Dear X,
I am reaching out on behalf of American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, to invite you to join us in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) this May.
American heritage months celebrate the communities that form our country's mosaic, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, and more. By recognizing heritage months, we learn about one another, honor the richness of our diverse nation, and strengthen the fabric of American society.
May was first proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month in April 2006 by President George W. Bush. Since 2007, Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all issued proclamations for Jewish American Heritage Month, which celebrate Jewish Americans and encourage all Americans to learn more about Jewish heritage and contributions to the United States. At a time when young American Jews are feeling vulnerable amidst a rise in antisemitism, we cannot think of a more important time to celebrate the contributions of Jews to our society.
AJC is reaching out to elementary, middle, and high schools across the country in an effort to elevate acknowledgment of the unique contributions of American Jews to our country. Here are some ways schools can promote Jewish American Heritage Month:
- Publicity: Announce to students and parents, and through school social media channels, that your school community is celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
- Curriculum: Devote instructional time and/or co-curricular programming to the study and celebration of Jewish American heritage. Our partner, Unpacked for Educators, has created a landing page with incredible educational resources you can use.
- Cultural Displays: Prominently display people, artifacts, artworks, and literature related to Jewish American heritage. This can be as simple as a bulletin board or a display of books by and about Jewish Americans in your school library to a more expansive exhibition in collaboration with a local museum, cultural center, or historical society.
- Film Screenings: Screen documentaries or films highlighting Jewish American history or culture. Follow up with discussions or Q&A sessions to deepen understanding and promote dialogue.
- Literature and Book Clubs: Incorporate books, stories, and literature by Jewish American authors into the curriculum and/or organize book clubs for students or parents focused on exploring Jewish themes, identities, and experiences.
- Culinary Events: Organize cooking classes, food tastings, or cultural feasts featuring Jewish cuisine and traditional dishes. These can be fun and engaging ways to learn about food traditions and culinary heritage.
- Guest Speakers and Panels: Invite guest speakers, scholars, activists, or community leaders to conduct lectures, panels, or seminars on Jewish American history, identity, and social issues.
- Multicultural Events: Collaborate with other cultural and religious groups to organize multicultural events celebrating diversity and promoting intercultural exchange. Highlight commonalities and shared values among different communities.
AJC has many useful resources, including a handy one-page reference guide to Jewish religion and culture. To learn more about resources you can provide for your community, including staff training, classroom or school-wide programming related to Jewish history, or combating antisemitism, contact AJC's education team at education@ajc.org.
Thank you in advance for your partnership in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
Sincerely,
American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. We work to shape a brighter future by taking on the toughest challenges and pursuing the most transformative opportunities. Through our unparalleled global network that spans six continents—including 25 regional offices across the United States—AJC engages with leaders at the highest levels of government and civil society to counter antisemitism, open new doors for Israel, and advance democratic values. To learn more about AJC, visit AJC.org.
