On August 21, 1790, President George Washington composed a letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, Rhode Island, and to its leader, Moses Seixas. Washington incorporated Seixas' own phrasing, which describes the vision of the young nation as one which "gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance."

The close relationship between Washington and the Jewish community already in the United States helped to enshrine the principles of separation between Religion and State, as well as the freedom of religion that would soon become part of the First Amendment to the Constitution.

As we celebrate this anniversary of our nation's independence, one hopes that we might continue to hold hope for this cherished vision. Let all good patriots recall the aspirations of our country's founders and work to fight against the evils that conspire to compromise and undermine them. In an age of rising intolerance and renewed Christian nationalism, may we be the beacons of light illuminating and eliminating the darkness creeping from the corners. Then every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. 🇺🇲