Jewish Calendar & Celebrations
The Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle and shapes Jewish life through holidays and traditions. It is important for school administrators to be aware of the Jewish holidays when planning their school calendars.
May is Jewish American Heritage Month!
Celebrated annually in May, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to expand your community’s understanding of Jewish Americans and familiarize them with the resilience of Jews in the face of oppression, as well as their contributions to American history, society, and culture.
An important way to promote education about the Jewish community is to encourage your school, synagogue, local government, or other institutions to officially recognize May as Jewish Heritage Month.
Curricula
Jews in School
Here are a few festive & creative ways your synagogue, organization or school can get involved:
Shout It from the Rooftops!
Make a joyful announcement in your newsletters, emails, social media, and Shabbat services.
Invite your members to join in community events, local or virtual, and share the joy of Jewish American heritage far and wide.
Create Cultural Showcases
Team up with local libraries, schools, town halls, or community centers to feature displays that celebrate Jewish culture and values.
Think: vibrant art, moving stories, books by Jewish authors, music that stirs the soul, and spotlight the voices and experiences of Jewish Vermonters!
Host a Film Celebration
Put together a Jewish-themed film series, documentaries, dramas, or comedies, and pair screenings with discussion groups, food, or guest speakers.
Invite your broader community to join as a way to build bridges and spark connections.
Bring in Inspiring Voices!
Invite Jewish authors, artists, historians, and community leaders to speak.
Celebrate themes like Jewish creativity, activism, humor, spirituality, and perseverance, there’s so much richness to explore.
Celebrate Vermont’s
Jewish Roots
Let’s honor the stories of Jewish families, businesses, synagogues, and changemakers who helped shape Vermont.
Partner with local museums or historical societies to lift up this proud and often overlooked chapter of our state’s history.
