When SoBe Was Kosher

May is Jewish American Heritage Month. Who knew? Well, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz did; she’s the politician who spearheaded the campaign to designate May as such. Thanks to her efforts, the Jewish Museum of Florida (301 Washington Ave., Miami Beach) can present “Making America Harmonious: Jewish Contributions to the Nation’s Music” as part of its monthlong festivities. Keynote speaker Dr. Stephen J. Whitfield, from Brandeis University, will discuss Tin Pan Alley, Broadway musicals, and Hollywood movie themes, while the Cantorial Ensemble and Alumni of the New World School of the Arts perform choral, strings and jazz selections. The fun starts at 2:00 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP is required, so call 305-672-5044, ext. 11. Visit www.jewishmuseum.com.

Meanwhile at City Hall (1700 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach), the Miami Beach Public Art Gallery presents “Deco to Deli: Jews of Miami Beach 1945-1998.” The exhibit focuses on the many colorful denizens of the Beach back when today’s dance clubs were synagogues and the sushi joints were kosher markets. The exhibit runs through May. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 305-673-7577.
Sun., May 6