“Scott D. Seligman shines light on an overlooked incident from church-state history-a protest against Christmas celebrations in New York City public schools in the early twentieth century. Filled with intriguing characters, colorful detail, and valuable context, The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906 is a fascinating look at an issue-the proper role of religion in public education-that continues to bedevil our nation. This is an important, instructive story, and Seligman tells it with verve and style.”-Rachel K. Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
“A forgotten protest over celebrating Christmas in New York City’s public schools reveals Jewish immigrants determined that their new nation must live up to its founding ideals. The Great Christmas Boycott of 1906 speaks not only to the past but to the present, a powerful reminder that the First Amendment states: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.’”-Pamela S. Nadell, Patrick Clendenen Chair in Women’s and Gender History at American University and author of Antisemitism, an American Tradition
“The date is 1906 and the place New York City, where Jewish families are increasingly ostracized when they protest required Christian celebrations in the schools, especially at Christmas. Scott Seligman, a consummate storyteller and careful historian, diligently unravels this often-neglected chapter in the ongoing struggle to recognize that diversity is the foundation of public education in the United Sates. A must-read to understand the background of today’s controversies.”-Charles H. Lippy, Martin Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies Emeritus at the University of Tennessee–Chattanooga
