Rabbi Dr. Bernard Drachman was born on June 27, 1861 in New York City. He received his early education at High School, Jersey City, NJ, and the Hebrew Preparatory School before going on to earn his B.A from Columbia College. Afterwards, he earned his rabbinic ordination from the Jewish Theological Seminary of Breslau, thanks to a scholarship. He also earned a Ph.D from the University of Heidelberg. As an American born rabbi, it was difficult for him to find a position in an Orthodox synagogue. However, he was dedicated and extremely knowledgeable and found his way to serve. He officiated as rabbi to the Oheb Sholom congregation in Newark from 1885-87, then the Congregation Beth Israel Bikkur Cholim in New York city from 1887-89, and later to that of the congregation Zichron Ephraim. He also served as a professor at the Jewish Theological Seminary.