Q: Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton – Professor Andrew Porwancher – Intro:

A: 

• Teacher of Constitutional History

• Look to personalize study of history

• People behind the Federalist Papers

• Interested in Alexander Hamilton

• Began exploring Hamilton’s Caribbean roots

• Received a grant to study archives

• Hamilton & Torah in Hebrew

Q: What is Alexander Hamilton’s Jewish World?

A: 

• Two parts to the thesis

• #1 Genealogical Roots

• #2 Analysis of origins impacting American Hamilton

• Likelihood of Hamilton’s Jewish birth

• Jewish upbringing as a child

• Cultivated close ties with American Jewish Community

• More than any other Founding Father

Q: Jewish Caribbean 18th Century:

A:

• Rich History of Jewish Caribbean

• Overshadowed by Jewish Europe & Israel

• More Jews in West Indies than in American Colonies

• Center of Jewish life in Americas

• Some islands up to 40%  Jewish

Q: Alexander Hamilton – Jewish?

A: 

• Jewish question starts with mother

• Rachel Levine marries Danish Merchant, Levine

• Son Peter – not baptism records

• Conclusion: Rachel converted

• Alexander born out of wedlock

• Sent to Hebrew school in Nevis

• Recitation of 10 Commandments in Hebrew

Q: What were Hamilton’s religious beliefs?

A:

• Young Hamilton notes on Book of Genesis

• Believed in activist G-d

• Was not a Deist as some claim

• Was not active in organized church

• Conception of G-d more kin to Jewish view

Q: Why did Hamilton hide his Jewish roots?

A:

• Matter of speculation

• Moved to St. Croix with small Jewish community

• Orphaned and penniless

• Natural to severe ties with Jewish communal life

• Prudent to adopt Christian identity in America

Q: Was what special about Hamilton’s Character?

A: 

• Incredible challenges as a youth

• Orphaned at 15

• Comes to America alone

• Rises to eminence

• Becomes iconic figure

• Intellectual prowess

• Tremendous fortitude; walk thru walls

Q: Was Hamilton’s world view, Judaic?

A:

• Hamilton possess versatile mind

• Can no say he came from purely Judaic viewpoint

• But vision of modernization

• Emphasis on urban future

• And understanding of lack of homeland/roots

• Can say they was a Judaic outlook

Q:  Was Hamilton’s relationship with Jews unique among the Founders?

A:

• Founding Fathers had mixed record vis-à-vis Jewish Community

• Find sympathy and maligning at the same time

• Hamilton stands alone among the Founders

• Developed strong personal relationships

• As a lawyer, financier and alumnus of Columbia U.

• Absence of any malice, prejudice, whatsoever

Q: Alexander Hamilton & Slavery?

A:

• Somewhat mixed picture

• New York, largest Northern urban slave numbers

• Married into slave owning family

• Perhaps owned a slave, not clear

• But leading abolitionist among Founders

• Slavery& Freedom – contradiction of Republic

Q: What was Hamilton’s Personality?

A:

• Beloved by his admirers

• Hated by his detractors

• Entertaining personality

• Incredible depth of intellect

• Spoke his mind – too much

Q:  Hamilton / Burr Deadly Duel: What Happened?

A:

• Hamilton never shot intending to kill

• Was defending hid honor

• Two possibilities

• #1 Shot first & intentionally missed

• #2 Shot was reflexive reaction to bullet

Q: Who Was Gershom Seixas?

A:

• Chazan of Shearith Israel

• NY Jewish Leader

• Hamilton reforms Columbia University

• Seixas appointed to Board of Columbia

• Cardozo, next Jew on Board 100 years later

• Benjamin Cardozo a Seixas descendant

Q: Was the Musical, “Hamilton”, an accurate portrayal?

A:

• Enjoyed the Hip Hop Musical

• Surprised at its success

• Artistic license taken is OK

• Some inaccuracies

• But spot on in focus on Hamilton’s origins

• Impact of Caribbean youth on American success

Q: Where does Hamilton rank among the Founders?

A:

• Ranked #1 among the Founding Fathers

• Bold visionary of America’s future

• Financial foundations of Hamilton set the course

• No enduring Republic without Hamilton’s actions & vision