KEYSTONES IN THE BUILDING OF AMERICA
During the early 18th Century, devout and secular Christians in America
paid homage to the Bible's moral and ethical values as bedrocks for the
budding state. A century before, the Puritan Pilgrims laid the foundations
for such respect in their reverence for the "Children of Abraham" with
whom they identified.
Jewish families had arrived in New Amsterdam years before the
ancestors of George Washington and of other colonists fleeing English
oppression--many of whom related their plight to that of tyrannized Jew.
Little wonder why the "people of the book" were held in high esteem,
although they numbered under 2,000 in a
pre-Revolution population of 2/2 million.

About 100 Jews fought in the War of
Independence, a number of whom were high
ranking field officers. And Haym Salomon gets
much credit for its winning. Without the patriot's
economic wizardry--his almost single-handed
success in financing the Revolution--the colonists'
army might have collapsed.

Haym
.Salomon

The stamp of Jewish influence was
experienced nearly everywhere. Some colonial
leaders earnestly debated whether Hebrew might
replace English as our official language. Inscribed on
the Liberty Bell that tolled freedom for the country
are words from the Hebrew scriptures: "ProClaim
liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants
thereof."

Liberty Bell
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and
John Adams considered portraying Israelites in
flight from Egypt on the country's Great Seal. The
actual seal may yet convey a connection to Jewish
numerology. Some scholars speculate that the
Hebrew letters in "echad" ("one" for God) add up
to 13--the count of arrows and leaves in the eagle's
talons which symbolize both the thirteen original
states and the tribes of ancient Israel (including
those of Joseph's two sons).

Great Seal of the
United States

What was less mythological was our founding fathers' admiration
for the Israelite model: 383 years of self rule under the Judges, among the
world's first major experiments in national autonomy and democracy.
Hebrew bibles and other tracts were published here, and Jewish studies
were widely taught. Hebrew words are written into the university emblems
of Columbia, Yale and Dartmouth. Truly, the founding of our republic
reached deeply into Jewish history for inspiration and reward.
Saul Stadtmauer

-

"In spite of Bolingbroke and Voltaire, I will insist that the Hebrews have
done more to civilize man than any other nation."
-
- John Adams
Second President of the
United States

COMMISSION FOR THE DISSEMINATION OF JEWISH HISTORY
Walter & Lea Field, Founders/Sponsors
Irwin S. Field, Chairperson
Harriet F. Siden, Chairperson
Visit many more notable Jews at our website: www.dorledor.org

A Au°

DAVID ROSENMAN'S

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NEW & USED CAR BROKER

8/11

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(248) 851-CARS (248) 851-2277

Magen David Adorn
Honors Newmans

Ann and Rudy Newman will
receive the Distinguished
Humanitarian Service Award of
the American Red Magen David
for Israel at the Michigan Region's
annual dinner 5:30 p.m. Sunday,
Sept. 10, at Adat Shalom
Synagogue.
The Newmans are being hon-
ored for their efforts and support
of the lifesaving humanitarian
programs of Magen David Adom,
Israel's national emergency med-
ical, blood and ambulance service.
Ann Newman is a business-
Ann and Rudy Newman
woman well known in the Jewish
community for her charitable
contributions. The Poland native immi-
organized a mortgage company. In
grated to Palestine in 1936. She met her
1977, he was honored by the Israel
husband while serving in the Israel
Defense Forces as a hero who fought for
Defense Forces, during Israel's War of
Israel in the War of Independence.
Independence in 1948.
The Newmans participate in many
Rudy Newman, a Detroit native,
local civic and religious organizations,
served in the U.S. Navy-Air Force.
including the Michigan Friends of the
While studying at Wayne State
Israel Defense Forces.
University, he was approached to go to
Their family includes three sons,
Palestine, where fliers were needed. He
Gene, Rob and Bill; daughters-in-law
flew in the same squadron as Israel's
Robin, Judy and Natalie; 17 grandchil-
future president, Ezer Weizman.
dren and one great-granddaughter.
.
Newman helped organized the first
Judith Grant Granader is dinner
flight school in Israel.
chair. Shari Ferber Kaufman is dinner
In 1952, the Newmans returned to
co-chair. Sheri Levenson is chairing the
America with their 2-year-old son Gene.
evening's silent/live auction and raffle.
They settled in the Detroit area, where
For information, call ARMDI, (248)
Rudy practiced accounting and later
353-0434 or (248) 855-0555.

Fall Classes At JCC/JPM Building

The Jewish Community Center is
offering a number of new classes this
fall for preschool, children and teens.
"Wiggleworms," for preschoolers
ages 18 months to 3 years, is a 45-
minute class of basic gym activities,
story time and music.
"Kindermusik with Trish," for
children 18 months to 3 years, is an
introduction to music using a holis-
tic approach.
"Creative Dance with Harriet
Berg" introduces young children to
basic movement, technique and
rhythmic training through games,
play-acting and exercise.
"Movin' with Maureen and
Coco," for 2-3 year olds, involves
movement, puppets and storytelling.
A 20-minute gym session follows
each class.
"Kidzcraft with Jacqui," for 272-3

.

year olds, explores arts and crafts.
"Girls Empowered" is for girls
aged 4-5 years. It teaches healthy
eating habits, self-esteem and posi-
tive body image.
The "Girls Jazz Class" is age relat-
ed and includes basic jazz techniques
along with hip-hop.
An "Introduction to Bead and
Wire Work" class will teach teens to
create jewelry, using polymer clays
and wire techniques. "Simcha
Dancing" is another teen offering.
"Carol Fisher's Babysitting
Workshop," for 6th-10th grade girls,
is a babysitting course emphasizing
the practical skills necessary to be a
safe sitter. "Creative Writing" is for
7th-12th graders.
For fees, dates and information,
call Sharon Gaspas Goldenberg,
(248) 967-4030.

