democracy, will share some of the ways that American Jewish museums are already strengthening civic participation and democratic culture and discuss how they can meet the challenges ahead to help educate, engage, and build a better, stronger democracy for all. 

Learn more about CAJM’s 2024 conference here. For additional information or to get involved in CAJM’s work, contact Melissa Yaverbaum at cajmexec@gmail.com. For information about how your organization can work with A More Perfect Union, contact us at commitments@jewishdemocracy.org.