07/23/2024
Freemasonry and Judaism: The Surprising History of Shared Values, Challenges, Contributions and Triumphs
Freemasonry and Judaism, two distinct traditions with rich histories, have intersected in fascinating ways throughout the centuries. This article explores the complex relationship between these two groups, their shared values, common challenges, and the significant contributions of Jewish Freemasons to society, particularly in the United States.
The Age of Enlightenment played a crucial role in shaping the relationship between Freemasonry and Judaism. The Enlightenment’s concept of universality brought about a society where religious beliefs did not affect citizens’ rights. This change allowed Jews to participate more fully in various aspects of society, including Freemasonry.
Concurrently, Judaism itself was evolving. The development of Reform Judaism, partly in response to the Enlightenment, taught a continuing belief in the fundamental concepts of the religion without requiring compliance with all the strict rules of observance. This evolution made it easier for some Jews to participate in secular organizations like Freemasonry.
Many Jews viewed joining Freemasonry as part of their “emancipation” from old legal and social exclusions. Freemasonry’s philosophy of the brotherhood of all people indicated that Masonry would accept Jews as members, providing an opportunity for Jews to integrate further into broader society.
Jews have been actively involved in Freemasonry since its early days in America. Historical evidence shows that Jews were among the founders of Masonic lodges in seven of the original thirteen states: Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia.
One notable figure in early American Freemasonry was Moses Michael Hays, a Jewish Mason who played a crucial role in introducing the Masonic Scottish Rite to America. Hays served as Deputy Inspector General of Masonry for North America in 1768 and as Grand Master of Massachusetts from 1788 to 1792. Interestingly, Paul Revere served under him as Deputy Grand Master.
Other prominent Jewish Masons in early American history included Solomon Bush in Pennsylvania, Joseph Myers in Maryland and South Carolina, and Abraham Forst of Philadelphia in Virginia. Moses Seixas served as Grand Master in Rhode Island from 1791 until 1800.
Jewish Freemasons also made significant contributions during the American Revolution. Twenty-four Jewish officers served in George Washington’s army, and several helped finance the American cause. Haym Salomon, a Philadelphia Jewish Mason, was particularly notable for his financial contributions to the war effort and personal loans to figures such as Jefferson, Madison, and Lee.
Freemasonry and Judaism share many common themes and ideals, which may explain the natural affinity between the two traditions:
• Belief in a Supreme Being: Both emphasize faith in God as a fundamental principle.
• Ethical behavior: Both traditions stress the importance of moral conduct and kindness towards others.
• Charity and brotherhood: Helping those in need and fostering a sense of community are central to both Freemasonry and Judaism.
• Emphasis on learning: Both encourage continuous education and scholarship.
Several symbols and rituals are significant in both Freemasonry and Judaism:
• Light: Both traditions use light as an important symbol, representing divine spirit and religious freedom. The Jewish holiday of Chanukah, known as the Festival of Lights, shares thematic connections with Masonic symbolism of light.
• The Temple of Solomon: This ancient structure figures prominently in both Masonic rituals and Jewish history.
• Ceremonial practices: Both have initiation ceremonies and emphasize the use of ritual to instill discipline and ethical behavior. For example, the Jewish Bar Mitzvah ceremony, marking a boy’s transition to manhood, shares some similarities with Masonic initiation rites in terms of learning rituals and taking on new responsibilities.
• Respect for authority and duty: Both traditions teach respect for authority figures (parents and rabbis in Judaism, lodge leaders in Freemasonry) while also emphasizing the duties of those in positions of power.
Despite these shared values, the relationship between Freemasonry and Judaism has not always been smooth. In some periods and places, Jews faced discrimination within Masonic lodges. The acceptance of Jews in Freemasonry varied greatly by country and time period.
In 19th century Germany, many lodges did not permit Jewish members and even questioned visiting Masonic brethren about their religion at the doors of their lodges. Various arguments were used to exclude Jews:
• Some claimed Masonry was a Christian institution and Jews could not become members unless they converted.
• Others argued that only Christians could possess the good character necessary to achieve Masonic ideals.
• Some lodges required Jews to swear on Christian Gospels or eat pork at Masonic meals, practices forbidden in Judaism.
• There were even raw anti-Semitic arguments claiming that Jews were racially or genetically unfit for Masonry.
However, there were also examples of courage and inclusivity. In 1890, Dr. Hermann Settegast, Master of the Royal York Lodge in Berlin, resigned when his proposal to prohibit religious discrimination in admissions was rejected. He then founded a new Mother Lodge with a membership split equally between Jews and Christians, despite significant opposition.
Ironically, despite these internal tensions, Freemasons and Jews often found themselves jointly targeted by their critics. Conspiracy theories linking the two groups became prevalent, with both being accused of plotting to undermine existing societal institutions.
The infamous “Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” a fabricated anti-Semitic text, also implicated Freemasons in an alleged Jewish plot for world domination. This document, though debunked, had a lasting impact on anti-Semitic and anti-Masonic sentiment.
During the N**i regime, both groups faced severe persecution under the slogan “All Masons Jews—all Jews Masons.” Similarly, other totalitarian regimes have consistently attacked Freemasonry and Judaism, viewing their emphasis on individual freedom as a threat.
The United States has generally been a haven for both Freemasonry and Judaism. With few exceptions, America has maintained a tradition of tolerance towards different ideas, religions, and beliefs. This acceptance has allowed both traditions to flourish and contribute significantly to American society.
Jewish Freemasons have played important roles throughout American history, from the Revolutionary War to modern times. Their involvement in both Freemasonry and American civic life demonstrates the compatibility of these traditions with American values of freedom and pluralism.
There have been at least 51 Jewish American Grand Masters. This statistic underscores the significant involvement of Jews in American Freemasonry.
Today, Jews continue to be active in Freemasonry in America and other countries. Israel itself has about 60 Masonic lodges with 3,000 members, showing the ongoing relationship between Judaism and Freemasonry.
However, challenges persist. As recently as last year, a group called the “Islamic Resistance Movement – Palestine” threatened Freemasonry and other “Zionist-affiliated” organizations, demonstrating that the joint targeting of Jews and Freemasons continues in some parts of the world.
The relationship between Freemasonry and Judaism is complex, marked by shared values, common challenges, and significant contributions to society. Despite facing joint persecution and occasional internal tensions, both traditions have persevered, united by their commitment to individual freedom, ethical behavior, and universal brotherhood.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the positive contributions of both Freemasonry and Judaism to our society. By promoting mutual understanding and respect, we can continue to build on the shared ideals that have linked these two traditions throughout history.
