"In December 1778, as the #American #Revolution still raged, a #Jewish #writer in #Charlestown opened a #newspaper and saw #Jews made into wartime #scapegoats. An article in the local press claimed that Jews in #Georgia had taken “every advantage in trade,” then fled with “ill-got wealth” as soon as the state was “attacked by an enemy,” “turning their backs upon the country when in danger.”
The writer did not let this accusation go unanswered. He responded in print. And he signed his reply with a line that declared both his patriotism and his devotion to #Judaism: “A real AMERICAN, and True hearted #ISRAELITE.”
That combination — civic belonging and Jewish identity claimed in the same breath — feels newly resonant as the #UnitedStates enters its 250th anniversary year.
The American story has never been free of #antisemitism. But this early source reveals something else that is often overlooked..."
"From the days of #Miriam, the sister of #Moses and #Aaron, #Jewish #women have been leaders-without-portfolio. In the Book of #Exodus, Miriam, a “#prophetess,” leads the #Israelite women in song, but unlike Moses, the main recipient of teaching from God, and Aaron, the chief priest, she has no named role.
Today, women in many denominations of #Judaism are able to attend institutions of higher learning to become equipped with the necessary skills to gain credentials to be called #rabbi or #cantor. What will they do with their newfound titles? A crop of new #books and #TV #shows out this fall gives some answers."
"Wrestles with God", man really said "I'm built different" when faced with fucking divinity