• Friday, • Novarni•er I. 1.946 THE JEWISH NEWS Page Four As the Editor - - - Views the News Humanity's Disgrace Answers to Readers' Questions . What Hope for DPs? In his address at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly, Presi- dent Truman called for the speedy creation of the International. Refugee Organization to take over UNRA's specific tasks of providing for the resettlement of hundreds of thou- sands of European displaced persons. Stressing that the U. S. "considers this a matter of great urgency in the cause of re- storing peace and in the cause of humanity itself," President Truman indicated his inten- tion to ask Congress to vote necessary funds to finance refugee resettlement activities and to authorize our government to join with other nations in receiving "those refugees who do not wish to return to their former homes for reasons of political or religious belief." While this declaration may be hailed as an important commitment by our President in the cause of justice for the dispossessed and downtrodden, it is essential, for a com- plete understanding of the situation, that we should deal with realities and that the true facts in the existing situation should be made known. President Truman unquestionably is sin- cere in his desire to effect a program for speedy rehabilitation of DPs. The fact is, however, that the number or refugees who have come to the U. S. is much below the goal originally set by Mr. Truman. JDC's director of immigration operations for Germany and Austria, Mrs. Cecelia R. Davidson, pointed out last week that while President Truman's directive of last De- cember provided for the settlement in this country of 3,900 immigrants a month, only 1.200 refugees have been arriving here monthly. The number of eligible persons coming to this country has been cut considerably by the decision of U. S. overseas officials to admit only those persons who have relatives in this country, and only those able to cut the red tape and to secure visas could see their hopes of finding haven in America real ized. Another difficulty in the path of those seeking haven in America is the shipping bottleneck...x.esulting from the fact that oply two vessels—Marine Flasher and Marine Perch—have been made available for refugee transportation. Mrs. Davidson points out that even if present quotas are utilized to the full they will make only a small dent in the number of unfortunates who must be provided with new homes, and she makes these proposals: 1. Thousands of visas unused during the war should be made available; 2. provision should be made for borrowing on future quotas; 3. elderly people should be permitted to come here "quota-free" to join their rela- tives. If these proposals were granted, they would ease the situation considerably. In the meantime, however, Congressional leaders are on record in opposition to Presi- dent Truman's humatolitarium program and even the minimal DP relief efforts appear to be doomed. With Palestine's doors closed, and the "democracies" adamant in their re- fusal to open their own doors to the sur- ViVOI'S from Nazism there is only one word to describe the position of the DPs, and that word is: FRIGHTFUL. THE JEWISH NEWS Nieniber Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Independent Jewish P ea Ser.lce, Seen Arts Feature Scndleate. Religious News Sei.ice, Paieor News Agency, King Features Synth- :ate, Central Press SCIA ice , International Soundphotos. Member American Association of English-Jewish News- panels and Michigan Press Association. Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publish- ing Co., 2114 Penob , cot 131(1g., Detroit 26. Mich.. R.A. 7956 Subscription. $3 a year: foreign. $•. Club subscription. est-1y fourth Fliday of the month, to all subscribers to Allied Jewish Campaign of Jew kh Vi.elfare Federation of Detroit. 40 cents pee year. Entered as second-ela, matter Aug. 6, 1942. at Post Of- flee. Detroit. Mich.. under Act of !March 1, BOARD OF DIRECTORS ' Maurice Aronsson Philip Slomovitz Fred M. Butsel Isidore Sobeloff Judge Theodore Levin Abraham Srere Maurice H. Schwartz Henry Wineman PHILIP SLOMOVITZ, Editor VOL. 10—NO. 7 NOVEMBER 1, 1946 Sabbath Scriptural Selections This Sabbath, the eighth day of Heshvan, 5707, the following Scriptural selections will be read in our synagogues: . Pentateuchal portion—Gen. 12:1•-7:27. • Prophetical portion — Is. 40:27-41:16.8. Facts You Should Know What is the meaning of the phrase "ancient of. days" frequently found in Jewish literature? The phrase is a poetical epithet for God, em- phasizing the solemnity and venerable majesty of the Deity. Earliest known use of the phrase is in Daniel 7: 