July 4, 1776, was a pivotal and extraordinary day, bringing freedom and liberty into a dictatorial and oppressive world. The American Revolution against tyranny brought the ability for all to practice their respective religions. Judaism was allowed to flourish. There were 2000 to 3000 Jews at the time of the Revolutionary War. They were concentrated in New York City; Philadelphia; Savannah, Georgia; and Charleston, South Carolina. There were only 2 million people in the colonies at the time; only 45% actually participated in the war effort against the British. Actual independence was not achieved until September 3, 1783, in the “Treaty of Paris.” This September 3, we will celebrate 240 years of actual Independence from the British.