The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton

by Andrew Porwancher

The untold story of the founding father’s likely Jewish birth and upbringing―and its revolutionary consequences for understanding him and the nation he fought to create

In The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton, Andrew Porwancher debunks a string of myths about the origins of this founding father to arrive at a startling Hamilton, in all likelihood, was born and raised Jewish. For more than two centuries, his youth in the Caribbean has remained shrouded in mystery. Hamilton himself wanted it that way, and most biographers have simply assumed he had a Christian boyhood. With a detective’s persistence and a historian’s rigor, Porwancher upends that assumption and revolutionizes our understanding of an American icon.

This radical reassessment of Hamilton’s religious upbringing gives us a fresh perspective on both his adult years and the country he helped forge. Although he didn’t identify as a Jew in America, Hamilton cultivated a relationship with the Jewish community that made him unique among the founders. As a lawyer, he advocated for Jewish citizens in court. As a financial visionary, he invigorated sectors of the economy that gave Jews their greatest opportunities. As an alumnus of Columbia, he made his alma mater more welcoming to Jewish people. And his efforts are all the more striking given the pernicious antisemitism of the era. In a new nation torn between democratic promises and discriminatory practices, Hamilton fought for a republic in which Jew and Gentile would stand as equals.

By setting Hamilton in the context of his Jewish world for the first time, this fascinating book challenges us to rethink the life and legend of America's most enigmatic founder.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Religion, Judaism, Judaica, American History

272 pages, Hardcover

Published August 17, 2021

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being intrigued at first hearing about this book, I will admit that I was somewhat skeptical that it could involve wild conjecturing, but I was relieved to find that isn't the work of an fringe dilettante. Andrew Porwancher is a serious and well-credentialed historian with top credentials, and he treats this topic with scholarly care and detail. This book provides a summary of the life and career of Alexander Hamilton as well as a sketch of Jewish life in late 18th-century America, especially in Hamilton's adopted city of New York. The big reveal of the book is that Hamilton could very likely have been Jewish himself, as circumstantial evidence suggests his mother may have converted into the religion and there is a conspicuous lack of expected evidence to tie her children in with Christianity until after she died. (Hamilton's father did not seem to be much involved in religion despite ostensibly coming from a Christian background.) Porwancher examines all the evidence as thoroughly as possible and addresses areas in which other Hamilton biographers have overlooked some rather glaringly obvious clues in the past.

Still, as Porwancher explains, there is no definitive evidence either way that has been discovered, but the main point is that, whatever Alexander Hamilton's personal Jewish identity may or may not have been in his early years, he was certainly well-versed in aspects of Jewish culture due to his mother's proximity to Judaism through her estranged husband, as well as young Alexander's own experiences in a Jewish school.

At any rate, Hamilton nominally embraced Christianity growing up, though his actions through the years seemed to indicate a lack of interest in spiritual matters as they pertained to any religion. Therefore, the book isn't an exploration of religion as much more than a social category. And though Hamilton, at least as an adult, did not identify as part of a Jewish social grouping, his public career was marked by a notable affinity for those who did live a Jewish life. While many Founding Fathers occasionally spoke positive of Jews, but they almost always tarnished their records with antisemitic comments as well. And of those few who didn't have mixed records (George Washington, like Hamilton, also refrained from displaying any negative sentiments), Hamilton took more opportunities to not only praise the Judaism but actively worked to prevent discrimination on many occasions.

In combing the records for Hamilton's interactions with Judaism, Porwancher also spends ample time in providing an overview of the Jewish community as a whole, highlighting many notable names and events, as the laws of the United States began taking shape. So while the main thesis of the book could have made a more succinct narrative, it was interesting to see Porwancher flesh out the details of the whole Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton and the young nation he helped develop.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton by by Andrew Porwancher.I was asked to review this book and supplied with a copy of this book for this purpose.

