Wednesdays – “A People at War: Jews in the American Civil War” Part 1

Wednesdays – “A People at War: Jews in the American Civil War” Part 1

Presented by Herb Kaufman

This presentation will explore Jewish thought and behavior during a time of great unrest and turbulence.  When the war began, Jews in both the North and the South rushed to support their beliefs and remained steadfastly loyal to their cause.  Jewish soldiers served with gallantry in both Union and Confederate armies.  Seven Jewish soldiers were given the Medal of Honor, while many southern men served their cause with distinction.

Little has been written about Jewish participation in the war.   We explore how the Jewish population remained steadfast to their cause on both sides, often expressing their thoughts in writing. This presentation will describe how the Jewish community in both the north and the south reacted to the war, as well as the role of President Lincoln and his relationship to the Jewish community.