Asser Levy was one of the original 23 Jews who arrived in America in 1654. These brave pioneers fleeing the Inquisition found refuge in the shores of New Amsterdam. Asser Levy was a fierce freedom fighter, who had to fight every step of the way, to be granted permission to stay, to serve as a colonial guard and to become the first licensed Jewish butcher. To fight for his rights, he appeared in court day after day, more so than any other citizen of New Amsterdam by far. Yet despite his zealousness, he was beloved, as 19th Century historian Leon Huhner wrote: “his constant jealousy of his rights, just sterling, honesty and integrity, seemed to have gained for him the respect and friendship of his Christian fellows.”
Perhaps, Asser Levy is the perfect foil to the namesake of this week’s Torah portion, Pinchas, who takes his jealousy to the extreme, acting out in violence against his fellow Israelites. Pinchas was feared, Asser Levy was beloved. He demonstrated that we didn’t need physical force to succeed, just will, determination and vigilance. Now, celebrating the 250th anniversary of our country this Shabbat, we owe a debt of gratitude to Asser Levy and all the Jewish pioneers for paving the path ahead for all of us. Yom Huledet Sameach to the United States of America!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex