Emma Lazarus Was Born Rich. Why Did She Speak for the Poor?
Jul 16, 2026 ยท 41m
Topics discussed
Introduction to Jewish History Nerds and episode topic
Reading Emma Lazarus's 'The New Colossus' in full
Emma Lazarus's wealthy background and 'Nepo baby' status
Family history: Sephardic roots and crypto-Jewish ancestry
Literary prodigy: Early poetry and desire for American identity
Correspondence with Ralph Waldo Emerson and literary mentorship
The Parnassus anthology dispute and Emerson's response
Personal life: Lack of romance and female friendships
Visit to Concord and deepening bond with the Emersons
Translation work and defining American literature
The Hilton Seligman affair and speaking out against antisemitism
Preview of next episode and closing remarks
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