Story perspectives

Jewish Museum Exhibit Opens, 77% Disappointed Founders, 250th Anniversary Celebrated

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Jewish Museum in New York opened the “Circa 1776” exhibit featuring portraits, artifacts and letters between President George Washington and Moses Seixas of Touro Synagogue.
A poll shows 77% of Americans across demographic groups think the founding generation would be disappointed by the nation today.
Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, founded in 1740, will host July events marking the 250th anniversary and urging younger generations to recognize Jewish contributions.

History

Historical Context

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1777; with James Madison’s support it passed the General Assembly on January 16 1786, disestablishing the Anglican Church and guaranteeing worship for all faiths, including Jews. The law inspired the First Amendment and is highlighted in the Jewish Museum’s exhibit alongside George Washington’s 1790 letter to the Touro Synagogue.

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Story summary

The Jewish Museum in New York opened the “Circa 1776” exhibit featuring portraits, artifacts and letters between President George Washington and Moses Seixas of Touro Synagogue.
A poll shows 77% of Americans across demographic groups think the founding generation would be disappointed by the nation today.
Congregation Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia, founded in 1740, will host July events marking the 250th anniversary and urging younger generations to recognize Jewish contributions.

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