• I,

As the Editor
Views the News . .; .

Welcome, Children

Hebrew Schools at 30

The United Hebrew Schools' current 23rd
annual observance of Education Month is
made doubly significant by the simultaneous
celebration of the 30th anniversary of De-
troit's major educational system.
The schools were organized shortly after
World War I. They experienced many diffi-
cult years—through depressions, the col-
lapse of the banks, the stock market crash,
the battle for Israel's freedom and the strug-
gle to retain interest in Jewish education.
The latter was perhaps the most difficult
obstacle of all to be over come. Economic
hard times pass, and are forgotten ; but a
lack of concern over Jewish matters often
is an insurmountable difficulty in the strug-
gle to keep Jews interested in their heritage.
Jewish education—for that matter, all
spiritual elements in Jewish life, the syna- •
gogues as well as the home and the school—
have been faced with one very serious obsta-
cle: the tendency among people to follow the
line of least resistance. It is easier to send a
child to a one-day-a-week Jewish school
than to a five-day-a-week school whose au-
thorities also demand attendance at Sabbath
services on a sixth day in the week. Once the
first sacrifice is made in standards, it is easy
to continue to abandon ideals and to pursue
roads which lead away from the maximum
attainable knowledge into paths of minimum Guest Editorial
learning.

Dr. A. S. Halkin, Jewish Theological semi-
nary professor, in a study of 10 years of
Jewish education, recognized the existing
obstacles and made an appeal for "a maxi-
mum amount of content." Prof. Halkin
stated :

Blueprint for Jewish Education

By ABE KASLE
President, United Hebrew Schools of Detroit

YIVO Issues Scholary
Textbook for the Adult

One of the most unusual books of our time
appears, strangely enough, in the form of a text-
book. It is, however, more than a text for stu-
dents. "College Yiddish," just published by the
Yiddish Scientific Institute (YIVO) is exactly as
its sub-title describes it: "An Introduction to
the Yiddish Language and to Jewish Life and
Culture."
Prepared by Uriel Weinreich, with a pref-
ace by Prof. Roman Jakobson of Harvard Uni-
versity, this book contains the key to Yiddish,.
the developed grammar of the language, its
structure and illustrative material which in it-,
self offers a mass of material that reveals the
wealth of culture represented by the tongue
used by millions of Jews.
The need for such a textbook was made ap-
parent by the introduction of Yiddish as a sub-,
ject of study in some American colleges. Wein-
reich's book is designed 'for educated adults.'
Previous acquaintance with Yiddish is not as
sumed by the able author, but, as the publishers.
have indicated, for students knowing some Yid-
dish "this textbook will have the particular ad-
vantage of bringing order into their knowledge
and familiarizing them with the basic structure .
of the written and spoken standards."
Organized in 30 lessons, the new textbook
contains sections on sounds and alphabet. The
supplementary reading to each chapter, the
synopsis of grammar, the appended dictionary .
all join in adding value to a distinctly fine work.
The spelling used in the book follows the .
system introduced by YIVO in 1937. The gender
of nouns is based on recommendations made by
Yudel Mark of the_ YIVO staff. The chapter in
Weinreich's book explaining the alphabet is
superb for its simplicity. The background chap-
ters which follow all lessons serve to inform
the student—and the reader, since there will
undoubtedly be many who will read the book
for the specific information it offers—on such
diversified Jewish subjects as the holidays, fam-
ily names, Yiddish literature, the Jewish cal-
endar, the Yiddish press, Jewish humor and
philosophy, Hassidism, etc.
Yiddish as a Key to Jewish Life, Derivation.
of Yiddish, Dialects, Geographic Spread of Yid-
dish, Hebrew Element in Yiddish, Yiddish Pro-
verbs, are among the background essays which
elevate "College Yiddish" to a position of ex-
cellence as an important research book.
YIVO (535 W. 123rd St., New York 27) an
nounces that a students' edition of "college
Yiddih" is available at $3 per copy if 10_, Or
more copies are ordered.
A number of leaders in this area are mem-
bers of the board of directors of YIVO. they
include: Reuben Madoff, Windsor; Rabbi MOrri
Adler, Shloime •ercovich, Joseph Bernstein,
William Hordes; Benjamin, J. I. Rosenshine, all
of Detroit. Prof. I. Leo Sharfman of the ytnio- .
versity of Michigan is a member of the iv
academic council.

