Jewish Calendar & Celebrations

The Jewish calendar follows the lunar cycle and shapes Jewish life through holidays and traditions. Each celebration, from solemn fasts to joyful festivals, carries deep historical and spiritual significance.

This is where the link will jump to

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.

Here are a few festive, creative ways your synagogue, organization, or school can get involved:

    • 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.

    • 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!

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.