This British Rabbi Has a Love Letter for America

HIS LOVE FOR AMERICA

Rabbi Shaw was just four years old when his father brought home a record called The Music of America, which contained songs telling the history of America. He developed a love for America, playing that record over and over again, “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “John Henry.” 

Years later, when he was living in New York with his wife, he saw the unity of the land he was living in. He saw big celebrations for national holidays, bright lights during Christmastime, and connection between people who, though they disagreed, chose to put aside their differences for the love of their country. 

“There was something binding everyone together,” he states. Rabbi Shaw hopes that this love letter to America will remind people of that something. 

250 DAYS FOR 250 YEARS

250 Days for 250 Years is a national civic awakening for America’s Semiquincentenial that aims to tell America’s story in a fresh, unifying, and accessible way – creating a shared cultural journey across every state. By utilizing a web app that launches on September ninth, they provide daily journals and activities that help citizens connect with their nation’s history. 
Primarily, however, they have published a three-volume book series, 250 Days for 250 Years. It takes readers on a journey through two hundred and fifty years of American history, highlighting the people, events, and defining moments that helped shape the nation. Rather than simply recounting historical facts, the project explores themes such as life, liberty, happiness, American values, and the experience of the people who helped make America what it is today. 

It starts on September 9th, 2026 (the 250th anniversary of the Continental Congree declaring the nation’s name as the United States of America) and ends on July 4th, 2027, the end of the Semi-quincentennial. 

BUILDING A FUTURE

Rabbi Shaw hopes these stories can do more than remind us of where America has been. They can also encourage us to reflect on where the country is today, what we share as Americans, and what kind of future we want to build together. 
In his words, “This isn’t just a commemoration. It’s a catalyst for renewed civic engagement that will build lasting connections between Americans and their heritage.” 

A RABBI AND A CEO 

Rabbi Andrew Shaw is a Jewish educator, community leader, and the founder and CEO of 250 Days for 250 Years, a national initiative created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Throughout his career, Rabbi Shaw has focused on education, building community, and inspiring people to connect with their history and shared values. With this new project he brings that passion for education to the story of America. 

Rabbi Shaw attended the University of Leeds, studying Fuel and Engineering. It was at Leeds that he gained his love for Jewish education. He was inspired by the people he met there who were so proudly Jewish. He realized the importance of presenting religion in way that is meaningful and relevant to those who desire to learn. He also realized he could have influence on his peers and students. 

He studied to be a rabbi in Jerusalem at the David Shapell College of Jewish Studies. He then spent fifteen years as assistant rabbi at Stanmore Synagogue. After that, he spent ten years as the CEO of Mizrachi UK, an organization that aims to strengthen religious Zionism and modern Orthodoxy in Britain. Finally, he has stepped down from that position to become the founder and CEO of 250 Days for 250 Years. 
 

To follow Rabbi Andre Shaw's 250 Days for 250 Years initiative, click the LINK! 

CREDITS

Founder and CEO of 250 Days for 250 Years, a national education initiative exploring 250 years of American history; Former CEO of Mizrachi UK; Attended the University of Leeds where he studied Fuel and Energy Engineering; Was a rabbi at Stanmore Synagogue in London, England.