PAGE SIX

THE JEWISH CHRONICLE

THE JEWISH CHRONICLE

teachings of centuries the Old and the New Testaments are actu-

(Jake is a Lit•ak and mispro-
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ally "en rapport" and that it has been a mistake all along to believe nounces the J —
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they discover it has been militant in spirit, indeed, quite as in Sakespeure's Mertsant of •en-
militant as Judaism itself.
ice VCII he plays for the old Dse•
All this, as we have intimated, strikes us as exceedingly funny. Sylock. In the toid act he cuts

To arrive at such conclusions necessitates not only the ability to
out a pound of steak from Tony's

perform intellectual gy mastics of no mean order, but it requires heart. I tell you it's
wonderful,
also a remarkably short memory. But the interesting thing about it sold live so."
all is that once more it justifies the teaching of the Jew in the light
orchestra, which usually '
All correspondence to insure publication must be sent In so as to reach this of modern
conditions. Even the much fICSI1kell 11011k:11 law' of "Lex
'ce Tuesday evening of each week.
consists of a pianist who is not too
Talionis" assumes new dignity. It takes a long time for some men
particular about harmony, lends
The Jewish Chronicle Invites correspondence on subjects of nterest to the to see the truth, but let us hope that in this particular instance, at
local color to the scene by play-
least,
Jewish people, but disclaims responsibility for an indorsement of the views
they will come to see it very clearly.
expressed by the writers.
ing some popular Jewish melody.

RABBI LEO M. FRANKLIN,

Editorial Contributor

The entertainment is furnished by

Entered as second-class flatter March 3, 1916, at the Postoffice at Detroit,
Mich., under the Act of March 3, 1379.

THE FEAR OF SEGREGATION.

