NYC Gazette

Yeshiva University's Zahava and Moshael J. Straus Center for Torah and Western Thought recently hosted Dr. Adam Jortner to mark the release of his book, "A Promised Land: Jewish Patriots, the American Revolution, and the Birth of Religious Freedom." The event took place on December 16th, 2024, at Congregation Shearith Israel.

Dr. Jortner is a scholar in early American religious history and holds the position of Goodwin-Philpott Eminent Professor of Religion at Auburn University. The evening began with a dinner reception followed by introductory remarks from Dr. Yisroel Benporat, a program officer at the Straus Center.

The main feature was a discussion between Dr. Jortner and Rabbi Dr. Stuart Halpern, Deputy Director of the Straus Center. They discussed themes such as religious liberty and patriotism while highlighting contributions made by Jews during the American Revolution.

Dr. Jortner stated that America was not founded solely as a Christian nation and noted that Jews played an essential role in advocating for religious freedom for all Americans: “Jews were instrumental in bringing about religious freedom,” he said.

He also mentioned Jewish opposition to test oaths requiring public servants to profess Christianity led to their removal as an office requirement. This change allows politicians today to choose any religious text or none when swearing into office.

Rabbi Dr. Halpern cited Senator Adam Schiff's choice to swear in on Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah as an example of this freedom. He also mentioned Keith Ellison's use of Thomas Jefferson’s Quran when taking his oath for Congress.

During a Q&A session, Straus Center Senior Scholar Dr. Tevi Troy asked which founding father was most supportive of Jews according to Jortner's research. While George Washington is known for his letter to Newport's Hebrew Congregation, Jortner highlighted Benjamin Rush for attending a Jewish wedding and recognizing Jewish support for the Patriot cause.

Over thirty attendees participated in this event including YU students, faculty members, and representatives from various organizations like Paul E. Singer Foundation.

This gathering was organized with assistance from YU’s Shevet Glaubach Center for Career Strategy & Professional Development alongside coordination by Straus Impact Office which seeks greater involvement among students within politics policy journalism fields across both undergraduate campuses at Yeshiva University.