Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) recognizes the impact that American Jews have had on American society and culture and is observed annually in May.
During JAHM, communities nationwide celebrate the inspiring history of Jewish people in the United States, educate people about Jewish culture, and create dialogue around past and current issues that are important to Jewish Americans.
President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month on April 20, 2006. Earlier that same year, the House of Representatives and Senate passed resolutions, thanks to efforts led by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders.
As the number of antisemitism incidents in the United States continues to increase, it’s more important than ever to support and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of Jewish Americans. According to the Anti-Defamation League , anti-Semitic incidents soared in the U.S. last year, up 140% from 2022, the largest increase since statistics started being tracked in 1979.
Ways that you can celebrate and honor the impact of Jewish Americans include:
- Grab a book. Read books that highlight and celebrate Jewish culture and traditions. The Jewish Book Council is a great reference for book recommendations.
- Visit a museum. Check to see if there are local exhibits featuring Jewish American history.
- Make Jewish food. Food plays an integral role in many Jewish traditions. Check out The Nosher website for traditional and nontraditional Jewish recipes, as well as some history on Jewish cuisine.
- Watch a TV show or movie. There’s no shortage of ones that capture and celebrate Jewish heritage. From An American Tail to Shtisel, there’s something to watch for all ages.
We invite you to join us to celebrate Jewish culture and achievements this month.