The Kinship Chronicle

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is an annual observance in the United States that takes place in May. It celebrates the history, culture, and contribution of Jewish Americans to the nation's development and heritage. The month highlights the achievements in diverse fields such as science, medicine, arts, business, civil rights, and public service. [1]

Jewish American Heritage Month was officially proclaimed in 2006 by George W. Bush after a bipartisan request from the U.S. Congress. It was inspired by resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schulz and Sen. Arlen Specter, both of whom aimed to recognize Jewish contributions to American life. [2]

JAHM is a time for educational programs, museum exhibitions, and community events. It provides an opportunity to reflect on both the accomplishments and struggles of Jewish Americans, including their role in fighting antisemitism and advocating for civil rights. [3]

During the month, Jewish heritage is often explored through religious traditions such as Passover and Hanukkah, historical migration and diaspora, art and literature by Jewish authors and creators, and stories of resilience including Holocaust remembrance. [4]

Foot notes:

[1] "Jewish American Heritage Month", National Archives, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.archives.gov/news/topics/jewish-american-heritage

[2] "About JAHM", Jewish American Heritage Month, accessed May 7, 2025, https://www.jahm.us/about 

[3] Dov Waxman, Trouble in the Tribe: The American Jewish Conflict Over Israel (Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2016).

[4] Ibid.