Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted on May 1, 2024
Categories: DEI Blog

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month, originally recognized as a week in 1980 and later expanded to a month in 2006, is a time to honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans within our nation and abroad.

During this month, while celebrating the profound influence of Jewish Americans on our society, we must also take time to understand the history and pervasiveness of antisemitism. We acknowledge the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on all communities affected by it. Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to understand the history and complexities of this conflict and to explore ways to engage in dialogue that upholds a commitment to understanding diverse perspectives, as well as combating hate in all forms.

As we honor Jewish American Heritage Month, recognizing the deep and personal grief many community members feel as they grapple with global current events and the uncertainty of tomorrow, it is important to use this month as a way to also highlight how Jewish Americans have helped and continue to shape the fabric of this country. With a focus on the age-old Jewish tradition of Tikkun Olam (healing the world), we aim to work collectively to promote empathy, critical thinking, understanding, and respectful dialogue that uplifts the rich legacy and the continued contributions of the Jewish American community.

May 2024 – Events

This month, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History has a variety of events available to the public. Check out their offerings here.