Even after 150 years, the American Civil War still impacts our modern lives, with issues debated in everything from presidential races to school curriculums. On a much smaller stage, the role of American Jews in the Civil War period has been similarly at issue. Join us for a discussion led by our very own Andy Lacher on the political positions of Jews during the Civil War period, their individual contributions to both the Union and the Confederacy, and how the Civil War impacted perceptions of Jews throughout the nation. Topics include expulsion of Jews from Department of Tennessee (the most severe anti-Semitic policy of the US Government) and the controversy of Jews and the Chaplaincy.

From Andy:

“I grew up interested in the Civil War and history in general. At one point, I wanted to be a history teacher; it was actually a biography from a Civil War figure that got me interested in engineering instead. I love living in Northern Virginia where we are surrounded by history, and I continue to read and learn about history (especially American History). My interest in the roles Jews played in the Civil War began when I taught American Jewish History to 7th graders at Rodef Shalom.”