Primary Sources: American Women: Religion & Philosophy

The mission of the Jewish Women's Archive (JWA) is to uncover, chronicle, and transmit the rich history of American Jewish women. The site provides access to a variety of research resources including The American Jewess magazine archives and a virtual archive containing biographical information, primary source materials, and more.

"The article presents the text of the examination of Mrs. Ann Hutchinson by the leaders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in November 1637 on charges of heresy and sedition. Governor John Winthrop accuses Hutchinson of spreading opinions that are causing trouble, spreading malicious information about the church and its ministers, and having meetings in her home that were condemned by the general assembly and intolerable on the basis of her sex. Winthrop argues that Hutchinson's actions had the potential to negatively influence other community members. Following testimony, debate, and the Hutchinson's answers to the charges, the court presents the decision to banish Hutchinson from the community."

"Presents the debate at a New York City Methodist ministers' meeting about the issue of permitting women to preach in Methodist pulpits, as reported by the Syracuse `Sunday Morning Courier' on March 14, 1877. Brother Buckley's opposition in inviting any women to preach in the Methodist meeting; Reaction of brother Dickinson to brother Buckley; Other persons who took part in the discussion; How the meeting refused to invite Miss Oliver to preach; More information."

"Presents arguments from the Massachusetts Puritan preacher against gynecandrical dancing, or promiscuous dancing of men and women. How the Scripture condemns gynecandrical dancing as sinful; Scriptures which seems to condemn promiscuous dancing; Inventors of petulant dancings; Those who have patronized promiscuous dances; How the design of dancing is only to teach children good behaviour and decent carriage; More." by Increase Mather

"Aimee Semple McPherson, pastor of the enormous Angelus Temple in the booming city of Los Angeles, preached to a vast radio audience and pioneered the novel technique of faith healing over the airwaves. In this audio clip from a 1924 sermon, McPherson described a loving, kind, and rewarding God instead of the severe, wrathful God of Old Testament tradition. Her youthful persona and cheery good humor helped make her radio presence highly effective. Following a well-publicized scandal involving a mysterious lover, McPherson and other fundamentalists began to lose the prominence they enjoyed in the 1920s. " - History Matters at GMU

"Published between April 1895 and August 1899, The American Jewess was the first English-language publication directed to American Jewish women. Part of the emergence of new public identities for Jewish women, The American Jewess offered an evocative range of features that included demands for synagogue membership for women; health, household and fashion tips; early expressions of American Zionism; short fiction; and reflections on the propriety of women riding bicycles."