Many British-Americans Jews Fought 
During the Revolutionary War

Date

Location

Individual/Group

Associates

For those Jews who risked their lives and their fortunes for the American cause, they were soon rewarded with the affirmation that Jews would have a secure place in the new country. The Declaration of Independence stated that “all men are created equal,” with no distinction based on religion. The First Amendment affirmed that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  

In July, 1790 C.E., Charleston’s synagogue, Beth Elohim, addressed a letter to President Washington. Composed by Jacob Cohen, a veteran of the Revolution, it recited the blessings and benefits of the new government in three long pages. It declared: “To the equal participation and enjoyment of all these (the natural and inalienable rights of human nature) it has raised us from the state of political degradation and grievous oppression to which partial, narrow, and illiberal policy and intolerant bigotry has reduced us in almost every other part of the world. Peculiar and extraordinary reason have we, therefore, to be attached to the free and generous Constitutions of our respective states, and to be indebted to you, whose heroic deeds have contributed so much to their preservation and establishment.”  

July, 1790 C.E.

Charleston

 Jacob Cohen

President Washington

When George Washington was inaugurated as the nation’s first president, in his now-famous letter to the Jewish congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, he made his position clear. “It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it were by the indulgence of one class of people that any other enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that they who live under its protection demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support. May the children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants, while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.”  

Newport, Rhode Island

George Washington 

Jewish Congregation 

Why did the Jews so readily aid the American Cause?  Was it just because they were merchants and traders attempting to do business with a partner in need? Whatever the case was, the British took note.  Admiral, Sir George Rodney commander of the British Fleet, February, 1781 C.E. stated, "They (in reference to the Jews of St. Eustatius, Caribbean Antilles) cannot too soon be taken care of - they are notorious in the cause of America and France." 

February, 1781 C.E.

St. Eustatius, Caribbean Antilles

Jews 

 British Admiral, Sir George Rodney Commander of the British Fleet

The Jewish population in the British-American Colonies was between 2,500 and 3,000. British-American Jews served in numbers disproportionate to their small population of the period. The American Revolution ushered in an unparalleled freedom for Jews in British-American North America. It was the first war in Western history where Jewish service became expected and even obligated. Such actions represented a certain admission to American society.

British-American Colonies

British-American Jews

Many historians and commentators have offered that the Jewish Colonial American experience of the period 1654 C.E. through 1770 C.E. provided a sharp contrast from the historic European anti-Semitic past. Europe offered the Jews only isolation and discrimination. The negative experiences had included the areas of economic, legislative, physical, religious, and social abuse. 

1654 C.E. through 1770 C.E.

Jewish Colonial American 

European anti-Semitic past

The Jews found in American Colonial life a changing, evolving, growing, thriving environment. The rapidly changing colonial scene had little time to focus upon Jewish scapegoating. The British-American frontier demanded much from everyone. The colonies were constantly expanding and with expansion came new American economic power. These needed the best of all people.

Writers have attempted to glorify the American Jewish experience of the Revolutionary War as one of undiluted patriotism for the colonial cause. Nothing can be that clear-cut. The story of British-American Jews during the Revolution is as complex and complicated as that of their counterparts of other faiths. The Revolution was not only the fight of colonists for independence, but also a fight between colonists.

Colonial America Jews struggled and won rights which were inconceivable and/or nonexistent in Europe. In this new they won the rights to economic opportunity, land ownership, access to secular education, service in the armed militias, the vote, and in some colonies they were allowed to become members of legislative bodies. 

Most importantly, Jews were free to develop economically, participate in colonial life, and practice their faith. These opportunities left a lasting impression on Jews before the American Revolution. Therefore, Jews tended to settle wherever doors were opened. Frequently it was in the urban environments, but also the rural and frontier areas. 

The American Revolution, 1776 C.E.-1783 C.E., didn’t begin as a revolution. Colonial America was evolving and growing. As part of the English world, it demanded fair representation from the British Parliament. The British government saw the Americas only as a source of money, power and natural resources. The British government failed to understand that a fundamental change had taken place. Colonials soon saw themselves as British Americans with rights, a voice in their affairs, the ability to influence laws and economy, expand their frontiers, and limit taxation.

1776 C.E.-1783 C.E.

Colonial America

Colonial British Americans

British Government 

The Revolutionary war would be the longest war in American history, before Vietnam. By 1765 C.E., Philadelphia merchants had gathered at the State House to sign the non-importation agreement. They did so to fight the hated Stamp Tax of the British government. 

1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Jewish Merchants

Sign their names to the Non-Importation Agreement 

When war finally erupted, the American Colonies were split with those who supported the war, some neutral, and others pro British Empire. The very small Jewish population of British-America was also divided, though very heavily in favor and support of the American Revolution. 

When in 1776 C.E. the Declaration of Independence was written, a copy was sent immediately to Amsterdam through that small Dutch Caribe Island of Saint Eustatius, though it was intercepted by the British at sea. An accompanying letter written in Yiddish was also intercepted. It was then forwarded to London to be deciphered.

1776 C.E.

Amsterdam and Dutch Caribe Island of Saint Eustatius

British-American Jews

According to Jonathan D. Sarna, the author of “American Judaism: A History,” New York’s 400 Jews were sharply divided on the lines of Tory and Patriot, while in Newport, a substantial number of Jews remained loyal to Britain. “Many Jews vacillated and pledged allegiance to both sides in the dispute for as long as they could. Jews scarcely differed from their neighbors in this regard. Nativity, ties to Europe, and economic factors determined the loyalties of many colonists,” Sarna writes. 

Newport

Jews

The war wasn’t going well for the Americans. The cost was great and the great merchant traders of Newport, Rhode Island saw their fortunes being lost. Many were bankrupted while supporting the Revolution and their ships were lost to the British. Financing the young American government was failing

Revolutionary War Period

Newport, Rhode Island

Jewish Merchant Traders

The cost was great and the Great Merchant Traders of Newport, Rhode Island saw their fortunes being lost.

There were three distinct groups of roughly equal size during the Revolution:

·       Loyalists, who remained faithful to the British Crown

During the Revolution

Loyalists

·       Whigs or Patriots who joined the rebellion

During the Revolution

Whigs or Patriots

·       Those with families who were on both sides.

During the Revolution

Families who were on both sides.

·       Those without a strong opinion who wanted to avoid an active role in the conflict.

