MAY IS JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!

History

The Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders led a successful effort to establish a national Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Resolutions introduced by Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania were passed unanimously by the House of Representatives in December 2005 and the Senate in February 2006. On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that the month of May would recognize the more than 350 year history of Jewish contributions to American culture.

Celebrating in 2010

Leading the way in implementing this annual celebration is the Jewish American Heritage Month Coalition, of which AJHS is a participating member. With the recent award of a $143,000 grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the 2010 JAHM will have an exciting opportunity to solidify and expand its impact. The grant funds have enabled the hiring of a national coordinator. A new website serves as a clearinghouse for events and programs across the country and offers ideas for community celebrations, teacher resources, and profiles of noted Jewish Americans. Public relations and marketing efforts are underway to make 2010 the most comprehensive JAHM to date.

Read President Obama‘s Proclamation for JAHM 2010

The JAHM Coalition is pleased to welcome The Manischewitz Company as corporate sponsor.

Log on to www.jewishamericanheritagemonth.us to get email updates and information about activities in your community.