Jewish American Heritage Month

Why We Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

In May 2004 the Commission for Commemorating 350 Years of American Jewish History had a highly successful celebration of Jewish American History and Heritage. Thus, in 2006 May became National Jewish American Heritage Month (Jewish American Heritage Month).

During Jewish American Heritage Month, we take the time to acknowledge Jewish American history and celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans to U.S. history, society, and culture. We also strive to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day.

For more information about Jewish American Heritage Month visit the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for downloadable resource lists and resource trackers.

As part of our Read Wider program we have downloadable resource lists and resource trackers.

Downloadable resource lists are full of books, movies, music, and online resources. Each list is carefully curated by our collection librarians to highlight own-voice stories, stories of struggle, and stories of strength.

Resource trackers for kids and teens or adults are a great way to record and highlight your favorite books, movies, music, and online resources for this month. Teens can choose to use the kids and teens or the adult resource tracker. 

Some Important Jewish Holidays to Remember

Passover begins in the spring, usually in April. Passover commemorates the story of the Israelites’ departure from ancient Egypt, which appears in the Hebrew Bible’s books of Exodus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, among other texts. Jews observe the weeklong festival with a number of important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal known as a seder. (History.com)

Rosh Hashanah begins in the fall usually around September or October. Rosh Hashanah is considered the Jewish New Year. It is the turning back of the Torah and a time for friends and family to gather together in celebration. (Farmers' Almanac Rosh Hashanah)

Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the 10 Days of Awe or the 10 Days of Repentance. 

Yom Kippur begins in the fall, shortly after Rosh Hashanah. It is one of holiest Jewish holidays and is known as the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur commemorates the day Moses came down from Mount Sinai after seeking God’s divine forgiveness for the Israelites who sinned against him by worshipping a false idol, the golden calf. The day before Yom Kippur it is customary to have a special meal, light candles, and donate to charities. During Yom Kippur, people will wear white and fast to refocus their attention on prayer and their connection to God. The day ends with a meal at home with family and friends. (Farmers' Almanac Yom Kippur)

Shanah Tova and G'mar Tova!

*Jewish holidays are celebrated on different days every year as they follow the Torah and not the western calendar.

Start reading with these recommendations.

Pitkin County Library staff has recommendations for kids, teens, and adults to help get you started on your reading journey! For more resources, check out our downloadable resource lists below.