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May 2022 as Jewish American Heritage Month
WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is an annual recognition and celebration of American Jews' achievements and contributions to the United States of America during the month of May; and
WHEREAS, Jewish American Heritage Month is intended to empower communities across the country to celebrate the inspiring history of Jewish people in America, educate public audiences about Jewish culture, and spark crucial conversations about the Jewish American past, present, and future; and
WHEREAS, for over 350 years, despite enduring bigotry, prejudice, discrimination, and antisemitism, Jewish people have been a vibrant thread woven into the fabric of our nation’s history; and
WHEREAS, beginning in the 1850s, Jewish people settled in what would then become the City of San Leandro and in 1889, they founded and established what would become known as Temple Beth Sholom; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1947, the congregation expanded to hire a full-time rabbi, purchased a site on Dolores Street, and constructed a new and larger synagogue. Subsequently, it adopted its present name of Temple Beth Sholom, which means House of Peace; and
WHEREAS, the Jewish community of San Leandro has been an invaluable part of our city and our history, pursuing justice and equity; welcoming diversity and inclusion; cultivating acts of generosity and kindness; as well as embodying the power of service towards building a better world for all of us.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, San Leandro Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter do hereby proclaim the Month of May 2021 as “Jewish American Heritage Month” in the City of San Leandro.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of San Leandro to be affixed this 2nd day of May 2022