Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-21
JEWS WORSHIPPING
AMID DIN OF BATTLE
IN WAR-TORN EUROPE
Franco-P russian War Scene
Probably Re-enacted as
Hebrews in Rival Armies
Observe Religious Holiday

An incident of the Franco-Prussian War
that has become famous through copies
OF a picture which adorns the walls of
hundreds of Jewish homes in this city Is
probably being re-enacted today on the
battleields of Europe. This picture por-
trays the Jewish soldiers of the German
arPy holding religious services before
Metz, in 1870. while the Prussians were
advancing on Paris.
Almost a half million soldiers engaged
in the gigantic European military strug-
gle will lay aside their weapons of war
today to observe Rosh Hashana or the
New Years Day. the first of the great
autumn holidays.
The picture of the Day of Atonement
services in the Franco Prussian War has
been so widely circulated that it is famil-
lar to every Jew. 1t shows the Jewish
soldiers gathered around a huge altar.
saying the prayers prescribed for the oc-
casion. Many of them are wearing over
their uniforms the talith, a shawl used
in the synagogue by all orthodox Jews.
In the background are shown cannon,
sending forth their missiles of destruc-
ton into the ranks of the enemy over
the picture is the inscription, in German;
Have we not all one Father? Were we
not all created by the same God?"
Today, amid the roar and the rumble
of cannon. perhaps while shot and shell
arc whistllng through the air, the high
holiday, sacred to every one of the He
brew faith, will be observed. The posi-
Of bg "a k4
stretched over many miles, will make it
impossible TO hold one big religious GER
emony. but doubtless there will ho scores
Of small services held along the fshting
lines.
1t is expected. i'm view of the concilia-
tory attitude taken by the Russian Gov
ernmcnt toward the Jews since the out
break of the war, that permission will be
granted these men to rest for a brief
spell from the bloody business Of war tO
worship God according to the dictates Of
their religion. The Russian mnIrary au-
thoTltics appear appreciatlve of the loyal
support of the Jews and for the first time
in the history of Russia Jews have been
granted commissions as officers. Fol-
loving the battles at Lemberg many He
brews We're commended for their gal
lantry and several hundred we're appoint
I'd officers, These men, now engaged in
the campaigns against Austria and Ger
many. will no doubt be the leading
spirits in the holding of the religious GER
emonies
In the armies Of Austria France and
England there are many thousands of
Jews The English soldiers at home
have been granted a furlough 10 spend
Rosh Hasnana and Yom kippur uhe
Day of AtouemenU with their families
Specia. provisions have been made for
the soldiers in the field TO observe these
holidays.
The French are likewise said TO be ap-
prociative Of the services rendered by the
Jews Hundreds have lost their lives
and a recent report from Paris stated
that the Chief Rabbi OF Lyons VI A
Bloch a volunteer helper, was killed by
the enemy near Saint Die. Major A.
fred Dreyfus is among the French He
brews now fiFhting for their country.
The Chief Rabbi of England has issued
an appeal 10 Jews of the Kingdom to re-
sprnd 10 the call TO arms "OnCe moro
we viii prove that the old MaCcabean
spirit Is still alive in us he saws. We
will offer our lives to defend Great
Britain's ideals Of justice and humanity.
In even larger number will we continue
to join the army Of our King BE strong
and of good courage The God of right
e0usness is with US He will guard our
gong out and our coming in"
The Day Of Atonement follows ten
davz after the beginning Of the New
Year II Is customary for Jews to fast
on this day. and the majority OF the
soldiers in the European armies viii do
without food for "a hours. despite the
physical strain that they are now being
forced 10 undergo