Jewish History Nerds is a Signal Awards finalist. Vote for us in Listener’s Choice by Thu 15 Oct: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2026/individual-episodes/genre/history
America promised religious freedom, but for Jews in the early republic, that promise had to be tested in real life. From George Washington’s letter to Newport’s Jewish community to test oaths, courtrooms, and Jewish diplomats abroad, this story follows how Jews became citizens in a new nation still figuring out what equality actually meant.
In Part 2, Yael guides Schwab through what happened after the Revolution, as America’s 2,500 Jews became citizens of a brand new nation.
Note: All states ratified the Constitution in 1790, the amendments were ratified in 1791.
This episode refers to the important Jewish figures discussed in part 1. If you missed that episode, please check it out here or in your podcast feed.
Be in touch. Write to us at nerds@unpacked.media.
Summary and Additional Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XMLFbbR0J0wOFTMqIZnPPF-XHQ_DM6XCB66vvO-2JUI/edit?usp=sharing
This podcast was brought to you by Unpacked, a brand of OpenDor Media. Follow @unpackedmedia on Instagram and check out our videos on youtube and Spotify.
For other podcasts from Unpacked, check out:
Soulful Jewish Living
Stars of David with Elon Gold
Unpacking Israeli History
Wondering Jews
