7/1 •te :nr:le, bCbtb' b" ,,,, , Published Weekly by The Jewish Chronicle Publi•Iing Co, Inc Entered as Second-class matter March 3, 1916, at the Poet, odlcis at Detroit, Mich., under the Art of March I. 1119. General Offices and Publication Building 525 Woodward Avenue Yelepheeei Cadillac 1040 Cable Addremi Chronicle Lontleus Offies 14 Stratford Place, London, W. 1, England Subscription, in Advance $3.00 Per Year To Mere publication, elcorreepondence and news matter reach this etc. be Tuesday evenin• of each meek. When When mailing notices, kindly use one side of the paper only. The Detroit Jenkh Chronicle invitee correspondence on cub. lecte of intermit tr the Jewl•h people, but disclairne responsi• linty for an indorsement of the view. expreseed by 'he writer. Sabbath Readings of the Law. Pentateuchal port on— 13:17-17:16. Prophetical portion- -Judges 4:4-5:31. January 30, 1931 Shevat 12, 5691 Retain Communal Unity. D. W6W6V6W6W . 6b101% WV6W V6V6V6V6e, W, Wen .!. iYiYi'ag%VZ ytt1*yiy iyiykMiz:WT= M 'g, t^V iWgg*t*;kViYttlZWA=jb., , I ,,,,, ... . THENEntorrjEwisnefROMICIE Less than a year ago, American Jews re- ;joked over the unity that was effected in their ranks, with Palestine as a basis for discussion. The organization of the Allied Jewish Campaign was heralded as the hap- piest occurrence in the history of our people in this country because it united Zionist and non-Zionist, Reform and Orthodox, into one camp, for the best interests of all Israel. Unfortunately, however, the time was evi- dently not yet ripe for such unity. Because the failure of the Allied Jewish Campaign, due to the economic depression, has made the alliance short-lived, and the American Palestine Appeal and the Joint Distribution Committee are now again organizing their forces separately and, we are almost tempted to say, dividedly. The failure to guarantee the union of forces in American Israel is particularly regrettable because it was controlled by financial considerations. We had hoped that the organization of the Allied Jewish Campaign would lift the ideals included in this cause above partisan and financial lines and would so solidify American Israel as to guarantee unity. This national effort hav- ing failed, we desire to hope that in our own community, which was the first to prove to the country at large that unity is possible, the united front which has been established for more than five years, and which has helped in creating better understanding between the various elements in the com- munity, will be retained and strengthened. We are on the eve of gigantic appeals for funds in this country. In the words of Dr. Cyrus Adler, president of the American Jewish Committee, "the world is closing in on the Jewish people." Everywhere crises are threatening Jewish existence. In East- ern Europe there is starvation. In Palestine there are visible attempts to interfere with the progress of Jewish achievements. There are numerous obligations to Jewish institu- tions in this country, not to speak of the local obligations. All these appeals will best be cared for provided duplication is eliminated in campaign machinery and a multiplicity of drives is avoided. The Jewish Welfare Federation of De- troit has proven in past years that it is capable of achieving unity by pooling all forces into one and by eliminating waste in campaign efforts. It has retained its ma- chinery under the able chairmanship of Mr. Henry Wineman and the executive directorship of Dr. John Slawson. The Fed- eration owes it to the community not to dis- solve this unity, but rather to strengthen it. It is better to serve as an example to he country at large by advocating unity, rath- er than to revert to division in Jewish ranks. The motto of the Federation and its con- stituent agencies in the impending cam- paigns should be: Unity in the community! Jewish Arbor Day. A non-Jewish friend of the Jewish peo- ple and of the Zionist cause called the edi- tor this week to suggest a metaphorical change in the famous saying of Napoleon, "Scratch a Russian and you find a Tartar." Said this Gentile friend: "I have been read- ing with interest anti delight the news of excavations in Palestine which serve as proof of the truth of Biblical and Jewish history. It convinces me, to invoke the famous observation of Napoleon on Russia, that if you scratch the soil of Palestine you find Israel, and that it is impossible to dis- associate Jews from the Holy Land." This observation is so appropriate to the observance of Chamisho Osor b'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day, which occurs on Mon- day, Feb. 2, that we quote it with pleasure. It is evidence of anpreciation in non-Jewish quarters of the achievements in the Jewish