BALTIMORE (VINnews)-The Coalition for Jewish Values on Wednesday thanked President Donald Trump for his May 4 proclamation marking Jewish American Heritage Month, which encourages Jewish Americans to observe a “national Sabbath” in keeping with Jewish tradition.

In the proclamation, Trump called on Jewish Americans to mark the occasion by observing the Sabbath from sundown Friday through nightfall Saturday. The Coalition for Jewish Values, which represents more than 2,500 traditional and Orthodox rabbis, described the gesture as especially meaningful amid rising antisemitism in the United States.

“It is a profound gesture of support for the Jewish community,” said Rabbi Yaakov Menken, executive vice president of the CJV.

Menken said the idea originated from discussions within the Jewish community about how to express patriotism this year, noting that Independence Day 2026 falls on the Sabbath.

“Noting that July 4 will be on the Sabbath this year, we suggested to friends in the Trump Administration, and to other Jewish organizations, that our community might express our patriotism on that Sabbath,” Menken said. “It is truly remarkable that President Trump is, instead, encouraging the Jewish community to express our patriotism simply by observing the Sabbath itself.”

The organization is urging Jewish Americans to observe the Sabbath on May 15-16 in response to the president’s call and to continue the practice in the weeks ahead.