CALISCH, EDWARD NATHAN

CALISCH, EDWARD NATHAN (1865–1946), U.S. Reform rabbi. Calisch was born in Toledo, Ohio. Upon ordination from Hebrew Union College in its second graduating class in 1887, he served for four years as rabbi in Peoria, Illinois. In 1891 Calisch became rabbi of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond, Virginia. Active as a scholar, innovator, and organizational leader, he was the originator of rabbinical circuit work in the United States, while his holiday service pamphlets and his Book of Prayers (1893) had a considerable influence on the development of a distinctive Reform liturgy. He was also author of Jew in English Literature (1908) and Methods of Teaching Biblical History (1914). In addition he was a prominent figure in Richmond civic life, where his talents as an orator were much in demand. During 1921–23 Calisch was president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis. (Saul Viener)