Edward Nathan Calisch

Edward Nathan Calisch (June 23, 1865 in Toledo, Ohio^[1] – 1946 in Richmond, Virginia) was an American Reform rabbi. He studied at the University of Cincinnati and was ordained after graduating from Hebrew Union College.

In 1887, Calisch accepted a pulpit in Peoria, Illinois. In 1891, he became rabbi of Congregation Beth Ahabah in Richmond. In 1893, Calisch's congregation felt the need for a more modern prayer ritual. They authorized Calisch to revise a prayer book. It was the first Hebrew book printed in Richmond.

In 1908, Calisch earned a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.

In 1915 Calisch gave a speech in support of women's suffrage from the steps of the state capitol.^[2]

He was an executive member of the American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Welfare Board, the Joint Distribution Committee and the Virginia War History Commission.

In 1945, Calisch retired.