FLASH BACK  MAP OF THE U. S. IN 1775 MYSTERY Diary Entry From a letter, written in Yiddish in the 1790s, PROFILE by Rebecca Samuel in Petersburg, Virginia, to symbol of religious her parents in Hamburg, Germany, describing freedom in her experience as a first-generation Jewish A America, the oldest American. Like other religiously observant synagogue building still in early America, Rebecca was somewhat being used in the United ambivalent about life in the New World. She States was dedicated on was disturbed by the assimilation of the Jews H. anukkah 1763, and still in her community, but pleased by the houses an active principle of religious tolerance that allowed Jews and non-Jews to live together in peace. “[] is not  only the oldest synagogue in America, but also one of the

“…On the Sabbath all the Jewish shops are oldest symbols of liberty.” open, and they do business on that day as — John F. Kennedy they do throughout the whole week. But ours we do not allow to open. With us there is still congregation. The Spanish- AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORY, MUSEUM OF NATIONAL PHILADELPHIA some Sabbath. You must believe me that in Portuguese Jews who LIBRARY OF CONGRESS Touro Synagogue, Jeshuat Yisrael, Newport, , JEWISH WOMEN’S ARCHIVE our house we all live as Jews as much as we founded the Touro JEWISH LIFE IN 1776 can. As for the Gentiles, we have nothing to Synagogue sought haven in America, where they could practice Judaism openly and without JEWISH POPULATION: This bill of credit (scrip) was issued by South Carolina complain about….You cannot know what a fear. Nevertheless, when the famous colonial architect, Peter 1,000-2,500 during the Revolutionary War. If you look carefully at wonderful country this is for the common Harrison, built this synagogue, he constructed a modest and PERCENT OF TOTAL AMERICAN POPULATION: Less than 0.1% the four corners of the middle box, you’ll see four ordinary exterior that wouldn’t offend the surrounding Christian NUMBER OF : 5 man. One can live here peacefully.” Hebrew letters! Do you think the Hebrew on this scrip: community. Inside, a lavish and extraordinary design glorifies the WHERE MOST JEWS LIVED: New York, New York; Newport, MAKING OUR WILDERNESS BLOOM MAKING OUR  Jewish faith and tradition they cherished. Rhode Island; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South a. indicates that this bill came from a Jewish banker? Carolina; Savannah, Georgia b. was a security measure taken to prevent counterfeit? COMMON JEWISH CAREERS: merchants and shopkeepers

EXCERPTED FROM c. sent a secret war message through code?

COST OF BREAD: 11.3 cents per pound ANSWER: b ANSWER:

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN JEWISH AND AMERICAN HISTORY 1620 1654 1655 1664 1730 1740 1752 1761 1774 1775 1776 1777 1787 1789 1791 1802 1803 1804 1812 1814

The Mayflower Twenty-three Jews win the The English America’s first Jews gain a Benjamin The first Isaac Abrahams Francis Salvador, Declaration of The Jews of Constitutional George A majority of The first President Lewis and Clark The War Francis Scott lands at Jews fleeing right to settle conquer New synagogue, the limited form Franklin English becomes the a delegate to the Independence New York are Convention in Washington the states Ashkenazi Thomas begin their of 1812 Key composes Plymouth Rock. persecution in New Amsterdam Mill Street of American conducts his translation of first Jew to legislature in and the granted full Philadelphia, is officially ratify the Bill synagogue in Jefferson expedition. begins. the Star from Brazil Amsterdam. and rename Synagogue of citizenship famous kite Hebrew prayers graduate from South Carolina, American rights under the where our inaugurated of Rights, America, nearly doubles Spangled arrive in New They establish it New York. Congregation through the experiment. is published. an American becomes the first Revolution New York State forefathers set as the first which grants Rodeph Shalom, the size of the Banner. Amsterdam. the first Jewish Shearith Israel British university, American Jew to (1775-1783) Constitution, out “to secure President of freedom of is established in community in (a Sepharic Plantation King’s College hold an elected which abolishes the Blessings the United religion to all Philadelphia. with the North congregation), Act. (now Columbia public office. religious of Liberty...” States. Americans. Louisiana America. is built in University). discrimination. Purchase. New York.

2 BABAGANEWZ H. ESHVAN SUPPLEMENT 5765 BABAGANEWZ.COM BABAGANEWZ.COM 5765 H. ESHVAN BABAGANEWZ SUPPLEMENT 3 Spotlight Gershom Mendes Seixas: A LEADER By Barbara Krasner-Khait IN

ritish warships filled New York Harbor in early July 1776, and the clouds of DIFFICULT TIMES B war hovered over the city like a thick,

suffocating blanket. Thirty-two H. AZZAN SEIXAS: Many of Shearith Israel’s have also helped raise funds to build synagogues and support members moved to Philadelphia. In 1780, I left Jewish communities throughout America. In all that I do, I thousand Redcoats marched towards New York Stratford to join them, and together, we established actively seek to fight for liberty and against intolerance. I travel City, and in response, General Washington Congregation Mikveh Israel. When the Revolution a great deal to perform circumcisions throughout the region, was over, some of the congregational leaders returned and everywhere I go, I try to teach others to be proud Jewish deployed 10,000 Patriots. As to New York and persuaded me to follow them. Americans. L IB R A danger loomed, Gershom R Y

O F Did you return to your old synagogue? BABA: Thank you, Hazzan Seixas. History will remember your C BABA: .

