5. The Jewish Confederates

Abstract

This chapter examines the often-overlooked Southern Jewish experience in the Civil War. It offers insights into the ethnic and religious traditions of the United States and how Jews, especially in the South, adapted to the dominant traditions while preserving their heritage. It discusses their successes and failures in navigating the prejudices of the day and their ability to secure their own interests in such tumultuous times. Southern Jews accepted Southern customs and institutions, including slavery and the code of honor. And because Jews accepted Southern customs and mores, Southerners accepted Jews. They found their Jewish neighbors to be law-abiding, educated, and cosmopolitan, characteristics they appreciated. Thus, the question of why Southern Jews would fight for the Confederacy is no question at all. Why would they not fight for their homeland, which had welcomed and accepted them as equals? Letters, memoirs, and obituaries all reflect Jewish soldiers' chief reasons for fighting: to do their duty, to protect their homeland, to protect Southern rights and liberty, and, once the war began, to show their loyalty to their comrades in arms.

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