Sign In Forgot Password

Shabbat to Shabbat: America's Prophet

06/14/2017 04:57:50 AM

Jun14

Beth Schafer

America’s Prophet

Did you know that the Puritans viewed their emigration from England as a virtual re-enactment of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt? Or that Thanksgiving ― first celebrated in 1621, a year after the Mayflower landed ― was initially conceived as a day parallel to the Jewish Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur; it was to be a day of fasting, introspection and prayer? Did you know that many Ivy League schools even adopted some Hebrew word or phrase as part of their official emblem or sea?  Beneath the banner containing the Latin "Lux et Veritas,” (Light and Truth) the Yale seal shows an open book with the Hebrew "Urim V'Tumim," which was a part of the breastplate of the High Priest in the days of the Temple? 

As we approach July 4th and a season of summer reading, I am reminded of one of my favorite books by Bruce Feiler, (author of Walking the Bible, and Abraham), America’s Prophet. As a lover of Judaism and American history this book made me so proud to be a Jewish American. The very foundations of our nation are laid with Jewish cornerstones. The Mosaic story, is in fact, in many ways the American story. Feiler traces American history through a Jewish lens which, I believe, will make you very proud. So, if you’re looking for an enjoyable summer read, I thought I would offer you one of my faves that you can add to your shopping list along with hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon and fireworks.

Shabbat shalom dear friends,

Beth

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784