When we think of Alexander Hamilton, we picture the brilliant American Founding Father. He is a key architect of the U.S. financial system. Now, thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical, a cultural icon. But recent research suggests there may be a lesser-known detail about his identity. He might have been Jewish!
The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton by Andrew Porwancher explores this theory. It presented compelling arguments that challenge traditional narratives about Hamilton’s background. Let’s examine these arguments and see if one of America’s key figures was really Jewish.
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Hamilton’s Caribbean Connection and Jewish Schooling
Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis, near St. Kitts, in the Caribbean. A surprising fact about his early years is that he was educated at a Jewish school on Nevis. Many historians have found this odd—why would a non-Jewish child attend a Jewish school? It turns out that this may not have been an anomaly at all.
Hamilton’s mother was Rachel Faucette. She had converted to Judaism when she married a Jewish man named Johann Levine. That marriage ended, but Jewish law says that once someone converts to Judaism, they stay Jewish. Their children are also seen as Jewish. If Rachel stayed Jewish after her split from Levine, then Hamilton was Jewish by birth.
Defining Jewish Identity: Does Hamilton Qualify?
Porwancher’s research dives into the fascinating topic of Jewish identity. He outlines several different ways someone can be considered Jewish:
- Legal – According to Jewish law, a person is Jewish if their mother is Jewish or if they convert. If Rachel converted, Hamilton would be legally Jewish.
- Personal – Did Hamilton identify as Jewish? There’s no historical evidence that he did. In fact, in official records, he declared himself Anglican.
- Ethnic – Did Hamilton’s ancestors identify as Jewish? His father was not Jewish, but his mother converted. She could have kept her Jewish identity.
- Communal – Did the Jewish community recognize him as Jewish? His attendance at a Jewish school shows that some in the Jewish community accepted him.
- Universal – Would any Jewish community consider him Jewish? If his mother’s conversion was valid, then yes, he would be universally recognized.
- Cultural – Did he engage with Jewish culture? Hamilton reportedly spoke fondly of his Jewish schooling and remembered Hebrew prayers.
- Public – Did the wider community view him as Jewish? In the Caribbean, it’s unclear, but in America, he was not known as Jewish.
- Religious – Did he practice Judaism? There’s no indication that he did.
Clues from Hamilton’s Life and Attitudes Toward Judaism
Hamilton didn’t say he was Jewish, but he had a positive view of Judaism. This was different from many people of his time. Hamilton stood out among the Founding Fathers. While many were indifferent or dismissive of Jewish people, he openly supported Jewish causes. He also praised Jewish traditions.
He also had a deep personal connection to his Jewish education. In later years, he shared how he memorized the Ten Commandments in Hebrew. This experience likely deepened his respect for Jewish culture.
The Missing Baptism and Strange Legal Case
Another intriguing detail is that Hamilton was never baptized. Back then, baptism was common in Christian families. Still, there’s no record of his baptism. When Hamilton testified in court, he said he was Anglican. But when asked more, he admitted he had never taken communion. As a result, the court did not accept his testimony. This suggests they doubted his Christian identity.
So, Was Hamilton Jewish?
Based on the evidence, it seems likely that Hamilton was at least Jewish by birth, if not by practice. His mother converted, he had Jewish schooling, he views Judaism positively, and he wasn’t baptized as a Christian. All these suggest the same idea. He never said he was Jewish and took part in Christian society. So, his Jewish heritage stayed hidden for centuries.
Hamilton’s view of his own Jewish identity adds an intriguing layer to his life story. What do you think? Could one of America’s greatest Founding Fathers have always been Jewish?
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