Loyalists

Gómez, Franks, Hays, and Hart families divided into two hostile camps, the Whig and Tory. A few British sympathizers, notably Isaac Touro, chazzan of the synagogue in Newport, left the country altogether. Isaac Hart, a Jewish loyalist shipper who fled only as far as Long Island, was killed by patriotic Whigs.

Revolutionary War Period

Newport

Gómez, Franks, Hays, and Hart families

British Sympathizers

These families:

Gómez (Trade disruptions and wartime hazards took their toll, especially on traditional, old stock Jewish merchants like the Gómez family. Their fortunes declined enormously.)

Revolutionary War Period

British-American Colonies

Gómez

Old stock Jewish Merchants

Franks (Trade disruptions and wartime hazards took their toll, especially on traditional, old stock Jewish merchants like the Franks family. Their fortunes declined enormously.)

Franks

Old stock Jewish Merchant

David Salisbury Franks’ story of service to America spans three continents and several roles, including soldier and diplomat. He was born in Philadelphia in 1743 C.E. and was among the first Jews to start a business in Montreal after the British conquest in 1763 C.E. In Montreal in 1775 C.E., a statue of King George III was vandalized with the words ‘This is the pope of Canada and the fool of England.’ Franks played no role in the incident, but was suspected of being involved and arrested after having been overheard saying “in England men are hanged for such small offenses.” Although he was released after a week, the governor, Sir Guy Carleton, included him in a “list of principal leaders of sedition.”  

1775 C.E.

Philadelphia

David Salisbury Franks

British Colonial Governor, Sir Guy Carleton

When the American army captured Montreal in 1775 C.E., Franks joined them, later commenting, “My good offices and purse were ever open to them, at a time when they had neither friend nor money.” When the American army retreated from Montreal, Franks followed it, having been issued a pass that certified him as “a friend to the American cause.”  

1775 C.E.

Montreal

David Salisbury Franks and the American army 

Franks attached himself to Benedict Arnold, whom he had met in Montreal, and was possibly with him as a volunteer at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 C.E. He was perhaps with him, too, in the Albany hospital where Arnold recovered from serious wounds. Because of his knowledge of French, he was later a liaison officer to Count d’Estaing, the commander of the French forces in America, and he was perhaps also for a time an aide to General Benjamin Lincoln in South Carolina.” 

1777 C.E.

Saratoga

David Salisbury Franks

Saratoga, Benedict Arnold, General Benjamin Lincoln 

David Franks was fired in 1778 C.E. from the Solomon Simson business after being accused of having British sympathies, tried, acquitted, but never quite forgiven by society. After Arnold’s betrayal, Franks requested a public court of inquiry to clear his name. Washington agreed, and the court exonerated Franks, with the following statement: “every part of Major D.S. Franks’ conduct was not only unexceptionable but reflects the highest honor on him as an officer, distinguished him as a zealous friend to the independence of America, and justly entitles him to the attention and confidence of his countrymen.”  

1778 C.E.

Public Court of Inquiry 

Major David Salisbury  Franks

Washington

Between 1781 C.E. and 1787 C.E., Franks served in various diplomatic missions, shuttling back and forth between Europe and America. He worked with and for Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay, and other American diplomats in Europe. Early in 1784 C.E., Franks was charged with carrying to Europe one of the three copies of the peace treaty ratified by Congress. He remained in Europe for three years acting as a courier, and carrying messages and papers to and from Jefferson, Adams, and Jay.  

1781 C.E. and 1787 C.E.

Major David Salisbury  Franks

Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, John Jay, and other American diplomats in Europe

Jefferson commented on Franks in a letter to James Madison: “He appears to have a good eno’ heart and understanding, somewhat better than common but too little guard on his lips. I have marked him particularly in the company of women where he loses all power over himself and becomes almost a fright. His temperature would not be proof against their allurements, were such to be used as engines against him. This is in some measure the vice of his age but it seems to be increased by his peculiar constitution.” Madison agreed with Jefferson’s description, and wrote: “For all unconfidential services he is a convenient instrument. For anything farther ... I am afraid.”  

Major David Salisbury  Franks

Jefferson and James Madison

Franks’ other diplomatic roles included vice-consul at Marscilles and participating in the negotiation of a treaty with Morocco, which he then brought back with him to America in 1787 C.E. Before Franks left for America, Jefferson wished him “health, happiness, and good passage.” Jefferson wrote to Madison at the same time: “You will see Franks, doubtless he will be asking some appointment. I wish there may be one for which he is fit.” He offered a mixed recommendation: “He is light, indiscreet, active, honest, affectionate.”  

1787 C.E.

Marscilles and Morocco

Major David Salisbury  Franks

Cice-consul at Marscilles and participating in the negotiation of a treaty with Morocco, Jefferson, Madison 

Isaac Franks was a distant relation to David Franks of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in Colonel Lasher’s Volunteers of New York at the age of 17. His service was not as exciting as David’s, but probably more typical. “He served in the Long Island campaign in 1776 C.E., when he was wounded and taken prisoner. He escaped to New Jersey in a leaky skiff with one paddle and rejoined Washington’s army, with which he remained through all its many changes of fortune. He became a forage master and performed its routine functions conscientiously. ... In 1781 C.E., he was commissioned an ensign in the Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, also stationed at West Point, and he remained with it until he was discharged in the following year for a complaint of kidney gravel.”  

1776 C.E., 1781 C.E.

Pennsylvania, New York, Long Island, Massachusetts, West Point

Isaac Franks 

Colonel Lasher’s Volunteers of New York, Long Island campaign, Seventh Massachusetts Regiment, Washington’s army

Colonel Isaac Franks, who then lived in Philadelphia, entered the army shortly after the Battle of Lexington. He became aid-de-camp to General Washington, holding the rank of colonel, and serving throughout the war. After the Revolutionary War, Colonel Franks became the incumbent of various civil offices, among them Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, being appointed to that position on February 18, 1819 C.E. His residence in Germantown was for some time occupied by President Washington.

February 18, 1819 C.E.

Philadelphia, Lexington, Germantown

Colonel Isaac Franks

Battle of Lexington, aid-de-camp to General Washington, Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

David Hays, Jr. was an active participant in the struggle for independence and served with the Colonial Army on Long Island. In retaliation for his patriotic services the Tories burned his house and store. Prior to the Revolution he was one of the Commissioners appointed by the British authorities to lay out public lands. All of his family sided with the Colonists during the War of Independence. David Hays and Jacob Hays, father and son, fought in various of the battles for independence.