Let’s just say this book is it extraordinary piece of work and I hope that it finds a somewhat wide readership. This book was written by a University of Oklahoma professor, and tackles an issue discussed but deftly avoiding conclusion by most scholarship about Alexander Hamilton.

In recent years, much ink has been spilled on the subject of this founding father. Among the many lengthy tomes about this extraordinary individual is Gershom Mendes Seixas | Congregation Shearith Israel, congregation leader and the first Jewish trustee of Columbia University. Parenthetically, Columbia was not to have a Jewish trustee again until 1928. He was also involved, according to the book, indirectly with Haym Salomon, A Jewish financier of the American revolution, see Haym Salomon - The Jew Who Saved The American Revolution.

In his role as a private role As a private practicing attorney, he made impressive and impassioned arguments on behalf of the ability of Jewish witnesses to testify credibly.

During his life, he apparently never practiced either Judaism or Christianity. What has to keep in mind the temper of the times, we are Jews, even though having the greatest rights of any country in America, we’re still subject to severe caricature and prejudice. Also, Jewish religious institutions were not particularly abundant or strong at this time.

One of my few quibbles with the book (I almost always have at least some criticism of books I read) is that the author never came up with the most obvious label for Alexander Hamilton; “Jewish adjacent,“ see I'm Not Jewish, But I'm 'Jewish-Adjacent.' This is a term that, in my view best describes Alexander Hamilton. Other examples of “Jewish adjacent“ historical figures include Ruth and Jethro from the old testament. Ruth what is the wife of a Hebrew. After she was widowed, she adhered to the Jewish people rather than to her pagan biological ancestors. Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law, and an important advisor to Moses.

I personally suspect that Hamilton, in his heart, was Jewish. Practicing Judaism in colonial America would not have been good for his ambitious career path, which included becoming a major military advisor to Washington and eventually his treasury secretary. As it is, as much as he is adulated today, he was an object of some suspicion during his life. Heck, New York City had the nickname of Hamiltonopolis to his influence. This was in part because of New York City’s loss of its role as the national capital.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The secretary at work handed me her copy of "The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton" and told me to read it, so I did. For an unsolicited recommendation like that, it was a great suggestion.

I read Chernow's biography of Hamilton in 2016 and thought I already knew what I wanted to know about Alexander Hamilton's Jewish-adjacent background. Porwancher's introduction and (somewhat redundant to the introduction) first chapter lay out an audacious case that Hamilton spent the first twelve years of his life nominally as a Jew, and that he obscured this identity for the remainder of his life. The evidence is entirely circumstantial, but Porwancher makes a case that is at least plausible, if not at all provable. (I was already sold on the theory that the legal husband of Hamilton's mother Rachel Faucette, Johan Michael Lavien/Levine, was Jewish. Porwancher goes a provocative step further by suggesting that Rachel had converted to Judaism upon marrying Lavien, and that she raised her two sons by James Hamilton in this faith even after leaving Lavien.) These chapters, reliant on Caribbean records and other original research, were fascinating and I enjoyed their confidence even if I didn't entirely buy their theories.

The remaining chapters of the book work their way chronologically through the rest of Hamilton's life, comparing his encounters with Jews to those of the other Founding Fathers. Some of these analysis had little to do with Jews themselves, and more to do with the Founding Fathers' approaches to religious liberty in the early republic, and to the ways they wrote about stereotypes relating to moneylending and credit. Hamilton generally had the cleanest record among the Founding Fathers for maintaining positive impressions of Jews and for incorporating Jews in his circle.

These later chapters are a mixed bag because some of them have little to do with Hamilton, and others have little to do with Jews, and others require Porwancher to adopt ever-changing standards of analysis to keep all the evidence in line with his thesis. Altogether, the thesis of these chapters is very tame compared to the explosive first chapter, and they render the book as a whole somewhat less than the sum of its parts.

Basically, the book read a bit like an amazing article that was expanded to turn into a book. It was an enjoyable read but perhaps would have made a better article alone.

