January 21, 1938
PEPLTRODIEWISRPIROMICIll
and THE LEGAL CHRONICLE
PEY)ErRorrjaisn ag icu
The Late Otto Warburg
and THE LEGAL CHRONICLE
Prof. Otto Warburg was one of the out-
standing botanists in the world. His re-
search work in tropical plant life gave him
an international reputation. The mere
fact that as far back as 1892 he was named
to a professorship in botany at the Univer-
sity of Berlin, in spite of discrimination
practiced against Jewish scholars in Ger-
man universities, is proof of the scientific
genius of the man who just passed away
at the age of 78.
As one of the first Jewish leaders in
Germany to become interested in the Zion-
ist movement, Prof. Warburg has written
his name indelibly in our history. He was
a friend and associate of Dr. Theodor
Ilerzl, was editor of Altneuland Journal
published from 1904 to 1906, was elected
a member of the World Zionist Executive
as far back as 1905 and rose to highest
honors in the World Zionist Organization
whom he served as president from 1911
to 1920. He had interested himself in
Jewish colonization problems in 1900
when he undertook to sponsor the settle-
ment of a group of Rumanian Jews in Asia
Minor, and from that time until his death
remainet1 active in the service of his peo-
ple.
Prof. Warburg was a guest in Detroit
16 years ago.. He was a charming person
and he fascinated all those who learned
to know him. Jewish history will record
his name as that of one of our people's
most devoted and most beloved leaders.
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butts
Scriptural Portions for the Sabbath
Pentateuchal portion—Ex. 18:1-20:23.
Prophetical portion—Is. 6:1-7:6; 9:5,6.
Shevat 19, 5698
January 21, 1938
He Almost Defeated Roosevelt
Albert Ottinger is dead at the age of
59, and before long his name will be re-
membered only by those who are schooled
in politics in his native state of New York.
But this able executive and leader almost
defeated Roosevelt for governor of New
York. When Alfred. Smith carried New
York for the Presidency of the United
States, Franklin D. Roosevelt just, mana-
ged to become governor of the Empire
State by a vote that exceeded Mr. Ottin-
ber's by only 25,000. Had Mr. Ottinger,
who also distinguished himself in service
to the Jewish people, secured an addi-
tional 25,000, and had he rather than
F. D. R. become governor, this country's
political map might have been different
today, and the man who is in the White
House today possibly could never have
risen to the chief executive position of our
land.
Strengthen Zionist Organization
The Zionist Organization of Detroit
has launched a campaign for members,
and the movement's current appeal should
meet with wholehearted co-operation from
, the Jews of Detroit.
This is a crucial period in the history
of the Jewish people, and Palestine is
among the centers seriously affected by
the world conflagration. But the Pales-
tine of today is not the Zion of a decade
ago. It is a large and influential Jewish
center numbering more than 400,000 souls,
and its security involved the aspirations of
Jews throughout the world. Palestine, in
the long run, will be as strong as the Jew-
ish people. 'The progress achieved in the
Jewish homeland will be in direct propor-
tion to the enthusiasm and devotion evinc-
ed by Jews everywhere. Lack of support
for the great Palestinian effort and a fail-
ure to evince the desired love for the cause
of Jewish national rebirth will 'tend to
weaken the structure in Eretz Israel.
Should this structure weaken, it will be
the fault of world Jewry, and more espe-
cially the Jews of America who are today
blessed with greatest security.
It devolves upon all Detroit Jews, there-
fore, to support the Zionist cause and to
help strengthen the Zionist organization.
A large membership will give the leaders
- courage to carry on their efforts more ef-
fectively and to strive for greater achieve-
ments.
Detroit Jews who are not affiliated with
the Zionist organization owe an obligation
to Palestine to help strengthen the move-
ment by becoming affiliated with it.
The Volunteer in the Lead
In this age of specialized social service
it is interesting to note'that the volunteer
worker for worthy causes has not passed
out of the picture. It is thanks to idealists
who make important movements a labor
of love that community efforts are able to
thrive.
The activities of volunteers become evi-
dent from reports made public in the past
few weeks by Detroit movements, indicat-
ing the low expense of their operations.