During the struggle for Independence 

Long Island,  England

David Hays, Jr. and his son, Jacob Hays. Jacob later left America for England, where he was granted an annual pension of 40 pounds.

Prior to the Revolution he was one of the Commissioners appointed by the British authorities to lay out public lands, Colonial Army on Long Island

Isaac Hart, a Jewish loyalist shipper who fled only as far as Long Island, was killed by patriotic Whigs. After the war at least one of the Harts, Jacob, left America for England, where he was granted an annual pension of 40 pounds.)

 Long Island

Isaac Hart

England

Myer Hart was among the most prominent Jewish loyalists, supplier to British troops in Pennsylvania.   

Pennsylvania

Myer Hart

among the most prominent Jewish loyalists, supplier 

A few British sympathizers, notably Isaac Touro, chazzan of the synagogue in Newport, left the country altogether.

Newport

Isaac Touro

British sympathizer left the country altogether

Moses Nunes, searcher of the port of Savannah

Savannah

Moses Nunes

Searcher of the Port of Savannah

Myer Pollock, who aided the British war effort in Newport.

Newport

Myer Pollock

Aided the British war effort 

Whigs or Patriots who joined the Rebellion

The British-American Jewish experience involved patriots who defined themselves within the context of the cause of independence and sacrifice. They risked their lives fighting in the state militias and the national army, and jeopardized their finances to support the war effort.

British-American Jewish

 In the State Militias and the National Army

The majority of Jews served on the Colonial side in the conflict. Approximately 100-160 men engaged in military service including active combat and affiliation with local militias. Jews serving in combat roles did so as the most humble foot soldier to that of officers ranking as high as colonel.

About 15 of the 100-160 Jewish soldiers serving on the American side were officers in the colonial army. This is a number roughly matching the proportion in the army as a whole. These Jews served as officers in the American army at a time when they could only become officers in Britain if they took an oath as a Christian. Their stories include dramatic acts of bravery and a willingness to lay down their lives to help build the new country. 

(1) Approximately 100-160 Jewish men (2) About 15 of the 100-160 Jewish soldiers 

(1) Engaged in American military service including active combat and affiliation with local militias (2) Served on the American side were officers in the colonial army.

Jews gladly answered the call and served alongside their gentile colleagues in a wide range of roles. Many engaged in what were more typical Jewish professions at the time financing the war effort, privateering, and supplying the troops. Jewish trading merchants, peaceful before the war, outfitted their ships to become privateers and ravage the British at sea. The cost too many was great. Many of the great merchant traders of Newport, Rhode Island saw their fortunes lost.

Newport, Rhode Island

 Jewish Trading Merchants

Financing the American war effort, privateering, and supplying the troops. 

Service in the Colonial Military

From South Carolina

The first Jew to die fighting for American independence was, ironically, also the first Jew elected to public office in them colonies. His name was Francis Salvador (1747 C.E.-August 1, 1776 C.E.). He was from the Sephardic Jewish community. Francis was born in London in 1747 C.E., he emigrated to America in 1773 C.E. He then built an indigo plantation in South Carolina. Despite his British roots, Salvador adopted an anti-English sentiment common in frontier regions. 

1773 C.E. 

South Carolina

Francis Salvador

Adopted an anti-English sentiment common in frontier regions

It was Francis Salvador who blockaded, bulleted and barricaded the British, while another cadre of businessmen and merchants utilized their resources, ships, materiel and brain power to impede the progression of the enemy, achieve freedom for the country, and win the war.

Francis Salvador

(1) Blockaded, bulleted and barricaded the British

He became politically active and in 1774 C.E. Francis was the first Jew to be elected to public office in the colonies when chosen for the Provincial Congress. Francis Salvador also rode out to carry the alarm and raise the volunteers to repel impending Indians attacks. Francis served in the First and Second Provincial Congresses between 1773 C.E. and 1776 C.E. He helped prepare South Carolina’s first state constitution. In these roles, he was the only Jew to play a policy making role during the Revolution.

1773 C.E. and 1776 C.E.

South Carolina

Francis Salvador

 (1) The first Jew to be elected to public office in the colonies when chosen for the Provincial Congress. (2) Served in the First and Second Provincial Congresses 

His military activities began when he volunteered for a local militia raised under Major Andrew Williamson. He fought with the militia on the South Carolina frontier against Loyalists and their Cherokee allies. Salvador would be the first Jew killed in the American Revolutionary War. 

August 1, 1776 C.E.

Francis Salvador

 Volunteered for a local militia raised under Major Andrew Williamson. (2) Fought with the militia on the South Carolina frontier against Loyalists and their Cherokee allies. (3) The first Jew killed in the American Revolutionary War. 

After returning at the head of a force of frontiersmen, Salvador was shot down, scalped, and killed on August 1, 1776. This occurred when a band of Cherokee Indians incited by local Tories ambushed his militia unit. 

South Carolina

Francis Salvador

South Carolina militia unit. 

In Charleston, South Carolina, there was a company led by a Captain Lushington. It was referred to as a “Jew Company” because it included between 26 and 34 Jews. Jacob I. Cohen (1744 C.E.-1823 C.E.) was one of a group of Jews who fought in 1779 C.E. under Captain Richard Lushington as part of the Charleston regiment known as the “Jew Company,” although only a minority of its members was actually Jewish. Cohen himself fought in the Battle of Beaufort under General William Moultrie and, according to Lushington, “in every respect conducted himself as a good soldier and a man of courage.”

 1779 C.E.

 (1) Charleston, South Carolina (2) Battle of Beaufort 

Jacob I. Cohen 

(1) South Carolina Regiment  led by a Captain Richard Lushington. It was referred to as a “Jew Company”(2) Battle of Beaufort under General William Moultrie

Daniel W. Cardozo was a resident of Charleston who fought in the Continental army.

Charleston

Daniel W. Cardozo

Fought in the Continental army.

David Nudez Cardozo was a soldier who participated in the defense of Charleston. David Cardozo remained in Charleston after the Revolution, where he was a schoolteacher, a lumber measurer, and a prominent member of Congregation Beth Elohim. 

