Religious Assimilation in a Fraternal Organization Jews and Freemasonry in Gilded Age San Francisco

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Dive into a fascinating and often-overlooked chapter of American history in this episode of MAGI - Long Papers. Host Mark Tabbert guides listeners through Tony Fels' groundbreaking research on how Jews and Protestants found common ground within the Masonic lodges of booming, multicultural San Francisco during the Gilded Age.

Discover how Freemasonry served as a bridge between immigrant Jewish communities and established Protestant society, offering both camaraderie and a uniquely American pathway to assimilation. Mark explores the push and pull of religious identities, the allure of fraternal organizations, and the reasons why Jewish participation in San Francisco’s Masonic lodges was both significant and distinctive compared to other social clubs of the era.

We’ll unpack the ways shared values—like rationalism, universalism, and ritual—overcame social and religious divides, leading to unexpected alliances and shaping the city’s social landscape. You’ll also hear illuminating stories of individual Masons, the internal dynamics of different lodges, and honest discussions about the limits of inclusion amid persistent antisemitism.

If you’re curious about American religious history, the role of fraternal organizations in cultural assimilation, or the vibrant, sometimes turbulent world of 19th-century San Francisco, this episode is not to be missed. Join us for an engaging journey through the intersections of faith, class, and identity in a city unlike any other.