Celia Gurevitch Jewish Community Library

Last week we celebrated Independence Day. Jews were very much part of the American War of Independence. The library has a great book, published by the American Jewish Historical Society that devotes twelve chapters to Jewish patriot heroes, many of them operating before, during and after the revolution. The book, edited by Michael Feldberg, “Blessings of freedom, chapters in American Jewish history,” also has sections on Jewish rights in early America, varieties of American Jewish identity, political leaders, anti-Semitism, sports, builders, and Zionism.

Let me share a few words from the book about the most famous Jew supporting the revolution:

“[Haym Salomon] risked his fortune, pledged his good name and credit on behalf of the Revolution, and stood up for religious liberty. Despite financial setbacks at the end of his life, Salomon’s name is forever linked to the idealism and success of the American Revolution and to the contribution Jews have made to the cause of American freedom.” (page 33)

We have a related novel, Haym Salomon: Liberty’s son, illustrated by Richard Fish and written by Shirley Milgrim for young adults. This dynamic, exciting, historical and educational story would be a good summer reading for any 10-14 year old child.