אף שמדובר בהישג מכובד, לא נתקלתי בשום אזכור בישראל למאורע. ב-1654, 23 יהודים מברזיל הגיעו לניו אמסטרדם (כיום ניו-יורק).

Jewish congregations across the country are celebrating 350 years of
Judaism in the United States. "The theme this year is roots," Rabbi
David Paskin of Temple Beth Abraham in Canton said. Temple Beth
Abraham and other congregations have been remembering the year that
their forefathers first landed on U.S. shores. In 1654, 23 Jews from
Brazil landed in New Amsterdam, now Manhattan. They were the
forerunners of millions who came from all parts of the world to
escape persecution and practice their faith without fear. Rabbi
Paskin said the Jewish experience in the United States is different
from the horrors inflicted on Jewish people in other
countries. "What's unique about this celebration, besides the rich
history and culture in this country," Rabbi Paskin said, "is we are
really celebrating the fact that we have had unbridled rights to live
freely as Jews to whatever extent we want." There has been anti-
Semitism and violence against Jews in this country. But despite
pockets of intolerance, Jews have been free to practice their faith
from early on - protected by some of the Americans we honor as our
founders, said Jonathan Sarna, a Brandeis University professor,
author of "American Judaism" and a leader in the 350th commemoration.
Sarna said that when Peter Stuyvesant governed New Amsterdam for the
Dutch West India Co., he wanted to establish a homogenous society
that would not protect Jews, Lutherans or Catholics. But "when sacred
documents like the Constitution were ratified, Jews win their rights
along with everybody else," Sarna said.

"How often do we see events of an earlier period affect how we live
today? The First Amendment has had tremendous impact and that's why
America is different for Jews," he said. While celebrating 350 years
in America, Rabbi Paskin said, there is also an acknowledgment of the
challenges the Jewish religion now faces. Like members of other
religions, he said, some Jews are losing their faith in their
institutions and are not going to temple. "America, which is based on
individual advancement, has played into that dilemma," Rabbi Paskin
said. "What has happened, unfortunately, is that communal religion,
communal spirituality and communal faith has been eroded." In some
cases, he said, that communal faith has deteriorated because of the
persecution of Jews in other countries.

"Our assimilation comes out of our desperate and horrible experiences
in Europe and other countries," he said. "We were forced to protect
ourselves, so many converted en masse because their lives were
threatened."

"Our focus on community goes back centuries,'' he said, ''and we
pray, honor and invite those who have been disconnected back into an
experience surrounded by the Jewish community."

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