9,13,22, which As believed to have in- spired later use of the term. - • Dr. A. M. Hershman—Rabbi Emeritus • • Where in the Bible is the end of war prophesied? In Isaiah 2:4 and in Micah 4:3. • • • What is "Shemitah" and "Yovel"? "Shemitah" is the Hebrew name given to the Sabbatical ?ear_ ordered in the Bible (Ex. 23:11, Lev. 24:4, Deut. 15:1). Every seventh year was considered the Sabbatical year or Shemitah. The observances and ceremonies attached to this year are of a dual nature. It affected the agricultural life of the people in prohibiting any-work from being done on the land, including sowing, plant- ing and harvesting. This aspect was observed only in Palestine, since it was purely a matter affecting land, and is still observed there by many religious sects today. Another aspect. how- ever, was of a more personal nature and affected commerce. All monetary debts of indefinite nature were to be cancelled on this Sabbatical •year. This aspect was carried over to other lands by authorities and is thus still observed today by some peoples. The word Shemitah technically implies "release' or "rest" "Yovel" is the Hebrew name given to the "jubilee year" ordered by the Bible. Every 50th year is thus considered the jubilee year.-Besides the agricultural restrictions other obsetvances were ushered in by the blowing of the shofar on the eve of the Day of Atonement of that year. All Hebrew slaves and their families were eman- cipated, even if the slave preferred serviture: and all properties sold during the interim period were returned to the original owner. During nearly 40 years of service here, Dr. A. M. Hersh- man has earned the gratitude not only. of hil"congregation but of the entire community for important services in all cul- tural movements and in behalf of every effort undertaken for the defense of the Jewish position everywhere. His election as Rabbi Enieritus of Congregation Shaarey Zedek provides an opportunity for an evalution of his great contributions to American Jewry. Recognized nationally as one of the outstanding rabbis in the land, Rabbi Hershman's scholarship has been symbolic as an encouragement to all Conservative Rabbis- who have been ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary during the past generation. He has guided the Detroit congregation on paths of highest ethical and cultural standards and his work in the synagogue was reflected in all community efforts— education, Zionism, relief and reconstruction. Rabbi Hershman's sermons always have been looked upon as landmarks reflecting his scholarship and expressed YOUNG PEOPLE FOR his concern that the synagogue should 'retain its proper place as the foundation for everything creative in Jewish life. His interpretations of Zionist ideals have been so inspir- Dear Boys and Girls: I have just read .a most interesting comment ing that he was called upon for many years to appear on made by the great Hebrew poet of the 12th numerous platforms throughout the land. century, Yehudah Halevi (1085-1145). This great A strong believer in the democratic ideals of Judaism poet spoke of the people of Israel as a people of and stated: and Americanism, he was accepted as first choice when revelation "Had there been no Israelites there would Detroit Jews went to the ballot boxes to elect delegates to be no Torah. Israel's pre-eminence is not de- the first American Jewish Congress session in Philadelphia rived from Moses; it is Moses whose pre- OUR eminence is due to Israel. The Divine love went out towards the multitude of the chil- dren of the Patriachs, the Congregation of man to continue the literary activities he •started a number Jacob. Moses was merely the divinely chosen instrument through whom God's blessings of years ago, and it is sincerely hoped he will have the good were to be assured unto them. We are called health to produce the several important works' on which he not the people of Moses, but the people of has been doing research during the past decade. God." This is a thrilling statement. It teaches us that every Jew also is the instrumentality chosen by God to carry on the mission for good and for teachings for wshich Israel has been chosen. Rifts in Zionist ranks are not new phenomena. Like con- ethical One of the great weapons of our people is the flicts in numerous other Jewish movements, they are the Bible. Would that more of us knew the Bible, studied it. read it regularly. The world's great- rule rather than the exception. - est men have placed the Bible above all other While, ordinarily, differences of opinion denote a healthy books—and we certainly should do tha,t. There condition in the thinking of a people's spokesmen, and while