You can either be appointed or assume the position by playing the right game. It helps to be rich, influential &/or well connected.
Simon Wolf was considered to be the leader of American Jewry. He lived in Washington DC. Lincoln had an open door policy (as long as you were willing to wait) so anyone could see him. Wolf took the time & made the effort to meet with Lincoln about Jewish soldiers in the Union Army having issues & other Jewish matters. Over time they came to know each other well. The same with U.S. Grant.
So of course when these Presidents needed to speak to the “representative” of the Jewish community they called on Wolf.
Nobody appointed Wolf or voted for him. But by playing his cards right he became the defacto leader of American Jews. That’s how it often happens or a “Court Jew” will be asked for a candidate. When Teddy Roosevelt wanted to appoint a Jew to his cabinet he called his close friend Jacob Schiff. Schiff recommended Oscar (Asher) Straus of the famous Macy’s family.
Usually it’s power & Gelt, &/or building connections with the right people.
