250 to 250: 88. Jewish Community of Early Savannah, Narrated by Rabbi Robert Haas

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Jewish Community of Early Savannah, Narrated by Rabbi Robert Haas

Rabbi Robert Haas is the 14th spiritual leader of Congregation Mickve Israel in Savannah, Georgia and a sought-after lecturer, comedian, preacher, and interfaith leader. Rabbi Haas tells the story of the Jewish refugees who arrived in Savannah in 1733 and founded Congregation Mikve Israel, the oldest Jewish congregation in the American South.

The colony of Georgia was founded in 1733.

• Five months later, a ship called the William and Sarah arrived in Savannah, Georgia.
• The ship carried 41 Jewish refugees.
• They came to America to build new lives and practice their religion freely.
• They brought a Torah scroll and other religious items with them.
• The group established Congregation Mikveh Israel in Savannah.
• It became the third-oldest Jewish congregation in the United States.
• It is also one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the South.

In 1820, the congregation dedicated a new synagogue.

• Thomas Jefferson wrote a letter to congratulate the congregation.
• Jefferson praised the United States for protecting religious freedom.
• He believed religious freedom could help people of different religions live together in peace.
• Jefferson wrote: 
• [America] has been the first to prove to the world two truths . . . 
• that man can govern himself, 
• and that religious freedom is the most effectual (relief) against religious dissension (violence).
• The story of Congregation Mikveh Israel shows the importance of religious freedom in American history.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz: 

• N-400 Part 9:7. Have you ever stopped someone from practicing their religion?
• USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?
• USCIS 128:65. What are three rights of everyone living in the United States? 
• USCIS 100:58. / 128:73. What is one reason colonists came to America?

Family Fun:

• Breman Museum: The First Jews in Georgia
• CurrentGA: Congregation Mickve Israel Shares Letter From George Washington For America 250.
• GPB Education: The First Jewish Settlers of Georgia | Georgia Stories
• Hadassah: Savannah, a Haven for Jews Since the Colonial Era
• ISJL: Encyclopedia of Southern Jewish Communities - Savannah, Georgia
• Jewish Coloring Pages: coloring pages
• LOC: From Haven to Home: 350 Years of Jewish Life in America
• Mickve Israel Savannah: Jefferson and the Jews 1 and 2 | A History of Jewish Immigration to the United States playlist