[Alex Golub · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you listen to the Hamilton soundtrack constantly and wonder what all those people thought about Jews, this quirky passion project is for you. Thoroughly researched and broadly accessible.

[Stuart Endick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is both an important scholarly contribution to our understanding of Alexander Hamilton and an immensely entertaining and immersive read as well. First and foremost it corrects the historic record. At the time of Hamilton’s birth his mother was legally married to but living apart from a Danish merchant, Johan Levine (spellings vary a bit) and retained the name after their separation. Hamilton was enrolled in and received his early education at a Jewish school on the island of Nevis which would have been neigh impossible had Hamilton’s mother not been a convert to Judaism and the young Hamilton not been considered part of the island’s Jewish community. Nevertheless Hamilton biographers have blithely repeated early explanations that dismiss this background on flimsy and historically inaccurate grounds. After his mother’s death Hamilton lived with a Christian family on another island and did not identify as Jewish after emigrating to the American colonies to enroll in college. However, unlike almost all other important founding fathers Hamilton was completely free of antisemitic prejudice (George Washington with whom Hamilton was closely associated was another exception), and was an advocate for full Jewish equality in the early republic. Moreover Hamilton deserves credit for helping create an American government and economic system conducive to full and equal participation of its Jewish citizens. In explaining all this the author provides both an enjoyable Hamilton portrait and an illuminating description of American Jewish society in the 18th century. I rate this as a must read for Hamilton enthusiasts as well as anyone who wants a better understanding of this period of American history.

[Chrisanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read his intro I almost laughed out loud. Among the names listed at the beginning was Robert P. George, someone who has been delighting me in various mediums(YouTube, articles, FB posts) for a few months. I had no clue there was any connection. But it upped my opinion of what I was about to read immensely.

This is, in reality, 2 books. Fascinating information, but two books.

The first book is a riveting exploration of the early years of Alexander Hamilton which the author argues influences his professional life. The second is also an interesting exploration of early Jewish congregations and their experiences and influence during the same time period and the other notable opinions of them(Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and, of course, Washington). Porwancher is obviously a fan of Hamilton. That's fine. This isn't an exploration of whether or not AH was right or wrong. I did think that, as carefully explored and worded as it was, there could have been something reworded somewhere to make the two topics more seamlessly related.

Also, is there anything that George Washington ever did wrong---socially? Any gaffe, stumble, faux pas? I was expecting something here but nope. Instead I was still impressed.

Porwancher is quite good at what he does. The first two chapter titles? Brilliant. I took a wander through his notes at the end and was impressed.

[Amir · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this to be a fascinating book that explores the Jewish roots of Alexander Hamilton. I think that the evidence of him being Jewish are tenuous at best -- but the book still does a nice job exploring his childhood in the Carribean islands of Nevis and St. Kitts and his mother's checkered past which likely included marrying a Jewish Dutch merchant as well as fathering two children with Alexander's father (who was not Jewish). It also provides a solid exploration of what it was like to be a part of the Jewish community in colonial America and discusses several of the prominent Jews of that time. It discusses the attitudes of other founding fathers such as Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Madison towards the Jews of the time as well as ancient judaism and provides very interesting perspective on how our country ended up with Freedom of Religion and the Separation of Church and State. So while I think the thesis of Hamilton's being Jewish felt unlikely, his proximity to and affection for Jews, the Jewish People, and the Freedom of Religion all come through in an orderly and logical fashion.

Recommend. Was a quick and interesting read!!

[Margaret Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an intriguing book, telling the story of Hamilton from his early years born in the Carribbean and attending a Jewish school, through the infamous duel. Was he born Jewish? Did he ever become Christian? What was the role of his parents? How did his early years influence things like the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Inquiring minds want to know. It also filled in some of the gaps of why in our modern era some people still refer to America as a Christian nation and some of the rise of white supremacy. Unfortunately, the book while academic, with lots of footnotes and very well researched, still leaves much to speculation. For this American Studies major with a concentration in Colonial American History (but not the constitution), this book was fascinating. Well worth the read.

