Billy Simmons facts for kids

Billy Simmons (also known as Billy Simons) was an African-American Jewish man. He lived in Charleston, South Carolina. He was one of the few Black Jewish people known to live in the southern United States before the American Civil War. Billy Simmons was very smart. He was a scholar, meaning he studied a lot. He knew both Hebrew and Arabic languages very well.

Billy Simmons's Life Story

Early Life and Enslavement

Billy Simmons was born in Madagascar. He believed he was a descendant of a special group called the Rechabites. This idea was supported by some Jewish leaders.

Sadly, Billy Simmons was taken from his home. He was brought to South Carolina against his will. There, he was forced to work for a newspaper editor in Charleston. His job was to deliver newspapers.

His Faith and Community

Even though there were rules against Black people joining the synagogue, Billy Simmons still attended. A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship. The synagogue he attended was called Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim.

He was one of the few African-American Jewish people known to go there. This was during the 1850s. Members of the synagogue knew him as Uncle Billy. He would attend Shabbat services. Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Billy Simmons would wear a black top hat, a black suit, and a fancy frilly shirt.

See also

• History of the Jews in Charleston, South Carolina
• History of the Jews in Madagascar