Lincoln and the Jews

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One hundred and fifty years after Abraham Lincoln's death, the full story of his extraordinary relationship with Jews is revealed for the first time. This work offers a captivating narrative of his interactions with Jews, complemented by rare manuscripts and images from the Shapell Lincoln Collection that present Lincoln in a new light. During Lincoln's lifetime, the Jewish population in the United States grew significantly, from about 3,000 in 1809 to over 150,000 by 1865, largely due to immigration from central Europe. While many Americans, including members of Lincoln's cabinet, viewed Jews as second-class citizens, Lincoln took a different stance. He demonstrated a deep understanding of the Old Testament, incorporating its language into his writings. From a young age, he befriended Jews, advocated for their equality, appointed them to public office, and engaged with Jewish advisors and supporters throughout his political career. Notably, he adapted his rhetoric to be more inclusive, replacing terms like "Christian nation" with "this nation under God." This groundbreaking work by historian Jonathan D. Sarna and collector Benjamin Shapell reveals how Lincoln's remarkable relationship with American Jews influenced his path to the presidency and his policy decisions, uncovering a new aspect of his life that broadened both him and America.