Early American Jews
Did Jews have more or less religious freedom in America compared to Europe?
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What do Jews build during Sukkot?
A sukkah
What sound does the letter Alef make?
It makes no sound
Which colony did Jews live in?
All the colonies!
About how many Jews lived in the British Colonies in America by the year 1776?
About 2,500!
Where does the idea of the sukkah come from?
From Jews who built booths for shade and shelter while wandering in the desert
OR
From Jews who built booths for shade while laboring on farms
What Hebrew letter makes the F sound?
Fey
This US patriot started a school, and was a supporter of education for women.
Jacob Mordecai
Why did some of the first Jews in America have Spanish last names?
Many Sephardic Jews moved to South America and created lives there before moving to the United States/the colonies.
What is the rule about a sukkah's roof?
It must be made from natural materials, like tree branches or bamboo
When are sofit letters used?
At the end of a word.
Who wrote letters to synagogues to thank them for helping with the Revolutionary War?
President George Washington
What is the name of the oldest synagogue in the United States?
Touro Synagogue
How is Sukkot different from all other Jewish holidays?
It is not connected to any specific event in Jewish history
What does the Hebrew word "sukkah" mean?
booth
Why did Moses M. Hayes refuse to sign a declaration of loyalty to the American colonies?
Because it contained the phrase "upon the true faith of a Christian."
He signed when the phrase had been removed.
As far as we know, when did the first Jews come to today's New York City?
1654
What are the Four Species used during Sukkot?
Lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow
What sound does this letter make:
מ
M
This Jewish American was captured by the British during the Revolutionary War and imprisoned!
Mordecai Sheftall