The American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger’s take on prohibition
The American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger cover, January 23, 1920. ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
One hundred years ago today … The American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger editorial page did what many publications were doing: decried the anti-communist fears--–the “Scarlet Terror”–plaguing the U.S. government.
In more roundabout and humorous terms, it also disparaged prohibition, suggesting that the dry movement would lead to bans on nicotine, coffee, tea, and dancing.
“The Week in Review,” The American Hebrew and Jewish Messenger, January 23, 1920, p. 291. ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
The weekly newspaper, founded in 1879 as The American Hebrew, was under the editorship of Isaac Landman, an influential Reform Judasim rabbi and a leading anti-Zionist.
It was published by the American Hebrew Publishing Company, located at 77 Delancey Street in a building first built as Bank of the United States headquarters. It still stands, though the publisher moved out in 1976.