National Jewish Welfare Board

Jewish Welfare Board poster, New York, 1918.

The National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) was formed on April 9, 1917, three days after the United States declared war on Germany, in order to support Jewish soldiers in the U.S. military during World War I.[1] The impetus for creating the organization stemmed from Secretary of War, Newton Baker and Secretary of Navy, Josephus Daniels.[1] The organization was also charged with recruiting and training rabbis for military service, as well as providing support materials to these newly commissioned chaplains. The JWB also maintained oversight of Jewish chapel facilities at military installations.[2]

  1. ^ a b Bridger, David; Wolk, Samuel, eds. (1976). The New Jewish encyclopedia. New York: Behrman House. p. 339. ISBN 0874411203.
  2. ^ Bridger & Wolk 1976, p. 340.