Charleston

David Nudez Cardozo

A soldier who participated in the defense of Charleston

From Connecticut

Solomon Pinto dedicated himself to the fight by serving as an officer in the Connecticut militia and was wounded in the British attack on New Haven in July 1779 C.E. Pinto and others who fought in the rebellion founded the Society of the Cincinnati, our nation’s oldest patriotic organization. 

July 1779 C.E.

(1) Connecticut (2) New Haven 

Solomon Pinto 

An officer in the Connecticut militia and was wounded in the British attack on New Haven in July 1779.

From Maryland 

Reuben Etting of Baltimore was a clerk in Baltimore at the time of the Battle at Lexington. Although he was only 19 years of age he enlisted in a Maryland company. It then hastened north to join the forces of Congress. He served in various battles and was taken prisoner by the British at the surrender of Charleston. When released from imprisonment by exchange he was broken in health from ill treatment in prison and exposure on the field. He was a captain of the Independent Blues in 1798 C.E., and Marshal of Maryland, appointed by President Jefferson. Enlisted the moment he heard about the Battle of Lexington and headed north to Massachusetts. He was taken prisoner by the British who, when they discovered he was Jewish, gave him only pork, which he refused to eat. He was able to survive on scraps of permitted food from fellow prisoners. Weakened by such treatment, he died shortly after his release. A cousin of his, Francis, bore the same name. He was born in 1762 C.E., also fought in the war. The cousin was appointed as a United States marshal in 1801 C.E., by President Thomas Jefferson.

1798 C.E.

(1) Baltimore (2) Charleston (3) Massachusetts

Reuben Etting

(1) Battle at Lexington (2) Maryland Company (3) Taken prisoner by the British at the surrender of Charleston (4) A captain of the Independent Blues (5) Marshal of Maryland, appointed by President Jefferson

Solomon Etting, writing in Baltimore in 1824 C.E., notes that among the soldiers of the Revolution "were many Hebrews who were always at their post and always foremost in all hazardous enterprises." This almost contemporary notice emanates from a Jew whose father had served in the Continental army from the beginning of the Revolution to the capture of Charleston, and who, through the prominence of his family, had been brought in contact with many of the distinguished participants in the momentous.

From Massachusetts

The British blockaded Boston and sent an occupying army to take the city. The call to arms rang throughout the countryside. Volunteers rushed to defend the city at the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1776 C.E. The famous order of the American commander during the battle was "do not fire until you see the whites of their (the advancing British Regular's) eyes."

June 17, 1776 C.E.

Boston

Volunteers 

Battle of Bunker Hill

In the front ranks of the smoke and fire of the Battle of Bunker Hill was Aaron Solomon standing shoulder to shoulder with his Christian comrades of the Gloucester volunteers. 

June 17, 1776 C.E.

Boston

Aaron Solomon

Battle of Bunker Hill

From Pennsylvania 

Manuel Mordecai Noah was an officer on Washington's staff. He served with General Marion in the Revolutionary War and contributed a considerable sum of money to the cause. He gave £20,000 to further the cause in which he was enlisted. His son, Manuel Mordecai Noah was the most influential Jew in the United States in the early-19th-Century C.E. He was an editor, journalist, playwright, politician, lawyer, court of appeals judge, New York Port surveyor, a major in the New York military and, foremost, an ardent utopian Zionist.

Revolutionary War

Manuel Mordecai Noah

(1) An officer on Washington's staff (2) He served with General Marion 

Noah was born July 19, 1785 C.E., in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of Portugués Jewish ancestry (Most probably Ashkenazi). When Noah was very young his mother died. He went to live with his maternal grandfather. He stayed with that family until he became old enough to go to Charleston, South Carolina, where he studied law and he became involved in politics.

He was an ardent patriot and, at the age of 26, he wrote forceful editorials in a Charleston newspaper advocating war (of 1812 C.E.) with England. As a result of his editorials, he was appointed the U.S. Consul to Tunis. In 1815 C.E., he returned and settled in New York to engage in journalism and politics. He published the National Advocate and edited several other newspapers.

Henry Pike Bush is recorded as a soldier in the "Associators and Flying Camp," Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania

Henry Pike Bush

 A soldier in the "Associators and Flying Camp." 

Philip Moses Russell was born in Philadelphia and enlisted with the American forces as a surgeon’s mate in 1777 C.E., although he does not appear to have had any medical training. In addition to serving in the Battle of Brandywine, he suffered the hard winter of 1777 C.E.-1778 C.E. at Valley Forge. Because of exhaustion and an attack of camp fever, his sight and hearing suffered. He had to leave service in 1780, and received a special commendation from General Washington “for his assiduous and faithful attention to the sick and wounded, as well as his cool and collected deportment in battle.”  

(1) 1777 C.E. (2) 1777 C.E.-1778 C.E. (3) 1780 C.E.

Philadelphia

Philip Moses Russell

(1) American forces as a surgeon’s mate (2) Battle of Brandywine (3) Valley Forge (4) He had to leave service in 1780 C.E., and received a special commendation from General Washington

Nathan Levy was a member of Captain Jacob Mauser’s Company in the Pennsylvania 6th Regiment, which fought bravely in the Battles of Trenton, Princeton and enduring the horrors at Valley Forge. 

Pennsylvania

Nathan Levy

(1) A member of Captain Jacob Mauser’s Company in the Pennsylvania 6th Regiment (2)  (3) Battle of Trenton, (4) Battle of Princeton (5) Valley Forge

Solomon Bush was an officer in the Pennsylvania militia, 1777 C.E.-1787 C.E. He is probably the Jewish officer with the longest war record. Bush wrote in a petition to Congress on December 8, 1780 C.E. that he entered “the service of our country in the earliest period of our most glorious contest that animated with zeal he pushed forward to meet the foe, and received a considerable wound which has deprived him of serving his country in the field.”  

1777 C.E.-1787 C.E.

Pennsylvania

Solomon Bush

An officer in the Pennsylvania Militia

Solomon had enrolled as a captain and adjutant in early 1776 C.E. He was a member of the famed Flying Camp of Associators of Pennsylvania. Bush saw action in the Battle of Long Island, which led to a retreat and the loss of New York by Washington’s army. Many in his unit were taken prisoner by the British. The Flying Camp was mobilized again in 1777 C.E., in order to defend Philadelphia against an expected attack. That attack came in the fall. Bush, by then a major, broke his thigh shortly after the Battle of Brandywine. He was then promoted to lieutenant-colonel and made deputy adjutant-general of the Pennsylvania militia.

