May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, contributions, and traditions of Jewish Americans. At Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines, we’re proud to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our members, volunteers, and leaders.
To learn more about the importance of this month and what Jewish identity means within our Girl Scout community, we spoke with Jane Green, a member of our Board of Directors, longtime volunteer, and proud Jewish American.
About Jane Green
Jane Green is a longtime Girl Scout, former Brownie, and current board member of Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines, where she also serves on the Fund Development Committee. A retired attorney and lifelong community leader, Jane has practiced corporate law, served as an elected official in Connecticut, and remains deeply involved in philanthropic and service efforts across the Triangle. She’s passionate about civic engagement, social justice, and empowering youth through organizations like Girl Scouts and her local synagogue.
What does Jewish American Heritage Month mean to you?
Jane: It is a time to recognize and learn about all of the contributions Jewish Americans have made to our country. Jewish Americans are patriotic, hard-working, and emphasize education, community service and social justice.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about Jewish American heritage?
Jane: Jewish settlers arrived in the American colonies in the 1600s. Chaim Salomon, a Polish-born Jew who emigrated to New York, played an important role in the American Revolution, helping to raise most of the money needed to finance the war.
Do you have a favorite tradition or holiday?
Jane: Passover is my favorite. It celebrates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt and their return to their homeland. It’s a holiday that’s celebrated in the home with family and food—and it’s all about togetherness. Like many Jewish holidays, it emphasizes learning, storytelling, and values that have been passed down for generations.
How has being Jewish shaped your experiences or the way you see the world?
Jane: There is a phrase in Hebrew, “tikkun olam”, meaning repairing the world. It is a central concept of Judaism, emphasizing our responsibility to improve the world and to make it a more just and harmonious place, through actively engaging in social justice, environmental stewardship and personal growth to create positive change.
Who is a Jewish American role model who inspires you?
Jane: Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was a shining example of tikkun olam. She pursued a career in law when women were extremely rare in the profession, overcoming many obstacles. She fought, as an attorney and as a Justice, for fairness and women’s rights.
Why do you think it’s important for Girl Scouts to learn about different cultures, including Jewish heritage?
Jane: Learning about different ethnicities and religions adds to each girl a greater appreciation for all the beautiful traditions and history of all peoples of the world. It also helps them to recognize and avoid stereotyping, fear, disrespect, distrust and prejudice.
How can Girl Scouts or troops celebrate or learn about Jewish American Heritage Month?
Jane: Invite Jewish girls and women to speak to your troop. Get to know a Jewish girl your own age. Question what others tell you about Jews if your personal experiences are different. Read library books about Jewish American history and contemporary Jewish culture and political contributions. Visit the Judaica Gallery at the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh, the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, the US Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC. or the Temple of Israel in Wilmington, the oldest one in NC (dating to 1872). Attend a Friday evening or Saturday morning service at a local synagogue (all are welcome), and especially attend a service at which a girl or boy is being bar mitzvahed!
Final thoughts?
Jane: Learn about different cultures, celebrate our differences and similarities. The more you learn about others, the greater beauty and understanding you will see in each person.
This month, and every month, we’re proud to celebrate the diversity of our Girl Scout community. Thank you, Jane, for sharing your story and reminding us how powerful it can be to lead with compassion and curiosity.
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