American Jewish Congress in the United States

American Jewish Congress

According to theEncyclopedia of the American Constitution: Formed originally in 1918 as a temporary confederation of Jewish organizations to propose a postwar program by the Jewish people for presentation at the Versailles Peace Conference, the American Jewish Congress continued in existence and became fully organized.

Where All Religious Societies Are on an Equal Footing

Philadelphia merchant Jonas Phillips, a Jewish leader and Revolutionary War veteran, wrote a letter to the Constitutional Convention delegates in 1787 opposing religious tests for public office.

“…, although the public had not yet been told about the new Constitution, I the subscriber being one of the people called Jews of the city of Philadelphia, a people scattered and dispersed among all nations, do behold with concern that among the laws in the Constitution of Pennsylvania there is a clause, sect. 10 to viz I do acknowledge the scriptures of the old and new testament to be given by a divine inspiration.

To swear and believe that the new testament was given by divine inspiration is absolutely against the religious principle of a Jew, and is against his conscience to take any such oath. By the above law a Jew is deprived of holding any public office or place of government….

It is well known among all the citizens of the 13 united states that the Jews have been true and faithful Whigs, and during the late contest with England they have been foremost in aiding and assisting the states with their lives and fortunes, they have supported the cause, have bravely fought and bled for liberty which they cannot enjoy.

Therefore if the honorable Convention shall in their wisdom think fit and alter the said oath… then the Israelites will think themselves happy to live under a government where all religious societies are on an equal footing….”