Trump Calls for National Shabbat During Jewish Heritage Month

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on yesterday declaring May 2026 as “Jewish American Heritage Month,” calling on Americans to observe a national Shabbat from sundown May 15 to nightfall May 16 as part of the country’s 250th anniversary events.

The call comes ahead of “Rededicate 250,” a national prayer and thanksgiving gathering scheduled for May 17 on the National Mall in Washington, marking 250 years since American independence, and the first time a sitting president has called for a nationwide Shabbat observance.

“This day will recognize the sacred Jewish tradition of setting aside time for rest, reflection, and gratitude to the Almighty,” Trump said, inviting “friends, families, and communities of all backgrounds” to take part.

The proclamation frames the Shabbat initiative within a broader effort to highlight the role of faith in American life during the anniversary year. Trump wrote that Jewish Americans have helped “build the cause of liberty and sustain the greatness of our Nation,” linking their contributions to values of “faith, family, and freedom.”

He pointed to Haym Salomon, an early supporter of the American Revolution, describing him as a figure who “gave everything to the success of the American Revolution” after supporting the Continental Congress and advocating against tyranny.

Trump also cited President George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, quoting his pledge that the United States “gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance,” alongside Washington’s vision that Jews in America would live safely “under his own vine and fig tree.”

Trump also addressed rising antisemitism, stating that his administration is working to counter attacks on Jewish Americans. “We are aggressively fighting the violence against Jewish Americans that increased under my predecessor, prosecuting hateful criminals to the fullest extent of the law,” he said, adding that enforcement efforts are focused in part on incidents reported on college campuses. “I will never stop fighting to protect our birthright of religious freedom — a sacred right that continues to guide our Nation,” Trump said.

The Rededicate 250 event, scheduled to follow the Shabbat observance, is expected to include public officials and religious leaders, including Rabbi Meir Soloveichik, in a program centered on prayer, praise, and national reflection.

The proclamation formally designates May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month and calls on Americans to mark the occasion with programs, ceremonies, and community activities, alongside participation in the national Shabbat during the anniversary year.