Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month is dedicated to discovering, exploring, and celebrating the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience in the United States.

Description & History

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), celebrated each May, honors the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the U.S. Established in 2006 by presidential proclamation, JAHM grew from a 2004 commemoration of 350 years of Jewish life in America. Spearheaded by the Jewish Museum of Florida and local leaders, the initiative led to national recognition.

Jewish Americans have influenced all areas of American life—arts, sciences, politics, business, education, and civil rights. JAHM is a time to explore these stories, celebrate resilience and innovation, and confront antisemitism. Nationwide, schools and cultural institutions host events and programs to showcase Jewish heritage and deepen understanding of its role in the broader American narrative.

Professional Learning Resources

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Jewish American Heritage Month

This comprehensive website from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History includes information, toolkits, and resources to learn about and teach Jewish American Heritage Month.
Screenshot of the JAHM page from NARA

Jewish American Heritage Month

Resources and documents from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration to support teaching and learning about Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more.
screenshot of the LOC website on JAHM

Jewish American Heritage Month

Resources from The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Screenshot of JAHM resources from https://programminglibrarian.org.

Jewish American Heritage Month Resources from Programming Librarian

Sample library programs, book displays, teaching resources and more from Programming Librarian, run by the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office.
screenshot of the JAHM Professional development flyer for 2024

Professional Development

Learning and events from the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History include An Evening with Award-Winning Novelist, Dara Horn; Stories that Shaped a Nation: Jewish Lives in America; and more.

Learner Engagement Resources

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JAHM Resources for Educators

The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History has curated a page of lesson plans, teaching ideas, reading lists and more. Categories include history, heritage, and identity; immigration; Jewish culture and values; and luminaries.
Geometric abstract pattern in shades of blue and maroon, featuring circles, half-circles, stars, stripes, and zigzag shapes arranged in a symmetrical design.

Celebrating Jewish American Heritage: Lessons to Reflect and Connect

This Anti-Defamation League Education collection offers lesson plans, videos, student learning experiences via Sutori, an educator Q&A guide, and more to help engage students in learning, reflection and connection.
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Books Matter™ | Children's & Young Adult Literature

ADL provides an online bibliography of recommended children’s and young adult books about bias, bullying, diversity and social justice. This curated list provides age level recommended books on Jewish culture and antisemitism.

AASL Award Winners

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Wilson Southern Middle School’s Holocaust project receives AASL Roald Dahl Miss…

School librarian Yawornitsky and 6th grade reading teachers Sarnes and Zawaski collaborated to create the project “Children of the Holocaust/Holocaust Hall of Memories.”
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Stephanie Meurer, Jennifer Milstead and Erin Kelley receive AASL Collaborative …

Since 2013, Stephanie Meurer and Jennifer Milstead have worked in collaboration with the 8th-grade language arts teachers at Sierra Middle School to develop the project Investigating the Holocaust: A Collaborative Inquiry.

Book Lists

Jewish American Heritage Month: Picture Books

A selection of picture books celebrating Jewish culture and history from the Los Angeles Public Library.

Jewish American Heritage Month: Books for Kids

Skokie Public Library has curated this list of books for children from babies through grade 8, highlighting Jewish American experience

Jewish American Heritage Month: Children's Books

Saint Paul Public Library provides this list featuring picture books and biographies to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month.

27 YA Books Featuring Jewish Protagonists

This list from Epic Reads has 27 YA books with Jewish protagonists, covering various genres and themes.

Jewish American Heritage Month: A Booklist for Middle and High School Students

Andy Kratochvil shares his list of novels perfect for middle and high school students.

Yiddish Center Book Store

The Yiddish Center Book Store lists YA books with strong protagonists.

Jewish American History Month

These 29 titles include the whole of the Jewish experience to share with students throughout the year.