homeland where, in observance of Arbor Day, young and old ••ll be singing praises to mother soil and will plant trees as a sym- bol of the inauguration of the spring season in the Land of Israel. In direct contrast to the cold and gloomy season in this country and in other lands where the bulk of the Jewish population is now to be found, Palestine Jewry is enjoy- ing the glories of the most beautiful in nature, in one of the most charming little countries in the world. Chamisho Osor b'Shevat symbolizes a return of the Jewish people to its natural agricultural calling. It is very appropriate that this return should take place on the soil which our Gentile friend has so beautifully associated with Israel. 1- )rit0rr, /num (ARON lat Jews in Politics. In a recent article, which appeared in our columns, the noted historian and economist, Charles Edward Russell, made a plea to American Jews to enter the political arena. "We need in public affairs in this country the strong asset of the Jewish ethics and we need at all times the spirit of democracy that breathes through the Jewish sacred writings and is apparent in the Jewish his- tory and traditions," wrote Mr. Russell. A sad commentary on this appeal and tribute is the following editorial from the New York Times of January 7, under the heading "Neither Race Nor Religion:" The only questions admissible concerning an applicant for office are, according to Thomas Jefferson: "Is he honest? Is he capable?" But there are those in this city who would change all that. In connection with the elec- tion of the borough president of Manhattan to succeed Mr. Julius Miller, strong appeals have been made to the mayor and to Mr. Curry of Tammany Hall to name a Jew. The petition- ers flatly state that retention of ''a Jewish ap- pointee in the office of borough president" is something which the Jews of this city have a right to insist upon; and they add that "failure to appoint a Jew would be an implied dispar- agement and unpleasant reflection either upon the integrity or the ability of the Jew to hold important public office." But the real dispar- agement is cast by the very tone of this state- ment. It implies that a Jew might not be selected were he not able to press the claim of his race or religion. There could hardly be a more "unpleasant reflection" than that. We do not forget that such a demand may have been fostered or encouraged by the course of the appointing power in this city for many years past. Tammany is made up of many heterogeneous elements, and has been anxious to ingratiate itself with each one of them. As a consequence, the offices have often been divided according to national origins. When the mayor has had, for example, to choose a city magistrate, his stipulation has virtually been that the endorsers must bring him the name of a German-American, or an Irishman, or an Italian, or a Jew, as the case may be. This plan is supposed to convey a special com- pliment to a specified group of voters in this city. The method is one intended to cater to the "Italian vote," the "Jewish vote," and so on. Strictly speaking, it is an affront to such a vote. It suggests that the groups singled out for favoritism cannot produce a man whose qualifications would be no outstanding and superior that he could be chosen for office without any favoritism at all. It is much to be hoped that the man elected by the Manhattan aldermen to succeed Bor- ough President Miller will come somewhere near measuring up to his abilities and record for public service. But the search for such a man should not be limited by any cramping requirement of locality or of religion or race. From the ranks of our people have come so many distinguished and loyal public ser- vants that it is a matter for sincere regret that Jews should have committed the error that is rightly criticized by the Times. On more than one occasion, in these columns, we expressed our views on the question of participation in political affairs by Jews, and we urged that the guiding principle for Jewish candidates for office be ability to serve. We urged our people that their ap- peal for votes or for appointment to office should not be on the ground of their relig- ious affiliation, but on the strength of their ability and desire to serve their fellow- Americans. With a few unimportant exceptions, Jews have earned great distinctions in American public life. To enumerate all who have served this country faithfully since the founding of this Republic is impossible in this limited space. Suffice it for us to name the present great Jewish servants of the American people,—Mr. Justice Louis D. Brandeis, Lieutenant-Governor Herbert II. Lehman of New York, Governor Eugene Meier of Oregon, Governor