Commemorative Medal
Marks Tercentenary
Synagogue's Place in Jewish Life
Editor's Note: This is anoth- Italy, France and Switzerland.
er in the series of Jewish News Many of the structures over-
Tercentenary features on re- whelmed us in size and beauty.
ligious developments in the Virtual masterpieces in - archi-
tecture, these synagogues tell a
American Jewish community.
sad story. They are impressive
*
By RABBI MOSES LEHRMAN memorials of Judaism that is no
The synagogue from time im- more. A visit to its Sabbath
memorial has been to the Jew services reflected a condition of
both symptom and cause. The apathy, lifelessness and little
creative life of the Jew was al- hope for the future. The at-
Shown above are reproduc- ways evidenced by the activity tendance in all of them was dis-;
tions of both sides of the Amer- of the synagogue and the influ- mal. Youth was conspicuous by
ican Jewish Tercentenary's ence it excited upon its adher- its absence and the general atti-
Commemorative Medal, especial- ents. The great Jewish poet tude smacked with apathy.
ly struck in honor of the cele- Bialik sums it up most eloquent-
No more had to be said. The
bration of the 300th anniver- ly:
picture of inadequate Judaism
sary of Jewish settlement in the "And shouldst Thou wish to see was adequately mirrored in the
United States. The front of the
synagogue.
the Fort.
medal (left) depicts a family Wherein Thy fathers refuge
The last few decades have seen
g r o u p, symbolizing American
a new development of synagogue
sought
freedom awl security, and bears And all their Sacred Treasures importance on the American ,
the Tercentenary theme, "Man's
Jewish scene. Whatever the
hid
Opportunities and Responsibili- The Refuge that has still pre- motivating factors may have
ties Under Freedom." The re-
been to stimulate interest in
served
verse side shows the seal of the Thy nations soul intact and pure Jewish life. the symptoms of a
Tercentenary. The medal, de- And when despised, and scorned vital and effective Jewish pro-
signed by prize-winning sculp-
gram of life are manifested in
and scoffed
tor, Nancy Dryfoos, chairman of Then faith then did not shame." the growth of the synagogue.
the Tercentenary fine arts com-
Synagogues are being born
mittee, is gold and silver with a Then enter Thou the House of daily and building programs oc-
God."
bronze finish, and will be pre-
cupy the attention of our finest
sented to communal and civic
Not always, however, did the young people. Moreover the
leaders during the American synagogue reflect vitality. With- synagogue is no longer a place
Jewish Tercentenary observance. in my own recollection the typi- for mere prayer. Activities em-
cal synagogue in America pre- bracing the whole gamut of
sented a sad picture. Stagnation Jewish cultural, spiritual and
and sterility hovered over its social life find their way into
stereotype services, its retreat in- the congregational p r o g r a m.
the past and the contentments There is room in The House of
of its supporters to preserve a God for every member of the
mere relic. In most instances family on every age level.
GET OUR DEAL NOW
no attempt was ever made to
After 300 years of Jewish life
WE NEED VOLUME!
introduce a Hebrew School into in America, we behold Elijah's
the synagogue program, and mantle resting upon our should-
S-e e
wherever a Talmud Torah has ers.
This historic development car-
found its way in the congrega-
CHARLES WEINSTOCK tional set up, it was relegated ries with it a note of deep re-
to the basement. Strangely flection. Coupled with the
For the Best Deal in Town
enough Jewish leaders of the unique privilege of emerging as
26th Year With
day wondered why one youth world leaders' there rests upon
grew in estrangement from Jew- the American Jewish Commu-
BUICK'S RETAIL STORE ish values. The sterility of the nity a 'profound responsibility.
synagogue was eloquent witness It has become our lot as custodi-
Near G.M. Bldg.
of the impotence of Jewish life. ans of a great Jewish heritage,
6164 CASS AVE.
On our travels through Europe not merely to preserve it but to
the picture appeared more trag- inspire Jews beyond our borders
TR. 5-9700
ic. Mrs. Lehrman and I have to rise to newer levels. May the
visited numerous synagogues in next hundred years justify our
position of privilege and duty.