The Zionist Organization of Detroit has
carried on an educational program, has
sponsored a series of public meetings, dis-
tributed a vast amount of literature, con-
vened important meetings and financed an
office which served as headquarters for it-
self as well as other organizations, at an
expense of about $2,000. The Jewish Na;
tional Fund incurred an expense of only
about $500, in a year that saw the gather-
ing of one of the most inspiring national
conferences held in this country in many
years. The Detroit section of the Ameri-
can Jewish Congress operated for a full
year at an expense of $189—and this sum
included the expense of convening several
conferences, the distribution of literature
among non-Jews as well as Jews and the
, carrying on of a defensive and educational
program. Hadassah, conducting its work
on a similarly exclusively volunteer basis,
had an almost negligible expense.
The volunteer worker remains in the
lead as an important asset for commu-
nity service.
Jews Preceded the Greeks
From Athens comes the cabled report
that Mrs. Bella Mazur, an American arch-
eologist, has uncovered facts proving that
Jews lived in Greece at least 600 years
before the Christian era. According to the
report, Mrs. Mazur's discoveries consist
of Hebrew manuscripts on ancient tomb-
stones.
Which, in the long run, achieves noth-
ing at all. Jews have lived in Poland for
more than a thousand years, but that does
not stop Poles from persecuting our peo-
ple now. The same is true of Greece—
and for that matter of the natives of pres-
ent-day Palestine. It is not easy to ac-
quire justice in world that is dominated
by hatred.
•
COUNCIL CAMP'S
REUNION FEB. 6
The summer of 1937 marked
the most successful season in
Council Camp', history. The camp-
ers' reunion will take place Sun-
day evening, Feb. 6, at Temple
Beth El. The supper to be served
in the social hall will be cooked
by Myrtle Hamilton, the camp's
cook. The program to follow sup-
per is attracting many of the out-
of-town counsellors and campers.
Cards are being sent out to camp-
ers for reservations.
Sarasohn Elected
To Z. B. T. Office
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity. at
its 39th annual national conven-
tion in Washington, D. C., elected
the following officers for the term
beginning Feb. 1: James It. Katz-
man of New York, president; S.
Arthur Glickstein of New York,
vice-president; Dr. Leo Grudin of
Los Angeles, vice-president; Sid-
ney Sarasohn of Detroit. vice-
president; Henry King of Wash-
ington, vice-president; Dr. Edward
J. Bassen of New York, treasurer;
AI L. Siegel of Cleveland, secre-
tary; Joseph L. Abraham of New
York, historian. Lee Dover of
New York is general secretary.
"As Rich as the Jew"
"As rich 'as the Jew," runs a fable that
influences the minds of non-Jews. In Po-
land and in Rumania it may be a Christian
artisan viewing an unfortunate Jew's mea-
ger possessions in what they call a store
but what we, in this country, would call
a ramshackle hideout. But envy, espe-
cially where poverty is over-abundant, is
blind to reality.
Similarly, the influence of a fable is also
strong in a land like ours. People actually
believe that the synonym for "wealth" is
"Jew." It would be extremely difficult to
convince the average run of man and
woman that as a people we are not only
poverty-stricken but that we are being de-
classed and driven to an economic posi-
tion of secondary influence. We do not
control any industries of importance and
have, in the past few years, lost rather
than gained in influence as an economic
factor.
Much can be said about the pressure
exerted against us by non-Jews through
economic discrimination. What concerns
us much more at this time is that we should
know how to fight for our rights with dig-
nity and with self-respect, and not add
fuel to the fires of prejudices which threat-
en to consume us. It is the Jew of afflu-
ence, the man who is blessed with wealth,
who must be careful not to give credence
to the fable that we are the greedy as-
semblers of gold and riches. Unfortunate-
ly there are too many occasions upon which
the economically more fortunate in our
midst fail to act with dignity. Too often
private parties of individual Jews make the
headlines which describe "lavish" displays
of material possessions. Too often the
Jewish people is put to shame because
sensation - seeking society reporters will
undertake to publicize gaudy events.
There are times when we wonder whether
some of these society reporters do not re-
sort to such descriptions with sadistic glee
that they are able to put to shame those
who are "as rich as the Jews" and in this
wise also humiliate the entire people of
Israel!
