The Jewish Republican Rep. You’ve Never Heard Of
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, left, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, right, yesterday unveiled a portrait of Florence Kahn (1866–1948), who in 1925 became the first Jewish woman to serve in the U.S. Congress.
The Utah-born, California-reared Kahn, a Republican, was also among the first women to graduate from the University of California, Berkeley. Her education served her well: When her congressman-husband, Julius, died, she won his seat — and went on to represent San Francisco for the next 12 years.
The House’s Office of History and Preservation has an enlightening multimedia presentation about Kahn’s life and work. It can be seen here.
Kahn’s portrait, unveiled as part of Jewish American Heritage Month, will be displayed at the U.S. Capitol.
Why I became the Forward’s editor-in-chief
You are surely a friend of the Forward if you’re reading this. And so it’s with excitement and awe — of all that the Forward is, was, and will be — that I introduce myself to you as the Forward’s newest editor-in-chief.
And what a time to step into the leadership of this storied Jewish institution! For 129 years, the Forward has shaped and told the American Jewish story. I’m stepping in at an intense time for Jews the world over. We urgently need the Forward’s courageous, unflinching journalism — not only as a source of reliable information, but to provide inspiration, healing and hope.
, editor-in-chiefSupport our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
