Discourse Delivered at the Consecration of the Synagogue of the Hebrew Congregation Mickve Israel, in the City of Savannah, Georgia, 21 July 1820

Assembled as we are, to re-establish by commemoration, (2) the Congregation of this remnant or small portion of the house of Israel; your expectation of a brief sketch of our History, and particularly as connected with a primeval residence in this City, and for many years past, even down to our own time, shall be realized; and may I trust, it will not be uninteresting, as it will include the well known fact, that many Jews struggled, and sacrificed their dearest interest, for the independence of this country.

(3) The emigration of Israelites to this City, from the best records and information, is traced to the earliest period of its settlement. The enterprising adventurers, who accompanied the first Provincial Governor and Commander in Chief, James Edward Oglethorpe, had not long arrived within the River Savannah, when an additional number, including about twenty respectable Jew families, landed on our shores, on the 11th July, 1733, corresponding with the 16th Tamus, 5493, of the Hebrew Calender.

Persecution sustained by bigotry, and strengthened by intollerance, compelled many of our nation to abandon their precarious and gloomy abodes, in Spain and Portugal, and leave their possessions, families and friends. Threatened on all sides by a turbulent storm portentous of complete annihilation, no alternative was left, but flight, torture or death; and the most convenient port was their dernier refuge. Stricken by contumely;—assailed by the keenest invectives—the aged and youthful driven from their home; were willing to engage in new adventures, that should promise security, tranquility and liberty. Uniting their destinies and common interest, with many respectable German Jews; they left Europe to sojourn in a foreign land; inspired by the benefits, that encouraging prospects, and a transatlantic clime, offered their migration. At this period the Government of Great Britain, under George 2nd, was transporting to the new country, many individuals, who were allured by proffered possessions in a rich soil, the luxuriant productions of which by proper cultivation, and a ready exportation, held out the means of amassing wealth; independent of the settlement and extension of a distant section of the habitable Globe. To effect this object, several under the munificence of their sovereign, were sent free of expense. Not so with the Jews. Their easy circumstances and high toned dispositions, placed them above the level of incumbents. They came unassisted by bounty. (4) The distribution of land to the new settlers, gave a portion to each, and certain tracts are still retained by the descendants of those, who possessed the original grants. For respecta-bility—“even tenor of conduct”—correct deportment—and a zealous attachment to the prosperity of the country; the Jews stood on the same eminence with other sects, and by the privileges extended to them in a (5) civil capacity; they were bound by no common ties, for the general weal. Thanks to the protectors of our liberties, here we still continue to boast, and enjoy the same rights.