UJC launches heritage month coalition

The United Jewish Communities launched a coalition to encourage communities to plan the second commemoration of Jewish American Heritage Month this May. The JAHM Coalition was convened by UJC, the American Jewish Archives’ Jacob Rader Marcus Center, the American Jewish Historical Society and the Jewish Women’s Archive. Its steering committee will feature a broad range of organizations. “The JAHM Coalition will move forward in the spirit in which it was formed – as a community-driven movement to institutionalize the celebration of American Jewish Heritage Month,” the UJC, the umbrella group for North American Jewish federations, wrote this week in a letter to constituent bodies. “We are confident that through its members, the JAHM Coalition will plan and ensure implementation of programs and activities to educate the community about the American Jewish community’s contribution to the history, heritage and culture of the United States.” Ideas under consideration include lectures, movies, festivals, rallies and interfaith dialogue. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), both Jewish, voice their support for the initiative in a letter showcased on JAHM’s website, www.jewishheritage.us. President Bush proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month last year on the heels of legislation initiated by Wasserman Schultz