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 the school's social media channels that your school community is celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
- Curriculum: Devote instructional time and/or co-curricular programming to studying and celebrating Jewish American heritage. Our partner, Unpacked for Educators, has created a landing page with incredible educational resources you can use. You can find additional materials for JAHM here.
- Cultural & Educational Programming: Highlight Jewish American heritage through visible displays and engaging programming. This can include bulletin boards, library collections, or larger exhibitions. AJC created a list of cultural institutions, alongside film screenings and book clubs, that teachers can use in their classrooms. These resources feature Jewish American stories, history, and authors to deepen understanding and spark dialogue.
- 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 one-page reference guide to Jewish religion and culture and our Translate Hate Glossary. 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 [email protected].
Thank you in advance for your partnership in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
Sincerely,
Aaron Bregman
Director, K-12, Education Programs and Resources
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.
[Name of School] Celebrates Jewish American Heritage Month
[Date, Place] - [Name of School] is honored to join the educational community in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) this May.
“We are proud to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month this May to celebrate and honor the many contributions of Jewish Americans to our country,” said [Head of School]. “Jews first came to America escaping persecution, and found in this land the promise of freedom, justice, opportunity, and religious liberty. The Jewish community's heritage, culture, and contributions add to the diverse tapestry of American society.”
Since the first American Jews settled here in 1654, Jewish Americans have been loyal and patriotic citizens, contributing to our nation in countless ways. American Jews have served in government and the military, won Nobel prizes, headed schools, universities, and corporations, advanced medical and healthcare, created and performed enduring works of art, written great American novels, become emblems of justice as members of the Supreme Court, and more.
“As we honor the legacies and achievements of generations of Jews in America, we also must dedicate ourselves to learning about our society’s ongoing struggles with antisemitism and commit to mitigating this pernicious hate,” said [Head of School].
We are proud that [School] will be marking Jewish American Heritage Month in the following ways:
[Add details about programming]
