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1790

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George Washington’s Letter to the Jews of Newport, 1790 

President George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, is relatively short in length, but its impact on American life is immense. In 340 well-chosen words, the letter reassured those who had fled religious tyranny that life in the new nation would be different, that religious “toleration” would give way to religious liberty, and that the government would not interfere with individuals in matters of conscience and belief.  

“The Jewish presence in Newport, R.I., dated to the arrival of fifteen Sephardic Jewish families in 1658. In 1677 they bought land for a burial ground, but religious services were held in private homes until property for a synagogue was purchased in 1759 and a building was completed and dedicated in 1763. At least twenty-five Jewish families lived in Newport by the time of the Revolution, making it the largest Jewish community in the colonies. Many left during the British occupation of the town, and the Jewish community in Newport had only begun to recover its former prominence at the time of GW’s visit in August 1790.”

George Washington Letter to Congregation at Newport Rhode Island
Page 1 of Washington's Letter
to the Congregation at Newport, RI
To the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island

[Newport, R.I., 18 August 1790]

Gentlemen.

While I receive, with much satisfaction, your Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of Citizens.

The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a consciousness that they are succeeded by days of uncommon prosperity and security. If we have wisdom to make the best use of the advantages with which we are now favored, we cannot fail, under the just administration of a good Government, to become a great and a happy people.

The Citizens of the United States of America have a right to applaud themselves for having given to mankind examples of an enlarged and liberal policy: a policy worthy of imitation. All possess alike liberty of conscience and immunities of citizenship It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.

It would be inconsistent with the frankness of my character not to avow that I am pleased with your favorable opinion of my Administration, and fervent wishes for my felicity. May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and figtree, and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light and not darkness in our paths, and make us all in our several vocations useful here, and in his own due time and way everlastingly happy.

Go: Washington

Discussion Questions

1. Who were the recipients of this letter, and what prompted Washington to write it? 

2. How does Washington describe his visit to Newport, and why does he emphasize the welcome he received? 

3. What contrast does Washington make between the past and the present in terms of national security and prosperity? 

4. What does Washington mean when he says the United States has provided "examples of an enlarged and liberal policy"? 

5. How does Washington define liberty of conscience and citizenship in the letter? 

6. What is the significance of the phrase "to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance," and what does it reveal about Washington's vision for religious freedom? 

7. How does Washington’s discussion of religious tolerance differ from the traditional idea of toleration? 

8. Why does Washington specifically mention "the Children of the Stock of Abraham," and what message does this convey about religious inclusion? 

9. What is the significance of the biblical reference to “sitting under his own vine and fig tree,” and how does it relate to Washington’s hopes for the nation? 

10. How does Washington conclude his letter, and what larger themes does he emphasize in his closing wishes for the country and its people? 


Extension Activity

For students or teachers interested in exploring the Establishment Clause or the Free
Exercise Clause, there have been numerous cases heard in the Supreme Court.  

The most frequently cited are: 

Engle v Vitale (1962) 

Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)   

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)  

Widmar v. Vincent (1981)  

Wallace v. Jaffee (1985)   

Westside Community Board of Education v. Mergens (1990) 

Lee v. Weisman (1992)   

Rosenberger v. University of Virginia (1995)  

Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000)   

Use the Supreme Court: Case Study Worksheet to analyze these cases. 

Source

 https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-06-02-0135