The history of Jewish Americans as well as their culture, people and accomplishments are presented in this first program of Jewish American Achievement. Chapter List 1.) 1654 - The First Jewish Pioneers Arrive in the New World - The Jews' original homeland was Israel in the Middle East, but during the Diaspora they were forced to move throughout Europe; eventually Sephardic Jews from Spain and Portugal, fleeing religious persecution, came to New Amsterdam, now New York City, where led by men like Asser Levy, they at last obtained civil rights and founded the first Synagogue, Shreath Israel. 2.) 1714 - Luis Moses Gomez Starts Thriving Fur Trade - Luis Gomez, founded the Gomez Mill House, center of New York's fur trading business with American Indians; and he also received a Denization Document for the colony of New York, giving him the same rights as English colonists, allowing him to own land. 3.) 1778 - Jewish Americans Aid the American Revolution - Haym Salomon, Isaac Franks, Aaron Lopez, were three of many Jewish Americans who having achieved equality, freedom of releigion, and economic success, fought for the War for Independence, the American Revolutionary War waged by the thirteen colonies and led by George Washington. 4.) 1819 - Rebecca Gratz Founds the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society - Rebecca Gratz, the first Jewish American feminist, not only founded the charity institution, the Female Hebrew Benevolent Society, she was reputed to be the model for Sir Walter Scott's Jewish maiden Rebecca in, Ivanhoe and would help open the door for the 20th century's women's rights movement. 5.) 1843 - B'nai B'rith is Founded - B'nai B'rith, a Jewish humanaitarian service organization, is one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the U.S.and was present at the founding of the United Nations in 1945. 6.) 1844 - David Levy Yulee is the First Jewish American U.S. Senator - David Levy Yulee, founder of the Yulee railroad in Florida was the first Jewish Senator and opened the door for Jewish Americans, which would ultimately lead to Senator Joe Lieberman being the first Jewish American on a national ticket for vice president.
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:28:15