Nearly 100 years ago to the day, Newark’s historic daily Jewish newspaper, The Jewish Chronicle, published a striking warning from Rabbi Dr. Rudolph I. Coffee.
“One of the great lessons of modern times is that glorious victories can later be lost. Progress is not steady and continuing through the ages. Although the Revolutionary War won us independence, and the World War was to make this universe safe for democracy, the citizens of this great land can easily throw away their independence and can, tomorrow, by improper acts, lose the remarkable gains of democracy.” (Rabbi Dr. Rudolph I. Coffee, The Jewish Chronicle, July 10, 1925).
A century ago, Rabbi Rudolph Coffee warned that democracy is not permanent. That independence is fragile. That progress, while real, is never guaranteed.
Nearly 100 years later, his words could have been written today.
Coffee (1878-1955) was a prominent American rabbi and chaplain known for his pioneering work in prison ministry and his commitment to social justice. He was the first Jewish chaplain of any American legislative body, serving as chaplain of the California Assembly in 1925.
It’s easy to look back at history as if it only moves forward. But Rabbi Coffee knew otherwise. The same threats to liberty, justice, and democracy that he named in 1925 still exist. Independence Day is a time not only to celebrate how far we’ve come, but to reckon with how far we still must go.
As Jews, we hold dear the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world). That ideal aligns with the American values of civic responsibility and moral leadership. In a time when antisemitism has sadly reemerged in new forms, remembering the longstanding Jewish contribution to American life reinforces the importance of unity, pluralism, and mutual respect.
Jewish voices have been part of this story from the beginning, advocating for justice, serving in uniform, voting, protesting, building. And we’re still here, still showing up.
On this July 4, we celebrate not only the birth of a nation but also the extraordinary journey of the American Jewish community—our perseverance, our patriotism, and our promise to help ensure that America remains a beacon of hope and liberty for all.
Let’s honor the generations before us by continuing the work they started. Let’s make sure that the next 100 and 249 years bend closer to the values we hold dear: liberty, pluralism, and dignity for all.
Happy Independence Day.
“May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid.” George Washington, August 21, 1790.
To explore more about Jewish contributions to American civic life, including Greater MetroWest patriots, please reach out to Karen Auerbach Bocaletti at [email protected].