Cultural Fix O' The Week

Even if you're not particularly interested in history, promise me you'll at least check out "The Jewish Americans" on PBS. It's a thorough and enlightening documentary on not only the Jewish experience in America, but the innumerable positive contributions Jews have made to American innovation, business and culture.

I'm ashamed to say - and it's pretty unbelievable, I know - I was 16 years old before I met anyone who was Jewish or Catholic. (Say what you want about Bill Clinton, but he vastly improved the educational system in Arkansas while he was governor, including creating Governor's School, where I first began to meet people who weren't just like me. I hope for the opportunity to someday thank him for that and tell him how much that experience affected my life in the best possible way.)

Since then, I've been trying to supplement my sheltered life by learning about different religions and cultures, and this PBS show has definitely increased my knowledge of the Jewish experience in America. I've also been blessed to develop relationships with wonderful friends of different faiths and cultures who are infinitely patient with me and who love me despite my ignorance. Thanks, y'all - and thanks to PBS for putting this great program on the air.