Arthur Selig- man of New Mexico, Chief Justice Henry M. Butzel of the Michigan State Supreme Court, and many others too numerous to mention, who stand out as symbols of the Jew's deserved place in the political life of the land. But it is just because we expect only the best and sincerest type of service from Jews that we must be careful in choos- ing our representatives, and must encour- age only the ablest in Jewry to seek office. Mr. Russell is right. Jews owe it to this country to participate in its political life. But the New York Times is also justified in its plea that honesty and ability should guide the choice of candidates for office, and that religious and racial issues ought to be eliminated from campaigns. Jews will best serve their fellow citizens when they avoid such issues and when they choose to seek public office only when they are recognized as deserving of anti have the ability for public positions. The fact that Samuel Levy was finally elected president of the Borough of Man- hattan tines not alter the principle involved. It is simply fortunate that the office should have gone to a devoted Jew, Mr. Levy be- ing president of the Yeshiva College of the Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, a good Zionist, a public spirited citizen and an able executive. The delight that a man of his ability was chosen is a relief from the anxiety that the choice of an undeserving anti less able man might drag the Jewish name into trouble. To avoid such anxiety, the application of the Jeffersonian princi- ple is always advisable. In this connection we are pleased to com- mend the governor of this state, the lion. Wilber M. Brucker, for the wisdom with which he has chosen his Jewish appointees. Charles Rubiner, Mrs. Joseph II. Ehrlich. Herman A. August and Fred M. Butzel are names that appear among his recent ap- pointments, and they are names of leaders of whom the Jewish and non-Jewish com- munities may feel justly proud. " A O 9.09 BY-THE-WAY Tidbits and News of Jew- ish Personalities. By DAVID SCHWARTZ INTERMARRIAGE If one may believe a report that comes to my ears, the recent wed- ding of Minerva Aaronson, the New Ilaven Jewish girl, to the son of John Raskob, did not take place without some strenuous objecting. And strangely, enough of the objections, I hear, canny from the poor Jewish family. Their objec- tions were, of course, based on the religious differences. The Aaron. sons, I understand, are Orthodox Jews, and felt that the union of Orthodox Judaism and Catholicism boded no good. In at least two conspicuous in- stances the objections to such unions are more pronounced on the Catholic side. The case of Irving Berlin is a notable instance of this. The Mackays, all renorts to the contrary notwithstanding, have never forgiven Ellin for wed- wing the song writer. A similar unyielding attitude was taken by the parents of the Catholic wife of the late lloudini. It was not until 12 years after their marriage that the parents of Houdini's wife Permitted hint the hosPitalit• of they home. Hou- dini's mother, on the other hand, eltough the wife of a rnbhi, cheer- fully welcomed her Catholic daugh- ter-in-law. nsmarci•maskr.rzinatis . ::::"==', '"nA&Ar-"‘x'r 17",,,,V1rnr!, 119. Charles Joseph I CLIPPED the following from the Rev. Dr. Sam- uel Parkes Cadman's syndicated column appear- ing in many newspapers throughout the country. It is interesting insofar as it shows the attempt of a leading Christian divine, one who has interested himself in an effort to create a better understanding between Jew and Gentile, to answer a problem which has baffled the "best minds" in Jewry: Q. garded with such dislike because I am a Jew? A. • There may be several reasons for your unfortunate experience. Begin with yourself. What is your attitude toward others? If it kindly, just and considerate, or harsh, unfair, and overbearing? Be harder on what you are and what you do than you are on the people you meet. There is always the possibility that a decided change in you will produce a cor- responding change in them. Try it out to tile full. I regret to say that racial and religious in- tolerance plays too large a part in our social separations. Mn e began in tribal relations by believing that their particular faith was the only way of escape from a fearful doom and the only passport to future blessedness. Or- thodox Judaism and Orthodox Christianity alike clung to that idea, and it made them stern and implacable toward other races and other religions. Again, custom and habit are exceedingly slow to change. The things which have always been done have a strong claim on our allegi- ance. They may be and often are stupid and harmful, yet they persist, and the enlightened