Every May is Jewish American Heritage Month

by Michalee Merritt

JAHM (Jewish American Heritage Month) is a national celebration of nearly four centuries of Jewish American history, heritage, and culture. JAHM provides an opportunity to lift up the powerful, joyful, and true stories of Jewish life in America.

There are so many ways that you can explore Jewish American history.

Join Chai Mitzvah for Because We Were Slaves: The Jewish Struggle for Justice in Making America Home. The title of the curriculum alludes to the daily Jewish commandment to remember that we were slaves in Egypt and therefore should never turn a blind eye to injustice. The materials focus on how Jewish people dealt with their precarious position – sometimes accepted and sometimes not – as they endeavored to make America their home. In light of today’s issues, this curriculum sparks many relevant conversations. Here is a link to register for our virtual group, held the third Monday of each month – meeting this month on May 19 at 7:30 PM ET.

JAHM provides an opportunity to lift up the powerful, joyful, and true stories of Jewish life in America.

There are other ways to explore Jewish American history as well. Many Jewish museums have lectures and classes, exhibits and events. Even if you don’t live nearby you can do a virtual tour and read or listen to stories on their website. Here is the website from the Library of Congress https://www.jewishheritagemonth.gov/ with all kinds of information. 

Did you know that in Philadelphia there is the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History? It is a fabulous museum! List of events from the  Weitzman Museum .

We look forward to exploring Jewish American history with you!