Fact Check: Slave auctions were closed during Jewish holidays

Slave Auctions and Jewish Holidays: An Examination of the Claim

Introduction

The claim that "slave auctions were closed during Jewish holidays" suggests a specific historical practice regarding the scheduling of slave auctions in relation to Jewish religious observances. This assertion raises questions about the extent of Jewish involvement in the slave trade and the cultural practices surrounding it. This article will explore the available evidence and critically evaluate the sources that discuss this claim.

What We Know

1. Jewish Involvement in the Slave Trade: Historical records indicate that Jewish merchants were involved in the slave trade, particularly in the Dutch colonies. According to Marc Lee Raphael, a professor of Judaic studies, slave auctions in these colonies were often postponed if they coincided with Jewish holidays 79. This suggests a cultural practice that respected religious observances.

2. Extent of Jewish Participation: While some sources indicate that Jews played a significant role in the slave trade, others argue that their involvement was relatively minor. For instance, a study cited in Project MUSE notes that a small group of Rhode Island Jewish merchants controlled less than 10% of the slave voyages from that region 1. Additionally, Eli Faber, a historian, points out that the Jewish population in places like Charleston was small, with only a few families owning slaves 8.

3. Controversy and Debate: The topic of Jewish involvement in the slave trade is contentious, with some sources asserting that focusing on this aspect can perpetuate anti-Semitic narratives 56. The Washington Post and The New York Times have published opinions arguing against the notion that Jews had a significant role in the slave trade, framing such claims as part of a broader historical distortion 56.

Analysis

The claim that slave auctions were closed during Jewish holidays is supported by specific historical references, particularly in the context of the Dutch colonies. However, the reliability of these claims depends heavily on the sources cited.

• Source Reliability: The sources that support the claim, such as the Times of Israel and the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, are generally credible and provide academic perspectives on the issue 79. However, these sources may have inherent biases, as they are often aimed at a Jewish audience and may seek to frame Jewish history in a particular light.

• Counterarguments: On the other hand, sources like The Washington Post and The New York Times present a counter-narrative that downplays Jewish involvement in the slave trade and warns against the dangers of oversimplifying this complex historical issue 56. These publications are reputable and have a long history of journalistic integrity, but their editorial choices may also reflect a desire to combat anti-Semitic narratives.

• Methodological Concerns: The evidence regarding the postponement of slave auctions during Jewish holidays primarily comes from historical interpretations rather than direct documentation. This raises questions about the methodology used in these studies. More concrete evidence, such as auction records or firsthand accounts from the period, would strengthen the claim.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further evaluate the claim, additional information would be beneficial, including:

• Direct historical records from slave auctions that indicate scheduling practices.
• More comprehensive studies on the demographics of Jewish slave owners and their economic impact in various regions.
• Perspectives from historians specializing in Jewish history and the transatlantic slave trade to provide a balanced view.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The claim that slave auctions were closed during Jewish holidays is supported by historical references, particularly in the context of the Dutch colonies, where it appears that some auctions were indeed postponed to respect Jewish religious observances. However, the extent of Jewish involvement in the slave trade remains a subject of debate, with some sources suggesting that their participation was relatively minor compared to other groups.

This verdict acknowledges the complexity of the issue, as the evidence is not uniformly conclusive and is often subject to interpretation. The reliance on historical interpretations rather than direct documentation introduces a level of uncertainty regarding the claim. Additionally, the potential biases of the sources, which may aim to either highlight or downplay Jewish involvement, further complicate the narrative.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the broader context of the historical debate surrounding Jewish participation in the slave trade. The nuances and limitations of the available evidence should be taken into account when forming conclusions about this sensitive topic.

Sources

1. Project MUSE - Jews, Slaves, and the Slave Trade: Setting the Record ... Link
2. Jewish views on slavery - Wikipedia Link
3. Jewish views on slavery - Wikipedia Link
4. Auction House Suspends Sale of 19th-Century Jewish Burial Records - The New York Times Link
5. Opinion | HALF-TRUTHS AND HISTORY: THE DEBATE OVER JEWS AND SLAVERY - The Washington Post Link
6. Opinion | Jews Had Negligible Role in Slave Trade - The New York Times Link
7. How culpable were Dutch Jews in the slave trade? | The Times of Israel Link
8. Where the False Claim That Jews Controlled the Slave Trade Comes From | My Jewish Learning Link
9. How culpable were Dutch Jews in the slave trade? - Jewish Telegraphic Agency Link
10. Slavery and the Jews - The Atlantic Link