Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1914-09-21
JEWS WORSHIPPING
AMID DIN OF BATTLE
IN WAR-TORN EUROPE
Franco-Prussian 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 picture which adorns the walls of
hundreds of Jewish homes in this city is
probably being rc-enacted today on the
battleflelds 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 Parts.
Almost 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 u 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-
tion 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?"
To-day amid the roar and the rumble
of cannon, perhaps while shot and shell
are whisting through the air. the high
holiday sacred to every one Of the He
brew faith, will be observed. The posi-
ton of the armies, with their battle lines
stretched over many miles. will make it
impossible to hold one big religious GER
emony. but doubtless there win be scores
of small services held along the fighting
lines.
1t is expected in view Of the concilia-
tory attitude taken By tho Russian Gov
crnmcnt toward tho 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 military au-
thOrties appear appTeciatvc Of the loyal
support of the Jews, and for the first time
i'm the history of Russia, Jews have been
granted commissions as officers. Fol
lowing the battles AT L"mborg many Ha-
brrws were commended for their gal
lantry and several hundred were 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
cmunies.
In the armies Of Austria, France and
England there are many thousands Of
Jews. The English soldiers at home
have been granted a furlnugh 10 spend
Rosh Hashana ana YOm kippur (thc
Day of AtouemenJ with their families
Special provisions have been made for
the soldiers in the field TO observe these
holidays.
The French are likewise said 10 be ap-
prcciatiye Of the services rendered by the
Jews. Hundreds have lost their lives.
aud 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 A.
fred DTeyfus is among the French He
brews now ighting for their country.
The Chief Rabbi of England has issued
an appeal 10 Jews Of the Kingdom TO re-
spond 10 the call to arms, "Oucc more
We viii prove that the old Maccabean
spirit is still alive in u.s. he says. we
will offer our lives to defend Great
BTitain's ideals of justice and humanity
In even larger number viii 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 Atonement follows ten
days after the beginning Of tine New
Year II Is customary for Jews To- fast
on this day, and the majority Of the
soldiers In the European armies VII do
without food for "a hours, despite the
physical strain that they are now being
F,.rgrI In uudnrgp