Southern Roots of Judaism in the United States

CJ Doss

Jewish culture is America is centered in the Northeast; however, it didn’t start there. The United States saw its shift in Jewish “hubs” during the late 1800s, but American Jews originated in the Southern colonies. The South holds the key to the heart of American Jewish culture. This article shows the progression of Judaism starting in the colonial period and leading up to the migration to the north. It also touches on the modern involvement of Jewish communities in Southern lawmaking. Assimilation is the key to defining American Judaism and it developed the culture into what it is today. This article focuses on the aspects of Jewish culture that have been assimilated and ultimately led to the Reformed Jewish Movement. Culinary culture and gender roles were two of the largest things changed by US influence, and there are hints of Jewish culture that have been assimilated into modern southern culture. Overall, Jews from the colonial periods helped to build up the southern United States and have been greatly influenced by American culture.

• CJ Doss graduated from Palmetto High School in Williamston, SC and is a freshman nursing major at Lander University. She is greatly defined by her Jewish culture and heritage as well as her involvement in the historical and modern efforts to maintain Jewish culture. Her time as President of Gesher BBYO offered her insight on the Jewish aspects of modern history and culture.