what is jahm?
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), celebrated each May, honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans to the United States. It’s a time to recognize the profound impact Jewish individuals and communities have had in areas like civil rights, science, arts, politics, and social justice, while also acknowledging the struggles they’ve faced, including antisemitism.
did you know?
Image detail: Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, 2014 Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, 2014.28
Gift of Lieutenant Colonel Jesse Arnstein, US Air Force.
Image: Lisa Shaffer Photography for The Weitzman
Statue of Liberty Photo: Ximena Torres Rodríguez on Unsplash, Emma Lazarus portrait T. Lazarus and W. Kurtz
aZM IS A PROUD JAHM PARTNER
The American Zionist Movement is a proud partner in JAHM because we believe in celebrating Jewish identity, heritage, and the enduring connection between American Jewry and the global Jewish people. By uplifting stories of Jewish pride and perseverance, AZM helps foster unity and deeper engagement with Zionism as a living, inclusive movement rooted in hope and history.
celebrate jahm all month long
1. Lights, Camera, L’Chaim! – Grab your friends and host a movie or tv show binge night to watch highlight the Jewish experience in Hollywood. Choose films or shows that highlight Jewish American experiences, history, or humor—documentaries, comedies, dramas, or animations.
AZM STAFF PICKS 1. Curb Your Enthusiasm (Hulu) 2. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime) 3. Fiddler on the Roof (Tubi)
2. Read, Reflect, Repeat- Pick up a book by a Jewish American author or about Jewish American life. Start a mini book club or join one online. The Jewish Book Council is the longest-standing organization dedicated to celebrating and supporting Jewish literature. For over 70 years, it has fostered meaningful conversations about Jewish life, identity, and culture through books.
AZM STAFF PICKS
3. Support a Jewish American Owned Business- intentionally shop at Jewish-owned businesses—whether that means ordering challah from a local bakery, buying jewelry from a Jewish artisan on Etsy, or visiting your local deli for a delicious classic sandwich.
AZM STAFF PICKS 1. Economy Candy- NY 2- Magnolia Bakery – Locations across the US 3- Blue Door Bookstore- NY
4. Bake like your Bubbe- Cook or bake a classic Jewish American dish. Try your hand at challah, babka, Matzah Ball Soup, or you can take the easy route and assemble your favorite go-to bagel—and share your creations on social media. Use the JAHM hashtags to spread awareness: #MyJAHM #OurSharedHeritage #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth
AZM STAFF PICKS 1. Everything Bagel Toasted with Lox and Cream Cheese. 2. My Mom’s Famous Cinnamon Babka 3. Corned Beef sandwich with mustard on Rye Bread (don’t forget the pickle)
5. Explore your Jewish Roots- Step into the story of Jewish life in America—through museums, walking tours, online exhibits, and speaker events.
AZM STAFF PICKS: Tenement Museum– NY The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience – New Orleans, LA. The Jewish Children’s Museum– NY Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History – Philadelphia PA
learn more about jahm
Want to learn more abour JAHM? Visit www.jahm.us — the official hub for Jewish American Heritage Month. Explore a collection of resources, including powerful stories, historical deep dives, educator toolkits, and interactive media—all celebrating the vibrant contributions of Jewish Americans