[Charles M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author relying on sketchy circumstantial evidence from Hamilton’s youth in the Caribbean argues that Hamilton had roots in Jewish culture that made him less anti- Semitic than his contemporaries and influenced his beliefs on religious’s freedom . While not totally persuasive the author does throw a different light on Hamilton . He also presents a picture of Jewish life in the colonies and the Early Republic that helps. His discussion of the famous Newport letter of Washington is well done and informative

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting little book with a simple but fascinating premise and some information new even to someone who has read more substantive Hamilton biographies, but not terrifically well written and often quite repetitive. Since there is so little information available about Hamilton's early years, the author must focus largely on Hamilton's role as a framer of the Constitution and his cases as an attorney and particularly cases involving Jewish parties.

[Arielle Yacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and researched book. I would say the bookends are about Alexander Hamilton but the majority of the book is about the place of Jews in early American society. From synagogue politics to the Revolution, this book offered wonderful insight into how the Founding Fathers interacted with Jews in addition to what the relationship with Jews meant for the birth of America and whether it is a Christian nation.

[Nasus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly convincing arguments regarding AH's Jewish upbringing; excellent discussion about his good relations with the jewish community & religious freedom during his time in the US.
Good, easy read. Lots of detailed footnotes supporting the author's thesis.

[Desirae · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emerging scholarship on Alexander Hamilton’s youth in the Caribbean does more than merely refine a biography—it reshapes the very contours of early American identity. This fresh lens is not only captivating and credible; it is nothing short of revelatory. Like trade winds uncovering hidden harbors, this research sweeps away the fog of assumption, uncovering truths long buried beneath the sediment of historical neglect.

Yet, in its noble enthusiasm, the author veers at times into the perilous waters of presentism—casting modern sensibilities over the complex religious landscape of the 18th and early 19th centuries. To suggest that the lack of full civil rights for Jews in most American colonies and early states constitutes antisemitism misses the texture of the age. For while it is true that Jews were denied certain political rights—such as voting, military service, or testifying in court—this was an age in which religious toleration itself was a radical idea.

Many colonial leaders, inspired by the writings of John Locke, championed the toleration of minority sects, an extraordinary departure from the Old World’s brutal religious homogeneity. In this context, mere toleration—imperfect and incomplete—was not failure, but progress. The road toward full Jewish emancipation would stretch across centuries, but the journey had begun.

It is also vital to remember that by the 1700s, the Caribbean had already become a crucial site in the Jewish diaspora. Sephardic Jews, expelled from Spain and Portugal during the Inquisition, found new homes in the sugar colonies of the Dutch and British West Indies—places like Curaçao, Suriname, Barbados, and Jamaica. These communities, while often marginal, played significant roles in commerce and trade, including banking and shipping.

On the island of Nevis, where Hamilton was born, Jews were a known presence. The 1680s saw the establishment of Jewish cemeteries and synagogues on several Caribbean islands, including in Bridgetown (Barbados) and Spanish Town (Jamaica). Their visibility in commerce and communal life—despite facing restrictions—reflected a world where Jews, though second-class citizens, could still prosper, educate their children, and participate in a broader Atlantic economy. Hamilton, growing up amidst these diverse influences, likely encountered Jewish neighbors and merchants as part of daily life.

The book’s claim that New York stood above all others in religious toleration, however, is historically flawed. South Carolina, in particular, embraced a broad spectrum of religious minorities—excluding only Catholics due to geopolitical fears tied to Spanish Florida. Charleston, in fact, became the beating heart of Jewish life in British North America during the late 18th century.

