Friday Morning Talks: The Jewish Chaplains of the Royal Air Force in the Second World War – With Dr Jonathan Lewis

Join us for our Friday morning talk with Dr Jonathan Lewis, who will be talking about the role of Jewish Chaplains in the Royal Air Force in the Second World War.

Of the 56 Jewish Chaplains who served in British Forces in the Second World War, seven were in the Royal Air Force. Two served in Britain, one in the Far East, one in Europe and three in the Middle East. The Jewish Chaplaincy organised visitation to Jewish airmen 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 practised as a Solicitor and a Judge. A member of Pinner United Synagogue, he served for twelve years on the Board of Deputies of British Jews, for six of them as a member of its Executive Committee. He is active in Jewish legal and historical circles, and is married with two sons and three granddaughters.

In retirement Jonathan was awarded a PhD for his research on this topic by University College London. The first ever study of this topic, his work has been published as Jewish Chaplaincy in the British Armed Forces, Captains of the Souls of Men, 1892-2021

This talk will take place onsite in the Museum’s Learning Centre and is included in Museum admission or Annual Membership.

Advance booking required – please reserve your seat via the link below.

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