Jewish Studies Terms to Know

Recife, Brazil

City with a large population of Jews; where first Jews in New York came from

Niew Amsterdam

Original name of New York City, had a large population of early Jews

"Stuyvesant Promise”

The condition that allowed Jews to stay in N.A, promise to not be a burden on society

Autonomous Community (Kehilla)

Community of Jews living in a kingdom but functioning as their own independent nation

Plantation Act of 1740

Granted permission for foreign Protestants, Quakers, and Jews to become naturalized subjects of the British Empire in British colonies

Abigail Franks

Wealthy Jewish woman who lived in New York, whose letters demonstrate the struggle between integration and cultural retention faced by Jews