souls who show as more excellent methods of life usually encounter irrational antagonism. So you and I and all our fellow citizens have to face this huge and burdensome load of ignor- Ullee, nut: understanding and dislike inherited from the lower stages of human society. Let as join forces as Jews and Gentiles to repudiate it. Hate of any race or religion hurts those who foster it far more gravely than it hurts its objects. Aware of this, we have to unite against the senseless and costly preju- dice which robs all involved in it of the best there is in men and conditions. Nothing less should satisfy us, whatever may be our breeds or beliefs. In their blending, not in their stratification, America can make a great con- tribution to the advance of God's one family on earth and in Heaven. DON'T TALK—TELEGRAPH Talking about Houdini, semi-ids me of a story that is told of the great wizard. As is well known, the domestic life of the Houdinis was unusually happy—one long, protracted romance. But on one occasion, the two were at some party, and Mrs. Hou- dini became unduly loquaciour. Houdini smilingly winked to his wife to keep still. But a woman is a woman, Finally Houdini ex- cused himself from the home, re- turning some 10 minutes later. In another 10 minutes a telegram ar- rived addressed to Mrs. Houdini. She opened it and read: "You are talking too darn much." Signed: your loving Harry. MAKING PILPULISTIC POPULAR It appears that my request of Editor Slomovitz to define the word "pilpulistic" was anticipated by the Detroit journalist, who had already been attracted by the idea and had written an editorial on the subject. Slomivitz agrees that the future of the word seems very roseate. I trust we shall not be mistaken in our predictions. It is a great word and let no one mistakenly believe that words are unimpor- tant. A new word means a new idea. And a word such as "pilpu• little," if it becomes an active phrase of the vernacular, might in time produce a miniature revolu- tion in our mental world. And what word is so characteristically Jewish as "pilpulistic"? How better, then, can we promote the Jewish influence in America than by fostering the use of that term? I should like to organize a "Societe for the Promotion of the Word Pilpulistic," and I nominate Ds its first president Assistant District Attorney Stone of Boston. A PLEASANT LITTLE RACKET The news iust announced that visas to America would not in the future be granted to Polish citi- zens marrying Americans will put an end, in my opinion, unfortu- nately, to what had become in a mild form a racket. Undoubtedly many Polish Jews married Ameri- cans merely for the opportunity it provided of leaving Poland for America. A considerable number of American Jewish girls made capital of the opportunity, it has been charged, of getting a hus- band in that fashion. I don't know how much truth there is in the charge, for the fact is that the girl in America stands a far better matrimonial chance here than in Poland or any other part of Europe. America is the only land where there is actually an excess of men over women. GO WEST, YOUNG WOMAN I know that my statemen• will be challenged when I say there are more men in America than wit- men, but if you in feel in the challenging mood, just consult the World Almanac, In the East and Possibly in the larger cities of the West, you will find there is a ,light excess of women over men. But this is more than offset by the sparser populated sections of the West, where there is a prepon- derance of the male of the species. The woman who doesn't like her matrimonial chances should take Horace Greeley's advice and "go West," according to statistics. Actually, whether it would be good strategy to take the western trip, I do not know, for whil e the Proportion is in her favor in the West, the possibilities of meeting people may very likely be greater in the heavier populated zone,. FUR AND PHILOSOPHY Alfred Lief, the versatile young scribe who recently gathered to- gether in two thick volumes the dissenting opinions of .hr--tire Holmes and Justice Brandeis, is now at work on another collection. He proposes to collect the Zionist utterances of Einstein, and the great savant has given Lief access to his papers for that purpose. While Lief thus busies himself in these intelligentzia opuses. for his bread and butter, he holds down a prosaic editorial job--that of editor of a trade journal—"Fur Age." HECHT ON ZIONISM While, thus, we are soon to have an Einstein volume pleadints for Zionism, several other Jewish wri- ters b.