This week, for class, I read the historical letter Robert E. Lee sent to Rabbi Max Michelbacher responding to the Rabbi’s petition to allow Jewish Confederate soldiers to take off for the High Holidays. Lee denied the request and said that while it would give him,
“great pleasure to Comply with a request so earnestly urged…the necessities of War admit of no relaxation of the efforts requisite for its Success, nor can it be known on what day the presence of every man may not be required.”
Robert E. Lee; https://www.shapell.org/manuscript/robert-lee-furloughs-jewish-soldiers/
Lee goes on to confirm that he,
“cannot…grant the general furlough…[desired], but must leave to individuals to make their own application to their Several Commanders, in the hope that many will be able to enjoy the privilege…[sought] for them…”
Robert E. Lee; https://www.shapell.org/manuscript/robert-lee-furloughs-jewish-soldiers/
Lee’s letter–and life–provides insight in human moral complexity. Before his life was dedicated to a problematic cause, Lee considered fighting for the Union. This letter could be interpreted as Lee showing himself to be capable of sympathizing with the religious needs of those whose traditions have long been vilified by his own religious practices. Another interpretation of this letter could be that he did not want to support the Jewish request–possibly because he did share his religion’s prejudices–and simply worded his refusal politely in order to avoid creating trouble with the troops fighting in his army. To know which one of these interpretations is true, one would need to understand more about Lee’s biography and historical facts.
