The New Land / Stories of Jews Who Had a Part in the Making of Our Country

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22915

Title

The New Land / Stories of Jews Who Had a Part in the Making of Our Country

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A heartfelt collection of historical tales by Elma Ehrlich Levinger, chronicling Jewish contributions to America from Columbus's voyage to the Civil War. Blending fact with fiction, the book offers inspiring stories of courage, refuge, and patriotism, celebrating the Jewish role in shaping the nation's destiny.

Summary up to 500 words

In *The New Land*, Elma Ehrlich Levinger weaves a compelling tapestry of American Jewish history through a collection of story-driven narratives that highlight faith, resilience, and the enduring American dream. The book opens with the dramatic arrival of Christopher Columbus, focusing on Jewish passengers like Luis de Torres. Despite fears of persecution and the trauma of the Spanish Inquisition, these early travelers find hope in the 'New Land,' unknowingly discovering a continent that would eventually become a refuge for their people. The narrative travels to New Amsterdam, where families like the Barsimons struggle for acceptance despite their honesty and trade skills, facing the prejudice of Peter Stuyvesant. The story expands to include Isaac Franks, a Jewish soldier who saved a Tory during the Revolution, and Mordecai Noah, who envisioned and planned the 'City of Refuge' (Ararat) in Buffalo for persecuted Jews. The Civil War era features the poignant story of Haym Salomon, the financier who aided the American Revolution, and President Lincoln's compassionate leadership, illustrated by his granting parole to a Confederate prisoner so he could visit his dying father. The collection concludes with the dedication of the Statue of Liberty, featuring Emma Lazarus's famous poem, which symbolizes America as a beacon for the oppressed. Through these 'stories that really happened,' Levinger illustrates how Jewish immigrants and citizens helped build a nation founded on liberty and justice. The book serves as both a historical record and an affectionate tribute to the contributions of Jewish men and women who shaped the country, emphasizing that the American ideal was realized through the courage and dedication of those who sought a place of rest and freedom.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/22915.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg22915.epub

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Categories

• Jews
• America