various shmirer artists who read

or sing and then pass around the
The one bogey that seems to affright many in the floater of wel- hat. They are generally old-tim-
fare work among - Jewish soldiers and sailors is the fear of segrega-
ers, either has-been or never-was
tion. But those tan were fortunate enough II I hear the exposition actors. ( Me of these rerfortners
With each recurring year the discussion as to the proper age for
of the aims :mil activities of the Jewish \\ elfare hoard as given in is known as "The Fallen Star."
the Confirmation ceremony is sure to be renewed. Basing upon the
this city last Sunday by Rabbi Horace I. Wolf, Field Secretary of ( Mee the pride of the Jewish
traditional Bar Mitzwa age, it was generally accepted as a foregone the organization,
must have had the last vestige of such fear obliter- stage, today he is old and decrepit,
conclusion until comparatively recent times, that when a child had ated.
shabbily dressed, and ekes out a
reached the age of thirteen, it was morally and spiritually prepared
If there was one fact upon which more than another Rabbi Woif
miserable existence by amusing
for Confirmation. Ilia within recent times, especially since prac-
laid emphasis it was that the Jewish Welfare Board in the U. S. the flandirs of the (diem).
tically all educational theories have been radically revised, a very
Army and Navy has not up to this time and it will not in the future
Ill' enters the wine cellar, sur-
decided opposition to such arbitrary age has developed with the C111111tellallCC any
111(A - C111CIlt that 11'111 even
remotely. tend to segre- veys the gathering, raises his old
result that there has been a well-defined movement in the opposite gate Jews as
JCWS in the army
anid navy, so far as recreational worn silk hat and with a broad
direction.
In many, if not in the majority, of congregations where Confirma- activities or social relationships are concerned. Even in those can- smile he greets in the following
tonments where the Welfare Board finds it desirable or necessary manner:
tion is held year by year, the age has been shifted to sixteen years
to erect separate buildings, these will be used for religious 'services
"Good evening, gentlemen, my
on the ground that until that age no child has reached a sufficient
exclusively and fur the housing of the social worker. But mu
best regards to every one. Once
state of maturity to grasp the significance of so important an occa-
recreational activities of any kind or character will be provided or
sion in its religious life. But, on the other hand, it must be con-
I was an actor of great renown.
permitted to take place in them. At all such times as these build-
NoW l am polo. , old and run
ceded that the higher age is just as arbitrary as the lower, for some
ings are not in use fur religious services, they will be turned over
down. Anyume here with reason
children arc quite as mature at thirteen or fourteen as other children
in their entirety to the Y. M. C. A., the K. of C., or such other
blessed, will surely treat me as his
are several years thereafter.
organizations as may desire them. That will represent a return of
guest. Eh, you offer me some
Nonetheless, if Confirmation is to be the climax of the religious
courtesy to those organizations that have co-operated to the limit of
preparation of the child, tie Wad willingly join those who have
coffee? No thanks. it's as sweet
their power with the Jewish Welfare Board.
as toffee. A little whisky, don't
fixed upon the later age, as the correct time for Confirmation.
If the Jew is separated from his fellow - Americans in the army
you know, warms you up a bit,
Obviously if Confirmation is to represent in the religious training of
and navy in any sense or degree, it will only be religiously, as he is
ain't that so? (Laughs sardon-
the child what graduation from school or college does in its secular
separated feint them in civil life. And this is as it should be. The
ically.) Come now, who ti-ill stand
education, then it is patent that the longer Confirmation is deferred,
Y. M. L.A. and the K. of C., generous to a degree in placing their
me a drink? Eh, nobody? Why,
the better it will be. But we do not conceive that such should be
recreational equipment at the disposal of all men in the service
let me think—you doubt my
the character of Confirmation. From our standpoint, we believe
irrespective of church affiliation, are frankly stud avowedly sectarian
story, oh I see, a tramp — a star
that Confirmation, instead of being the end of the child's religious
front a religious standpoint, to which end every such organization,
he claims to be. To prove that
education, should in some sense represent its effective beginning.
both in the camps and in the cities, has its Religious Secretary who
what I say is true, I'll just show
Where the Rabbi is wise, he will succeed during the period pre-
distributes religious literature of an undoubtedly sectarian character
you what I can do. Now give
paratory to the Confirmation service in so awakening the interest of
to those who care to take it, and who conducts religious services,
Inc y o ur whole :mention, while
the child in religious matters that he will wish to go further and fur-
also sectarian in character, for those who desire to participate
some famous lines I'll mention.
ther in his studies. As a result, not the Primary grades, but the therein.
But condition you must meet,
post-Confirmation classes of the religious school will be the most
Absolutely no criticism of stich course on the part of these organ-
when I finish you all must treat.
important.
izations would lie legitimate, but the fact that these various religious
For if I take a drink sir two my
That this is by no means an untried theory many Rabbis, includ-
activities do take place in the different cantonments points the duty
nose lights up a radiant blue.
ing the writer of this editorial, will testify. In our own religious
of the Jew to care for the spiritual needs of his otvn men. It needs
And like the clouds up in the sky
school, for instance, we feel sure that the most effective work is
to be emphasized that the Jew can be segregated quite as effectively
my thoughts keep soaring very
done not by the Children below Confirmation age, but by those who
by being pointed out as the one Man in the cantonment whose
high. I think no more of all my
having had ample. preparation for this important religious cere- people neglect him as in any other way.
trouble, the world to me then be-
monial, have remained in the Sabbath School, three, four and five
On the whole, this matter seems to he so clear that the course of
comes a bubble. ( Laughs sar-
years thereafter.
the Jewish Welfare Board needs no further justification. It should
It is, therefore, our belief that while thirteen should he the abso- have the whole-hearted support and co-operation of et cry good donically but heartily.) Now,
then, gentlemen, what shall I read
lute minimum for the child to be confirmed, there should be no arbi- American who haPpens to be a Jew by choice.
to you? Are you fond of drama,
trary fixing of a later age condition. What should be demanded,
tragedy sir comedy a Jew-
however, is a certain scholarship test. Children should have been

THE AGE OF CONFIRMATION.

given a sufficient grounding in the story of our people, and they

should have such a familiar acquaintance with the ceremonial prac-

tices of Israel, as well as an understanding of our religious ideals, as

to leave no doubt of their comprehending in some adequate degree

the vital significance of the ceremony in which they participate.

We arc entirely convinced that in smile congregations these con-

ditions are generally fulfilled and experience bears out our belief

that Confirmation does leave upon the minds and hearts of the great

majority of children a deep and enduring interest in Judaism and
things Jewish.

