Approximately 6,500 Jewish Soldiers fought in the Union Army during the Civil War. But until 1862, the Union Army’s Volunteer Bill stipulated that only “regularly ordained ministers of some Christian denomination” could serve as chaplains. This weeks #ThrowbackThursday highlights the U.S. Armys first official Jewish chaplain: In July of 1862, qualified non-Christian clergymen were officially allowed to serve when Congress updated the language to read that regimental chaplains must be regularly ordained ministers of some religious denomination.” Thus, on September 18, 1862, the first official Jewish Army Chaplain, Rabbi Jacob Frankel of Philadelphias Roden Shalom Congregation, was commissioned by President Lincoln. Chaplain Frankel was born in Bavaria and became known as the sweet signer of Israel for his musical talents as a cantor. He served as Army hospital chaplain for 3 years.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 12:00:00 +0000
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