COMMENDATIONS: Commends Louisiana's Jewish-Americans on their contributions to the state and nation, recognizes Jewish American Heritage Month, and encourages observance of Shabbat on May 15-16, 2026, as a time of prayer, reflection, gratitude, and thanksgiving to Almighty God in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of our nation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Valarie Hodges

Louisiana recognizes May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month and encourages interfaith observance of a 24-hour Shabbat, tying it to the U.S. 250th anniversary.

Introduced in the Senate; read by title. Rules suspended. Read second time by title and adopted.

Summary of SR 120 (Louisiana, 2026)

Purpose and intent

Commend Louisiana's Jewish-American citizens for their contributions to the state and nation.

Recognize May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Louisiana.

Join with other states in encouraging Christians and people of all faith traditions to observe a Shabbat from sundown May 15, 2026, to nightfall May 16, 2026.

Frame the Shabbat observance as a time of prayer, reflection, gratitude, and thanksgiving to Almighty God in celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.

Key provisions and changes

Officially recognizes May 2026 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Louisiana.

Encourages interfaith participation in observing a Shabbat during the specified 24-hour period (May 15–16, 2026).

Links the Shabbat observance to the broader national commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

Public-facing endorsement to foster interfaith dialogue and shared religious observance within Louisiana.

Transmits a copy of the resolution to the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest (Houston) for distribution to Jewish communities and relevant officials/entities.

Who or what is affected

Jewish-American communities and institutions in Louisiana (recognition and visibility).

Louisiana residents of all faith traditions, encouraged to participate in or observe Shabbat in solidarity.

Public and ceremonial institutions in Louisiana that may reference or respond to this resolution.

The Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest and Jewish communities in Louisiana (through communication and recognition).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the Louisiana Senate on May 12, 2026.

Read by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading (typical legislative procedure for a resolution).

No fiscal impact or administrative authority is proposed; this is a symbolic and ceremonial resolution.

The resolution is authored by Senator Hodges with a co-sponsor listed as Valarie Hodges.

The text references a presidential proclamation (May 2026 Jewish American Heritage Month and national Shabbat observance) to align state recognition with federal and national signals.

Notable context

Ties state recognition to a federal proclamation by President Donald J. Trump (as described in the bill’s text) recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and calling for a national Shabbat in May 2026.

Emphasizes a shared Judeo-Christian heritage and the significance of religious liberty and religious liberty history in Louisiana and the United States.

Includes a cultural diplomacy element by sending the resolution to the Israeli Consulate for dissemination to Jewish communities in Louisiana.

Observations

This is a ceremonial resolution; it does not create new laws or impose requirements beyond encouraging interfaith observance and recognizing contributions of Jewish Americans.

It aims to promote unity, gratitude, and reflection in the context of Louisiana’s diverse religious landscape and the nation’s 250th anniversary milestone.