May’s Jewish American Heritage Month Celebrates Tikkun Olam and JDC’s 100th Anniversary
Taking place each May since 2006, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a national recognition of the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. JAHM acknowledges the achievements of American Jews in fields ranging from sports and arts and entertainment to medicine, business, science, government and military service. This year’s theme is “American Jews and ‘Tikkun Olam’: Healing the World,” and also pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of Federation’s long-time overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).
JAHM encourages all races, religions, ethnic groups and cultures to learn about Jewish contributions, and also provides an opportunity for educators to teach diversity and cultural awareness and tolerance – the key ingredients to combating ignorance and hatred.
Since its founding in 1914 at the outset of World War I, JDC has played a pivotal role in modern Jewish history and has changed millions of lives, putting into action the precept that all Jews are responsible for one another and for all humankind. Through support from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign, JDC continues to make an impact today in more than 70 countries worldwide, caring for the most vulnerable Jews, rescuing victims of global emergencies, revitalizing Jewish life, empowering Israel’s future and developing tomorrow’s Jewish leaders. Click here to see how JDC is helping right now in Ukraine.
On April 20, 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed that May would be Jewish American Heritage Month. The announcement was the crowning achievement in an effort by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders that resulted in resolutions introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania urging the president to proclaim a month that would recognize the long history of Jewish contributions to American culture. The resolutions passed unanimously, first in the House of Representatives in December 2005 and later in the Senate in February 2006. President Barack Obama issued a proclamation on April 30, 2014 in which he lauded the contributions of Jewish Americans and celebrated the United States' "unbreakable bond" with Israel.
The JAHM website is an interactive clearinghouse for events, programs and activities nationwide and a resource for school and community leaders. To learn more, visit JewishAmericanHeritageMonth.us.