 (1) Early 1776 C.E. (2) 1777 C.E.

Pennsylvania

Solomon Bush, lieutenant-colonel and  Deputy Adjutant-General of the Pennsylvania militia.

 (1) A captain and adjutant in early 1776 C.E. (2) He was a member of the famed Flying Camp of Associators of Pennsylvania. (2) Battle of Long Island (3) The loss of New York by Washington’s army (4) The Flying Camp was mobilized again in order to defend Philadelphia against an expected attack (5) Battle of Brandywine

While the recovering, Bush was hiding in his father’s house during the British occupation. He was discovered and taken prisoner. Bush was then placed on parole. He was incapacitated for further service.

One of those who challenged religious authority in the early years of the republic was Jacob I. Cohen (1744 C.E.-1823 C.E.) famously of the Captain Lushington “Jew Company,” an immigrant from Oberdorf, Bavaria. He arrived in America in 1773 C.E. Cohen settled first in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he received a license to trade with the Indians. He then moved to Charleston, S.C. 

1773 C.E. 

(1) Lancaster, Pennsylvania (2)  Charleston, S.C.  

Jacob I. Cohen

Captain Lushington “Jew Company”

During the American Revolution, he opposed the British. By 1781 C.E. Jacob I. Cohen was in Richmond, Virginia, having formed a partnership with his fellow militia veteran, Isaiah Isaacs. The two established the commercial firm of Cohen & Isaacs, locally known as “The Jews’ Store.” Subsequently, it expanded to include a tavern inn, known as “The Bird in the Hand,” as well as assorted other properties.

(1) During the American Revolution (2) Richmond, Virginia 

Jacob I. Cohen

(1) He opposed the British

A year after the original store’s founding, in 1782 C.E., Jacob I. Cohen traveled to Philadelphia on a prolonged buying trip, and in May of that year he applied to join Philadelphia’s Mikveh Israel synagogue. Having established himself in business, he was possibly looking for a wife. He was already 38 years old and still single. Within three months he had fallen in love with a recently widowed woman of his own age, Esther Mordecai, whose husband had died leaving her impoverished and with three children. Since Esther Mordecai had applied to the congregation for nine pounds to pay her rent, the community had reason to be especially gladdened by this turn of events; the match likely seemed providential.

1782 C.E.

Philadelphia 

Jacob I. Cohen

But then a problem arose: for Esther Mordecai was a convert to Judaism. Her original name was Elizabeth Whitlock, and she had converted as a teenager to marry her much older first husband, Moses Mordecai. Who converted her and where she was converted remains uncertain, but few at the time seem to have doubted the legitimacy of her conversion. 

The real difficulty was that the marriage of a kohen, a Jew of priestly descent, to a convert is explicitly prohibited by the Halacha (Jewish law). By Jewish law, a kohen may only marry the daughter of a Jew. In much of the Jewish world, this obstacle would almost certainly have doomed the match, no matter how extenuating the circumstances.

What is therefore remarkable, and extremely revealing, is that Cohen proved defiant. Although informed of the law, he spurned it. Why, he must have wondered, should he be denied the right to marry a convert to Judaism just because his ancestors had been descendants of Aaron, the high priest? The dictates of the synagogue and of Jewish law ran counter to his newfound sense of democracy and freedom.

In 1778 C.E., Jonas Phillips (1736 C.E.-1803 C.E.) joined the Revolutionary army, serving in the Philadelphia Militia under Colonel Bradford.

Philadelphia

Jonas Phillips

Revolutionary army, serving in the Philadelphia Militia under Colonel Bradford.

Benjamin Nones (1757C.E.-1826 C.E.) became a United States soldier. He was born in Bordeaux, France, and came to the British-American colonies during the Revolutionary War period. He served as an Aide-de-Camp to General Washington with the rank of major. Benjamin was cited for bravery in battle. After independence, he settled in Philadelphia and became a leader of the local Jewish community. He supported the abolitionist movement and voluntarily freed his own slaves. 

Revolutionary War period.

Philadelphia

Benjamin Nones

(1) United States soldier (2)  an Aide-de-Camp to General Washington with the rank of Major 

From Virginia

Jews trace their earliest participation in Virginia from the 16th-Century C.E., with Sir Walter Raleigh through Jamestown and the American Revolution. The first permanent synagogue was community Kehilah ha Kadosh Beth Shalome. It was founded in 1789 C.E., in Richmond, Virginia. Beth Shalome built its first permanent building in 1820 C.E. in Richmond. 

American Revolution

Virginia

Jews

The president of the Beth Shalome congregation at the time of dedication was Jacob Mordecai, born in 1762 C.E. in Philadelphia. His mother Elizabeth (Esther) Whitlock had been a Christian. She became a convert to Judaism. At age 13, Jacob Mordecai (1762, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania-1838, Richmond Virginia) served as a rifleman when the Continental Congress was resident in Philadelphia and later helped supply the Continental Army as a clerk to David Franks, the Jewish quartermaster to General George Washington.

American Revolution

(1) Philadelphia Pennsylvania (2) 

 Jacob Mordecai

(1) Served as a rifleman when the Continental Congress was resident in Philadelphia (2) Later, he helped supply the Continental Army as a clerk to David Franks, the Jewish quartermaster to General George Washington

Mordecai Abrahams (Abrams) commanded a company of militia of German origin,  in the Virginia Militia. Captain Mordecai Abrahams Company  was attached to one commanded by Colonel Ennis. 

Virginia 

Mordecai Abrahams (Abrams)

(1) Commanded a company of militia of German origin,  in the Virginia Militia. (2) Captain Mordecai Abrahams' Company  was attached to one commanded by Colonel Ennis. 

From New York

Moses Myers, born in New York in 1752 C.E., became a major in the Virginia militia. He served with General Sumter and was present at Yorktown. 

(1)  New York (2) Virginia (3) Yorktown

Moses Myers

(1) A major in the Virginia militia. (2) He served with General Sumter and was present at Yorktown. 

Jacob Cohen was captain of a cavalry company in the continental line and was at the Battle of Yorktown, New York in 1781 C.E., as attested to by Lafayette.