There is a tradition in Jewish life that
when one has a Simcha, no matter what
the happy occasion may be, it is incum-
bent upon him to share the food of his
table with the poor and the hungry., In
Jewish folklore we read with a sense of
pride how every wedding, every Bar
Mitzvah, every Pidyan Ha-Ben, every
Tnoyim (engagement party) meant a
feast for the poor of the community. But
in our day we have had examples of Jews
sharing with their neighbors not the food
from their gorgeous feasts but the reflec-
tions of their diamonds.
Of course, these people are few, too
few to dignify with rebuke. But the non-
Jews do not know that they are few in
number. Unfortunately too many of our
Christian neighbors believe that lavish-
ness is one of our traits becau.o to ho q
Jew is to be rich. Therefore we are im-
pelled from time to time to plead with our
affluent Jews not to display their wealth
unnecessarily, gaudily, with a splashing
that is undeserving of a sober people.
This is not a sermon. It is a sigh for
those who have not learned humility from
the record of our people. It is an expres-
sion of hope that we may never forget
what it means for us to retain our dignity
as Jews and as citizens.
John Lewis—the Classicist
John Lewis, C. I. 0. chieftain, has long
ago revealed himself as a classicist and
as a master of the Bible. Last week he
was asked if he had any comment to make
on the address delivered by David Dubin-
sky, president of the International Ladies
Garment Workers Union, in criticism of
C. I. 0. policies, and Mr. Lewis replied :
"Nothing in particular except that Mr.
Dubinsky, whom I esteem highly, seems to
be giving an imitation of Eliza crossing
the ice and looking backward like Lot's
wife. I think he ought to finally decide
whether he is flesh or fowl or good red
herring." Mr. Lewis' opponents may in-
voke Shakespeare and charge that "the
devil doth quoth Scripture for his pur-
pose." But regardless how we view Lewis
—as devil or saint—it is always interest-
ing to read him, especially when he ac-
quires charm through the use of the clas-
sics and the Bible.
RABBI WOHLGELERNTER
INSTALLATION MARCH 6
President William Sandler of
Congregation Beth Talc, Eman-
uel announces the appointment of
a committee, under the chairman-
ship of Jacob Schevitz, vice-presi-
dent of the congregation, to ar-
range for the formal installation
ceremonies of Rabbi Max J.
Wohlgelernter, new spiritual
leader of the congregation. The
event will take place on Sunday,
March 6, and will be marked by
a public ceremony at 3 p. m., to
which the Jewish community is
invited, and a dinner in the eve-
ning. Orthodox rabbis from Michi-
gun, Illinois, Ohio and Ontario,
in addition to outstanding na-
tional orthodox lenders will attend
the function. The committee of
arrangements is composed of rep-
resentatives of the synagogue
board, the congregation's Sister-
hood and Men's Club.
Jewish Mystical literature POLISH, RUMANIAN
Martin Buber's "I and Thou" Appears in
English Translation
Dr. Martin Buber, collaborator with Dr. Theo-
dor Ilerzl in founding the World Zionist Organ-
ization, for years a follower of Ahad Ila-Am, at
present a professor at the Ilebrew University, in
Jerusalem, is the outstanding Jewish philosopher
in the world today. As a writer of mystical litera-
ture he ranks among the most brilliant men of our
time. His writings in German have attracted world-
wide attention. Furthermore, as a Zionist, 'as an
authority on Chassidic literature. as an Inspiring
leader, he holds a position of eminence in Jewry.
When Ludwig Lewisohn first bsgan to think in Jew-
ish terms it was as a result of several months of
study with Dr. Buber in Vienna.
But in spite of his greatness and of his numer-
ous achievements, Dr. Buber is little known outside
of the German-speaking and German-reading circle.
He is known to the Yiddish reader because of his
Zionist activities. Ile is strange to the English-
reading world. For this reason the appearance of
one of his great works in English translation—to
the knowledge of this reviewer the first of his
books to be translated into English—is an event
of great importance in the literary world.