is. for instance. the following comment on the the right to differ is a major democratic ideal, the present Bible by a great American. Walt Whitman. "How many ages and generations have conflict in Zionist ranks is most deplorable for the obvious brooded and wept and agonized over this reason we cannot afford disunity at a time when we must book. What untellable joys and ecstasies, fight against terrific odds to achieve even a minimum of our what support to martyrs at the stake, from it! To what myriads has it been the shore and needs in Palestine. rock of safety — the refuge from driving The current conflict assumes its saddest aspect in the tempest and wreck!" tragic role played by the leaders- who dominate the Ameri- I sincerely hope that what I have just said will can Zionist movement. While the World Zionist and Jewish encourage all of you to make greater use of the Agency Executives, after lengthy deliberations, and in recog- Bible and to be more deeply concerned over your studies. nition of realities, decided upon ,a program which, while Jewish A pleasant Sabbath to all. based upon the aim of securing the establishment of a Jewish * UNCLE DANIEL. in 1918. His retirement from active duties will enable Dr. Hersh- Partition and the Zionist Rift State. in Palestine, favors'a Maximum partition scheme, Dr. - Abba Hillel Silver and his associates not only reject these JOSEPH AND HIS BROTHERS: SPLENDID STORY decisions but are very evidently determined to proceed on of Story "Joseph: The Klaber's Florence W. the path of "capturing" the World Zionist Congress on the Twelve Brothers." published by Beacon Press, in the whole basis of continuing to fight for a Jewish State 25 Beacon St.. Boston 8, is a most fascinating of Palestine. a a Those Who heard both sides of the argument will find it very difficult to accept the viewpoint of Dr. Silver. It is easier for the very eminent leader of the Zionists of America to be rhetorically militant in the demands for an undivided Palestine than it was for Jewish leaders meeting under ad- verse circumstances in Paris and in London, or for the tragically afflicted Jewish community of Palestine living under conditions which make it possible for the pledge-break- ing mandatory power to hold Jews under arrest without charges and by depriving them of the right to habeas corpus. While it is true the Jewish Agency Executive's decision in favor of partition was reached out of -despair, it is wiser to take a partitioned portion of Palestine than to perpetuate terror and destruction. Fortunately, the final decision rests with the World Zionist Congress _which will open in Basle, Switzerland, on Dec. 9. During the intervening six weeks, the issue should be studied fully and carefully and Zionist constituencies should let their decision be known for the guidarpe of the world Zionist leaders. We must realize that even the proferred partition plan is yet far from realization and that our ultimate gains will be achieved not through rhetoric but by negotiations. Thus, out of mature and realistic deliberations at Basle we may hope to see the fruition of a great ideal, a realization which alone can assure the rescue from total destruction of hundreds of thousands of Jewish survivors. presentation of the Biblical story. Although intended for the Christian classroom, the Klaber story fits in well as background ma- terial for teachers as well as students in all religious schools. The story ably reviews the Old Testament tale about Joseph, including his dreams, his triumphs in Egypt and the coming to Egypt of his brotherS and then his reunion with his father. . Jessie Robinson is the able illustrator of this fine book. • .• QUOTATIONS ABOUT _BOOKS . "As companions and acquaintances books are without rivals. and they are companions and ac- quaintances to be had at all times and under all circumstances. They are never out when you me' when knock at the door, are never 'not at ho you call. In the lightest as well as in the deepest Moods they may be applied .to -krid will never be found wanting, In the good sense of the phrase, they are all things to all men, and are faithful alike -to all."—John Alfred Langford. "Precious and priceless are the blessings which books scatter around our daily' paths. We walk, in imagination, with the noblest spirits, through the most sublime and enchanting regions." — W. P. Whipple. "B& my books I can conjure up, before me to a. momentary existence many of the great and good._ men of past ages, and for my individual satisfac- tion they seem to act again the most renowned of their achievements: the orators declaim for me,' the histotians recite,. the poets sing." — Dr. Neil Arnott.