In August of 1790, President George Washington wrote to the Jewish Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island: “The Government of the United States gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.” Washington reached out to the Jewish community to assure them that they were integral and valued members of the fledgling democracy. His sentiment of respect and inclusivity is echoed in the annual celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, which has been observed in May for the past 18 years. Following a concerted effort by Jewish leaders to establish a national month of commemoration, Jewish American Heritage Month was inaugurated in 2006 by a Congressional Resolution and a Presidential Proclamation by George W. Bush which read: “During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the rich history of the Jewish people in America and honor the great contributions they have made to our country.” Why May? The month was chosen following an inspirational celebration in May, 2004, of the 350th anniversary of the arrival of the first Jews in New Amsterdam in 1654. Click here for suggestions on how to participate in this unique commemoration; and click here for additional history and resources. Finally, click on the book jackets below to be taken to some of the fabulous books in our catalog. L’ Chaim!
“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.” Ruth Bader Ginsberg
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein
“I marvel at the resilience of the Jewish people. Their best characteristic is their desire to remember. No other people has such an obsession with memory.” Elie Wiesel
Last Modified May 02, 2024