This week begins Jewish American Heritage Month. Before JAHM, the United States marked Jewish American Heritage Week, which first occurred in 1980 after the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations pushed a Congressional resolution that authorized and requested the president to issue a proclamation designating April 21-28, 1980, as Jewish Heritage Week. Proclamations of Jewish American Heritage week continued until 2006 when President George W. Bush proclaimed the first Jewish American Heritage Month after advocacy from Jewish organizations and resolutions introduced by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania. Since then, Presidents Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden have all issued proclamations celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
Last year, the Conference of Presidents began partnering with the Weitzmann Museum of Jewish American History to lead the National JAHM effort to ensure greater cooperation and coordination among Jewish organizations. Just as JAHM fosters awareness and appreciation, Global Jewry works to deepen connection among Jewish individuals and organizations—across borders, denominations, and ideologies.
The Conference of Presidents also strives to foster cooperation amongst Jewish organizations. With that in mind, the Conference has started weekly calls with Jewish organizations and partners to better coordinate and collaborate for JAHN. In addition, the Conference will send out weekly emails to member organizations and partners highlighting Jews in particular facets of American life. Jewish organizations will then be able to customize these materials for their audiences. These tools will help us to celebrate our collaboration and uplift our efforts throughout the community.
The past few years have been challenging, even before 10/7 we saw a significant rise in antisemitism. Through efforts such as JAHM and Global Jewry, we are reminded of the importance of Jewish pride, visibility, and solidarity. Through storytelling, education, and engagement, we ensure that Jewish heritage continues to inspire a new generation.
This month I urge us celebrate the rich diversity of the American Jewish community: our vibrant history, our resiliency, and our hope for belonging as Jews, and as a community. This month, let’s lift up stories, strengthen community ties, and recommit to building a vibrant, inclusive Jewish future—together. Let’s think about Jewish pride and emulate it to our younger generations—by wearing Jewish symbols, visiting Jewish museums, listening to Jewish music, watching Jewish films, and teaching about our shared history. Many of our families came to the United States to experience a religious freedom that, at the time, they didn’t experience elsewhere—let’s make them proud by showing them the Jewish future they helped create.
Shabbat Shalom and may this be the week that our hostages are returned,
Stephanie Hausner
Chief Operating Officer, Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Have an achievement (e.g. publications, awards, appearances, etc) you would like highlighted in a future GJ Connections? Let us know by emailing sandy@globaljewry.org.
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