"I and Thou" was translated by Ronald Gregor
Smith, himself a brilliant student of philosophy,
and was published in Edinburgh. It is available
in this country from Charles Scribner's Sons, 597
Fifth Ave., New York ($1.25). The translator
pays glowing tribute to the eminent philosopher
and to his philosophic-mystical, theological work.
lie calls it "one of the epoch-making booki of our
generation." Ile declares that "I and Thou" "is
to be understood in the context of Buber's previous
intensive study, chiefly of Jewish mystical writ-
ings. It is not an isolated phenomenon among
his works, but represents the culmination of the
intensely religious interest that characterizes them
all." lie proceeds to state than "an indubitably
real mystical experience is here set forth, not
with contempt for the means of human expression
but with finished and delicate power." Ile goes
on to say that this "philosophical-religious poem"
"has a direct appeal to all those who are interested
in living religious experience rather than in theo-
logical debates and the rise and fall of theological
schools."
"I and Thou" is not a work that can be read
at one sitting. It must be studied. It must be
read a second and a third time—to be understood
and appreciated. Dr. Huber opens the philosophi-
cal discussion with an explanation of the theme-
word:
To man, the world is Iwo-fold, in accordance with
his two-fold attitude.
The attitude of man is two-fold, in areordonce with
the two-fold nature of the primary words whirl. he
speak,
Trees Planted in Palestine
The Jewish National Fund an-
nounces the following trees plant-
ed in the Fred M. Butzel Forest:
Ftve trees honoring the birthof a
daughter. Tamar, to Debbi and Mrs.
of J. Wohlgelernter.
One tree in memory of father, Yakov
Mendel Drownotein, by Mrs. Clara Solo-
mon.
Two trees In memoryof Annie Panto
by the Homo Relief &dela.
A tree was planted by Mr. and sire
Maurice 11. Vweltheirn In honor of the
oft Yahraeit of Malka Cohn, mother
of Irwin Cohn.
Honoring the memory of their
aunt, Victoria Shiefman Lifsitz,
three trees were planted in the
Iladas.sah Grove by Marcus, Rob-
ert and Rheba Rosenzweig. Trees
were also planted in the !lades-
sah Grove by Freda, Reba and
Simson Sandler, children of Mr.
and Mrs. I. Sandler of Flint, in
memory of their aunt, Mrs. Sol
Lifsitz, through the Flint J. N.
F. Committee.
Mrs. S. L. Kavanau, chairman
of the Jewish National Fund Com-
mittee of lladassah, announces
that contributions for Iluleh Gift
Bonds have been received from
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Cullen in
honor of their daughters, Eleanor
Anne and Marion Ruth, and from
Reva, Sidney, Philip and Benja-
min Hertz, in memory of their
aunt, Victoria Lifsitz. Trees were
planted this week as follows:
In mmnory of Samuel Seltzer and
Ethel Siegel by the Anne Paul Club;
W;'. 1".:„Pu:r17 1.20b uy.
tier-
men and Mr. and Mrs. Abraham ('on-
per; in honor of the 32nd wedding an-
niversary of Mr. and /Ira Harry Frank
by Mr. and Mrs. I. Shelter; in memory
of Fraidel Kolinsky of Cleveland i.e
Sir. and Mrs. Charten Robinson; in
memory of Joseph Molder by I and
Mrs. Joseph J. Fineman; In mernorY of
Mrs. Ent her Earbal by Mr. and Mrs.
Herbert Cohen, Mr. and Mro. Herschel
Cohen and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Fiddler;
In memory of Miriam Dor hholter i.e
Mr. and Mr. Harry WIIIP; in memory
of Anna Dante by Mrs. Nathan l).
Metzger; in memory of teeter Weis-
men by the Steinberg Family; in mem-
ory of Jennie Preeent, Cadillac ath
by Miss Jeanette Steinberg.
The prim.), works are not isolated words, but
conibined words,
The one primary word is the combination I-THOU.
The other primary word is the combination I-IT;
a change In the primary word, one
wherein, without
of the words HE and SHE can replace IT.
Hence the I of Man in also two-fold.
For the I of the primary word I-THOU Is a different
I (mm that of the primary word I-IT,
The different sub-heads in this introductory
thesis are developed in the book with unusual
charm. The philosophic view of creation, of the
different elements and their conflicts, of the com-
plexities human relations—these are developed with
the skill that has made Dr. Buber a great and uni-
versally recognized philosopher. It is evident that
the Jewish ethical teachings are the backbone of
this philosophy. "It is not possible to live in the
bare present," he writes, "life would be quite con-
sumed if precautions were not taken to subdue
the present speedily and thoroughly. But it is
Possible to live in the bare past, indeed only in it
may a life be organized. We only need to fill each
moment with experiencing and using, and it
ceases to burn."
