May 18, 2023 Tori Ross Poole
May is Jewish American Heritage Month – an annual recognition and celebration of Jewish Americans’ achievements and contributions to the U.S. As a community, we celebrate the enduring heritage of Jewish Americans, including their values, culture and contributions.
Here at Inkhouse, we find community and understanding through storytelling. Our employees have graciously shared their personal stories and connection to their heritage. Here is what they had to say:
JEN WEBER, Boston Account Director
“When I reflect on what Jewish American Heritage Month means to me, it would mean nothing if it weren’t for the tremendous sacrifice my grandparents made in bringing my mom and her four sisters to America in the first place. My Sephardic Jewish heritage is rooted in constant change and migration — since Jews were often displaced or expelled—which pushed my family to Israel before finally immigrating to the U.S. My grandparents wanted a better life for themselves and their five daughters, and saw America as a place where our Jewish identity and traditions would be welcomed and celebrated. However, as one of the only Jewish kids in school growing up, it was easy to feel like I didn’t fit in. It wasn't until I got older — especially when I went on my Birthright Israel trip in 2018 and two years later met my soon-to-be husband who is also Jewish — that I really felt proud of my accomplishments and my heritage. Had it not been for my late grandparents rising above the persecution they dealt with, I (and my huge extended family) would not be thriving in America today. My hope is that my personal and professional achievements to date — and those I have yet to achieve — make them proud.”
EMILY MUHLBERG, Austin, TX Senior Account Executive
“My dad's entire side of the family is Jewish, and a few years ago my grandma mentioned she was sad she was never given a formal Hebrew name growing up. We decided to surprise her with a ceremony for her 90th birthday, and my sister, cousins and I learned a poem in Hebrew to recite. As I understand it, a formal Hebrew name is usually given to children to signify who you hope they turn out to be, so it was really special to give my grandma a name that signifies who she already is. “
MICHAELA SCHEININ, Seattle Assistant Account Executive
“I think the beautiful thing about Judaism is that every Jewish person you meet has a unique combination of traditions and beliefs. The scale of Reform to Orthodox weaves together different cultures and ideas; together, they create a heterogeneous mix of wonderful food, wonderful people, and wonderful places.”
SARA BISTRIN, San Francisco Account Executive
“Every day I am proud to be Jewish. My grandmother escaped the Nazis from Austria to build a life in the United States, and I’m incredibly thankful for her strength and perseverance. To me, being Jewish means family, love and acceptance. And lots of good food!”
SAMANTHA MCGARRY, Boston Executive Vice President
“I wrote this poem a while ago about the Cheerio bracelet I wear, which was made by my great grandpa for his daughter, my grandma before she fled from England to America during the war, fearing a Hitler invasion of England. I wear this bracelet proudly as it connects me to my heritage.”
