Historical & Current Events dictionary

Jewish American Heritage Month

[ joo-ish uh-mer-i-kuhn her-i-tij muhnth ]

May 5, 2023

What is Jewish American Heritage Month?

Jewish American Heritage Month is a month-long observance celebrating the contributions of Jews to US history, life, and culture.

The month is often observed with cultural and educational programs.

🗓 When is Jewish American Heritage Month?

Jewish American Heritage Month is observed during the month of May each year.

Where does Jewish American Heritage Month come from?

The origin of Jewish American Heritage Month is often traced back to 1980, when a proposal was made in US Congress for the establishment of a Jewish American Heritage Week, which was first observed in April of that year. Jewish American Heritage Week happened in either April or May from 1980 to 2005. The month of May was first officially declared as Jewish American Heritage Month in 2006. It has been observed every May since.

Jewish American Heritage Month is often observed with events and activities that celebrate the role of Jewish Americans in US history and culture. Like other heritage months, such as National Hispanic Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the month also often serves as a time to reflect on, raise awareness of, and work to address the discrimination that members of the community have faced. For Jewish American Heritage Month, this often involves discussions about anti-Semitism.

Examples of Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month holds a special place in my heart — not just as L.A.’s first elected Jewish mayor, but because of the essential role of the Jewish community in our city’s culture and history. #JAHM

@MayorOfLA, May 24, 2018

As the granddaughter of a Jewish immigrant, the Jewish American story has always inspired me. As Jewish American Heritage Month comes to a close, I’m proud to celebrate our community of Jewish Americans who make our country a stronger place. #JAMH

@GabbyGiffords, May 28, 2020

Hastings, the first Black congressman from Florida since the post-Civil War era of Reconstruction, began his legal career as a civil rights lawyer in 1960s Broward County. At a Jewish American Heritage Month event in Hallandale Beach in 2014, Hastings recalled how Jewish people were part of the fight against segregation in Broward in the 1960s.

Anthony Man, South Florida Sun Sentinel, April 10, 2021

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Who uses Jewish American Heritage Month?

Did you know … ?

Jewish American Heritage Month was established in part as the result of resolutions introduced by Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter.

What are other words used in discussion of Jewish American Heritage Month?

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Note

This is not meant to be a formal definition of Jewish American Heritage Month like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Jewish American Heritage Month that will help our users expand their word mastery.