1781 C.E.

New York

Jacob Cohen

(1) Was captain of a cavalry company in the Continental Line (2) Was at the Battle of Yorktown, New York in 1781 C.E., as attested to by Lafayette.

Into the terrible dark cold winter at Valley Forge, Abraham Levy stood his watch.

Valley Forge

Abraham Levy

Stood his watch.Valley Forge

Jews stood and fought along with their neighbors at Valley Forge,  Phillip Russell stood his watch. Dr. Phillip Moses Russell was Washington’s surgeon general at Valley Forge, while 

Valley Forge

Dr. Phillip Moses Russell 

Was Washington’s Surgeon General at Valley Forge

Dr. David de Isaac Cohen Nassy tended to Philadelphians, affectionately, during a yellow fever epidemic. 

 Philadelphia

Dr. David de Isaac Cohen Nassy

Tended to Philadelphians during a yellow fever epidemic. 

Non-Military Patriots

From Rhode Island

Men such as Aaron López (1731 C.E.-1782 C.E.) were bankrupted supporting the Revolution when their ships were lost to the British. Aaron López, born Duarte López, was a Portugués Jewish merchant and philanthropist. Through his varied commercial ventures, he became the wealthiest person in Newport, Rhode Island, in British America. In 1761 C.E. and 1762 C.E., López unsuccessfully sued the Colony of Rhode Island for citizenship.

Newport, Rhode Island

Aaron López was born Duarte López, was a Portugués Jewish Merchant and Philanthropist

Bankrupted supporting the American Revolution when his ships were lost to the British

Aaron López, once known as “The Merchant Prince of Newport,” because of his armada of 100 ships, was dead by 1782 C.E. from a fluke accident, and eulogized by the future President of Yale, Reverend Ezra Stiles.

He belonged to a family of Conversos (Most likely Sephardic) who professed Catholicism while they continued to practice Judaism in secret. In 1750 C.E., López married a woman named Anna, and within two years the couple had a daughter, Catherine.

Aaron's older brother José had left Portugal years earlier, reclaimed his Jewish identity, and taken the name Moses. Moses was naturalized in 1740 C.E. and granted a license by the General Assembly to make potash in 1753 C.E., and he became a successful merchant in Newport. In 1752 C.E. Duarte and his family moved to Newport, where they lived as Jews and became Aaron, Abigail, and Sarah. 

Newport, Rhode Island

 Moses López

Aaron's older brother José had left Portugal years earlier, reclaimed his Jewish identity and was a Merchant in Newport

From New York

Haym Salomon was both an activist patriot and an agent for the government’s Office of Finance. Salomon sold coins, bills of credit, and notes; all were indispensible aids to the government. When the government’s coffers were depleted, he extended personal loans to its leaders. The British imprisoned Salomon because he successfully convinced mercenary fighters to switch to the American side. Except for the financial genius and personal financial risk and support taken on by Solomon and that small in number the Jews who chose to cast their lot with the fate of America, all would have been lost.In the area of finance the young American government might have failed, except for the financial genius and personal financial risk and support taken on by Haym Solomon (1740 C.E.-1785 C.E.). This Jewish patriot, Haym  gave $300,000, an immense fortune for those days.  Solomon (Most probably and Askenazi Jew) was to die bankrupted by his total support of the American cause. Though small in number the Jews chose to caste their fate with America.

Revolutionary War Period

Haym Salomon

Gave $300,000, an immense fortune for those days and was to die bankrupted by his total support of the American cause

Haym Solomon was a personal friend of General George Washington and financier of the American Revolution. During the American Revolutionary War, the Polish-born Haym Solomon immigrated to New York. He was a key financier who helped fund the Continental Army. Solomon became the agent to the French consul, as well as the paymaster for the French forces in North America. In 1781 C.E., he began working extensively with Robert Morris, the newly appointed Superintendent for Finance for the Thirteen Colonies. Often working out of the "London Coffee House" in Philadelphia, at one time Solomon sold about $600,000 in bills of exchange to his clients.

 Philadelphia

Haym Solomon

(1) A personal friend of General George Washington and financier of the American Revolution. (2)  he began working extensively with Robert Morris, the newly appointed Superintendent for Finance for the Thirteen Colonies. 

At one point, when Washington's war chest and the treasury of the Continental Congress was completely empty, Washington determined that he needed at least $20,000 to finance the campaign. When Morris told him there were no funds and no credit available, Washington gave him a simple but eloquent order:

"Send for Haym Salomon". Haym again came through, and the $20,000 was raised. Washington conducted the Yorktown campaign, which proved to be the final battle of the Revolution, thanks to Haym Salomon.

Yorktown

Haym Solomon

Washington conducted the Yorktown campaign

Salomon negotiated the sale of a majority of the war aid from France and the Dutch Republic, selling bills of exchange to American merchants. Solomon also personally supported various members of the Continental Congress during their stay in Philadelphia, including James Madison and James Wilson. He requested below market interest rates, and he never asked for repayment. 

Philadelphia

Haym Solomon

(1) Negotiated the sale of a majority of the war aid from France and the Dutch Republic, selling bills of exchange to American merchants. (2) He  personally supported various members of the Continental Congress during their stay in Philadelphia, including James Madison and James Wilson.

At the session of the Fifty-Second Congress, 1893 C.E., a bill was presented in Congress ordering a gold medal struck off in recognition of services rendered by Haym Salomon during the Revolutionary War. Rather tardy but nevertheless a deserved tribute.

1893 C.E.

Haym Solomon

Congress ordering a gold medal struck off in recognition of services rendered by Haym Salomon during the Revolutionary War

Benjamin Jacobs of New York gave liberally to the American cause of liberty

New York

Benjamin Jacobs

 Gave liberally to the American cause of liberty

Samuel Lyon of New York gave liberally to the American cause of liberty

New York

Samuel Lyon

 Gave liberally to the American cause of liberty

From Georgia

Mordecai Sheftall of Savannah, Georgia, was the head of the local revolutionary committee and was responsible for provisioning soldiers. Mordecai helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities, and bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

Savannah, Georgia

Mordecai Sheftall

(1) Head of the local revolutionary committee and was responsible for provisioning soldiers. (2) Helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities

American soldier, and patriot in the Revolutionary war; born at Savannah, Ga., 1735; died there 1797. He was one of the first white children born in the colony, being a son of Benjamin Sheftall, who arrived in Savannah shortly after Oglethorpe, and whose name is mentioned in the first deed of Georgia. Mordecai received a fair education, and, on attaining manhood, became a prominent merchant. Long before the Revolution he was a member of the well-known Union Society. For several years the only Jewish place of worship in Savannah was a room fitted up by him in his own house, where services were held until about 1774.

