Although Gratz grew up in an observant Jewish
household, many of her closest friends were not Jewish.
Maria Fenno, the daughter of the prominent publisher John
Fenno, was a particularly close friend and confidante of
Rebecca's. The two young women often discussed their ideas
about friendship, social relations, and the opposite sex.
When the yellow fever epidemic of 1798 killed Maria's
parents, Gratz was deeply affected. The tragedy, which was
repeated in many Philadelphia homes, sensitized Gratz early
to the effects of misfortune and the plight of orphans.
Although Fenno moved to New York to live with relatives
soon after the death of her parents, she and Gratz
continued to correspond throughout their lives.
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