A one-day conference to discuss plans for instituting “a self-imposed draft” for Jewish chaplains, in order to meet the request of the U.S armed forces, will be held next week under the auspices of the Rabbinic Alumni of the Yeshiva University, it was announced today.
The proposed draft would affect some 500 graduates of the University’s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary now serving in the rabbinate in 36 states in this country. The conference will seek to formulate “the most equitable plan whereby the rabbis can meet their obligation.” In addition to 39 chaplains needed in the Armed Forces by January 1st, a total of 110 would be required by July, 1951.
Under a proposed plan to be presented to the rabbis, each graduate will be drafted first by the rabbinical group in line with the terms of eligibility set-up by the military authorities. Within these limits the rabbis will then be requested to volunteer for chaplaincy duty under a priority system similar to that being used by selective service officials. The call to duty will be determined by a lot drawn by a member of the University faculty.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