131G SALE ON
'54 BUICK...
TV REPAIRS TOO HIGH?
Our protection plan GUARANTEES you low TV service cost.
OUR POLICY e
OWNERS ‘IF
PAY ONLY
95
FOR COMPLETE COST
OF PARTS and LABOR
IN THE HOME!
BE WISE — Get Your Protection from a Service
Company with a Background of 16 Years of
DEPENDABLE ELECTRONIC SERVICE IN DETROIT
Call
TE. 4-2858
DEXTER SERVICE CO.
For Details
11565 DEXTER
Bnai Brith Women
Reported Half-Way
In Fund Campaign
Mrs. Alfred Lakin, president
of the Greater Detroit Bnai
Brith Women's Council stated
this week that the Council's
fund-raising goal of $100,000 has
reached the half-way mark.
The remainder of the funds
are expected to be received by
Nov. 23, the night of the annual
Council variety show which is to
be held at Masonic Temple. All
19 local chapters are continuing
their efforts to meet the neces-
sary amount.
One of the many philanthro-
pies aided by the drive, Mrs.
Lakin said, is the Belief aire
Home, in Cleveland, 0., the old-
est Bnai Brith philanthropy
still existent.
Serving primarily in child
care, the honie helps unhappy
and troubled youngsters to find
the way to useful lives. Accord-
ing to Mrs. Philip Fealk, fund-
raising chairman, the program
of this institution and others
like it are dependent on funds
raised locally and • throughout
the nation by Bnai Brith.
Local chapters planning ac-
tivities during the week include
the following:
.Rabbi Mandel M. Zager—Ce-
Savings
PLUS
Life Insurance
Protection
2 TICKETS
For Outstand-
ing Movie
Attractions'
with each new
THIS PLAN CLOSES NOV. 12
GUARDIAll SKIM
and LOAN ASSOCIATION
13646 WEST SEVEN MILE ROAD
Corner Tracey -1 Bloch West of Schaefer
Regular Hours: MON., TUES., WED., FRI., 10 A. M. to 5 P. M.
THURS., 10 A. M. to 9 P. M. — Phone DI. 1-1772
COPYRIGHT 1954 GUARDIAN SAVINGS AND LOAN ASSOC. DETROIT
lebrating its eighth anniversary,
the chapter jointly held a pro-
gram with the Lodge on Wed-
nesday. Mrs. Arnold LaKritz
was program chairman.
Business & Professional — A
Sweetest Day Dance is planned
for 9 p.m., Saturday, at the Vet-
erans Memorial Bldg., on Jef-
ferson. Members will be admit-
ted without charge on presenta-
tion of membership cards.
Louis D. Brandeis—A member-
ship tea is scheduled for Oct. 26,
at the home of Mrs. V. Valensky,
20506 Oxley. Games and mahj
will be featured along with
prizes and refreshments. Pros-
pective members are invited.
For information, call Mrs. Jane
Kraft, membership chairman.,
ATE. 8-3209, or Mrs. A. Goodis,
UN. 4-4942.
Friday, October 15, - 1954
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS-5
The Entire Community
is cordially invited to hear
an important address on the
AMERICAN JEWISH
TERCENTENARY
Sunday,
October 17,
8 p.m.
by the distinguished leader and orator
Dr. Abba Hillel Silver
in the Ballrooms of Hotel Stotler
Doors Will Open at 8
P.M.
ADMISSION FREE
NO SOLICITATION OF FUNDS
Others on Program:
r. A. M. Hershman
Rabbi 'Emeritus
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
Max Osnos
Representing the Governor
Samuel H. Rubiner
President. Jewish
Welfare Federation
William E. Stirfon
Vice-President, Wayne University,
Representing the Mayor
Rabbi Moses Lehrman
Emma Schaver
Rabbi Leon Fram