by Rabbi Yankie Denburg, Chabad of Coral Springe, Florida
In August of 1790, George Washington sailed into Newport, Rhode Island.
The backstory to that trip is fascinating. The Constitution had already been accepted by the other twelve states, but Rhode Island resisted joining the Union. Many there feared that this new federal government would swallow up their small state and their independence.
Washington wanted all thirteen states together. He wanted the new country to begin with unanimous consent, not only with a majority. He promised Rhode Island that if they ratified the Constitution, he would personally come for an official visit.
Waiting in Newport was a small Jewish community.
For them, this was not just a presidential visit. T… Read More »