UC SAN DIEGO

May 6, 2026

ALL ACADEMICS, STAFF, AND STUDENTS AT UC SAN DIEGO, INCLUDING UC SAN DIEGO HEALTH

This May, UC San Diego proudly celebrates 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, labor movements, government, education and more.

All students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to participate in events centered around this year's theme, “לְדוֹר וָדוֹר / L'dor v'dor (From Generation to Generation): Celebrating Generations of Jewish Life in San Diego.” In addition to honoring the many contributions and diversity of the Jewish community in the United States, this year’s theme celebrates generations of Jewish life in San Diego and the vast contributions and experiences within our local communities. Through L’dor v’dor, a core value (middah) of the Jewish people, we hope to deepen mutual support and connection within and across UC San Diego.

Explore the Full Calendar of Events

This year’s month-long celebration includes art, music, dance, language, comedy and a multicultural Night Shuk with over 20 booths lining Library Walk with food and goods from all over the world. The market will also have jewelry booths, candy from around the world, merchandise, aromatic coffee, a DJ, and fun for all.

All faculty, staff and students are invited to participate in the culminating event, UC San Diego's Jewish American Heritage Celebration Dinner on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. in Price Center Ballroom West. This meaningful celebration will feature a dynamic lineup, including entertainment, a multigenerational slate of Jewish speakers and cultural music by Goldene Medina Klezmer Band.

To view the month-long calendar of events, please visit the 2026 Jewish American Heritage Month Calendar of Events website.

Administrative Leave with Pay

In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month, two hours of administrative leave with pay have been approved for employees to attend a UC San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month activity. Supervisors, upon request, may approve the use of such leave when the absence does not infringe upon the performance of required job duties or patient care.

Support and Volunteering

If you are interested in volunteering, donations or sponsorship for Jewish American Heritage Month events at UC San Diego please email the Jewish American Heritage Celebration Month planning committee at jahm@ucsd.edu.

Special Thanks

On behalf of the campus community, we extend our sincere appreciation to the members of the UC San Diego Jewish American Heritage Month planning committee for their dedication and hard work in coordinating these educational and celebratory campus activities. For more information about the Jewish Staff and Faculty Tritons Association, please email jsafta@ucsd.edu.

For more information on UC San Diego Heritage Months, visit this webpage.