Jewish contributions to the United States, in honor of 250
July Fourth is not just a day of hot dogs and hamburgers; it’s a day to remember how fortunate we are to be Americans.
All this came about long ago, when the inhabitants of this new land refused to be under the heel of Great Britain. They wanted to be free men and by signing the Declaration of Independence, they made it clear that they would no longer be British subjects, that all thirteen colonies would hence be a part of a new nation, The United States.
We celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the courage of these brave men with fireworks, picnics and parades. As Jews, we also recognize the Jewish contributions to the United States we live in today.
“God Bless America” was written by a Jewish immigrant named Irving Berlin. It is still heard today throughout this land in praise of our country. But Jewish contributions do not end there.
The first Jewish settlers came to New Amsterdam in 1654. Fleeing prosecution, Jews who had escaped Spain’s murderous laws — convert or die — settled in Brazil. Antisemitism followed them. When the Portuguese took control of Brazil, Sephardic Jews from Spain and the Netherlands fled North to New Amsterdam.
Congregation Shearith Israel in New York was North America’s first Jewish congregation. By the turn of the 19th century, Charleston, South Carolina, was home to the largest Jewish community in North America, followed by Savannah, Georgia; Newport, Rhode Island; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jewish Americans fought in the American Revolution and Haym Solomon, a Polish immigrant, gave large sums of money to finance the revolution. President George Washington, in gratitude to Solomon, wrote a letter to a synagogue in Rhode Island saying that everyone should be free to sit under his own tree and not be afraid. It shouted equality for all citizens.
Life in America was good. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights guaranteed Jews equal rights under the law. In return, Jews contributed to the economic and cultural development of their new adopted land, while still clinging to their religious beliefs.
In later years, mostly from 1881 to 1924, approximately two million Jews came to this land of opportunity, mostly settling in New York City. Albert Einstein was the most prominent of these newcomers.
They became active in helping other Jewish immigrants, who spoke mostly Yiddish, to integrate, send their children to schools to get educated and volunteer to help other Jews earn a living and become full-fledged Americans. Reaching out to help the less fortunate is something that has always been part of Jewish heritage.
The history of Jews in America reflects their growth, their prosperity and their gratefulness for the way America has embraced them. Their contributions in World War II as servicemen in America’s armed forces is well documented. At least seventeen American Jews have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor. The first Jewish American to be awarded this medal was Benjamin Levy in 1862 for his courageous service.
When the candles on America’s birthday cake are lit, Jews can justly feel that they have contributed to this golden land and be proud Americans.
Stand tall patriotic Americans, we are so fortunate to live in this land of the free and the home of the brave. Bring out the cake, light the candles, start the music and celebrate. Happy 250th birthday America!
Judith Levy is the New York Times best-selling author of “Grandmother Remembers,” which has sold 4 million copies to date. Her newest illustrated book, “Great-Grandmother Remembers” is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.