Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Calendar of Events
Learn about UC San Diego's Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), celebrated nationally from May 1 through May 30.
UC San Diego proudly celebrates its inaugural Jewish American Heritage Month, a federally-recognized observance honoring the profound contributions of Jewish Americans to the nation’s culture, history, science, arts, civil rights, military service, and more! All faculty, staff, alumni, and students are invited to participate in JAHM 2025 activities featuring numerous free programs centered on the theme “Kehillah” (community).
For more information on any of the events on this page, please email jahm@ucsd.edu.
May 12 - 16 | Peace in Israel Week at UC San Diego
Presented by Tritons for Israel
Join us for a powerful and inspiring week celebrating Israeli culture, resilience, and diversity. Each day offers a unique opportunity to connect through music, laughter, education, and community.
Date: May 12 - 16, 2025
For locations, please see flyer
May 12 | Nova and Israeli Music
Stop by Library Walk to experience the uplifting spirit of Israeli music and pay tribute to the lives lost at the Nova Music Festival on October 7th. Enjoy DJ sets, mocktails, and dancing as we recreate the vibrant energy of an Israeli music festival—right here on campus. A celebration of resilience, culture, and the power of music to unite
Students will focus on the message of positivity and the importance of music in Israeli culture. A DJ will be on campus for people to come dance. We will create an atmosphere of attending a music festival in Israel!
Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Library Walk
May 12 | Nova Tribute Dance Party
Get ready to dance the night away at our student-only tribute party!
Israeli DJs will bring the beats, and the energy will be high as we celebrate life, unity, and culture in honor of those lost. Come early -- the Loft will be rocking!
Date: Monday, May 12, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: The Loft
May 13 | Israelis in Comedy
Discover the lighter side of Israeli culture! Enjoy Israeli snacks, and compete in a hilarious hummus-eating contest!
A great way to meet new people, grab a bite, and enjoy a moment of fun between classes
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Library Walk
May 13 | Comedian Yohay Sponder
The Jules and Gwen Knapp Family presents: Holy Land, Unholy Comedy. Don’t miss this FREE comedy show with internationally acclaimed Israeli comedian Yohay Sponder!
With a career spanning 20+ years, Yohay brings his bold, thought-provoking humor to UCSD for one unforgettable night. The event is open to students, faculty, and the broader community
Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Mandeville Auditorium
REGISTER Via QR Code in Flyer
May 14 | Israel Education & Awareness
Get informed with a thoughtful look at Israel’s history, the October 7th attacks, and the experiences of Jewish and Israeli students on campus today.
Stop by to explore resources, share your thoughts, and engage in meaningful dialogue
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 12:00 p.m - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Library Walk
May 14 | Author Yossi Klein Halevi Speaking Event
The Jules and Gwen Knapp Family presents: Bridging the Divide, a conversation with Yossi Klein Halevi. Join us for an enlightening lecture from acclaimed author and journalist Yossi Klein Halevi.
A leading voice on Israeli and Middle Eastern affairs, Yossi will share insights from his interfaith work and years of on-the-ground experience. This talk is open to students, faculty, and the broader community
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Price Center Theater
REGISTER Via QR Code in Flyer
May 15 | Jewish Night Market
The Jules and Gwen Knapp Family presents: UCSD’s favorite international night market is back! Stroll through 20+ booths filled with authentic Jewish and Israeli food, crafts, and music.
Sample flavors from across the Jewish diaspora—from Ethiopia to France to Iran—and pick up unique goods, jewelry, candy, and more! With a live DJ and a lively atmosphere, the Shuk is a can’t-miss experience.
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Library Walk
May 21 | Student Art Project: “Kehilla” (Community)
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month through art and conversation!
Stop by Sun God to witness a powerful, collaborative student art installation centered around this year’s theme: Community. Students will be on-site, engaging with passersby and inviting you to add your voice to a growing visual piece that reflects the diversity, unity, and strength of Jewish life on campus.
Whether you contribute to the artwork or simply take it in as you walk by, this is a unique opportunity to reflect on the meaning of community -- and what it looks like here at UC San Diego.
Be part of something meaningful. Your voice belongs here.
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Time: All Day
Location: Sun God
May 22 | The Band's Visit Film Screening
UC San Diego Ph.D. theatre student Haïa R’nana Bchiri and Professor Allan Havis will be the co-presenting a screening of The Band’s Visit (85 minutes). They will be sharing a brief film introduction and then taking turns in a post-screening Q&A.
This highly awarded 2007 film The Band’s Visit was a multi-Tony Awarded Broadway hit musical in 2018. Eight Egyptian police musicians arrive in Israel, inadvertently taking the wrong bus, into the Negev Desert looking for the Arab Cultural Center. They encounter Israeli townspeople, who give the musicians shelter, food, and friendship during their brief visit. The story quietly illustrates unspoken longing, quiet romance, and the pain of loneliness.
Date: Thursday, May 22, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Mosaic 113 Auditorium
May 30 | Jewish American Heritage Month Shabbat Dinner (Inaugural)
Inaugural UC San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month Shabbat Dinner
Date: Friday, May 30, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Please contact JAHM@ucsd.edu for more information. Limited seating.
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