Live Broadcast Hosted By Jewish Heritage Center: Jewish Soldiers In The Civil War
Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War: The Union Army
Live Broadcast: Thursday, January 31, 1–2 p.m. (ET)
Presented by Adam D. Mendelsohn
In conversation with Jonathan D. Sarna
Cost: FREE
The Union army was as diverse as the embattled nation it sought to preserve—a mix of ethnicities, religions, and identities. Almost one Union soldier in four was born abroad, and natives and newcomers fought side-by-side, sometimes uneasily. Though scholars have parsed the trials and triumphs of Irish, Germans, African Americans, and others in the Union ranks, they have remained largely silent on the everyday experiences of the largest non-Christian minority to have served. Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War examines when and why Jews decided to enlist, explores their encounters with fellow soldiers, and describes their efforts to create community within the ranks.
Join the Wyner Family Jewish Heritage Center for a program with author Adam D. Mendelsohn and Professor Jonathan D. Sarna as they discuss Mendelsohn’s acclaimed new book about the stories and struggles of the Union army’s Jewish soldiers.
Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War: The Union Army marks the first of two volumes to be published in partnership with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation, which has compiled a roster of Jewish service in the Civil War. Volume Two will explore the complex history of Jews in the Confederate Army.