Not only did Charleston house the largest Jewish population in the colonies by the early 1800s, but it also welcomed Jews into public life. In the 1770s, Francis Salvador—of Sephardic descent—was elected to South Carolina’s Provincial Congress, becoming the first Jew in the New World to hold legislative office. Charleston’s Jewish community thrived with minimal drama over court testimony or public rights. That Charles Pinckney, a Charlestonian, proposed the “no religious test” clause for federal office in the U.S. Constitution is no historical accident—it reflects the lived pluralism of his home state.

Pennsylvania, Georgia, and especially Virginia also offered broad religious latitude. After 1786, Virginia stood alone in enacting full religious liberty, thanks to the dogged efforts of Jefferson and Madison. Thus, New York's role, while significant, was far from singular.

The author’s interpretation of James Madison’s decision to recall Mordecai Noah from his post as U.S. consul to Tunis as antisemitic is both ahistorical and unsupported. Madison acted on misinformation: that a Muslim power would refuse to accept a Jewish envoy. His objection, then, was grounded not in prejudice against Jews, but in concern for diplomatic pragmatism.

Indeed, America’s reluctance to appoint Jewish ambassadors to certain nations endured well into the 20th century, not because of internal bigotry, but due to anticipated rejection by host countries. To judge such decisions without acknowledging geopolitical realities is to obscure more than illuminate.

As for Jefferson, his critique of the Old Testament must be understood within the context of his sweeping disdain for organized religion in general. The same razor he applied to Leviticus, he wielded against the miracles of the New Testament. His famously redacted “Jefferson Bible” is less an expression of antisemitism than of Enlightenment rationalism. In personal dealings, he was unfailingly courteous to Jews, as was Madison, both of whom consistently resisted sectarianism in public policy.

Lastly, the assertion that Hamilton uniquely shaped Washington’s liberal stance toward Jews lacks substantiating evidence. It is far more likely that Washington’s enduring commitment to religious liberty was forged in the crucible of Virginia politics. He served alongside Jefferson and Madison during the bruising debates over the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom—debates that left a deep imprint on his thinking.

Hamilton's influence on Washington was real and meaningful, but to credit him as the primary architect of Washington’s tolerance overstates the case. Washington’s famous 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island—“to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance”—was a chorus composed from many voices.

[ManOfLaBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: https://www.ManOfLaBook.com

The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton by Andrew Porwancher follows through the life of the America’s Founding Father, debunking myths about his origin. Mr. Porwancher is an Associate Professor of Constitutional Studies at the University to Oklahoma, and a published author.

I first heard about this book when talking to the guide visiting James Madison’s Montpelier. It sounded right up my alley, so when I got home I immediately purchased it.

The author’s conclusion is that Alexander Hamilton has been, most likely, was born and raised Jewish. Mr. Porwancher has managed to dispel assumptions about Hamilton’s childhood in the Caribbean, did away with assumptions, as well as came away with very interesting deductions. Hamilton’s mother, Rachel Faucette, married Johann Michael Levine, a Jewish man. The author is sure that Rachel have converted, as was the law on the Danish colony of St. Croix. Rachel fled to the island of Nevis where she met James Hamilton, Alexander’s father. Being that Rachel was Jewish, Alexander was Jewish as well according to Jewish law.

The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton by Andrew Porwancher is a fascinating book, rich in detail and history. The rise of Hamilton, a “bastard, orphan, son of a whore” as we all know, in a hereditary hierarchy is a testament to his character, resilience, and intelligence.

From Hamilton’s childhood records, it can be deduced that he was born into a Jewish family, and raised in a Jewish manner, including going to a Jewish school and being versed in Hebrew. This aspect of his life and education gave him a different perspective than the others Founding Fathers, and helped him in his career. Hamilton’s oblivious relationship with religion throughout his life, even though he married the very devout Betsey Hamilton, might also be a clue.

The author talks of a society in which equality meant being a land-owning Christian white man. Anti-Semitic sentiment the certainly the norm, not the exception. The Jewish history of early America is fascinating, and while not the focus of the book, I found it to be one of the more interesting parts of the book.

