For the last 17 years in the U.S., May has been Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history of the Jewish people in America and honor the great contributions they’ve made to our country.

Education is crucial since according to the Anti-Defamation League, assaults on Jewish Americans went up by 26% and vandalism rose by 52% in 2022, the highest increases in antisemitic acts since 1979.

Educating ourselves and others as well as teaching tolerance to promote peace is more important than ever. Here are the top ways to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month with your family and friends. 

1. Explore Jewish American history

Not just for the pandemic anymore, virtual museum visits are here to stay. Check out the Oregon Holocaust Virtual Memorial Tour, The First Jewish Americans from the New-York Historical Society, or the “Tenement Women: 1902” virtual exhibition from the Tenement Museum. The Facebook group “Virtual Israel” offers remote experiences with guides who will take you to an Israeli national park or walk you through the streets of Israel, all from the comfort of your own couch.

2. Learn her-story

Check out The Encyclopedia of Jewish Women online, which has thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. Read the amazing, inspiring stories of Jewish women in food, business, media, politics, sports, philanthropy, and more.

3. Volunteer

Volunteer with your family or friends at a Jewish-led organization such as Jewish Family Service, through your local Jewish Community Center (JCC) or other Jewish-led organizations in your area by doing a quick Google search.

4. Join a Rosh Chodesh group 

Ashley Donohue, the director of communications at Mishkan Chicago, says joining one of these groups is important to reclaim this ancient practice. “We celebrate Rosh Chodesh by coming together around each new moon, giving each of us space to connect and learn,” she says. “At the Well and Mishkan Chicago both offer these empowering groups for women (trans-inclusive).”

5. Check out the LUNAR Collective

Check out the Jewish Asian Film Project LUNAR, whose purpose is to cultivate connection, belonging, and visibility for Asian American Jews through “authentic multimedia storytelling and intersectional community programming.”

6. Appreciate the arts

Watch a Jewish TV Show or movie or listen to a Jewish podcast. Movies by Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks, or J.J. Abrams are always a good idea as are binge-worthy shows such as Broad City, The Goldbergs, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, or Difficult People.

7. Donate and contribute

If you can’t donate your time, consider donating money to help support Jewish organizations such as American Jewish World Service, Hadassah, Lev Lalev, International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, or Jewish National Fund. You can feel good knowing that every little bit helps — even $10 — and you’re helping to support organizations that make a difference in the lives of people every day.  

8. Explore Judaism

Donohue says whether you’re considering conversion to Judiasm, want to reconnect with your roots, or are looking to bring Judaism into your multi-faith home, Mishkan Chicago’s Exploring Judaism class equips students with a foundational knowledge of Judaism to unlock further exploration.

9. Turn it up!

Donohue says that listening to some new music by contemporary Jewish artists is one of the easiest ways to appreciate Jewish culture — and you may just find a new favorite! She suggests checking out Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble, Deborah Sacks Mintz, and the Mishkan Chicago Davening Team.

10. Make something Jewish

You probably already know this, but Jewish food is incredibly delicious, so get into the kitchen and teach yourself how to make a recipe from a modern Jewish cookbook such as one by Leah Koenig or Jake Cohen. Better yet, ask a Jewish friend to share a family favorite recipe with you (my grandmother’s brisket if you’re lucky). If you’re not one for the kitchen, consider supporting a local Jewish restaurant or deli for your next dinner out.