Established in 2006 when President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month, the designated month acknowledges Jewish contributions to American culture, history, military, science, government, and more.
The proclamation by President Bush was a result of a long-time and coordinated effort by American Jewish leaders to introduce resolutions in both the U.S. Senate and the House urging the President to proclaim a month specifically recognizing Jews in America and their contributions to the United States.
Since its inception, Jewish American Heritage Month has gained in popularity and recognition. In Tidewater, a variety of events are planned to coincide with JAHM. Similar to the range of contributions to the nation by America’s Jewish citizens, the programs and events are equally diverse – from an exploration of Tidewater’s earliest Jewish history to a tour of Jewish art at the Chrysler Museum of Art to a Norfolk Tides baseball game and plenty of other happenings. A few are highlighted here. To learn more, go to JewishVa.org/JAHM.
May 6, Tuesday
Jewish American Heritage Month Tours at the Chrysler Museum of Art. A guided exploration of art related to Judaic themes or created by Jewish artists in the Museum’s collection. 3 pm. Free. Chrysler Museum of Art. Also, on May 25 at 2 pm. RSVP: JewishVA.org/JAHM.
May 15, Thursday
Meet the authors of Miri’s Moving Day. Stephanie Wildman and Adam Ryan Chang celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with their book, Miri’s Moving Day. An interactive read-along featuring a craft activity for pre-K through 3rd graders. 10:30 am. Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library. JewishVA.org/JAHM.
May 18, Sunday
History Speaks: Building on a Foundation of Hope. Explore Norfolk’s early Jewish history through the lens of the Myers family, the first permanent Jewish residents of Tidewater with Rabbi Michael Panitz. 1 – 3 pm. Myers House, 323 Freemason Street, Norfolk. Free. RSVP: JewishVA.org/JAHM.
May 23, Friday
Memorial Day Ceremony – Honoring Fallen Heroes. Remember those who served in this short ceremony at the War Veterans Flagpole. 8:30 am. Sandler Family Campus. Information: Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org.
May 28, Wednesday
Jewish American Heritage Night at the Tides. Join the Tides and UJFT for the inaugural Jewish American Heritage Night when the Tides take on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Discounted tickets and an exclusive JAHM 2025 t-shirt. First pitch 6:35 pm. Harbor Park. Purchase tickets: JewishVA.org/JAHMTides.