Jewish American Heritage Month is a national observance held each May in the United States to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans. It highlights more than 350 years of Jewish life in America and encourages people to learn about Jewish American experiences, achievements, and challenges.
What it is
Jewish American Heritage Month (often shortened to JAHM) is a yearly celebration marked by museums, schools, libraries, and community organizations with programs about Jewish history, culture, and civic engagement. Federal agencies such as the Library of Congress and the National Archives also curate exhibitions and resources to showcase Jewish American contributions in fields such as science, the arts, government, and the military.
How it started
The roots of JAHM go back to “Jewish Heritage Week,” first recognized in 1980 after Congress asked the president to designate a week to honor Jewish contributions. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush issued the first presidential proclamation naming May 2006 as Jewish American Heritage Month, following a bipartisan congressional resolution and advocacy from the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders. Since then, each U.S. president has issued an annual proclamation continuing the observance in May.
Why May and why it matters
May was chosen in part to connect with the successful commemoration of the 350th anniversary of Jewish life in America, which marked the arrival of Jews in New Amsterdam in the 17th century. The month is meant not only to honor accomplishments, but also to promote understanding of religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and the role of Jewish Americans in U.S. civic life.
Sources:
Jewish American Heritage Month. (n.d.). Jewish American Heritage Month. https://www.jewishheritagemonth.gov
Library of Congress. (2021, February 14). History and overview – Jewish American Heritage Month. https://guides.loc.gov/jewish-american-heritage-month/history-overview
National Archives. (2025, May 20). Jewish American Heritage Month. https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/jewish-american-heritage