Click here for JAHM’s National Strategy (2024) outlining key goals and going-forward plans
Every year, by Presidential Proclamation, May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) in recognition of the indelible contributions American Jews have made, and continue to make, to our nation’s history, culture, and society.
Each year, this national celebration shows the ways in which this history deserves our collective attention, pride, and recognition.
The stories of American Jewish life are quintessential American stories of resilience, aspiration, imagination, determination, and achievement.
Explore the resources on this website to learn more about how Jews have shaped and been shaped by America across almost four centuries. Spread the word…and join in the celebration this May!
JAHM began as an effort by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders. Through the bi-partisan efforts of Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and the late Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, JAHM was established in 2006 by President George W. Bush to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all Americans. It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Other notable milestones include the formation of a national advisory committee in 2007 to drive the effort forward; NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman, a New Jersey native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, carrying the original JAHM proclamation into space in 2010, and President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama hosting the first-ever White House reception in honor of JAHM that same year. In 2018, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History became the home of JAHM and now leads the nationwide effort, continuing to focus on coalition-building with partners around the country.
“We are honored to lead JAHM because this is the work we do every day here at The Weitzman. JAHM is a celebration of America’s rich and diverse Jewish heritage, and the myriad contributions Jews have made to this country since the dawn of our nation. But it’s also an important opportunity to educate a broad public about who Jews are as a counter to antisemitism, which is at unprecedented levels,” said Dan Tadmor, President and CEO of The Weitzman. “We are grateful for the many national partners who make up the JAHM coalition who ensure vital connections are forged between the Jewish community and the broader American community. Together, we raise awareness of the Jewish American story, as we collectively celebrate our community’s achievements, strengthen our bonds, and counter antisemitism in all its forms.”
JAHM is organized by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and co-produced with jMUSE along with a coalition of partner organizations without which the national JAHM celebration would not be possible.