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

An incident of the Franco-Prussan 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 rc-cnacted today ON the
battlctields of Europe. This picture por-
trays the Jewish soldiers Of the German
army holding religious services before
Metz, in 1870 while the Prussians were
advancing on Paris.
Almost half million soldiers engaged
in tho gigantic European military strus-
glc will lay aside their weapons of war
today to observe Rosh IIashana, or the
New Years Day. tho first of the great
autumn holidays.
The picture of the Day Of Atonement
services in tho Franco-Prussian War has
been so widely circulated that ii 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 dcstruc-
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 Cod"
Today. amid the roar and tho rumble
of cannon, perhaps while shot and shell
arc whistling through the air. tho high
holiday. sacred 10 every one of the He
brew faith, will be observed. Tho posi-
tiOn of tho armies with their battle lines
stretched over many miles, viii make it
impossible to hold one big religious GER
emony, but doubtless there will be scores
Of small services held along the lighting
lines.
1t is expected. in view Of the concilia-
tory attitude taken by the Russian Gov
ernment toward the Jews since the out
break of the war, that permission will he
granted these men to rest for Il brief
spell from the bloody business OF war to
worship God according to the dictates Of
their religion. The Russian military au-
thorities appear appreciativc Of the loyal
support of the Jews and for IN" first time
in the history of Russia, Jews have been
granted commissions as officers. Fol
lowing the battles at Lembcrg many He
brews were commended for their gal
lantry and several hundred We're appoint
ed 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
emonles.
In the armies of Austria, France and
England there are many thousands OF
Jews. The English soldiers at home
have been granted furlough to spend
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (thc
Day Of AtonemenD with their families,
Special provisions have been made for
the soldiers in the field to observe these
holidays
The French are likewise said to be APP
pTeciatiye 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, NJ. A.
Bloch, a volunteer helper. was killed by
the enemy near Saint Die. Major Al
fred Dreyfus is among the French He
brews now lighting for their country
The Chief Rabbi Of England has issued
an appeal 10 Jews Of the Kingdom to re-
spond TO the call to arms. "Once more
We will prove that the old Maccabeau
spirit is still alive In us" ne says. 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
eousness is with US. He will guard our
going out and our coming in,
The Day of AtUnement follows ton
days after the beginning Of the New
Year. II is customary for Jews to fast
on this day, and the majority of tie
soldiers in the European armies will do
without food for "A hours, despite the
physical strain that they are now being
forced 10 undergo.