Rabbi Daniel Glatstein explores an often-overlooked historical connection: the impact of the American Revolution (1775–1781) on the 18th-century Jewish world, as recorded by the renowned scholar Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, known as the Chida.

In his diary, Ma’agal Tov, the Chida documented the financial crisis that swept through Europe during his travels in Amsterdam (1777–1778). He specifically noted that because the British stock market in London crashed—largely due to England’s heavy financial investment in the American colonies—wealthy Jewish patrons in Amsterdam who had invested in London suffered significant losses.

During this period, the Chida was seeking a “padrino” (patron) to support the publication of his scholarly works. He described the period as a time of great distress, noting that the market collapse made his efforts exceptionally difficult.

Despite the widespread financial instability caused by the war across the Atlantic, the Chida miraculously secured a patron, Senior Aaron, within 25 days, with a formal agreement signed by the 42nd day.

Rabbi Glatstein highlights this episode as an example of how the American Revolution had international financial consequences that affected Jewish life in Europe. He suggests that the shifting economic landscape during this era played a role in the eventual transition of Torah centers from Europe toward the United States, viewing these events as part of the “mighty and awesome acts” of Hakadosh Baruch Hu.