On the eve of the American Revolution Jews were solidly ensconced as partner Builders of the New Society. They had overcome the anti-Semitism of Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant by use of influence and power in the West Indies Company in Holland. In the city of New Amsterdam they caused to be overthrown a city law forbidding them to carry arms. They came to a land devoid of established prejudices and flourished in an atmosphere of limitless opportunities. |
 They formed important congregations in New York, Newport, and Philadelphia,
all true to the religious practices of their old world origins which were Sephardic. They
began the formations of Aid Societies, men's clubs and cemeteries.They were for 100 years Americans and many participated in the revolt against the British Crown. Though small in numbers they were by and large a well educated, family connected, entrepreneurial, religious group of elite Jews. This is the end of the first chapter of a pictorial presentation of the intertwining pathways of religious Jewry and American liberty. They will shape a new Diaspora. |
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END OF CHAPTER ONE