Shearith Israel

NY Shearith Israel Wins $7 million Silver Pomegranate Case Against Newport's Touro Synagogue

Advantage Shearith Israel, in the ongoing court battles between the oldest congregation in NY City and America, and Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, the oldest synagogue building in America.

Glimpses Into American Jewish History

Unsung Hero: Reverend Arnold Fischel

By Dr. Yitzchok Levine

Last month’s column outlined the struggle that took place at the beginning of the Civil War to get Congress to allow the appointment of Jewish army chaplains. Originally only Christian clergymen could serve as chaplains, and it was only as a result of pressure from the American Jewish community that in 1861 Congress passed a new law allowing ordained clergy of other religions to serve as chaplains. The Reverend Arnold (Adolph) Fischel (1830-1894) played a key role in this effort.