—at joined o o t forces the oc r: t, t o f the extent o attacking the philosophy and prat. tire of Zionism. Among others. I refer to Ben Hecht, who in his a14- 1 4,14,1P5V(Tq'ff "e4d-ssei-hsidssesen, (Turn to Next Paget Will you please tell me why I ant re- I IIAD the opportunity of meeting Margaret San- ger, the doughty champion of the birth control movement in this country. The day following, through a striking coincidence, I received a letter from a reader in Baltimore who enclosed a clipping of a sermon delivered on that subject by Rabbi Calisch, in Richmond, Va. At the risk of seeming immodest I quote a part of the letter because such appreciation gives one courage to carry on in a thankless and widely criticized task: "American Jewry is richer by having such fearless, forceful writers, such as yourself, voice their sentiments and express their honest, intelligent views on sub- jects of Jewish interest. Unfortunately too few of our people appreciate the educational and con- structive value of your syndicated column, and are ready and willing to lend themselves to con- demning criticism when your views are not in sym- pathy with theirs. However, you have earned the felicitations and good wishes of all, and I sincerely hope you will continue to serve your people with good cheer and worthy counsel for many years to come." Thank you! Brickbats are much more plentiful than bouquets, which is perhaps one reason why the latter are so much appreciated. I never knew, or at least had forgotten, F RANKLY that the Central Conference of American Rabbis had in the year 1925 placed itself on record as recognizing the importance of parenthood as a way of meeting social problems. Therefore Dr. Calisch asserted that he believed he seas quoting the atti- tude of official Judaism in stating that the faith did not permit companionate marriage, but did. under certain conditions, not only permit birth control but recommended it. He believed that many would live to see birth control legalized. All this was interesting to me because I had presided at a meeting at which Mrs. Sanger spoke and the meeting was held under Juwish auspices. Even those who are slaves of certain traditions and in- hibitions must realize that controlling parenthood is an intelligent approach to meeting not merely our economic problems, but in developing a higher quality-population. Malthus figured. out that the day was coming when the earth would be over- populated and the struggle for existence would be- come too acute. Anti Mrs. Sanger quoted another outstanding authority who in a recent book stated that he believed that within 50 years standing room only would be the rule in this country. I do not believe that. At the same time thoughtful persons must appreciate the tragedies of the handicapped brought into existence through cruel thoughtless- ness. IN LITERATURE sent out by the B'nai B'rith statement is credited to Prof. Edward Chauncey Baldwin, professor of English literature at the Uni- versity of Illinois which is both interesting and true. Professor Baldwin said: Formerly, no university teacher with any consideration for his students' feelings would h-•e sehiccted them to the embarrassment of being identified among their classmates as Jews. This somewh it furtive attitude, so characteristic of the Jewish student formerly, has given place to a self-respecting manner which is neither arrogant nor cringing. For this change there is no other explanation pos- sible than to ascribe to the work of the Hillel Foundation. Now that's high praise indeed. And take this statement from the same authority. Formerly out of 300 Jewish students only 100 were registered ass Jews. This year out of 600 students 575 have registered as Jewish. So it looks as if the Jewish youth in a strange environment needs something or somebody to strengthen his backbone, increase his moral courage and his self-respect. If the Hillel Foundation has done this it deserves credit. much credit. I WAS talking to Maurice Hindus the other day. He just returned from Russia, where he spent five months. Hindus, as most of you know, wrote the best book that's appeared in this country on Russia, "Humanity Uprooted." He told me that the Soviet government is winning the fight to rid Russia of all religion. They are not doing it s•1 much by prohibition or force as by education and suggestion. In the Russian movies the villains are always clergymen, a business man or a bootlegger. Everywhere children are taught atheism; Jewish children no exception. So it seems that if the present system continues that in the next genera- tion or two Russia will actually be a Godless land. An interesting observation Hindus made was that Palestine was a helpful outlet for the Jews of East- ern Europe who, especially in Poland, are in an unenviable economic position. While the general opinion seems to be that a Jewish problem should be worked out in the country in which Jews live. some of us think that Poland doesn't care whether the Jews ever work out their problem in Poland, or, for that matter, whether Jews stay in Poland. .44.54 • , ttl. Fighting Anti-Semitism With Education Address Delivered at Convention of Union of Ameri- can Hebrew Congregations in Philadel- phia on January 21. By MILTON M. ALEXANDER The explanation of the creative work of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations is well phrased in the foreword of a re- cent publication of the Union: "The love of learning," it says, "has always been a characteristic of the Jews. While other people worshipped the aristocracy of birth, the Jew venerated an aris- tocracy that has its basis in schol- nt ship and in learning." This is the theme song of Jewish educa- tion. The task to which the Union and its department of synagogue and school extension stand committed is the task of furthering the Jew- ish cause by giving to our people a better understanding of all things Jewish. Deeds, Programs. "Everybody's business is no- body's business" is an old story that has been just as true in the realm of Jewish education as in any other field. For many years we Jews were prone to complain that nothing adequate was being done to perpetuate the faith. Methods of teaching were quaint and inadequate. We complained that our children were ignorant of Jewish history, of Hebrew, of Scriptures, of Jewish life and liv- ing, of Jewish ceremonials and lit- erature, and while we complained Jewish interest continued on its decline. And then came the department of synagogue and school extension. It took to itself this prime Jewish task of education. It organized its forces. It enlisted understand- ing leadership, where trained spe- cialists were not available, it se- cured promising men and provided for their training. Together with the Central Conference of Ameri- can rabbis, it called into being the commission on Jewish education and the tract commission. It es- tablished schools. It published books. It developed programs. It undertook to provide a Jewish education for the children; in- formed leadership for the parents, and sustained and authoritative propaganda among our non-Jew- ish neighbors. Publish Text-Books. Through the commission on edu- cation the department of syna- gogue and school extension has is- sued 91 publications, text-books for children, guides for teachers, inspirational volumes for young and old. Its magazine, Young Israel, a monthly publication for Jewish children, develops in them, at an early age, an interest in Jewish reading. The little ones love it and as they scurry through its pages absorb a new and delight. ful understanding of things Jew- ish. The department has developed a curriculum, which places Jewish education on a new and more ef- fective basis. Its books are created for children of all ages, and are based upon scientific knowledge of child phychology, and are so pre- sented as to be attractive to the child's eye. The department undertakes to train teachers, so that they may effectively teach the children. It organizes teachers' associations and conducts seminars. It main- tains fellowship for students and undertakes extensive research for the improvement of its methods. 25,000 Receive Tract.. What do Jews believe? What of the Jew as an American? What of Jew and non-Jew? What of Jewish ethics? What of the Law of Israel? What of the Jew in philanthropy? What of Judaism in democracy? What of Judaism and international peace? These and kindred subjects, discussed by profound and responsible rabbis, proclaim to truth about Judaism to the rest of the world. Twenty-five thousand molders of public opinion receive the il- luminating tracts as they are pub- lished by the department every three months. Preachers, teach- ers, editors, lecturers, legislators, bankers, business men-25,000 re. sponsible, responsive, key men of the country—are on the list. 143 : t•lj' .s Sees Anti-Sem'tism on Decline. On every hand in America to- day we note an improvement in the existing relationships between Jew and Christian. Part of the credit must of course be given to the organized efforts for the achievement of good will and hu- man understanding. Part of it must go to the superb example in citizenship of such American Jews as the late Nathan Straus, Louis Marshall, and other fine Jewish leaders who are still spared to us. But a substantial share of the responsibility for the improved re- lationship between Christian and Jew must go to the work that has been quietly carried on by your organization. By organizing Jewish education, by giving our children a sense of pride in their Jewish origin, by cultivating an intelligent Jewish self-respect among them, we have gone a long way in winning the respect of our neighbors. This educational work, aug- mented by honest and informative effort among non-Jewish groups, has shown steady and gratifying results. We Jews, who are the first to resent evidence of should be equally quick to ac- knowledge any improvement in human relationships. I think it is safe to say that anti-Jewish feeling in America is definitely on the de- cline; that American Jews have made real progress in winning and holding the good will of people of other faiths. The public relations work of the union is carried on on a plane of dignity, sincerity, and under- standing. We believe that through self-respect we can best gain the respect of our neighbors. 4 ti 1- 1 -E is . .„ Le's s'a 144 stn Tribute to Israel. In this connection may I remind you of an incident that occurred when the late Edwin Samuel Mon- tagu, son of the late Lord Swayth- ling, was sworn in to his cabinet post in a late British government. This distinguished English Jew, the brother of the gracious lady who is our guest at this meeting, insisted upon taking his oath of office in accordance with Jewish rites, with covered head. his hand resting upon a Hebrew Bible. "When the ceremony was con- cluded," said the London press dispatch, "the House of Commons rose to its feet and cheered." I believe, my friends, that these cheers were given, not as a for- mality, but as a tribute to the self-resnectin, character and sin- cere ideals of a member of a re- ligious minority. In carrying tin its work the de- partment of synagogue and school extension deserves the unqualified and whole-hearted support of every JIM', In the measure that it succeeds will be future of Judaism in America stand secure. A BOOK CHAT Commenting on Fannie Hurst's "Back Street," Anton Reiser's "Albert Einstein," Cecil Roth's "History of Jews in Venice," and Other Publications. By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ On the bookshelf of late 1930 anti early 1931 publications appear a number of titles, some of which will retain a position of perma- nency in Jewish libraries. Fannie Ilurst's "Back Street" and Lud- wig Lewisohn's "The Last Days of Shylock" must be placed first in the list of new January, 1931, nov- els. Each is a classic in its own group, the first retaining the popu- lar appeal which has made Miss Hurst famous; the second being a valuable addition to that group of Lewisohn novels which mark the noted critic's championing of the Jewish ideal. Anton Reiser's "Albert Ein- stein" is certainly among the very best biographies of 1930. In the historical group Cecil Roth's "His- tory of the Jews in Venice" is the leader. In the latter division, Rabbi Lee J. Levinger's "History of the Jews in the United States" and Dr. Jacob S. Golub's "Israe in Canaan" are worth-while titles Louis J. Gribetz's "The Case for the Jews" is an excellent defense of the Zionist cause. Dr. Isaac Goldberg's "Tin Pan Alley" is classic which may never be re- moved from the music shelf. Dr. Shalom Speigel's "Hebrew Re- born" is an excellent portrayal of the renaissance of the Hebrew lan- guage While in the kingdom of art Manuel Chapman's "William S. Schwartz—A Study" must be given a position of first rank. Miss Hur•t's "Bask Street." Space permits comment in this column on only a few of the books just mentioned. Lewisohn's "The Last Days of Shylock," published by Harper's, will have to wait for a column all its own. So will Shan- man's study of Schwartz, Gold- 03i (Turn to Next Page.) IN THE PUBLIC EYE Dr. Johann Vaszonyi, son of the one-time Aiktrian minister of justice, the late Dr. Wilhelm Vaszony, who died in 1926 from the effects of an attack made on him by anti-Semites in the streets of Budapest and who was one of the outstanding champions of the Jewish cause in Hungary, has just entered public life by being elected for the first time as a member of the Budapest city council. " • • A talkbt, based on the Dreyfus affair, is now being produced by the British International Studios. The film is heir , • directed by Milton Rosmer and P. W. Kraemer, Alexander Sarner. him n Jew, is play- ing the part of Dreyfus. One of the principal seen , s in the film is the reading of the famous "J'Accuse" letter by Zola, in which he names the different people who caused Dreyfus to be wrongfully convicted of espionage. • • • Pierre Paraf. famous author and son-in-law of the late Max Nor- data, noted Zionist leader, was appointed attache in the French min- istry of the interior, • • • Albert L. Ehrman has been elected president of the San Francisco Stock Exchange. Ile is the third Jew to occupy this position, the others being Sidney L. Schwartz and Bertram Alanson. • R.9•4 29.0.AA A 4'1 • Si 3