In 1773 he deeded a piece of land to his coreligionists for the purpose of erecting a synagogue; but the project was abandoned owing to the excitement preceding the troubles with Great Britain.

Mordecai Sheftall

American soldier, and patriot in the Revolutionary war

In 1778 C.E., he was appointed Deputy Commissary General for Federal troops, but before Congress could approve. Mordecai sought to rally support for the American cause, while discrediting the Loyalists. In 1776 C.E. he organized and led a group that forced its way onto a vessel in the harbor and removed its gunpowder, which was then shipped to Boston for Washington’s army. The royalist governor of Georgia complained to the government in London that the Jews “were found to a man to have been violent rebels and persecutors of the King’s loyal subjects. They must not be allowed to return to Georgia.”

(1) 1776 C.E. (2) 1778 C.E.

Mordecai Sheftall

)1) He organized and led a group that forced its way onto a vessel in the harbor and removed its gunpowder, which was then shipped to Boston for Washington’s army. (2) He was appointed Deputy Commissary General for Federal troops

The British captured and imprisoned him and his son, Sheftall Sheftall, in December 1778 C.E. Both were taken to a notorious British prison ship, the Nancy, where they were treated poorly.

Eventually paroled to a town after being captured by the British.  Sheftall Sheftall, while acting as deputy commissioner in the Revolutionary war and sent as prisoner to the West Indies. Under British supervision local Tories beat and killed Patriots as British troops evacuated under fire from American forces. Both Sheftall’s escaped by sea, only to be recaptured and sent to Antigua. They were freed in 1780 C.E. and made their way to Philadelphia to rejoin their family. In the Disqualifying Act of 1780 C.E., the British listed Mordecai Sheftall as “chairman of the Rebel Parochial Committee,” who had interfered with the King’s business. 

(1) December 1778 C.E. (2) 1780 C.E. 

(1) West Indies (2) Philadelphia

Mordecai Sheftall

(1) The British captured and imprisoned him and his son, Sheftall Sheftall to the West Indies (2) escaped and made their way to Philadelphia to rejoin their family.

The Disqualifying Act also disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state, also excluded at least five other Jews who were shopkeepers.:

·       Levi Sheftall (Brother to Mordecai Sheftall)

Georgia

Levi Sheftall 

Disqualifying Act disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state

·       Sheftall Sheftall (Brother to Mordecai Sheftall)

Georgia

Sheftall Sheftall

Disqualifying Act disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state

·       Philip Minis contributed $11,000 to cover the salaries of the North Carolina and Virginia Regiments. In 1776 C.E., he was appointed acting paymaster of Georgia’s regimental forces; by the end of the War, George Washington acknowledged him as a hero.

(3) 1776 C.E.

(1) Georgia (2) North Carolina (2) Virginia

 Philip Minis

(1) Disqualifying Act disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state (2) Contributed $11,000 to cover the salaries of the North Carolina and Virginia Regiments. (3)  He was appointed acting paymaster of Georgia’s regimental forces; by the end of the War, George Washington acknowledged him as a hero.

·       Cushman Polock

Georgia

Cushman Polock

Disqualifying Act disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state

·       Philip Jacob Cohen was a captain of a cavalry company in the continental line and was at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 C.E., as attested to by Lafayette.

(2) 1781 C.E.

(1) Georgia (2) Yorktown 

Philip Jacob Cohen

(1) Disqualifying Act disqualified many Georgians from future political activity in the state (2) Was a captain of a cavalry company in the Continental Line and was at the Battle of Yorktown in  as attested to by Lafayette.

Moses Sheftall was the second son of Mordecai Sheftall; born in Savannah Oct. 12, 1796. He practised as a physician in his native town and was elected twice to the state legislature. He was also a judge of the county court.

Savannah

Moses Sheftall 

(1) Was elected twice to the state legislature. (2) He was also a judge of the county court.

From Pennsylvania

There were British-American Jews who supported the Non-Importation Resolutions of 1765 C.E. Nine Jews signed the resolutions. Their adoption was the first organized movement in the agitation which eleven years later gave this country its independence from Britain. The original document in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, bears the following names on the first roll of American patriots:

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions

1. Benjamin Levy of Philadelphia, gave liberally to the cause of liberty.

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Benjamin Levy

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions (2) gave liberally to the cause of liberty

2. Samson Levy was a prominent Jewish merchant in Philadelphia during the Colonial Period. He was one of the originators, in 1748, of the City Dancing Assembly, a famous social organization of Philadelphia. In Nov., 1765, he signed, with other merchants of the city, including six Jews, the celebrated resolutions not to import goods from England until the Stamp Act had been repealed. He had two sons, Moses and Samson.

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Samson Levy

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions 

3. Joseph Jacobs enlisted Thomas Mayo July 20th, 1776.

(1) October 25, 1765 C.E. (2) July 20th, 1776. 

Philadelphia

 Joseph Jacobs

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions (2) Enlisted Thomas Mayo 

4. Hyman Levy, Jr.

1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Hyman Levy, Jr.

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions 

5. David Franks

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

David Franks

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions 

6. Mathias Bush: On October 25, 1765 C.E., a group of Philadelphia merchants gathered in the State House to sign the non-importation agreement. This was meant to fight the British government’s hated Stamp Tax. The first man to step forward to sign his name was the president of Mikve Israel Congregation, Philadelphia's only synagogue, Mathias Bush.

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

 Mathias Bush

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions 

7. Michael Gratz of Philadelphia signed pledges to cease trading with the British. He also supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. Along with Solomon Bush, they underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. He also helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities, and bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Michael Gratz

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions (2) He  supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. (3) He underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. (4) He also helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities (5) He bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

8. Barnard Gratz of Philadelphia signed pledges to cease trading with the British, and supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. Along with Solomon Bush, they underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. He also helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities, and bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury. 

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Barnard Gratz

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions (2) He  supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. (3) He underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. (4) He also helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities (5) He bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

9.  Moses Mordecai

October 25, 1765 C.E.

