The Jewish Confederate Story: Experiences and Motivations

By Samuel Jay Korson

The American Civil War was a defining moment in US history, and its underlying issue of slavery divided the nation. In this insightful historical investigation, author Samuel Jay Korson who writes from the perspective of his own Jewish faith, sheds light on the experiences of Jewish individuals living in the Confederacy during this tumultuous time.

Southern Jews found themselves in a complex position, facing a conundrum that forced them to navigate a double-edged sword. Living in a majority Christian society where many participated in slavery and anti-Semitism ebbed and flowed, many Southern Jews opposed slavery on moral grounds, while others participated in various aspects of a slave society to assimilate into their communities.

Despite practicing their faith and observing important Jewish holidays like Passover, Hanukkah, and Shabbat, Southern Jews were caught in the middle of a divisive issue that even Jewish clergy struggled to reconcile. Using Jewish law (halacha), rabbis in both the North and South vehemently argued both sides of the slave issue.

Through this compelling exploration, readers gain a deeper understanding of how the Civil War affected not only the United States, but also the Jewish community as a whole. By examining the experiences of Southern Jews during this pivotal moment in history, Samuel Jay Korson reveals a unique perspective on a complex and multifaceted topic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: May 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9781638293170

Samuel Jay Korson

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Samuel Jay Korson grew up in both Philadelphia and nearby Bucks County, PA. After graduating high school in June 1967, he attended Bucks County Community College (Associate in Marketing) 1969, Penn State University (Bachelor of Arts in Business) 1971, the U. S. Naval War College, 1994, and Mary Washington College with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, 2002.  He enjoys reading American history (Civil War and World War II, in particular), and Jewish studies.  He is a veteran with 23 years, active and reserve, with the U. S. Coast Guard.

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About the Author

A native of Philadelphia, PA, Samuel Jay Korson grew up in both Philadelphia and nearby Bucks County, PA. After graduating high school in June 1967, he attended Bucks County Community College (Associate in Marketing) 1969, Penn State University (Bachelor of Arts in Business) 1971, the U. S. Naval War College, 1994, and Mary Washington College with a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, 2002. He enjoys reading American history (Civil War and World War II, in particular), and Jewish studies. He is a veteran with 23 years, active and reserve, with the U. S. Coast Guard.

Dedication

My wife, Kathleen, who supported this effort, my many friends who were nice enough to sit and listen to my stories about Confederate Jews, and those 19th century Southern Jews (slavery aside) who maintained their Jewishness through very trying times.

Copyright Information ©

Samuel Jay Korson 2023

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher.

Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

Ordering Information

Quantity sales: Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the publisher at the address below.

Publisher’s Cataloging-in-Publication data

Korson, Samuel Jay

The Jewish Confederate Story

ISBN 9781638293156 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781638293163 (Hardback)

ISBN 9781638293170 (ePub e-book)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023906546

www.austinmacauley.com/us

First Published 2023

Austin Macauley Publishers LLC

40 Wall Street, 33rd Floor, Suite 3302

New York, NY 10005

USA

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Acknowledgments

The staffs at the American Jewish Archives, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and at Congregation Ahabah, in Richmond, Virginia were extremely helpful in my efforts to research information for this work. At the American Jewish Archives, Ms. Christine Crandall, as well as other members of the Jacob Marcus Research Center, at the Archives, were very helpful in discussing my project and leading me to sources of information to ensure my quest, after driving 550 miles, was successful.

Ms. Lyn Kelsey, at Congregation Ahabah, the archivist there, cheerfully pulled material (both original and secondary) from their records for me to research. In addition to material requested, she graciously recommended other information concerning Rabbi Michelbacher and Philip Whitlock that added to the quality of the research used.

Rabbi Lawrence Arthur Forman, at the time my spiritual leader at Congregation Ner Shalom, in Woodbridge, Virginia, was gracious enough to read the section on slavery and Judaism and provided me with extremely insightful comments. Rabbi Forman, and my former Rabbi, Jonathan Katz, helped by engaging me in some very thoughtful discussions on why Southern Jews would have supported slavery, and discussing the contradictions found in the Torah and the Talmud regarding this particular institution.

On September 11, 2001, tragedy came to the United States in the form of terrorist attacks in New York, City, Washington, DC and southwestern Pennsylvania. My job requirement with the U. S. Coast Guard made it difficult for me to work on and complete this project as originally envisioned. Thanks go to Dr. Claudine Ferrell, at the time my academic advisor and head of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program, at Mary Washington College, for her recommendation that helped me fulfill my obligation to my job and our country, without having to worry about my