Wednesday, September 1 at 1 pm ET
Free with suggested $10 donation
See “Ways to Watch” below

In this program we will be joined by Howard Mortman, author of the new book When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill. After sharing an overview of this little studied 247-year history, Mortman will also commemorate the upcoming 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks by giving us an inside look at the prayers Rabbis offered in congress in the days, weeks, and months after 9/11. The program will include photos, videos, and audience Q&A.

About Howard Mortman

Howard Mortman has been C-SPAN’s Communications Director since early 2009.  He directs media outreach, corporate communications, and public relations efforts for the nation’s only public affairs cable television network.  The Washington Post has recognized C-SPAN for its “importance as a means of mass civic education … without any taxpayer money.” The Washington Post has also called C-SPAN “the channel that has achieved cult status among policy geeks.”

Mortman is responsible for planning and executing the strategic vision for extending the C-SPAN brand and content among traditional and social media.  Critical to this effort is working with the next generation of journalists and new media outlets and platforms.

Mortman’s first book, When Rabbis Bless Congress: The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill” was published in October 2020. It is the first-ever academic and historical examination of a little-known tradition in Congress: opening each session of the House and Senate in prayer. Reporting on the research into rabbis who have prayed in Congress, the Washington Examiner calls his project “a remarkable history researched by Howard Mortman.”

Ways to Watch

Facebook: Look for the LIVE post on the Museum’s Facebook page at 1pm ET. You do not need a Facebook account to view the program.

NMAJH website: A little before the program start time, the livestream will also be available at the top of this page. You will be prompted to enter your email address. Please note that you may need to refresh your screen and press “play” on the video—the static image will be replaced with the live feed before the program starts.

Zoom: The museum can welcome 500 people to attend this program on Zoom. Guarantee your spot by registering today–click here.