Circa 1776 explores three early Jewish congregations in the American colonies during the time of the Revolutionary War (1775–83), commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

By the late 1700s there were about two thousand Jewish people in colonial America. Spanish and Portuguese (Sephardic) Jews had immigrated to North America via the Caribbean, and Central and Eastern European (Ashkenazic) arrivals followed shortly after by way of England. Under the British, Jews were permitted to worship openly but were barred from public office. Many were shopkeepers; some became successful merchants and shippers reliant on the Atlantic slave trade; others excelled in crafts they were not allowed to practice elsewhere. Jewish patrons affirmed their social status by commissioning portraits, sets of silver, and other luxury goods.

In New York, Shearith Israel was founded as the first Jewish congregation in North America. During the war this congregation became inextricably linked to Mikveh Israel in Philadelphia and Jeshuat Israel in Newport, Rhode Island. Some members sided with England because of family or business interests. Many financially supported or served in the Revolutionary Army, a role they could not play in Europe. Although small, the Jewish community reflected great diversity of thought, affiliation, and assimilation into the majority culture