In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, the editorial team at JBN will profile some of the lesser-known Jewish American figures who may fly under the radar for some but have contributed greatly to the country’s history.
Today, we will look at the life of Moses Alexander, the first observant Jewish American Governor.
Born in 1853 in Obrigheim, Germany, Moses Alexander immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 14. Just one year after Idaho gained statehood in 1891, he moved to Boise and established his own men’s clothing store.
Alexander’s political career began in 1897 when he was elected to the Boise City Council. He served two terms as the mayor of Boise until making history by becoming the first practicing Jewish governor in the United States.
During his tenure, Alexander initiated the state highway system, implemented workers’ compensation, and established the State Insurance Commission. He also led the way for statewide prohibition in 1916. Committed to saving taxpayers’ money, Alexander called for tax cuts, the abolition and consolidation of agencies, and even reduced his own salary as governor.
One of Alexander’s most challenging moments came during strikes in the sawmills, woods, and mines of Northern Idaho. Despite his sympathy for labor’s demands, he ultimately ordered 1,000 troops to the region to maintain order, but managed to do so without serious incident.
After leaving office in 1919, Alexander returned to his business ventures in Boise. He remained active in the Jewish community and was a founding member of the Congregation Ahavath Beth Israel, the first synagogue in Idaho.
Alecander passed away in 1932 at the age of 78, having succeffuly demonstrated that Jewish politicians and demonstrated that one’s religious beliefs doesn’t have to be a barrier to public service.