Knowledge and art are defined in terms so sim-
ple and beautiful, that they help to increase the
value of this book., Marriage as an institution is
explained 'with similar charm: "Marriage, for in-
stance, will never be given new life except by
that out of which true marriage always arises,
the revealing by two people of the Thou to one
another. Out of this a marriage is built up by the
Thou that is neither of the I's. This is the meta-
physical factor of love to which feelings of love
are mere accompaniments. He who wishes to give
new life to marriage from another source is not
essentially different from him who wishes to abol-
ish it."
In his discussion of freedom he is equally as
instructive and fascinatingly illuminating. "Only
the man who makes freedom real to himself meets
destiny," he writes. Ile continues to state that
"freedom and destiny are linked together in mean-
ing. And in this meaning destiny, with eyes a
moment ago so severe now filled with light, looks
out like grace itself."
"I and Thou" is a great book and forms a mar-
vellous introduction in English to Martin Buber's
works. It should serve to encourage the presen-
tation of his other works to the English readers.
NON-JEWS ATTACK
POGROMS OF JEWS
James Waterman Wise De-
livers Principal Address
at Meeting Here
At a meeting on Jan. 16, in
Northern High School, sponsored
by the Jewish People's Committee
of Detroit, to protest against the
atrocities committed against the
Jews in Poland and Rumania,
resolutions were adopted urging
the United States government to
intervene in behalf of the Jews
in those countries.
The principal speaker at the
meeting was James Waterman
Wise of New York. "Pogroms,
racial discriminations and eco-
nomic suppression aim to degrade
the Jewish population," he said.
"Such methods are obnoxious to
the American people. If we will
continually call the attention of
our government and of our peo-
ple to these inhuman practices on
the part of Polish and Rumanian
governments toward the Jews. the
conscience of our American peo-
ple will awake. But we must at-
tain unity of action, unity with all
progressive forces, to combat anti-
Semitism and fascism."
II. Fainaru, editor of the Ru-
manianweekl y, Desteptarea,
brought a message of solidarity
from the Rumanian people of De-
troit. He assured that the great
majority of the Rumanian people
are against the policy of suppres-
sion enacted by the present anti-
Semitic government of Rumania.
Stanley Novack, who is him-
self of Polish descent and an or-
ganizer of Local 174 of the United
Automobile Workers, spoke em-
phatically against the methods
adopted by the Polish government
to force the Jews to a life of
servitude. The Polish worker, the
speaker mentioned, has no desire
to suppress the Jew. Neither has
the Polish peasant. "It is the rul-
ing class who want to divert the
attention of the dissatisfied Pol-
ish masses, that is trying to make
the Jew the scapegoat," he de-
clared.
Other speakers of the evening
included A. Maurice of the Inter-
national Workers Order and Dr. I.
Bennish, chairman of the Jewish
People's Committee. Rev. John
II. Bollens of the Civil Rights Fed-
eration presided at the meetinng.
Bishop Edgar Blake, scheduled
to speak at this meeting, sent his
regrets that due to illness he is
not permitted to make any pub-
lic speeches. A letter was also
received from Gov. Frank Mur-
phy's secretary stating that in
view of the fact that the gover-
nor had to leave for Washington,
he could net be at this meeting,
but he expressed his sentiments
against any kind of discrimina-
tion or persecution against the
Jewish race.
Plan A Banquet in
Rabbi Fine's Honor
On the occasion of his comple-
tion of a new book in Yiddish, en-
titled "The New Way,' plans are
being made to honor Rabbi S. AI.
Fine.
The late Peter Wiernick lauded
Rabbi Fine's books and classed
them among the best publications
issued in this country. Rabbi Fine
has already published eight books.
On the occasion of the appearance
of his latest volume, a committee
composed of rabbis and laymen has
been organized to honor him with
a banquet, the date to be an-
nounced shortly. Serving on the
committee are: L. Levin, chair-
man; Airs. L. Levin, Al, Zackheim,
A. August, I. Lesser, H. Kraft, M.
Schneider, L. Dann, B. Zack, L.
Kasoff, Si, Zeligson, Ai. Kntzof, M.
Lewitt, A. Rosenstein, L. Fisch,
Mrs. P. Rottenherg, Mrs. G. Slilin-
sky, Mrs. Linsky, Mr. and Mrs. L.
Salle, S. Edelman, Z. Goldsmith,
Simm.
Jewish Committee Opposes Partition,
FOOTNOTES
Urges Support of Balfour Declaration TO HISTORY
(CONCLUDED FROM PAGE ONE)
tries depends the peace of Europe
It Happened to the Jews
non-Zionists, in matter affecting and, involved therein, the destiny
of
millions
of
Jews."
Palestine.
By RABBI MORDECAI L. BRILL
Effect of Roosevelt Speech
In his presidential speech, Dr.
Adler protested against a declara-
In Poland, the report asserted,
tion by the British Royal Com- President Roosevelt's Chicago
Arsenius of Orta, a Catholic
mission to the erect that the Bal- speech of last October "had
a bishop of the ninth century,
four Declaration was issued "in
order to enlist the Jewish support decisive influence in strengthen- wanted to introduce the Jew-
for the Allied." The allegaion, ! ing the determination of Presi- ish Wilt into the Christian
he said, was "one which I both dent Moscicki and other demo- services.
resent and challenge."
•
' erotic leaders" wno opposed an
Referring to the situation cre-
In the 14th century the city
ated in Rumania by the new anti- anti-democratic coup d'etat staged
I
by
Marshall
Eduard
Smigly
Rydz.
of Angers admitted Jews but
Jewish regime of Premier Octav-
ian Goga, Dr. Adler asserted that "The warning implied in this dem- made them promise not to
Rumania "has always found a ocratic resistance to Fascist ten- bathe in the river Alain.
phrase or a quibble" to set aside dencies has not been reflected as
•
the rights guaranteed to minori- yet in a halt in the process of
Jews have tried everything it
ties by international agreements. restriction of the economic life of
Ile pointed out that the Ruman- the Jewish population," the report seems. The false Messiah,
ian nation is "of rather mixed and said.
In Rumania also, the report Abraham Abulafia, tried to
uncertain origin," and added, "It
is hardly possible that Rumania went on, "the government has convert Pope Martin IV to
will become an exact replica of during the past year given en- Judaism.
Germany because surely even with couragement to the parties whose
•
their very slight sense of humor main stock-in-trade is Jew-bait-
About the middle of the 16th
the Rumanians could not set up ing." However, it was pointed out
the claim that they are 'Aryans.'" that the situation differs because century Jews could not legally
Rumania's economic conditions. reside in England, France, the
Faith in Democratic Ideals
unlike Poland's, have been favor-
The report contained an analy- able. "Anti-Semitism," the report Netherlands, Spain, Portugal,
sis of outstanding international concluded, "is being used entire- the Scandinavian countries, or
developments during the oast ly for political purposes to ad- Muscovy. Most of European
year, in addition to a summary vance the personal ambitions of Jewry at this time was concen-
of the committee's activities. Two would-be leaders of Nazi lean-
trated in Poland and certain
conclusions concerning world af- ings."
fairs were drawn in the report:
Referring to the new situation sections of Germany and Italy.
"First, that the democratic arising from the installation of
•
states are becoming increasingly the Goga regime, the report de-
Many Christians believed that
aware of the need to present a clared that steps have been taken
united front against the aggres- to call the proposed anti-Jewish an oath taken in the synagogue
sor nations in order to preserve measures to the attention of the was more valid than one taken
Peace and democracy; and second, Powers which signed a post-war in the church since the penal-
that the welfare of minority, is Treaty with Rumania guarantee- ties were more severe.
today more than ever dependent ing full civil and religious rights
•
upon the maintenance of demo- to all minorities.
cratic ideals in countries where
On Queen Isabella's monu-
Dr. Adler was re-elected to his
democracy prevails, and upon the ninth consecutive term as presi- ment in Granada there appears
establishment of democratic ideals dent of the American Jewish Com- the name of
WI de Santan-
in countries where democracy Is mittee. Other officers re-elected
not yet assured."
were former Ambassador Abram gel, a Marrano, one of the main
Stating that Nazi'diplomacy has I. Elkus, honorary president; promotors of Columbus' expe-
aligned the war-mongering na- Judge Irving Lehman of the New dition.
tions of the world against the York State Court of Appeals and
•
peace-loving nations, the report Louis E. Kiratein of Boston. vice-
In 1211, 300 French and
continued: "It is not an exagger- Presidents; and Samuel D. Leides-
ation to gay that upon the out- dorf. treasurer. Re-elected mem- English rabbis set out for Pal-
come of the diplomatic activities bers of the executive committee estine.
between these two groups of coon- include Fred M. Butzel of Detroit.
(Copyright, ISM SA TI)
PURELY COMMENTARY
By PHILIR SLOMOVITZ
Chanukah Menorah for Presbyterian
What may appear to some as an insignificant
news item, but which in reality mirrors the genu-
ine gratitude that one group can feel for another
when there is true friendship and inter-faith sym-
pathy, appeared in a recent issue of the New York
Times. This story stated: "The Rev. II. Norman
Sibley, the recently installed pastor of the Univer-
sity Heights Presbyterian Church, 181st St. and
University Ave., the Bronx, has received the gift
of a Chanukah candelabra, The gift was received
from the Jewish community in Milburn, N. J.,
where Mr. Sibley, after serving eight years, closed
his pastorate of the Wyoming Presbyterian Church,
Milburn."
It is quite evident, without it becoming neces-
sary for the press to tell it, that some kindly things
were done by the Rev. Sibley, that during his min-
istry be had befriended the Jews, that he practiced
what he preached whenever he spoke of brother.
hood and good will. Where there is true fried-
ship there is genuine desire to return honors, and
the Jews thus chose to bless the Rev. Sibley with
a Chanukah Menorah. Would that such exper-
iences were the rule rather than the exception.
•
Anti Semitic Exaggerations
-
When Premier Octavian Goga rose to power at
the head of the Rumanian anti-Semitic government,
exaggerated reports were circulated to give the
impression that Jews were in control of the ma-
jority of licenses for the sale of alcohol. A sub-
sequent statement issued by the Minister of Fin-
ance shows that Jews hold only 3,180 licenses out
of a total of 39,450, and that members of other
minorities hold an additional number of only
about 4,000.
But this is of minor interest compared with
the news that in the Rumanian town of Roman
old servants employed in about 600 Jewish house-
holds demonstrated before the police station and
smashed windows in protest against the enforce-
ment of the order prohibiting Jews from employ-
ing non-Jewish domestic servants. Fearing that
they would be unable to find new jobs, these em-
ployees gave vent to feelings which may prove
the strongest weapon against anti-Semitic stu-
pidities.
•
First Calendar Since Inquisition
In a recent issue we carried the story that no
Hebrew calendar has been published in Spain since
the expulsion decree in 1492, until the current
year 5698, The calendar published for the first
time in more than 400 years was issued by the
Jewish community of Barcelona. where Sr. D. B.
Is. Nahum is the rabbi. A copy of it was received
by Saul R. Levin, who is incidentally one of the
best informed men in this state on questions relat-
ing to Spain and to the Spanish-speaking South
American countries. It is a simple 24-page book-
let, including the cover, containing several pray-
ers, and the Kaddish, in addition to the calendar.
If the report is true that this is the first calendar
to be published by Spanish Jewry since the days
of the Inquisition, then it is another indication of
how history avenges many wrongs and exacts retri-
bution for persecution.
Quandary of Jewish Existence
Many years ago Dr. Max Nordau made a state-
ment which in a sense sums up the perplexing
issue of Jewish existence. Ile referred to a
dilemma which places many Jews in as serious a
quandary today as it did a generation ago, when
this statement was first uttered; except that today
Jews have learned to be more positive in agreeing
with the sentiments which then sharply divided
Jewish ranks. We quote Dr. Nordau:
"We are face to face with a dilemma from
which there is no escape. We must either remain
a people or remain in a people. If we do not re-
main a people then we shall be absorbed in our
environment as rapidly as geographical and other
conditions permit. But if we do remain a people
—and our persistent exclusiveness proves that we
can—then we most make the necessary efforts for
our national realization . . . Whoever believes in
the justification of the existence of the Jewish
people as a separate entity, whoever wishes it a
future, becomes a Zionist. Whoever does not nurse
this wish or this hope falls away."
The best proof of the logic of Dr. Nordau's
conclusion is offered by the generations of men
and women who thought of themselves as com-
pletely divorced from Jewish life—either through
conversion or intermarriage—but who now find
themselves forced back into Jewish ranks by their
Aryan neighbors who tell them frankly that they
do not want them. Jewish converts to Christianity
have been forced to organize societies of their
own "for mutual consolation," because they are
not welcome in the circles into which they ac-
cepted baptism. The best illustration of the trag-
edy of these "escaping" Jews is the story of
Velvel who urged Todres to accept Christianity.
Todres teased his friend with the challenge that
he became a Christian not out of conviction but
because he thought it to be more convenient, and
insisted that Velvel give him a good reason why
he should abandon Judaism. "I'll tell you the
truth," said Velvel. "I am anxious that you should
become a Christian because I simply must have at
least one Christian friend."
NEARING FIFTY
(CONCLUDED FROM PAGE ONE)
hand in hand with established
agencies or to initiate this service
where none exists. Thousands of
And what is the picture today? citizens have expressed their deep
Council is a group of almost 60,- obligation to Council for the help
000 women in 38 states of the
Union and in 11 cities in Canada, it has given them freely. Its goal
working to ether under the same is to encourage all remaining non-
motto of Faith and Humanity. ctizens who can become natural-
Partly through the pressure of ized, to do so at this time.
world catastrophic conditions,
Council is recognized as an im-
partly through the reawakened portant adult education force in
interest of its constituent groups, the United States. Using the na-
its work has grown in scope, tional headquarters often as a
variety and volume. Since the demonstration center,
as an ex-
early years of the century when perimental laboratory, or study
ma-
the National Council was the terial is planned, institutes held,
guardian of the needy and bewild- and publications developed which
ered newcomers, it has been its
aim to carry on a complete, serve as a stimulation in its local
and at times spread far
thoroughly organized and integ- groups,
beyond the confines of our own or:
rated social service. It begins in ganization,
many instances when the benefi-
During the past year, the re-
ciaries are still in some foreign
land and continues with many awakened activity of committees
in
legislation and peace, have
ramifications until they are Amer-
ican citizens, established in a com- given new direction and renewed
interest
to the work in these fields.
munity, making their contribution
In one large city an all-day peace
to our many-sided civilization.
meeting,
calling together all social,
There is hardly space in the con-
and religious groups,
fines of this article to describe in educational
was
sponsored
and largely organ-
detail the many aspects of this ized by the local
Council section.
service, which includes service at In many localities
study groups,
the docks, help in filling out of courses In universities and other
affidavits, integrating newcomers cultural developments have follow-
in their new communities, teaching ed naturally in the wake of the
of English, and citizenship aid. Council program,
During the past year a special
grant has made possible the much "—Not the least of these has been
t interest in contemporary Jew-
needed addition of another social the
affairs.
itself as
service
rvice worker at the Port of New always
with Identifying
the Jew
in and of
York needed
and the in additional
Council has tried to in-
staff
the office clerical
to keep America.
t
the sections promptly informed of erpret the implications and con-
prospective arrivals in their com- sequently to map a road which will
best lead us to finer understand-
munity.
ing and a more acceptable working
The Committee on Naturaliza- basis of life. Several publications
tion and Citizenship has just pre- in this field have already appeared
pared a manual to facilitate the and others are now in preparation.
necessary work of making Ameri- Council is a larger
than
cans. Council is now preparing It was a year ago—some grow
0,000 new
throughout the land, groups of members have joined its ranks,
persons who are themselves versed and a number of new sections have
in naturalisation procedure and been formed. With organised field
who are closely tied to a central work,
with new guides for study
organisation which can give them and programs, and with the im-
prompt and authoritive help in the petus' of the triennial convention,
solution of intricate problems. Council looks forward to a con-
Through its efforts, local commit- tinued active and
gratifying serv-
tees are being trained wherever ice.
Council sections exist, to -work
(Copyright. ISM a. A. IT )
Has 50,000 Members