The year 1949 has shown a definite reawakening on
behalf of Jewish education throughout the nation. American
"I have a fairly clear idea of the many
Jewry is beginning to realize that the education of our chil-
impediments in the way of Jewish education
dren and our youth is of no less importance than overseas
in general and the inculcation of Hebrew in
relief, the maintenance of social service agencies and the
particular. It is clear to me that we must
support of anti-defamation activities. Jewish community
studiously avoid the path of least resistance,
leaders are beginning to realize that the education of our
the force of nature. This road leads unques-
children cannot be intrusted to, a mere handful of individuals
tionably to discoloration and degeneration if
not to total assimilation. We cannot afford to
nor to small organizations who have neither the experience
let things drift to their normal condition or we
nor the funds to carry out such a vital program. They are
shall be shocked to discover that normal life
beginning to take cognizance of the fact that the Jewish
in an alien environment and Jewish living are
education of the child, in addition to being a parental respon-
not a harmonious match. Our continued Jew-
sibility, is also a major community obligation. Since 1926,
ish survival in general requires conscious ef-
Detroit has, in a measure, made Jewish education a com-
fort and calculated exertion. It requires de-
munal responsibility. In that year, the United Hebrew Schools
ter mination to . live as Jews, notwithstanding
joined the Jewish Welfare Federation, and became one of its
all the obstacles in the way.
"It is even more necessary to follow this
constituents.
ro: .l of determination in the case of Hebrew.
In its 30 odd years of existence, the United Hebrew
To zetain the continuity of Jewish character
Schools
not only have provided for the education of the
and culture and to preserve- the bond with
child through its kindergartens and elementary schools, but Columbus Day
Je-.vry and Judaism of the past and the pres-
also .established high schools in order to encourage higher
en:- , we must make every effort to cultivate
education and better understanding of the Jewish way of life.
and promol:e a knowledge of the Hebrew lan-
*
*
guage and Hebrew literature. Let us not be
afraid of setting our sights too high. Jewish
By DR. MAEANNA CHESERTON MANGLE
Throughout the years, the United Hebrew Schools have
education in this country is striving to reach
"Tierce! Tierre!"—Land at last!
tried
to
keep
pace
with
the
modern'
trends
in
the
field
of
a maximum number of people. Let us strive
cry went from the crow's nest of the
Jewish education, and as the need arose, have made the re- ,little The
even more to preserve a maximum amount of
Pinta and was taken up by every member
quired
changes
and
additions
to
its
system.
content. Let us reach for the most so as to
of the crew, Spaniards, Moors, Portuguese and
insure that we will get more."-
In order to expand and improve the High School De- Italians, Catholics, Jews and Mohammedans. To
*
*
*
partment, that section of the various branches has been everyone, the spirit of adventure was rewarded.
The United Hebrew ,Schools of Detroit combined into a Central Hebrew High School. This experi- They had made history! In succeeding centuries,
are faced with this problem of overcoming ment has proven successful, as it not only affords an oppor- millions more of every faith, race and country
indifference, of defeating the obstacles creat- tunity to have better organized and administered classes, sailed here to a new life. These immigrants, too,
souls, b r ought
ed by paths of least resistance and of striving but also has helped to create a fine school spirit which is a mixed crew of courageous
. strength and skill to
for a maximum of content.
most essential for high school age students. In this depart-
the New World.
Will the schools attain the much-desired ment too, co-curricular activities have been introduced.
By the scientific
goal ? Will the annual Education Month ob- •
process of trial and
The opening of the Midrasha this year is indicative of
servance inspire new interest in the schools?
;'error, Columbus test-
the strides that the United Hebrew Schools are making.
ed the many theories
Will the 30th anniversary be honored with
'In addition to the 11 students who are enrolled in the
current
in 1942 con-
the respect that is due one of our outstanding
Teachers' Training and Advanced Hebrew Studies De-
cerning the t op o-
