First Jewish Americans

A merchant and politician, Solomon Etting spearheaded a decades' long campaign to abolish a Maryland law that prevented Jewish Americans from holding public office.

A Polish-born Jewish American, Haym Salomon was a merchant who helped to finance the American Revolution - and ensure a Patriot victory.

The story of Esperanza Rodríguez demonstrates the danger Jewish people faced throughout the Spanish Empire, and the resilience they showed to keep their faith alive.

One of the first Jewish settlers to move to New Amsterdam, Asser Levy fought religious discrimination in the city, and paved the way for the Jewish community that would thrive their in the centuries to come.