No, this is not an article about the 44th President who stems from Illinois. It is about an earlier Illinoisan. One about it whom it was said:
“Moreover, in Lincoln himself were fused all the essential elements of Judaism. If he can justly be called the first typical American he can more justly be said to represent the summation of all the noblest qualities of Judaism.”
Who uttered these words? You’ll have to go to this wonderful article about our 16th President and the Jews written by Alan Jay Gerber. It is a marvelous tribute to President Lincoln published in the Jewish Star. I would be remiss if I did not make mention of this earlier President from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln on this day - the 200 year anniversary of his Birth.
