Page 21 - Jewish News | November 2021

JEWISH INTEREST November 2021 21A

To Bigotry No Sanction: An American Jewish cantata

By Arlene Stolnitz
ecently, a historic event in On August 17, 1790, the Hebrew no assistance, requires only that they er, which follows the performance, is
America’s history was the Congregation of Newport, Rhode Is- who live under its protection should especially meaningful. “Do we have
Rsource for an important new land (known today as Touro Syna- demean themselves as good citizens. wisdom? If we have wisdom to make
musical work, To Bigotry No Sanc- gogue), presented a letter, written by May the children of the Stock of the best use of the advantages with
tion…To Persecution No Assistance. its representative, Moses Seixas, to Abraham who dwell in this land, con- which we are now favored, we cannot
It was commissioned and presented by President George Washington on his tinue to merit and enjoy the good will fail…”
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel visit to the city. Washington’s visit was of the other inhabitants; while every- These are the words buried in the
(KI) in Elkins Park, Philadelphia. largely ceremonial, but Seixas, know- one shall sit under his own vine and fig letter written by George Washington to
Known as a contemporary Jewish ing Washington’s views on religious tree; and there shall be none to make the Jews of Newport.
cantata, its composer, Jonathan Comis- freedom, took the opportunity to write him afraid.” The question remains and is still
ar, just happens to be from my home- the letter on behalf of his congregation, Washington’s response is on dis- germane today. “Do we have the wis-
town, Rochester, “The children of the Stock of Abra- play in the Memory Gallery, American dom?”
New York. Jona- ham.” In his letter, Seixas welcomed Treasures of the Library of Congress. I urge you to listen to this wonder-
than is a graduate the newly elected president and stat- I am intrigued by the concept of ful work in its entirety at bit.ly/ki-tbns.
of the Eastman ed that although much of world Jewry this cantata, especially knowing how Arlene Stolnitz, founder of the Sara-
School of Music in lived under the rule of monarchs and relevant it is in today’s world. The sota Jewish Chorale, is a member of
Rochester, Ober- despots, members of his congregation professional performance of this stun- the Jewish Congregation of Venice. A
lin Conservatory looked forward to “a great new Ameri- ning work is conducted by Kensho retired educator from Rochester, New
and Hebrew Union can experiment insuring their valuable Watanabe, featuring members of the York, she has sung in choral groups
College of Sacred rights as free citizens.” Philadelphia Orchestra and a multicul- for over 25 years and also sings in
Music. His im- Washington’s response, using tural choir. Introductory readings are The Venice Chorale. Her interest in
Arlene Stolnitz pressive creden- some of the text from Seixas’ letter, is by renowned interpretive actor Dean the preservation of Jewish music of all
tials in composing music, too numerous what is remembered today, and forms Malissa as George Washington. kinds has led to this series of articles
to be mentioned here, can be found on- part of the lyrics of the cantata. It was The discussion with the compos- on Jewish Folk Music in the Diaspora.
line. Actually, I knew Jonathan’s fami- the first affirmation of the free and
ly back in Rochester since our families equal status of Jews as American citi- PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
belonged to the same temple. I even zens and laid the groundwork for much GIVING A
shared Hebrew School carpooling with of what was written later regarding the
his mom. His brother is married to the separation of church and state. It is es- PAID POLITICAl ADVERTISEMENT DEMOCRATIC VOICE PAID POLITICAl ADVERTISEMENT
daughter of a good friend of mine, who pecially pertinent today. TO JEWISH VALUES
only recently passed away. In a shiva “All possess alike liberty of con-
call for my friend last month, I was science and immunities of citizenship. Like us
able to connect with the family and It is now no more that toleration is spo- Check us out at SrqJewishDems.org on Facebook!
share the article I have written. Small ken of, as if it was by the indulgence
world! of one class of people, that another Contact us at mail@SrqJewishDems.org
Jonathan’s cantata is so relevant to enjoyed the exercise of their inherent PAID POLITICAl ADVERTISEMENT
the world we live in today, so I could natural rights. For happily the Govern-
not resist writing about the compari- ment of the United States, which gives
son. Here’s the story. to bigotry no sanction, to persecution

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