This May, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) will celebrate the inspiring history and vibrant living culture of Jewish Americans, serving as an antidote to antisemitism by amplifying powerful stories of Jewish life in America.
Designated each May by Presidential Proclamation and stewarded by JAHM’s co-founder, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), JAHM is powered by the Philadelphia-based Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in partnership with a national coalition of 200-plus cultural, educational, religious and advocacy organizations, as well as U.S. museums and library systems.
The coalition is further strengthened this year by new partners such as UJA-Federation of New York and Artists Against Antisemitism, as well as expanded relationships with the American Association of School Librarians, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and JAHM LA.
New JAHM Funder UJA-Federation of New York Focuses on Education. With new and significant support for JAHM through a grant from UJA-Federation, JAHM 2025 will see an expansion of its national awareness campaign on social media and a variety of marketing channels, as well as an expansion and strengthening of its educational offerings. JAHM will be able to reach more educators with expertly curated educational offerings–and an enhanced website–from organizations across the country that enable them to bring JAHM into their classrooms and libraries this May.
Renewed Partnership with American Association of School Librarians (AASL) expands Jewish content in school libraries. JAHM has also renewed and expanded its relationship with the AASL, again serving as the exclusive sponsor of their Jewish American Heritage Month Collection Development grants, and expanding them this cycle with thanks in part to JAHM’s funder, UJA-Federation of New York.
JAHM LA joins Philadelphia as JAHM’s featured city in 2025. The Southern California city has served as a model for how a city can embrace JAHM through collaboration and celebration. Building on nearly a decade of JAHM LA celebrations, supported by the allyship of the LA City Council, this year’s programming will honor Jewish American heritage throughout May, highlighting the contributions of the Jewish community to America’s cultural, civic and artistic legacy. Through a series of opportunities to celebrate, from outdoor programming and resolutions to panel exhibitions and cross-cultural events, Los Angeles will honor JAHM across the region.
“We are honored to lead JAHM because this is the work we do every day here at the Weitzman. JAHM is a celebration of America’s rich and diverse Jewish heritage, and the myriad contributions Jews have made to this country since the dawn of our nation. But it’s also an important opportunity to educate a broad public about who Jews are as a counter to antisemitism, which is at unprecedented levels,” said Dan Tadmor, museum president and CEO.
He continued, saying he is grateful for “the many national partners who make up the JAHM coalition, who ensure vital connections are forged between the Jewish community and the broader American community. Together, we raise awareness of the Jewish American story, as we collectively celebrate our community’s achievements, strengthen our bonds and counter antisemitism in all its forms.”
JAHM 2025 will feature a series of signature events while showcasing the work of national community partners throughout May. To serve a broad, national audience, much of the programming will be presented both in person and online.
All signature events are listed on JAHM’s website.