Scripture That Made America
As America celebrates 250 years of Independence, rediscover the biblical inheritance at the heart of our national story with Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.
America 250
Featured Content
Jews & the American Story
"We Americans are the privileged heirs of a way of life that has offered the blessings of freedom and dignity to millions of people of all races, ethnicities, and religions."
-Leon Kass and Amy Kass
Jewish Ideas and the American Founding
Observations
God’s American Israel
The influence of the Hebrew Bible on the Founding Fathers was as vast as the new country they were trying to create.
By Daniel L. Dreisbach
Speech
John Adams Survives: An Independence Day Message
On the Fourth of July, Rabbi Soloveichik speaks to the Tikvah community about preserving American history and values.
Course
Jewish Ideas and the American Founders
Rabbi Meir Soloveichik explores the Jewish ideas that inspired America’s founding generation.
By Rabbi Meir SoloveichikFaith in America
Episode 457·The Tikvah Podcast
Tevi Troy on America’s National Shabbat
Making sense of the presidential proclamation encouraging Jews to keep the Sabbath.
Speech
The Origin of 'God Bless America'
America’s passion for prayer and its love of liberty are always intertwined.
Episode 81·The Tikvah Podcast
Wilfred McClay on America’s Civil Religion
Explore how civil religion shapes American unity, its historical roots, and its future in a secular age.
"Abraham Lincoln would call America an 'almost chosen nation.'
Because he believed that America had a providential role to play in history, inspired by the example of God's ancient covenant people."
-Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
Scripture and the American Imagination
Episode 187·Bible 365
George Washington’s Favorite Verse
Explore how Micah's verse influenced George Washington's crucial letters to Jewish communities.
By Rabbi Meir Soloveichik
Observations
American Renewal: The Nehemiah Option
Rebuilding our culture with a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other.
Essay
‘Proclaim Liberty Throughout the Land’
Rediscovering the biblical story of the Liberty Bell.
"This is our country, sweet land of liberty, and of thee we do not sing enough."
-Ruth Wisse
American Icons
Lesson 7·The Rabbi’s Bookshelf
"Truman" by David McCullough
An epic work of biography that tells the story of an ordinary American who was providentially put in a place of power and achieved greatness.
Observations
Two Favorite Poems, and How they Define Israel and America
"The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus and "The Silver Platter" by Natan Alterman distill, reinforce, and hallow what makes each nation distinctive.
Episode 257·Jerusalem 365
July 4th, 1976
An Israeli rescue mission on America's bicentennial spreads liberty's message globally, echoing the spirit of the Liberty Bell.
Observations
Missing Charles Krauthammer
A posthumous collection edited by his son Daniel clarifies the great columnist's legacy to American, and to Jewish, discourse.