United States Jewry, 1776-1985

This volume deals with the period up to 1840. Ch. 13 (pp. 494-524), "Rejection of the Jew: The State, 1776-1840", surveys state legislation regarding Jews. Article VI and the first amendment of the Constitution protected Jews only on the federal level, but for the 13 original states full equality for Jews was slow in coming. By 1787 only New York and Virginia had granted political equality to Jews, and full equality was not granted in North Carolina and New Hampshire until the 1860s-70s. Discusses problems for Jews arising from state-mandated worship in the public schools, Thanksgiving proclamations, and Sunday closing laws ("blue laws"). Ch. 14 (pp. 525-558), "Rejection of the Jew: The People, 1776-1840", discusses prejudice against Jews as portrayed in stereotypes in literature, the theater, in society, and in the church. Describes efforts by Christian missionaries to convert the Jews. Concludes that while anti-Jewish feeling persisted, it was mild compared to what the Jews had faced and would continue to face in Europe. (From the Bibliography of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) ; Focuses on the period 1840-60. Ch. 12 (pp. 279-305), "Rejection of Jews, 1840-1860", states that antisemitism was a minor phenomenon compared to Protestant hostility toward Catholics. However, some states did not accept Jews as full citizens, and anti-Jewish stereotypes were widespread. Describes Jewish opposition to a provision in a commercial treaty with Switzerland which excluded American Jews from doing business in that country, and massive Jewish protest, supported by American Protestants, regarding the Mortara Affair. Ch. 13 (pp. 306-327), "Defense: The Board of Delegates of American Israelites", surveys the Board's activities against discrimination at home, and its aid, in concert with the Alliance Israelite Universelle and the British Board of Deputies, to oppressed and persecuted Jews abroad. (From the Bibliography of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem) ; Deals with the period 1860-1920. Ch. 8 (pp. 143-166), "Rejection: Part I, " shows how aspects of antisemitism, including the "Jewish conspiracy" idea, were imported from Europe. Jews suffered from bias on the part of the Christian masses, and efforts to impose Christianity in the educational system and via Sunday blue laws. Social prejudice was the most typical form of American antisemitism, affecting housing, hotels, clubs, colleges, and the armed forces. Ch. 9 (pp. 167-190), "Rejection: Part II, " focuses on anti-Jewish stereotypes and shows how they led to increased anti-immigrant sentiment. Rejection of Jews is attributed to economic fears. Concludes that antisemitism was never a real threat to the well-being of the Jewish masses. Ch. 15 (pp. 359-382), "Judeophobia and Antigentilism, " focuses on the growing acceptance of Jews by Gentiles. At the same time, the Jews largely rejected Christian missionary efforts. American literature and the press were ambivalent about Jews. The theater took longer to rid itself of stereotypes. In the 1880s-90s, the word "Jew" began to lose its negative connotations, reflecting the acceptance of Jews in American life. (From the Bibliography of the Vidal Sassoon International Center for the Study of Antisemitism - The Hebrew University of Jerusalem)