Denouncing antisemitism, the South Orange Village Council on Monday proclaimed May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month and called “upon all residents to take time this month to learn, to listen, to celebrate and to affirm that this Village is a place where every person is seen, valued and welcome.”
“At a moment when antisemitism is rising across our country and around the world, South Orange stands without hesitation on the side of its Jewish residents, not in sympathy, but in solidarity because the safety, dignity, and belonging of every member of this community is not negotiable,” the proclamation states.
Councilwoman Jennifer Greenberg read the proclamation on behalf of the Council and Mayor Sheena Collum, stating that the Jewish community in South Orange has been a “cornerstone of Village life for generations building houses of worship, leading in our schools, serving on our boards and commissions, opening businesses on South Orange Avenue, and showing up, again and again, as neighbors committed to the common good.”
Maplewood Township is scheduled to present a similar proclamation at its Tuesday, May 19 meeting, according to Deputy Mayor Malia Herman.
The town read a proclamation for Jewish American Heritage Month every year.
The full proclamation from South Orange Village is below:
As part of Jewish American Heritage Month, South Orange Village and Maplewood Township are partnering on the following series of community events honoring Jewish culture, history, and connection:
- Shalom Festival – Sunday, May 24 from 12:30–3:30 p.m. at Woodland Great Hall in Maplewood. Enjoy live music, dancing, food and family-friendly fun.
- Free Film Screening: I Will Build This World From Love – Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Box Office Cinemas in South Orange. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A.
- Author Talk: Hidden Lives – Thursday, May 28 at 12 p.m. at the Senior Lounge at the Baird Community Center. Author Rachelle Goldstein will discuss powerful true stories of child survivors of the Holocaust.
