Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) is a vibrant celebration held each May to honor the profound impact Jewish individuals have had on the American story.

Below is a selection of programs to honor JAHM in May 2026.

Jewish American Heritage Month: Celebrating Our Shared Story

Every May, we honor the profound impact of Jewish individuals on the American story. From the arts and sciences to civil rights and modern innovation, Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) celebrates the diverse contributions that have shaped our country’s cultural landscape.

More than just a look at the past, JAHM is a bridge between generations. It honors the resilience of those who arrived seeking freedom and the creativity of those who continue to strengthen our communities today.

Join us in the month of May to celebrate our vibrant heritage woven into the very fabric of Greater Austin.

JAHM EVENTS AND PROGRAMS
MAY 2026

INVITE-ONLY EVENT
Jewish American Heritage Month Kickoff
Friday, May 8

This kickoff event occurs in the the first week of May with a performer, a program with speakers from the City of Austin, and our community organizations. The program will highlight the diversity and contributions of the Austin Jewish community. This event is invite-only. To learn more, please contact [email protected].

Learn More

Film Screening with ADL Austin
Monday, May 11 | 7PM-9PM

Join us for a special screening of “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round,“an inspiring documentary that tells the story of Black students and Jewish neighbors who came together to challenge segregation at Glen Echo Amusement Park in 1960. Their courage, solidarity and shared commitment to justice helped ignite a broader movement for civil rights and reminds us of the power of standing together across lines of difference.

Following the film, we will welcome a panel featuring voices connected to the Civil Rights era and a conversation about the enduring importance of Black-Jewish partnership, as well as the opportunities to build and strengthen that alliance today.

Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt
Sunday, May 17 | 4PM-7PM

Get ready for a family-friendly night where cultures collide, rhythms soar, and joy takes center stage. Join us for the 13th Annual Bollywood Meets Borscht Belt on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for an unforgettable celebration of music, dance, food, and community—all in support of a powerful cause. This event is in partnership with Shalom Austin.

BMBB is Austin at its best: a high-energy fusion of Hindu, Jewish, and African American cultures, brought together by families, artists, and performers of all ages and backgrounds. From dazzling Bollywood beats to soulful performances and crowd-favorite traditions, this is a night that moves you—inside and out.

Register

Mitzvah Day
Wednesday, May 20 | 6PM-7:30PM

Join us this Jewish American Heritage Month as we come together in the spirit of community, compassion, and shared responsibility. Rooted in our core Jewish values of tikkun olam (repairing the world), chesed (kindness), and kehillah (community), we invite you to take part in a meaningful service opportunity with Shalom Austin.

Together, we will be packing meal kits to support the Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service Food Pantry, to provide clients with access to nutritious food and care. This is a powerful way to honor our heritage through action, by showing up for one another and strengthening our community.

Whether you come with friends, family, or on your own, your participation makes a difference. Let’s stand together, give back, and embody the values that unite us.

Sign up to volunteer and be part of this impactful experience!

Register

Texas Resources – Jewish American Heritage Month

Texas Holocaust, Genocide, & Antisemitism Advisory Committee

The THGAAC has formed a Steering Committee, led by Carol Silverberg from Austin. The committee is working to expand JAHM in Texas by sharing stories of the Jewish community’s contributions, heritage, and history in Texas. The goal in year one is to raise awareness of JAHM by engaging a cross-section of organizations already doing this work and coordinating their efforts and programming in May under the umbrella of JAHM.

Write Your Own Texas JAHM Story

THGAAC Resources

ShalomAustin_RachelStern_CEOHeadshot - CROP

A Special Family History Article: Shalom Austin Incoming CEO Rachel Stern

In Honor of Texas Jewish American Heritage Month

By: Carli Price

Shalom Austin incoming CEO, Rachel Stern, has generously opened a window into her family’s Jewish story in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

Rachel grew up in a close-knit family in San Antonio, where her parents — of blessed memory — instilled in her a deep love of Jewish community. She remarked that since being named the next CEO of Shalom Austin, her parents have rarely left her thoughts.

Read Full Article

Parent Toolkit for Jewish American Heritage Month

Shalom Austin

For an easy overall plan for both promoting and teaching, use Shalom Austin’s Parent Toolkit with background information, useful links, media information, and a ready-to-print letter home.

JAHM Parent Toolkit