A CHANGE OF FRONT

Amid all the tragedy and gruesomeness of war, there is to lie

traced now and then a glint of light and a ray of humor. Those

who heard that most eminent Biblical scholar, Sir Adam Smith, of

Aberdeen University, in his recent address in this city must have

been forcibly reminded of this fact. Not that the address itself was

spoken in light vein. None among the thousands of his auditors

could have sensed more deeply than Sir Smith himself the tragedy

of the war in which he, himself, has already lost two sons. Nor was

that he is, tried to justify the present war in the light of Christian
ethics and of the New Testament Gospel, and in which lie voci-

THE FALLEN STAR

ferously proclaimed that it was a mistake to believe that only the
Old Testament. a MI fis it th e N ew T e stament, was in accord with the

Adapted From Jacob Gordin's Yiddish Sketch,
"Der Obgestorbener Kinstler."

great principles and ideals for which the world-war is being waged.

BY MORIS CLARK.

How strangely men change their front in the light of new condi-

ity of the Old Testament as compared with the New', in that the

former rises iv, higher than to the conception of harsh justice, while
the latter is glorified by its teaching of love. I low have the Chris-

tian pulpits rung since time immemorial with the denunciation of the

Old Testament that spoke approvingly of war even in a righteous
1 I l w ith
N (. Gospe
cause, and how did they not sing the praises of the .,ew

its "turn the other cheek" philosophy. The Christian, these pulpits
taught. was through his higher grasp of spiritual things the Pacifist

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thrown into the hat.)

"Three pennies, three pennies.

Si—a man who struggled and

suffered all his life and finally he

died like a fool. ( Ile laughs fran-
tically.)

"You, gentlemen, you laugh at

me, vou mock my art. You are
the critics, the connoisseurs, the

patrons of art, and I, what am I?

An old actor, a fallen star, a god

who has been hurled from his

sacred altar. Yes, the stage was

my sanctuary. Nly great love for
the heavenly art was my happi-

ness and comfort. (Ile pauses,

then he frowns.) Say, don't you

suppose I would have had sense

enough in my early (lays to be a

saloonkeeper. or to try different

money making schemes like some

of you? But no, -no, I couldn't

even think of it. The stage

always held a magnet for me. The
:Almighty in his wisdom bestowed

upon me a love for the divine art.

Oh, there was a time when the

fire in my soul set :Marne thou-
sands of hearts, when any wonder-

hadst contemplated buying a hu-

winter nights you trill sturdy find
man heart for nunwy, for treasure, me in some yard or on a stoop,
but no, a thousand times no, the starved, frozen, dead. (\\'eeps
human heart cannot be bought fur aloud, then regains control
ill
gold. Secst thou. here lies her body himself.)
But you, gentlemen,
cold and lifeless, her eyes closed, why should y ■
iti be interested in
her street lips sealed forever; her my sad plight ? What matters to

young heart heats no longer. She
Joe—Say, Jake, who is tl e is dead, dead. (Cries bitterly.)
manias wine cellar on the greatest Jewish actor?
"Kind friends I beg of you this
East Side of New York.
Jake—Don't you know? David one favor, see that my body is
It is midnight. A number Kessler.
buried near her grave. Let the
of Jewish theatergoers are seated
Joe—Who told you so?
epitaph on my tombstone read:
,t round little tables whiling away
Jake—Nobody told me, I know 'llere lies an unfortunate creature,
a pleasant hour on their way it myself. Didn't I see Mr. Kess-
a man who struggled and suffered
home from the theater. Some of her in Shakespeare's "Omelette?" all his life• one who searched for
them relish the choicest Ron- You should hear him say: Zu sein truth and finally died like a fool.'

IIE scene is laid in a Ron-

even as his Saviour was the Prince of Peace; while the Jew, whos:
God was the War-Lord, echoed in the brutality of his soul his manias dishes such as Patlozeli, oder nit zu sein, dos is di kashe,
prophet's words that "there is no peace to the wicked."
Karnatzlech and Nlainalige, while un as Mr. Kessler sugt zu sein,
But now a change of front has come about in the light of new others indulge in beer and light you lwtch your bunts it remains

conditionk Today the Pacifist is unpopular and the man and the

PAPERHANGING

so far away? Come hither and saloxin begging for a drink. Per-
trample me under thy foot here chance some one will give this
at this holy shrine. Ah, thine was tramp a corner to rest his weary.
a poor business transaction. Thou cold bones. One of these cold

smile to the lips of those who heard it.