Philadelphia

Moses Mordecai

(1) Supported the Non-Importation Resolutions 

Isaac Morris, of Philadelphia, gave £3,000. 

Philadelphia

Isaac Morris

He gave £3,000 

Joseph Simon supplied the Continental Army with the famous Henry Rifles from his frontier forge at Lancaster, Philadelphia. 

Lancaster, Philadelphia 

Joseph Simon 

He supplied the Continental Army with the famous Henry Rifles 

Samuel De Lucena dispatched potassium carbonate to fashion soap and glass as Joseph Simon reheated his forge to manufacture Henry rifles.

Samuel De Lucena

 Provided materials to manufacture Henry Rifles.

Solomon Simson was an equally loyal man of Jewish faith. He donated cannon and lead to make bullets. He was also a business associate of David Franks, who furnished food to the British prisoners which was a lucrative business until it ran out of money. 

Solomon Simson

He donated cannon and lead to make bullets. 

Moses Myers loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. They were “blockade runners” who purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

 Philadelphia (3) Amsterdam, St. Eustatius Island,  America.

Moses Myers

(1) loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. (2) Was a  “blockade runners.” (3) Purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

Moses was also the wealthiest Jew in Philadelphia. In 1781 C.E., he offered 3,000 pounds sterling to replenish the Continental Army with necessities, and bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

(1) 1781 C.E.

 Philadelphia

Moses Myers

(1) He offered 3,000 pounds sterling to replenish the Continental Army with necessities (2) He bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

Moses Myers finally settled in Norfolk, where he was elected president of the city council and Samuel resided in Richmond, where he served as an alderman.  

Norfolk

Moses Myers

Samuel Myers was the son of Myer Myers, the famous New York silversmith, also served in a Virginia unit during the Revolution. 

New York, Virginia

Samuel Myers

Served in a Virginia unit during the Revolution

Samuel Myers loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. They were “blockade runners” who purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

 Philadelphia (3) Amsterdam, St. Eustatius Island,  America.

Samuel Myers

(1) loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. (2) Was a  “blockade runners.” (3) Purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

Isaac Myers loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. They were “blockade runners” who purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

 Philadelphia (3) Amsterdam, St. Eustatius Island,  America.

Isaac Myers

(1) loaded his vessels with cannon to overturn British ships. (2) Was a  “blockade runners.” (3) Purchased goods in Amsterdam, moved them to St. Eustatius Island, for surreptitious transport back to America.

“An unusual sidelight on the Revolution in Virginia,” writes Samuel Rezneck, “is supplied by Dr. John de Sequeyra of Williamsburg. Born in London of a Portugués Jewish family, he was trained as a doctor at Leyden in Holland and emigrated to Williamsburg in 1745. Here he practiced medicine for half a century, dying in 1795. He was too old to participate actively in the revolution, but he kept a diary reporting diseases prevalent in Virginia for many years. It is interesting to note that for 1781 C.E., the year of the great victory at Yorktown, de Sequeyra recorded the serious spread of smallpox brought by the British army, for which many died.”  

1781 C.E.

Williamsburg

 Dr. John de Sequeyra

Portugués Jewish family

During his years in Williamsburg, it is reported, de Sequeyra treated Jefferson, Washington and others active in the patriotic cause.  

 Dr. John de Sequeyra

He treated Jefferson, Washington and others active in the patriotic cause. 

Joseph Simon manufactured rifles in Lancaster. More commonly, suppliers subcontracted. It was a financial risk. The Continental Congress took its time settling accounts, and some contracts never were recompensed. ... Nearly every Jewish contractor, privateer, and financier of note came out of the Revolution with his fortune either gone or painfully diminished.”  

Lancaster

Joseph Simon

(1) Manufactured rifles and subcontracted suppliers 

Michael Gratz of Philadelphia signed pledges to cease trading with the British. He also supplied gunpowder and firearms to George Washington’s troops. Bernard and Michael Gratz manufactured uniforms, employing the manpower of local poorhouses. Along with Solomon Bush, they underwrote the soldiers’ rations at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. He also helped replenish the Continental Army with necessities, and bought bills of credit to sustain the Treasury.

Michael Gratz

Loyalists  

It would be a mistake to either ignore Jewish Loyalists or attempt to downplay their role in order to highlight Jewish contributions to the American cause. Jews who remained loyal to the British crown did so for a range of reasons, including because they were natives of Britain, because of the relatively low-level of anti-Semitism in Britain, as well as for personal political and financial reasons. The decision of some Jews to side with Britain when the war broke out shows that Jews in colonial America were engaged in the political process and did not act jointly as an isolated minority.  

During the colonial period, Newport was a thriving Jewish center, and it was also the home to many Jewish Loyalists. Among the Loyalists were the Hart family, which had supplied the British army during the French and Indian War as well as engaging in privateering. After the war at least one of the Harts, Jacob, left America for England, where he was granted an annual pension of 40 pounds. When American forces recaptured Newport in 1779, they drew up a list of 50 Loyalists, which included at least 8 Jews:

·       Haym Levi 

·       Simon Levi

·       Isaac Isaacs 

·       Jacob Isaacs

·       Benjamin Myers and his mother, Rachel

·       Isaac Eliezer and his son.  

In 1785 C.E., Virginia passed its Act for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, which stated that “no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever ... but that all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge or affect their civil capacities.” The Constitution (1787 C.E.) and the Bill of Rights (1791 C.E.) banned religious tests “as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States,” and forbade Congress from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  

(1) 1785 C.E. (2) 1787 C.E. (3) 1791 C.E. 

(1) Virginia passed its Act for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson. (2) The Constitution (1787 C.E.) and (3) the Bill of Rights (1791 C.E.) banned religious tests “as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States,” and forbade Congress from making any law “respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”  

Jews joined with their Christian neighbors to celebrate when the Constitution was adopted. Benjamin Rush commented on the ecumenical nature of the celebration: “Pains were taken to connect ministers of the most dissimilar religious principles together, thereby to show the influence of a free government in promoting Christian charity. The Rabbi of the Jews locked in the arms of two ministers of the gospel, was a most delightful sight. There could not have been a more happy emblem contrived, of that section of the new constitution, which opens all its powers and offices alike, not only to every sect of Christians, but to worthy men of every religion.”