The Second World War saw the appointment of seven Jewish Chaplains in the Royal Air Force. Dr Jonathan Lewis discusses them, together with the system of chaplaincy visits to Jewish personnel at RAF stations throughout Britain.

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Jewish Chaplaincy in Britain began in 1892. In both World Wars Jewish Army Chaplains served in many theatres around the world. Of the 56 Jewish Chaplains who served in the Second World War seven were in the Royal Air Force. Two - Jacob Ferber and Ruben Abenson - served in Britain; one - Sebastian (Sonnie) Bloch - in the Far East; one - Louis Sanker - in Europe; and three - F. G. Nathan, Israel Brodie and Eli Cashdan - in the Middle East. Nathan was locally appointed, one of the thirty thousand Jews living in the British mandate of Palestine who served in Allied ranks. Israel Brodie was “translated” into the RAF from the Army, with which he had been evacuated from Dunkirk, and on return from RAF service in the Middle East “retranslated” into the Army to become Senior Jewish Chaplain and later Chief Rabbi. From London the Jewish Chaplaincy organised visitation to Jewish airmen, including the speaker’s father, serving on RAF stations around Britain. By 1945 synagogues had been established on five RAF stations.

Concern about the state of religious welfare in the RAF led to the establishment in 1942 of courses which were known as courses of instruction and courses in religious training. Now known as moral leadership courses, these courses continue for Jewish serving personnel to this day. National Service saw the creation of RAF station synagogues and the appointment of religious lay leaders. Rev. Malcolm Weisman served for many years in the RAF as the Jewish Chaplain to H.M. Forces. Another minister is currently in training within the RAF Chaplaincy Branch.

Dr Jonathan Lewis studied law at Cambridge and spent his career as a lawyer and a judge. In retirement he researched and was awarded a doctorate by University College London on Jewish Chaplaincy in the British Armed Forces from its inception in 1892 until the present day. It was this research which led him to learn of the Jewish Chaplains in the RAF. His book Jewish Chaplaincy in the British Armed Forces, Captains of the Souls of Men, 1892-2021 (443 pages) has recently been published by Vallentine Mitchell. Dr Lewis lives in London and is married with two sons and three granddaughters.

Dr Lewis’ book is available in hardback from the publishers at the discounted price of £40 + p&p with the code: LEWIS22 from:

https://www.vmbooksuk.com/products/jewish-chaplaincy-in-the-british-armed-forces

The Jewish Chaplains of the Royal Air Force in the Second World War.