Every day in Philadelphia, soldiers arrive by the trainload "in a condition to require
spiritual no less than bodily care." So wrote Isaac Leeser in a letter to President Lincoln
convincing him to appoint a rabbi to the army chaplaincy. But soldiers weren't the only
ones in need of more than medicine.
In 1864, Isaac Leeser and Adam Sulzberger rally the Jewish community to start their
own hospital. They ask of each five dollars. Many give much more.
The idea is revolutionary: To welcome all those in need regardless of creed, color,
nationality, or ability to pay. To care for the whole human being, providing for needs
from clothing to spiritual comfort of every denomination.
By its 50th year, the Jewish Hospital of Philadelphia has grown from a modest farmhouse to a 22-acre
medical center: A clinic for walk-in patients, school for
nurses, care for the elderly, a tuberculosis ward — Philadelphia's first. A private hospital,
surgical center, laboratory and more, crowned by the majestic synagogue that still stands today.
And yet, in the words of one doctor, “The size of the staff or the number of buildings
did not necessarily indicate the caliber of an institution. Devoted, tender, loving care did that."
The new century brought troubles that tested that devotion — and proved its endurance.
In 1952, the city's three Jewish hospitals devise a plan to meet their challenges together.
Their historic merger sets the scene for decades of medical innovation. The world's most esteemed
scientist and humanitarian grants permission to use his name.
As medical science leaps forward through the 20th century, Einstein is at the forefront
Not just adopting the latest treatments and technologies, but pioneering them.
Today, Einstein is the largest independent academic medical center in Philadelphia.
More than Four hundred residents and fellows in 30 accredited programs. More than 3,500 students
in clinical training.
A distinguished faculty of more than 500: World-renown physicians, researchers, passionate
teachers. And thousands more, United in one mission, the same mission that started
it all, and ensures our success tomorrow. Caring with compassion
compassion - not just for the body, but the whole person.
Einstein Healthcare Network. For 150 years, more than medicine.