What does the shofar’s call have to do with the First Amendment? In this Rosh Hashanah Morning sermon, Rabbi Joshua R. S. Fixler and writing partner Scott Esserman explore religious liberty as America’s first freedom—the freedom of conscience that makes all other freedoms possible. Beginning with a remarkable 1788 parade celebrating the new Constitution, in which New York’s Jewish community was included by moving the date of the event to avoid a Jewish fast day, Rabbi Fixler reflects on the promise that people of every faith can have “a seat at the table” in American life. Drawing on James Madison’s defense of religious freedom, Rabbi Fixler examines the difference between teaching about religion and teaching religion in public schools. He also addresses current concerns about religious indoctrination in Texas public-school curricula, the importance of church-state separation, and the work of building a multi-faith coalition committed to religious freedom for all.