tions! Through all these centuries we have been told of the inferior-

PAINTING

ish song? Which song? 'I ■ li-
ful acting inspired lords and no-
kelech' RI mean. 'I eisse Boble-
bles. Aye, even kings were en-
The many friends and admirers of Lieutenant Isadore Levin, son kelt' from (loldfaden's 'Robe
chanted by my talent. But now,
of Rabbi and Mrs. Judah i,. Levin, of this city, arc proud and happy Yachne?' ( )11, yes, I know it quite
here I :n, playing in a saloon, for
at the news that has recently readied them of the tine recognition well: but no, I like it Hilt, it is
you, for a drink, f o r a penny. This
that has recently come to him.
too comm o n. Nly line is tragedy.
is any stage now there they need
Lieutenant Let - in has been appointed a Staff officer in C01111CC- I play Shakespeare, Ibsen, Shaw,
me no I inu re ; younger men have
lion with the Field Artillery School of Instruction which is giving Jacob (;Orlin, Schiller and Goethe.
taken my place. Talent—why,
advanced training to Am - uric:in officers in France. Ile has also been NOW then, ladies and gentlemen,
that's entirely superfluous these
chosen to co-operate in the writing of a Manual of Artillery to be I will present to you a little scene
days. Art? \\lout good is art to
used by all artillery officers in the American service.
from 'Uric' Acosta.'
you, you who crave for 'liplike-
Throughout his school and college career. \I e. Levin, through
"Imagine the heroine has pods- !eel); and such rut? Oh, how hor-
sheer ability and indomitable energy, gained every distinction that Jule(' herself. She is dying.
rible, how sad is my fate. All
the schools had to offer. It-seems likely now that in the service of Uriel Acosta, her lover, stands
those years, my strength, the sap
his country, he will similarly forge his way to the forefront. But nearby heartbroken. llis rival,
of my life, I sacrificed for the
best of all, with all his achievements, he retains that modesty of the much-hated Bar Yochai, ap-
lewish stage; nn' only ambition in
spirit and that unswerving loyalty to duty which has ti-on hint the pears on the scene. ( Ile addresses
life was to serve the celestial art
sincere respect and the deep admiration of his hosts Of friends in this the musician.) 'Professor, please
honestly and faithfully. But now,
cminnunity.
play nue some sad music.' (Ile in my old age, feeble and poor,
acts.)
forgotten and forsaken, a living
"Now, then, why standest thou corpse I wander from saloon to

DETROIT SOLDIER HONORED.

there a single word in the entire address that would have called a

And yet it was very funny in one part. We refer to the para-
graphs of the address in which Sir Smith, eminent Biblical scholar

"LET US FIGURE"

DECORATING

wine. Most of them are engaged tacke zu sein.
nation that takes its courage in its hands and tights, even unto death, ' in discussions of theatrical affairs.
But Joe insists that lake is all
against oppression and tyranny and injustice is alone entitled to a ;The following dialogue overheard wrong. "Mr. Kessler is tacke a
place of honor and dignity among men. Ilence Christianity must at one of the tables will show the great actor i admit, but the great-
justify itself and its teachings. Therefore scholarly men like Pro: . caliber of mind of the assembled
est of them all is without a ques-
fessor Smith, suddenly awake to the realization that despite the( guests:
i tion Mr. Adler."

(Weeps hysterically.)

you my great misfortune? You

came here to have a good time.

You want to live and laugh, to

sing and dance. ( )11—yes, you

want to have mime fun at my ex-

pense. Very well, then, what is

your desire? You don't like
drama, you don't care fur tragedy.

you don't appreciate art, all you
arc hungry for its cheap rubbish.

You say you want. me to sing
`Bolikelach$ All right, gentle-
you like it. Now I ant sure you men, be it so, I'll please you. ( lie
otn
passes the hat assumes a cheerful mood and
around.)
sings.) 'lleisse bed kelach, Vide.
"Please,me.
I
"Please,
gentlemen,
help an old, lach, koift, heisse, bob-ke-lach, Yi-
poor, broken down actor; have
de-lach, koi—ft.'" (Ile collapses,
pity, I beg of you. Be so kind.
sinks into a chair and moans con-
* * (Only three pennies are vulsively.)—Hebrew Standard.

"Ali, you applaud. I am glad