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Should We Forgive General Grant?

A historical debate hatches in New York

by
Adam Chandler
February 07, 2013
(Matthew Brady)
(Matthew Brady)

If you live in the New York area or are seeking early refuge from Winter Storm Nemo (not to be confused with the adorable fish), Temple Emanu-El on the Upper East Side is hosting Professor Jonathan Sarna tonight at 6:30.

The topic is whether or not the Jews should forgive General Ulysses S. Grant for issuing an infamous order to expel American Jews during the Civil War. If you’re not familiar with the historical event (or even if you are!), may I humbly suggest Professor Sarna’s fantastic book on the incident “When General Grant Expelled the Jews.”

The event is free and if you’ve never been to Temple Emanu-El, where Ed Koch’s funeral was held on Monday, you ought to go.

Adam Chandler was previously a staff writer at Tablet. His work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, Slate, Esquire, New York, and elsewhere. He tweets @allmychandler.