Did you know that the origins of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) stems from South Florida? According to JewishAmericanHeritage.org, organized by the The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History, JAHM began as an effort by the Jewish Museum of Florida and South Florida Jewish community leaders. Through the bi-partisan efforts of Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) and the late Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, JAHM was established in 2006 by President George W. Bush to honor the contributions and achievements of Jewish Americans and to educate all U.S citizens.
It’s been continued every year since then by Presidential Proclamation. Other notable milestones include the formation of a national advisory committee in 2007 to drive the effort forward: NASA Astronaut Garrett Reisman, a New Jersey native and University of Pennsylvania graduate, carried the original JAHM proclamation into space in 2010, and President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama hosted the first-ever White House reception in honor of JAHM that same year.
The Palm Beach County Library System is proud to offer a selection of quality events and workshops to recognize JAHM for all ages throughout the County. In addition, you will find a wide selection of materials (both traditional and electronic) by Jewish Americans and about Jewish American cultures. We hope that you take part in all that the Library has to offer this month to honor the heritage shared by many in Palm Beach County.
For all of our Jewish American Heritage events, click here: Events
