LeChaim America

LeChaim America is an effort of Reut USA to support Jewish institutions and communities in participating in the Semiquincentennial in a distinctly Jewish way, which celebrates the legacy and destiny of American Jewry in America and its collective contribution to the U.S.

Within the broader context of the 250th, every minority is expected to celebrate its legacy in America, while exploring its condition and future in this country. Similarly, Jewish institutions across America are expected to mark America’s 250th with celebrations of their American journey and by exploring questions regarding the Jewish future in America. In this context, Reut USA is creating tools to support Jewish communities as they celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Self-Education about American-Jewry

Our community has made a distinct and significant contribution to America, which largely emanates from the civilizational contribution of Judaism to humanity. The 250th is a once-in-a-jubilee opportunity for American Jewry to educate itself about its own remarkable legacy, which is essential for being proud and confident about our future in America. We need various forums and initiatives in academia, schools, think tanks and in our community institutions to educate proud American Jews of all ages of their heritage.

Schools

We call upon Jewish schools to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary during the current and coming academic years (2025-2026 and 2026-2027) in a variety of ways including in-class teachings, guest lecturers and field trips. For an outline of possible activities, click here.

Summer Camps

The height of the Semiquincentennial celebrations will be on July 4, 2026, when all Jewish camps will be in session. We will share ideas about how to mark the Semiquincentennial in a distinctly Jewish way that celebrates the legacy of American Jewry as the great Diaspora of our time.

Jewish Community Centers

We hope that all JCCs will celebrate the 250th in a distinctly Jewish way in their halls and classrooms throughout the year.

Federations

Federations have the ability to inspire, support and even orchestrate 250th celebrations within their area, which are distinctly Jewish. They can do so by engaging core institutions e.g. schools, camps, community centers, synagogues, museums or historical sites, as well as through lecture series, movies and podcasts.