Taking Sides on Slavery: Jews and the Civil War

Largely an immigrant community, American Jews were slow to respond to the raging national debate over slavery in the Antebellum Period. However, in the months immediately prior to the Civil War, Jews increasingly sharpened their views on this “peculiar institution.” In coordination with the One Book theme, Rabbi Sussman will discuss American Jewish responses to slavery in the Civil War period and offer his analysis of this historically sensitive issue which still elicits controversy today.

Rabbi Sussman received his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion where he also earned a Ph.D in Jewish History. He is the author of numerous articles, reviews and books in the field of American Jewish history including Isaac Leeser and the Making of American Judaism. Rabbi Sussman also served as an editor of Reform Judaism in America: A Biographical Dictionary and Sourcebook and as Chair of the CCAR Press.

Free and Open to the public. RSVP required.
Voluntary contributions appreciated.