The Jewish Federation Connecting with Community program welcomes teacher, author and historian, Neil Yetwin as he speaks on Captain Mordecai Myers: An American-Jewish Hero of the War of 1812.
Captain Mordecai Myers (1776-1871) led one of the most unusual, significant, and long (nearly 96 years) lives in American-Jewish history. After winning and losing two fortunes as an auctioneer and broker in New York City, he fought in the War of 1812 as the sole Jewish officer on the Niagara and St. Lawrence frontiers, entered politics and served as the first Jew in the New York State Legislature.
A prominent Freemason who became the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Myers was also the great-great grandfather of the Pulitzer Prize winning poet, Robert Lowell.
Myers' life was truly an incredible life of historical "firsts" and the presentation will describe just how it all happened.
This free program is part of the Federation’s Connecting With Community Series and will be followed by a kosher hot lunch. Lunch is a $2 suggested donation for adults over 60 years of age or $7 for all others. Advance reservations are required for lunch and can be made by calling (413) 442-2200 before 9 a.m. on the day of the program.