Jewish American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month was first formally recognized nationally by George W. Bush in May 2006. This month recognizes Jewish people who are living in and contributing to the social fabric of the United States.
Originally, there was Jewish Heritage Week, which began in the 1980s under President Carter. Since Bush’s proclamation, every president of the United States has followed suit. It is celebrated in recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S.
The National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia leads a nationwide celebration that features a month-long series of events, including a virtual Capitol Hill event on May 10 and the premiere of a documentary about a rabbi who played a key role in the civil rights movement. The museum also offers online tours, exhibitions, artifacts and stories and educational resources.
Read a message from Vice President Yvette Alex-Assensoh, Jewish American Heritage Month 2025: Celebrating Resilience and Belonging.
Campus resources:
Presidential Proclamation 2024
Heritage Month Resources: