"When Rabbis Bless Congress" w/Howard Mortman, C-SPAN Communications Director

Did you know that since the nations founding there has always been a congressional chaplain? It's true, and to be honest, I didn't know that until I read "When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill" written by C-SPAN Communications Director, Howard Mortman. Josh and Will talk with Howard's unprecedented examination of 160 years of Jewish prayers delivered in the literal and figurative center of American democracy. They discuss the journey, research, and stories of over 400 rabbis giving over 600 prayers since the Civil War days―who they are and what they say. Rabbis speak on a range of issues, to include one who has been in the news recently, Bill Cosby. This episode isn't uniquely focused on the Jewish community, nor does it attempt to further the "church and state debate". However, if you're interested in Congressional history, and how the prayer portion is, and always has been, the least offensive period during an open session, you'll want to listen/watch the whole episode.

Guest Bio:

Howard Mortman is communications director for C-SPAN, the public service providing television coverage of the U.S. Congress. A veteran of Washington, DC, media organizations, he has observed Congress from positions at MSNBC, National Journal’s Hotline, the Broadcasting Board of Governors, and New Media Strategies. Howard Mortman's first book was just published: "When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill." He graduated from the University of Maryland and has appeared on stage performing stand-up comedy at the DC Improv -- although the two aren't related.

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