The Early Years of American Orthodox Judaism: A Historical Timeline

In This Section

Celebrating 250 Years of America: The Orthodox Jewish Experience

Reflections on Orthodox Jewish Life in America by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter

Why American Jewish History Matters: The Orthodox Experience by Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff

America and the Problem of Opportunity, a conversation with Rabbi Yaakov Glasser

The Early Years of American Orthodox Judaism: A Historical Timeline

1830s–1860s: Pre–Civil War/Early Nineteenth Century

Moses Seixas (1744–1809)—The Promise of Liberty by Dr. Jeanne Abrams

Aaron Lopez (1731–1782)—Faith Before Fortune: Jewish Life in Colonial America by Saul Jay Singer 

1830s–1860s: Pre–Civil War/Early Nineteenth Century

Isaac Leeser (1806–1868)—Champion of Orthodoxy by Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff

Rabbi Abraham Joseph Rice (1802–1862)—In Complete Isolation: The Struggle for Torah in America by Rabbi Dr. Aaron Rakeffet-Rothkoff

Rebecca Gratz (1781–1869)—A Life of Giving by Dr. Melissa R. Klapper

1870s–1930s: Post–Civil War through Early Twentieth Century

Rabbi Jacob Joseph (1840–1902)—The Tragic Tale of New York’s Only Chief Rabbi by Rabbi Dr. Zev Eleff

Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein (1890–1970)—The Maverick Rabbi by Rabbi Aaron I. Reichel

Faith on the Frontier: Orthodox Women of the Wild West by Dr. Jeanne Abrams

The American Story in the Responsa: She’eilos from the New World by Rabbi Moshe Taub