O

Mendes Seixas (pronounced N

G leadership well!

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S S Of course! I’ve been a part of say-shas) stood before his H. AZZAN SEIXAS: Shearith Israel for as long as I can remember—I even (Gershom Mendes Seixas lived from 1745 to 1816.) congregation, Shearith Israel, attended the Hebrew school here as a young boy. Our small Spanish-Portuguese community established this pleading with them to side with the rebels against synagogue in 1730—making it the oldest one in

King George of England. SOCIETY,AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL CENTRE, NEWTON YORK,AND NEW MA NY America! A LINK IN THE

Though speaking out against the Crown meant BABA: And when did you become its CHAIN OF HISTORY rabbi? Jennifer Paress, 18, of Maplewood, risking death, this synagogue’s young leader argued New Jersey, is a direct descendant of it would be better to close the synagogue and leave H. AZZAN SEIXAS: Well, I’m not Gershom Mendes Seixas. really a rabbi. Although I the city rather than live under British tyranny. Not perform religious ceremonies BABA: How will you follow in Gershom’s footsteps? all of Seixas’ congregants, however, were prepared to BABA: It’s an honor to meet you, and help interpret religious

H. azzan Seixas. Tell us what happened law for this community, I JENNIFER: Obviously, I can’t be the first American- S

abandon their homes and businesses for the S

on August 22, 1776, when the British E haven’t been ordained. born Jewish rabbi because that already happened. I

R

G N

defeated General Washington and O America still doesn’t have any can, however, lead my life along the lines of all the

revolutionary cause. Nonetheless, he persuaded a C

F

O

occupied . Y official, ordained rabbis. In fact, righteous things that Judaism encourages us to do. For

R

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majority of them to leave with him before the B

I I became the first American- L example, last summer I worked at a camp for kids with HAZZAN SEIXAS: Although it was British army advanced. Only a few days later, . born Jew to serve as a developmental problems. I ride in a rescue squad, and difficult to leave the synagogue and congregational leader when I was I’m vice president of my synagogue youth group. I community where I grew up, I felt strongly 1,300 Americans were captured, killed, or wounded elected H. azzan in 1768. involve myself in whatever I can. that we needed to stand firm against the British. in the fierce battle for New York City. We could no longer tolerate their tyranny; instead, BABA: What leadership roles do you take in BABA: What about your family heritage inspires you we needed to fight for the sacred cause of freedom. the community at large? the most? When we caught up with H. azzan Seixas in 1789, he The New World gives Jews a chance for a new life— Shearith Israel was built in 1730 in As you know, I serve as a was returning from ’s one of real civil and religious liberty. Most Lower Manhattan H. AZZAN SEIXAS: JENNIFER: When I pray, I think of the fact that my congregants agreed with me, and they helped me move trustee to Columbia College, New York ancestors risked so much to come over here and be presidential inauguration. Seixas was invited to and is shown on this many of the Torah scrolls and ceremonial objects to 1755 map of New University, and the Humane Society. To help such active Jews. They were among the first Jews to participate as a “Jewish minister,” signaling Jewish Stratford, Connecticut. York City. Today, the the less fortunate, I have established a free experience religious freedom in America. Now, Judaism synagogue is on 70th burial society and an organization that gives in America is strong and vibrant thanks to their efforts. Street, near equality in the new nation and respect for Seixas’ tzedakah to the poor, sick, and needy in both BABA: Where did members of the congregation take Central Park. I’m happy to see that. leadership in the community. refuge? the United States and the Land of Israel. I

5 4 BABAGANEWZ H. ESHVAN SUPPLEMENT 5765 BABAGANEWZ.COM BABAGANEWZ.COM 5765 H. ESHVAN BABAGANEWZ SUPPLEMENT other

Knows est NY YORK, NEW AND MA CENTRE, NEWTON SOCIETY, HISTORICAL JEWISH AMERICAN CHARACTERS:

