250 to 250:127. Washington’s Letter to Newport’s Hebrew Congregation, Narrated by Laura Freedman Pedrick

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Washington’s Letter to Newport’s Hebrew Congregation, Narrated by Laura Freedman Pedrick

Laura Freedman Pedrick formerly served as a trustee of St. George’s School, and on the Board of Governors at Newport Hospital. She is a current board member of the Newport String Project. Pedrick recounts George Washington's 1790 letter to Newport's Hebrew congregation, a founding promise of religious liberty that "gives to bigotry no sanction."

In 1790, President George Washington visited Newport, Rhode Island.

• Moses Seixas was a leader of the local Jewish community.
• Seixas wrote a letter to Washington about religious freedom.
• Washington wrote a letter back to the Jewish community.
• He said the U.S. government should not support religious hate or persecution.
• He wanted Jewish Americans to live in peace and safety.
• Washington’s letter supported religious freedom for all Americans.

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? 
• Read: Who was the first president? 
• Write: Washington was the first U.S. president. 

Family Fun:

• 92Y: Premiere: Premiere: George Washington and the Pursuit of Religious Freedom
• Braid Stories: George Washington's Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport RI
• JA: Moses Seixas (1744–1809)—The Promise of Liberty
• Founders Online: George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790
• Loeb Jewish Portraits: Moses Benjamin Seixas
• NPS: Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
• National Postal Museum: 20c Touro Synagogue single
• LOC: “To Bigotry No Sanction, To Persecution No Assistance”
• OLL: Revisiting Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport
• Reclaim Hosting: Washington's National Tours (interactive map)
• Religion in America: The Seixas Family and Civic Life in the New American Republic
• Timeless Reader 1: George Washington's Letter to the Jews of Newport - 1790 - Moses Seixas, Warden
• TSF: George Washington's Letter
• uscitizenpod: The Touro Synagogue coloring page