Josephson, Manuel, 1729-1796

Manuel Josephson was a merchant and leader in the Philadelphia and New York Jewish communities. Josephson was born in Germany and emigrated to New York City. During the French and Indian War he was a sutler, and during the Revolution supplied the Congressional Army with weapons. In 1762 Josephson was named president of Congregation Shearith Israel in New York. He fled to Philadelphia during the American Revolution, remaining there permanently. Having a considerable Hebrew education, Josephson quickly rose to a position of eminence in Philadelphia, and was appointed president of Congregation Mikveh Israel in 1785. He was given the honor of extending the congratulations of four Jewish communities to George Washington on his assumption of the presidency in 1790.