agencies whose objectives is to hand down
partment, over 50 young men and women took advantage
graphy of the earth.
to our children the great heritage of our
of the .courses that the Midrasha had to offer. Also
America has grown
Rabbis, Prophets and Sages ?
through the Midrasha, teachers-in-service are able to keep
.great by keeping
At the moment, we are suffering from an
abreast. of the new techniques in the field of Jewish edu-
alive that same spirit
indifference that has dragged us down to a
cation.
of free inquiry which
low ebb in existing Jewish knowledge. Let us
enables men to seek
In order to attract able young men and women who will
hope that it is a passing. phase in our history, make Jewish teaching their profession, the United Hebrew
•truth wherever it
may be found, test-
that 'there will be an upsurge in interest in Schools adopted a salary scale and a code of practice for its
ing all theories and
:
JewiSh education, that projects like Edu- staff, thus giving the teachers a greater' sense of security,
rejecting all dogma.
Columbus
cation Month will inspire devotion to Israel's and an opportunity for professional advancement.
Columbus and his followers sought fortithe
heritage. In this spirit we greet the United
and advancement. They came to a land where
Hebrew Schools on our educational system's
Although attempts have been made to correlate the the frontier had no boundaries, where oppor-
30th anniversary.
work of the school with that of the home through the Pa;:- tunity was unlimited. Today the physical fron-
ent-Teachers-Organization, there still remains a great deal tier of achievement is still boundless, the spir-
to be done in this regard. The home must be .enriched with itual frontier stilll limitless. Only the lines we
Create can keep back the advance of any man.
Member: American Association of English-Jewish News-
Jewish content in order not only to supplement the school,
papers. Michigan Press Association.
but also to afford the child an opportunity to put into prac- Where lines have been marked they must be
Services: 'Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Seven Arts Feature
eradicated. Where doubt_ and suspicion retard
Syndicate, • King Features, Central Press Association, Palcor
tice that which he has acquired in the school. Parents must
News Agency.
new courses must be charted, that jobs,
Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing
keep in step with their children by acquiring additional progress,
homes, schools and places of worship will be d.
Co. 2119 Penobscot Bldg.. Detroit 26, Mich., WO. 5-1155.
Jewish
knowledge.
Subscription $3 a year; foreign $4.
matter of choice not demand. Opportunity
Entered as•second class matter Aug. 6, 1942 at Post Office,
Parents must also recognize the fact that Bar-Mitzvah must be for all. ' Land must be for all. New life
Detroit, Mich.. under Act of March 3, 1879.
in Jewish life doesn't mean the culmination of a Jewish must be for all!
PHILIP SLOMOV ITZ, Editor
child's education, but rather the beginning of education on a
SIDNEY SHMAR AK, Advertising Manager
more adult level. They must also realize that our daughters
RUTH L. CASSEL, City Editor
Facts You Should Know . •
will not necessarily become musicians, elocutionists, dancers,
VOL. XVI—No. 5
October 14, 1949
Page 4
That is the derivation of the term "Amen"?
etc., but will most certainly become the mothers of the future
"Amen"
comes from the same source as the
generations,
and
must
be
equipped
to
bring
up
properly
. Scriptural Selections for Concluding
word "Emunah" which means "faith." Both
Days of Sukkot
their children in a wholesome Jewish environment.
from a common root meaning to trust"
Pentateuchal portions: Saturday, Shemini
To develop and maintain such an extensive and inten- come
or "to support." The expression of "Amen?!•-is
Atzeret, Deut. 14:22-16:17; Num. 29:35-30:1; Sun-
sive program as the blueprint of the United Hebrew Schools
thus an indication of belief as if to say "so-be
day, Simhat Torah, Deut. 33:1-34:12, Gen.
will require not only educational and financial support, but it." The Talmud claims it is an abbreviation of
1:1-2:3, Num. 29:35-30-1. .
also a wholehearted support and cooperation of the com- the three Hebrew worlds—"El Melech Ne-eman"
Prophetical portions: Shemini Atzeret, I munity at large. It is only through the education of our
which means "God is a true King" or "God is a
Kings 8.54-66 to 9:1; Sinthat Torah, Josh. 1,
trusted King."
young that we can hope for a better communit47..

Horizons Unlimited

THE JEWISH NEWS

