Academic Studies Press When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill

“Academically detailed yet esoterically fun.” ―KirkusCongress opens each session with a prayer offered by a chaplain or guest chaplain. Among the guest chaplains: Rabbis. This book is about the rabbis. It’s an unprecedented examination of 160 years of Jewish prayers delivered in the literal and figurative center of American democracy. With exhaustive research written in approachable prose, it uniquely tells the story of over 400 rabbis giving over 600 prayers since the Civil War days―who they are and what they say. Few written works examine the tradition of prayers in government. This new angle will appeal to students and lovers of American history, Congress, American Jewish history, and religion. It’s a welcome, important addition to our understanding of Congress and Jewish contribution to America. Review “[Howard Mortman] offers the first-ever full-length treatment of the Jewish leaders who offered prayers to open sessions in both the Senate and the House. Within the context and history of the predominantly non-Jewish prayers offered by Christian guest chaplains like Romagosa, Mortman details an exhaustive highlight reel of rabbinic offerings. … Students of Jewish history, American political history, and anyone who would appreciate amusing trivia along the lines of the fact that the late Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson has been cited more in Capitol Hill prayers than Moses will enjoy this jam-packed and entertaining chronicle.” ―Stu Halpern, Jewish Book Council "[A] unique publication enriching American Jewish history... [T]he book’s impressive treasure trove collection of a myriad of fascinating and intriguing items with sprinkled humor." ―Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly Review Be sure to check out Howard Mortman's new book, When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill. Extremely interesting and inspirational! ―Steve Forbes,   Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media About the Author Howard Mortman is communications director for C-SPAN, the public service providing television coverage of the U.S. Congress. A veteran of Washington, DC media organizations, he has observed Congress from positions at MSNBC, National Journal’s Hotline, Broadcasting Board of Governors, and New Media Strategies. He graduated from the University of Maryland.