May 2026 is recognized as Jewish American Heritage Month across the United States and throughout New York City — honoring the history, culture, achievements, and contributions of Jewish Americans to public life, education, arts, science, business, journalism, law, and civic leadership.
For New York City, Jewish American Heritage Month has special meaning. New York has been one of the most important centers of Jewish life in the world, shaped by immigration, neighborhood history, religious institutions, schools, museums, synagogues, newspapers, cultural organizations, and generations of Jewish New Yorkers who helped build the modern city.
Jewish American Heritage Month 2026 — Key Details
- Observed: May 1–31, 2026
- Location: New York City and across the United States
- Theme: Jewish American history, culture, education, public service, community life, and the fight against antisemitism
- Jewish Calendar Period: May 2026 corresponds to the end of Iyar and the beginning of Sivan in Hebrew year 5786
Important Jewish Dates in May 2026
- Pesach Sheni: May 1, 2026
- Yom Yerushalayim: May 15, 2026
- Shavuot: Sunset May 21 through nightfall May 23, 2026
Why Jewish American Heritage Month Matters in New York
Jewish American Heritage Month has been federally recognized since 2006. In New York City, the observance connects national Jewish American history with a uniquely local story. Jewish presence in New York dates back to the colonial period, and Jewish New Yorkers have played a major role in shaping neighborhoods, education, labor, media, law, literature, music, entertainment, philanthropy, business, and public service.
From the Lower East Side to Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Manhattan, Jewish communities have contributed to the social and cultural fabric of New York. The city’s Jewish story includes immigration, religious freedom, entrepreneurship, working-class organizing, education, publishing, the arts, Holocaust remembrance, and civic participation.
Jewish New York: Historical Focus
- Jewish history in New York dates back to the Dutch colonial period.
- Large waves of Jewish immigration transformed New York between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Jewish New Yorkers helped build major institutions in education, law, medicine, journalism, business, entertainment, and public service.
- Jewish American Heritage Month is also a time to teach about antisemitism, Holocaust history, discrimination, immigration restrictions, and civil rights.
- New York remains one of the most important centers of Jewish life, memory, education, and culture in the world.
Museums, Events, and Resources in New York City
Throughout May, New Yorkers can explore Jewish history and culture through museum exhibitions, public lectures, library programs, concerts, school resources, walking tours, film screenings, and community events.
- Museum of Jewish Heritage — NYC events
- New York Public Library events calendar
- American Jewish Historical Society exhibitions and programs
- Jewish American Heritage Month national resources
- NYC Public Schools Jewish American Heritage Month page
- NYPL Jewish American Heritage Month resources
Educational Resources
For educators, parents, students, and community readers, Jewish American Heritage Month is also an opportunity to explore classroom materials, reading lists, oral histories, Holocaust education resources, antisemitism discussion guides, and lesson plans connected to Jewish American history.
- Jewish American Heritage Month Resource Guide — WeTeachNYC
- Resources to Support Discussions About Antisemitism — WeTeachNYC
- Jewish Heritage Month Audio and Video Resources — Library of Congress
- Jewish American Heritage Resources — National Archives
Hidden Voices and Jewish American Stories
NYC Public Schools also highlights “Hidden Voices” resources that help students discover people whose contributions are often underrepresented in traditional history lessons, including Jewish American leaders, advocates, immigrants, artists, educators, and civil rights figures.
- Hidden Voices — NYC Social Studies and Civics
- Hidden Voices: Jewish Americans in United States History
- NYC Public Schools — Hidden Voices
Books, Oral History, and Media
Readers can also explore Jewish American stories through recommended books, oral history collections, public broadcasting archives, NYPL digital collections, and museum resources that document Jewish life in New York and across the United States.
- American Jewish Oral History Collection — NYPL
- Citywide Digital Library on Sora
- National Museum of American Jewish History Virtual Museum
- NYPL Jewish History Articles and Digital Collections
BiGNY Jewish History Events Calendar
This page is part of the BiGNY Jewish History Events Calendar, a New York-focused guide to Jewish historical dates, cultural events, community observances, educational programs, and public resources connected to Jewish life in New York City.
During Jewish American Heritage Month, BiGNY.com will continue to highlight Jewish New York history, community institutions, museums, synagogues, schools, notable Jewish New Yorkers, local events, and stories connecting New York City to the broader American Jewish experience.
Explore Jewish New York
Explore more Jewish history, museums, cultural institutions, educational programs, and community events connected to Jewish life in New York City.
- Jewish New York History
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- Jewish History
- Jewish Events NYC
- Holocaust Education
- Museum of Jewish Heritage