NAPHTALI FRANKS –33-year-old son Adapted from Dear Heartsey, of Abigail and Jacob Franks published by the American Jewish Historical Society ABIGAIL FRANKS –Naphtali’s mother Edited by Barbara Krasner-Khait  and Robyn Schafer quish every other gaiety commonly affable to all men, but not called the pleasure of life. credulous; nor too soon be led SETTING: away by fair speeches of friendship. Naphtali: Mother sends me dried Two desks rest at opposite ends of the consequence gives me no uneasy fruits, preserved vegetables, smoked Naphtali: Yes, Mother’s thought. stage. Abigail sits and writes with a fish, AND PLENTY OF ADVICE. behavior can be confusing. She embraces the quill at stage left. A pair of spectacles Naphtali: (motioning to the letters openness of America, where she lives as a Jew and a lies on her desk. She addresses her son Abigail: (firmly) I desire you will Actual letter from Abigail AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY,AMERICAN JEWISH HISTORICAL CENTRE, NEWTON YORK,AND NEW MA MODIFIED FOR PUBLICATION NY: DIGITALLY on the desk) Mother wrote me often British-American New Yorker. But she’s also afraid of the Naphtali, who stands behind a never eat anything…or anywhere Franks to Naphtali written consequences of openness. As with many Jews today, between 1733 and 1748. Thirty-five in 1733. Her words in this cluttered desk at stage right and where there is the least doubt of freedom has brought Mother joy and pain. My brother (scowling) My name is letters have survived over the years. play are taken directly Naphtali: things not done after our strict David explains in this letter. (picking up a letter, he reads) Naphtali, but she never calls me addresses the audience. from her letters to her son. Abigail: (tenderly) I will always Judaical method. “Dear Brother, There is great uneasiness and concern at that. She calls me Heartsey. respond to one of your letters with home on account of our sister, Phila. She has been married (spelling it emphatically) Naphtali: (avoiding her stare) New York is a frontier three of my own. to Oliver Delancey, a Christian, for seven months now, and H-E-A-R-T-S-E-Y. I hate that nickname. It’s a pun on the settlement with barely 250 Jews living among 8,000 not a soul knew of it until last week when she went to his word hart (spelling it with a mocking tone) (laughing affectionately) She goes down to the people. My parents are leaders of Shearith Israel, the Naphtali: country house in Greenwich. Father and Mother are —H-A-R-T—which is some sort of red deer. Mother thinks docks and hands her letters to Captain Farmer, who sticks synagogue on Mill Street. In fact, my father raised money overcome with grief.” Heartsey is a cute nickname because a hart—the deer, not them in his pouch. “Hoist anchor!” he shouts, “this vessel from Jews in Curac¸ao, Amsterdam, and to build it. the vital organ—was the symbol of the Biblical tribe of clears New York Harbor for London!” Two or three weeks My brothers and sisters went to school at the synagogue in Abigail: If parents would consider the many difficulties Naphtali. (shrugging) Whatever! I’m stuck with Heartsey. later, barring a storm, pirates, or a war with the Spaniards, the mornings, learning French, Spanish, Hebrew, and in the bringing up of children, there would not be such the letters arrive. And then, of course, I write her back…(a writing. But in the afternoons, they went to Mr. Brownell’s, extreme joy at their birth. I don’t mean the caring for them Abigail: (picking up the quill and sighing) Dear long pause) as soon as I can. an exclusive private school. Although most Jews live as infants—that’s the least of it. But it’s after they are grown Heartsey, we seem to be going in opposite directions. together in the Dock Ward, Mother socializes with many up and behave in such a manner as to give satisfaction, Abigail: The excuses you make in not writing to me so Christians, and she’s admired in the exclusive world of then to be bereaved of them in the decline of life, when Naphtali: (smiling broadly) Perhaps in more ways than often as to your father meets with an easy forgiveness…[but] wealthy New York families. enjoying of them would be our greatest happiness. one. You see, I left home when I was 18. I didn’t leave to pray, send me the second volume of The Revolution of escape my nickname… (and then adding as an after- Poland. (sternly) Send no more idle trash, like The Lady of Abigail: (proudly) It gives me a secret pleasure to I have my health perfectly well and don’t know anything I OR MY MOTHER thought) . (picking up a large stack of the Gold Watch. I tossed that book in the fire. observe the fair character our family has in the place by wish for but the happiness of seeing you, which I begin to letters) But somehow, both have followed me across the Jews and Christians. fear I never shall. And I am sure there is little probability Atlantic. No, I journeyed to London to learn the family Naphtali: (laughing) Mother is an unusual woman for of my going to England.… May all the blessing and business from my uncles. the mid-1700s, well-read and interested in history and poetry. Naphtali: Even so, Mother knows that we Jews are a tiny happiness that come to good and virtuous people be upon (astounded) Who relaxes while reading Polish history? minority, and that we should sometimes maintain a low you, and may the great and good God bless and preserve Abigail: Your uncles Aaron and Isaac have assured me of profile, especially when conflicts erupt. you to long life, health, and a good name…. I have their endeavors to put you forward, but they have not come Abigail: I must confess, dear Heartsey, I could—with nothing to add but my prayer, my dear child. to a determination yet in what method. But whatever they vast pleasure—employ three hours of the 24 from my Abigail: As you are now launched out amongst strangers, intend, I imagine will be so well considered that the family affairs to be dipping in a good author, and relin- you must be exceedingly circumspect in your conduct. Be Your tender and affectionate mother, Abigail Franks.

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