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To Bigotry No Sanction
June 2, 2021 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
A historic musical performance featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
The Center for Presidential History is proud to partner with Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in their presentation of To Bigotry No Sanction – a new cantata based on George Washington’s historic 1790 letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, RI, composed by Jonathan Comisar and featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.
This event is the virtual premier of To Bigotry No Sanction and is free to all!
In 1790, President George Washington wrote his historic Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, declaring, “…happily, the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance…”
In 2016, KI Cantor Amy Levy commissioned Jonathan Comisar to write a cantata.
KI Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, PhD, an eminent scholar of American Jewish history, collaborated with Comisar to create a new cantata based on the letter that is the foundation of the American Jewish experience. Comisar’s stunning new work embodies touchstones of Jewish and American music in an orchestral/choral setting.
On June 2, 2021, KI will present a free, virtual premiere of To Bigotry No Sanction featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra and a multicultural choir representing 17 languages.
Recognizing the dichotomy of Washington’s words and deeds towards colonial Jews and his own slaves, the performance will be followed by a conversation with Jonathan Comisar and Rabbi Lance Sussman, moderated by Emmy-award winning filmmaker Sam Katz of History Making Productions.
No registration is required for this free prerecorded event hosted by Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel. All correspondence should be directed to them.