The book is well-written. Every claim is backed up by rigorous historical records. The narration by George Newbern is clear and very easy to listen to.

[Adam‘’s book reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

.The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton
by Andrew Porwancher
Narrated by George Newburgh | HighBridge Audio

Andrew Porwancher’s The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton is not a traditional biography of Hamilton. Instead, it examines Jewish life in the Caribbean and early America, using Hamilton mainly as a reference point. The book explores Jewish migration, community building, and the roles of Jewish families in places like Nevis, New York, and Newport, Rhode Island. It also addresses antisemitism, showing how Jewish individuals were often overlooked in early records and founding documents. Hamilton appears mainly as a connection point rather than the central figure, particularly in relation to whether he had early exposure to Jewish education or culture.

I found the sections on Nevis, an often-overlooked Caribbean island, the most engaging. Since I live in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean perspective drew me in more than the mainland chapters. Even though Hamilton is the lens, the book focuses primarily on Jewish life in the British colonies and the early post-revolutionary period, highlighting the challenges these communities faced and how they sustained themselves. I didn’t come away convinced that Hamilton was Jewish. On small islands like Nevis, survival often takes priority over race or religion. Communities were more mixed, with different backgrounds living side by side, and people had to rely on one another regardless of faith. What stayed with me most was this broader historical context, rather than Hamilton himself.

The audiobook narration was slow and monotonous, and George Newburgh’s pronunciation of Nevis was unusual, which at times distracted from the text. Despite this, the content remained informative, offering valuable insights into Jewish Caribbean history.

Overall, the book left some topics underexplored, but it succeeded in deepening my understanding of Jewish life in the Caribbean and early America. After finishing this, I plan to continue with Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton to gain a fuller picture of his life.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look into a lesser-known aspect of one of our famed Founding Fathers, but also an examination of the rights and status of Jews in America at the birth of the republic. Alexander Hamilton's Jewish connections have been known, but not well documented. His mother Rachel married a man named Johann Levine (or Lavien, or other spellings) who was not Hamilton's father, but Porwancher investigates whether Rachel converted to Judaism to marry Johann. The author's research leads him to believe she did, which would have made Alexander and his brother James Jr. Jewish under Jewish matrilineal descent. There's no baptismal record for the boys in St. Croix, and they were tutored in a Jewish school while living there.

Regardless, when Alexander left for the Colonies and New York, his positive relationships with the Jews in his community set him apart from many of his peers in a time when blatant antisemitism was the norm in predominantly Christian society. Hamilton worked to secure full rights for Jews in the new Republic, when some colonies and later states restricted Jews giving court testimony or serving in some public offices and voting.

The author also highlights some of the Jewish contributions to the Revolutionary war beyond the financial assistance of Haym Solomon, a chapter of Jewish-American history not taught enough to children in Hebrew Schools.

This text can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to know more about one of our early leaders best known to most modern Americans by the famed Broadway musical, and to anyone who wants to understand how truly diverse this country was from it's very founding.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Andrew Porwancher's The Jewish World of Alexander Hamilton took a long time to read. However, that was because there was so much information to digest (not to mention interruptions for health reasons and family issues).

Mr. Porwancher digs deeply into Hamilton's origins and career and also paints a fascinating picture of how America transitioned from a colony to a democratic republic. Hamilton was, perhaps, the most complex of our Founding Fathers, and the book provides a nice counterbalance to all the furor created by Lin-Manuel Miranda's outstanding musical and Ron Chernow's fascinating book.

Among other things, it compares Hamilton's relationship with Jews to that of the other Founding Fathers, which let me see a lot that I didn't know before. it also examines several of the legal cases Hamilton took on and the greater meaning and impacts those had on colonial Jews.

What the book does NOT do, is proclaim definitively whether or not Hamilton himself was Jewish by birth. He leaves that for the reader to determine, although he notes that since Hamilton's mother had converted to Judaism it is a distinct possibility.

Whether you agree or not, however, Porwancher provides a stunning, in-depth look at a complex man living in complex, turbulent times. So, for me, it's definitely a must-read.

[Patrick Sprague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall an enjoyable read.

I feel a tad mislead by the title. Although I enjoyed the history of Jewish merchants and synagogues in revolutionary America, I expected the book to lean harder into the experiences of Alexander Hamilton. That's not to say that I believe there is anymore relevant information out there (there was plenty of evidence to support the author's thesis) but only that the title implied a biograp0hy of Hamilton, rather than a history of early American Jews through the lens of Hamilton's experiences.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed my read. This is the kind of thing that needs to be taught in schools, that the creation of America's early right to religious freedom is rooted not in the pilgrims but in these conversations between Jewish Americans and the founding fathers.

Hamilton may not have identified as Jewish himself but he knew we are just people, worshipping differently but with a similar system of ethics.

America is not a Christian country and never has been --

[Peyton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brings new information to light that is difficult to obtain elsewhere. The author makes many good points. You get to learn quite a bit about Alexander Hamilton's Jewish upbringing and Jewish connections throughout his life. The author can really give you a fairly good idea about how Hamilton's morals and views formed through his upbringing. There is one main part of the book I would disagree with, which is the assessment Hamilton was born in the spring or summer of 1754. There is no reason why Hamilton would lie about the day and month he was born. You can argue he lied about the year, giving a range between 1755 and 1757, but claiming he lied about the day and month is quite unreasonable. Hamilton, himself, claimed he was born on the eleventh of January. Apart from the argument that Hamilton was born in the spring or summer of 1754, there isn't much I disagree with the author on. They wrote a good book with new information that's rather useful.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid work.

Well written. Well documented. Doesn’t overstate its case. Just meticulously assembles all the reasons to believe AHam was born Jewish to a Jewish mother, at least partially raised and educated as a Jewish child before his orphaning, and resisted (often under duress) any expression of antipathy for Jews or Judaism throughout his life, even as all his peers save the perfect-Washington did so. Rightly calls into question both the assertions of a midlife conversion and the sincerity of the deathbead one he seemingly undertook to ease the needless pain he knew his dueling death would cause his wife.

Glad I read this. It’s pretty short and pretty crisp and throws an importantly different light on the man his story.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not because of Hamilton, but because of all the history of the Jewish People from that time and place in history about which I never knew. If Hamilton was Jewish is the premise but not necessarily the main point. My big take away is how much the Jewish people played a part in the early days of our country.

[Charlotte Fatal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely fascinating subject. The author and researcher presents a lot of evidence on the subject. The first third of the book was great and captivating. The second and third part of the book was a bit of a slog. Overall it's worth reading the first part and skimming the rest if you consider yourself a history buff. Please tell me if you think the research is convincing!

[Brian Fiedler · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable work of historical sleuthing.

The final chapter did not work well for me as an audio book. The many names and embedded quotes make a kindle version preferable, for at least that chapter.

I am more interested in how money, credit, law enforcement, mail service and communications worked in the times of Alexander Hamilton. Still a mystery to me.

[Herb Moorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The founding of the Amerian Republic

Clearly well written, well understood, well researched. Highly recommended, clarifies the interplay of the founding fathers and the historicity of this American Republic.

[Shifra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding storytelling. After all these years fascinating to discover this piece of information about one of the founders of the US.

[Rafael Suleiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book that deals with the possible Jewish ancestry of Alexander Hamilton.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much about this "Founding Father" and his origins and how he helped shape our counry today.

[Amy Bodkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book and found evidence for him being raised a Jew compelling! It also gives much more insight into the Colonial Jewish experience than most books about the period!

[Oolalaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

14/20

[Hdonner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting perspective. It is an area of history not only of Hamilton but of Colonial Jewish America. Very well researched and developed. A book of enlightenment