I thank Chabad of Manassas in Northern Virginia for presenting a fascinating learning class tonight about the Jews and American civics. It is an honor to know that the Founding Fathers based many of their decisions on leaving England on what the Jews experienced in leaving Egypt.
Here are some basic notes I took.
Why has Judaism flourished in America?
Unprecedented freedom
Merit-based society
Shared values
1620 immigrant Pilgrims were seeking religious freedom, not gold. Those fleeing England were like those fleeing Egypt. King James was Pharaoh. Both Americans and Jews were saved from oppression by God. Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.
Even though no Jews were on the Mayflower, The Jewish story resonated with the Pilgrims and the Founding Fathers.
Brazil Jews came to America in 1654.
23 people have busts in the halls of government. 2 were Jewish, Moses and Maimonides.
How does religion spread?
Violent conquest, Organic society, Covenantal society. The latter begins with a mission and a purpose.
Jews began with a covenant and then received the Torah.God made covenants with Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Noah.
America began with a covenant.
Mount Sinai Covenant —> Pilgrims
~~> Mayflower pact of 1620.
Covenants require constant recommitment by the people.
The Russian and French Revolutions were about destroying their societies. The British and American revolutions were about liberating people and strengthening societies.
The American spirit is being proudly and boldly who you are. The American spirit should boost our Judaism.
eric