During and leading up to the Civil War, Southern Jewish life had to drastically adapt to the changes the region underwent. One particular way Jews in the South participated in society of the South was drafting into the military of the CSA (Confederate States of America). Some may argue that the Jews in the South were fighting for the Southern rights which included owning slaves, however, according to the late Confederate soldier Moses Ezekiel of Richmond, "were were not fighting for the perpetuation of slavery, but for the principle of State's rights and free trade, and in the defense of our homes, which were being ruthlessly invaded" (pg. 114). From my understanding of the reading and the Jewish opinions of the South, the Jewish population was not fighting in the Civil War to maintain slaves on their property or for free trade, but because they identified with the Southern culture. Interestingly, new and old Jewish immigrants both were connected to the Southern lifestyle. Because of this, they felt they had an obligation to fight for their land, which was being invaded by Yankee forces. Enlisting and participating in civil duties of a country is particularly common for Jews to undertake. If we look back into history, Jews participated in the military in World War I on both the Allied Powers (with forces of Russia and Britain) and the Axis Powers (with forces of the Ottoman Empire and Germany). Regardless of their opinions of the South, Jews actively participated in the armed military of the CSA.
A quote I've heard in regards to the military is "there's no atheists in a foxhole." This means that during times of war, mankind looks towards God for assistance during the most difficult times. One thing in the reading that spoke out to me was Jewish prayer for the safety of Confederate soldiers, which were often very populated with Jewish servicemen. Regardless of their religious affiliation, these servicemen participated in prayer for their country and their fellow soldier. In my synagogue, the congregation participates in prayer for the safety of the United States and the armed forces serving abroad, similarly to the practice of Rabbi Max Michelbacher of Richmond (pg. 125). Though the country has changed significantly since the Civil War, Jewish practices haven't varied much since then.
A quote I've heard in regards to the military is "there's no atheists in a foxhole." This means that during times of war, mankind looks towards God for assistance during the most difficult times. One thing in the reading that spoke out to me was Jewish prayer for the safety of Confederate soldiers, which were often very populated with Jewish servicemen. Regardless of their religious affiliation, these servicemen participated in prayer for their country and their fellow soldier. In my synagogue, the congregation participates in prayer for the safety of the United States and the armed forces serving abroad, similarly to the practice of Rabbi Max Michelbacher of Richmond (pg. 125). Though the country has changed significantly since the Civil War, Jewish practices haven't varied much since then.