May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a national observance that recognizes the history, culture and contributions of Jewish Americans. It has been proclaimed each May since 2006, and it offers a natural invitation for neighbors of every background to learn more about a community that has been part of American life since the colonial era.
Boston and New England have deep Jewish history. Over generations, Jewish families built homes, businesses, congregations and community institutions in neighborhoods such as the West End, the North End, Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan, and later in nearby cities and towns. Jewish New Englanders have shaped local medicine, law, education, the arts, labor and civic life. This guide offers practical ways to learn together during May and beyond.
Start With Curiosity, Not Assumptions
Jewish identity is wonderfully varied. Some Jewish Americans are deeply religious; others connect mainly through culture, food, family history or community. Jewish families in New England trace their roots to Eastern and Central Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, Latin America, Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union and many other places. Some have been here for generations; others arrived recently.
A good first step is to resist treating Jewish life as one single story. Instead, let your learning open up the many ways people experience and express Jewish identity.
Learning Through Your Local Library
Public libraries are an excellent starting point, and librarians are glad to help.
- Ask for picture books, novels, memoirs and histories by Jewish American authors.
- Look for local history collections that cover immigrant neighborhoods and how they changed over time.
- Explore newspaper archives, often free with a library card, to read about community life in past decades.
- Check the library calendar for May talks, film screenings or book discussions.
Exploring Local History
Learning about the place you live makes history feel real.
- Visit your local historical society and ask about the Jewish history of your town or neighborhood.
- Look at old maps or photographs to see where congregations, bakeries, shops and community centers once stood.
- Read about how immigrant communities moved from crowded city neighborhoods to other parts of the region over the twentieth century.
- Check museums and cultural centers for exhibits or programs open to the public.
Ideas for Families With Children
- Read a picture book together each week and talk about the characters’ traditions.
- Learn about holidays that appear throughout the year, such as Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, and what they mean.
- Bake a braided bread or try a family recipe from a Jewish cookbook, and talk about the history behind the dish.
- Learn a few words in Hebrew or Yiddish, and ask a librarian for children’s books that include them.
- Attend a free public cultural event, concert or festival if one is offered nearby.
Starting a Short Book or Film Circle
A four-week circle is a manageable way for neighbors, coworkers or friends to learn together.
- Choose four works by Jewish American writers or filmmakers, mixing fiction, memoir and history.
- Ask the library about borrowing multiple copies or using its digital collection.
- Meet for an hour each week, in person or online.
- Use simple prompts: What surprised you? What connected to your own family’s story? What do you want to explore next?
- End with each person sharing one thing they plan to keep reading or learning about.
Visiting Respectfully
Some congregations, cultural centers and museums welcome visitors for tours, concerts, lectures or open events. If you would like to visit:
- Check the organization’s website or call ahead to ask about public events and visitor guidelines.
- Follow any security procedures; many Jewish institutions have them for good reason.
- Dress modestly and follow your hosts’ lead about customs, such as head coverings in a sanctuary.
- Avoid photography during services unless invited.
- Remember that Saturday is the Sabbath for many observant Jews, so events may be scheduled around it.
Supporting Local Businesses and Artists
Learning and supporting go together. Visit a family-run bakery or deli, buy work from a local artist, attend a concert or theater performance, or pick up a book from a Jewish author at an independent bookstore. Regular, year-round support matters more than a single visit during May.
Respectful Conversations
- Do not expect one person to speak for everyone. Individuals have their own experiences, beliefs and views.
- Avoid stereotypes, even ones that might sound like compliments.
- Ask open questions with genuine interest, and accept that some people may prefer not to discuss religion or family history.
- Listen more than you talk. Let people share their stories in their own way.
Standing Up Against Hate
Learning about a community also means paying attention to how its members are treated. If you see antisemitic graffiti, report it to the property owner and to local authorities; in Boston, 311 can help with graffiti removal. If you witness harassment, safe bystander actions include checking in with the person targeted, staying with them and helping them find support. In an emergency, call 911.
Keeping It Going After May
A heritage month works best as a beginning. Add Jewish authors to your regular reading, mark Jewish holidays on your family calendar so you can greet neighbors thoughtfully, keep visiting the businesses and cultural spaces you discovered, and follow local history projects. Learning about neighbors is a year-round habit.
A May Learning Checklist
- Borrow two or three books by Jewish American authors
- Learn one story from your town’s Jewish history
- Try a recipe and learn its background
- Attend a public talk, concert or exhibit
- Support a local business or artist
- Talk with your family about what you learned
Quick check: If you would like to attend an event at a synagogue or Jewish cultural center, what is a good first step?
- Arrive unannounced during a service
- Check the website or call ahead about public events and visitor guidelines
- Bring a camera to photograph the service
Show answer
B. Checking ahead lets you find events open to the public and follow your hosts’ customs and security procedures.
