Purely
National Education Parley Sets T p Code
Commentary) Calling for- -. Tainitii*nritr . of Jewish Studies
NEW YORK- — The fourth! In another far-reaching ac- elected executive director of the
national conf e r e n c e I tion, the conference - Created a association, called for "a sys-
Jewish
education, sponsored by national committee . - c harged tematic and effective program
-
Deserved Honors for Zvi Tomkiewicz
the American Association for with implementing specific rec- of Jewish education for Jewish
In the 10 years during which he has served the religious Jewish Education, closed here ommendations in the national parents and adults" to.reinforce
Zionist community here, Zvi Tomkiewicz has won the esteem not Friday after adopting a series study. These. include: aprogram the efforts being made to give
only of his associates in the Mizrachi-Hapoel Hamizrachi move-
resolutions and action prO- to plan community: building Jewish religious education to
ment, but equally as much in many other movements in Detroit. of
grams designed to strengthen loan funds to assist in the re- Jewish children. We bend every
His devoted efforts in behalf of the Israel Bond sales and the Jewish religious teachings in pair and construction , of school effort in providing our children
Jewish National Fund, his deep interest in educational activities, the nation. buildings; a program to intro- with the best possible Jewish
the encouragement he has given to work in support of CARE
The action program adopted duce standard school records; education, while the parents
and the distribution of CARE packages among needy in Israel, by 650 delegates from all sec_ and a program to develop local themselves, except for a minor-
have earned for him the admiration of leaders and laymen alike. tions of the country implements and national associations of ity, are ignorant of their Jewish
Jewish parents. heritage. To bridge this gap is
Zvi Tomkiewicz is a distinguished scholar. A master Hebraist,
of the major findings and
a man steeped in learning and in piety, he can always be some
The Association celebrated its the task of Adult Jewish Edu-
recommendations in the 265-
counted upon to come to the support of educational movements page report, "Jewish Education 20th anniversary at a public cation."
Upon his installation for his
that are foremost in Jewish life today.
the United States," a history- dinner held at the conference.
term as president of
A grandson of the founder of the Mizrachi movement, the in
making study issued for the first Dr. Horace M. Kallen, philoso- fourth
late Rabbi Yitzhak Yaacov Reines, who was the recognized ortho- time at the conference.
pher, educator and author, a AAJE, Philip Lown said: "We
need not and must not become
dox Jewish leader in the world in his day, Mr. Tomkiewicz fol-
The study, completed after principal speaker at the event complacent at this time, because
lowed in the footsteps of his eminent grandfather.
pointed
out
that
a
re-evaluation
It is noteworthy that Mizrachi is not alone in honoring Mr. seven years of research in 33 of the function of Jewish edu- of our attainments in all quanti-
Tomkiewicz, at the testimonial arranged for next Tuesday eve- representative American Jewish cation for American Jews has tative aspects of Jewish educa-
ning; that leaders in our congregational movements and in all communities, is the largest and been developing slowly over the tion. We must strive to do bet-
Zionist activities are joining in paying him the tributes that most comprehensive survey of past 20 years. In this process of ter in the qualitative area."
are rightfully due him. We join heartily in the commendations Jewish education ever under- reappraisal, he saw the role of
At a dinner celebrating the
taken anywhere. Sponsored by the American Association as 20th
anniversary of the AAJE,
that are his due.
the American Association for
the
following
Charter Members
that
of
"a
catalyzer
and
a
fer-
Jewish Education, the survey ment." The organization, he
were honored:
The ILGWU and Its Eminent Leaders
involved some 20,000 persons
said, "has awakened American
Robert M. Bernstein, Philadelphia;
A special International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union and cost more than $250,000.
Abraham H. Cohen, New York;
Jewish schooling to the princi- Jacob
supplement that was included in the Sunday edition of the New
H. Cohen, New York; Lewis
In presenting the mass of ples and practices of democracy, Drucker,
Cleveland; Hyman Gold-
York Times several weeks ago inspired nostalgic recollections findings,
man,
Washington,
D.C.; Judge Jonah
Dr.
Alexander
M.
among those who have some knowledge about the struggles for Dushkin, professor of educa- and their necessary place in the J. Goldstein, New York; Joseph
idea
of
Jewish
education.
Goldstein,
Rochester;
Mrs. Gabriel
unionization and the improvement of the lot of workers in the
New York; Dr. Horace
tion at the Hebrew Univer•
A feature of the anniversary Hamburger,
M. 'Callen, New York; Dr. Ira I.
sweat shops a generation ago.
Jerusalem, co-author of celebration was the designation Kaplan, New York; Joseph Kohn,
David Dubinsky, the able ILGWU president, is one of the sity, report
with Dr. Uriah Z. of a 60-year-old veteran teacher Philadelphia; Abraham Krumbein,
dominant personalities in the union today. Preceding him, there the
York; Judge Louis E. Levin-
Engelman,
director of the in Jewish schools as "Teacher New
thal, Philadelphia; Frank G. Mashall,
were many interesting personalities in the labor movement. The AAJE research
Chicago; Judge Samuel Mellitz,
department,
ILGWU supplement reminded us of some of them—of the only pointed out that "Jewish edu- of the Year." Harry Perach, an Bridgeport; Charles J. Rosenbloom,
Joseph Sapowitch, Buf-
Socialist ever to be a Congressman, Meyer London; of the cation has become generally instructor for the past decade Pittsburgh;
Dr. Harry Savits, Brookline;
orator and legalgenius, Morris Hilquit; of many others who accepted by children and par- at the Hebrew Academy of Mi- falo;
Albert P. Schoolman, New York;
distinguished themselveS and who rendered great service to the ents as a 'built-in' phase of ami Beach, was singled out Bernard Semel, New York; Robert
Cincinnati; Philip Slomo-
labor movement. It drew attention especially to one of the most the American democratic de- from a field of approximately Senior,
vitz, Detroit; Simon E. Sobeloff, Bal-
17,500 teachers for the honor. timore; Michael A. Stavitsky, New-
brilliant JewiSh leaders of the generation before this one—of
ark; Dr. Alvin Thalheimer, Balti-
Joseph Barondess, the great orator, the brilliant thinker, the istic environment."
Dr. Judah Pilch, nationally- more;
Isadore S. Turover, Bethesda;
The
AAJE
study,
which
was
man who was equally eloquent in Yiddish and in English; of
known educator who was re- Eza S. Shapiro, Cleveland.
Barondess who did not confine his activities to the labor move- carried forward by a distin-
■■
■ ■
■
■■ ■
ment but who, even in the days when the Zionist movement guished commission of educa- r
was viewed by many of his confreres as a mirage, advocated tors and laymen, headed from
Boris Smolar's
the re-creation of Jewish statehood. He was one of the remark- 1952-1957 by Dr. Oscar I. Janow-
sky of C.C.N.Y. and from 1957
able men in American Jewry..
. As a group, the Jewish labor leaders were men of great to the present time by Dr. Mil-
ability and distinction. They built more than the ILGWU: they ton R. Konvitz of Cornell Uni-
helped to elevate the entire labor movement in this country versity, shows that there are
and to give status to people who earn their bread by the 3,367 Jewish religious schools
sweat of their brows, in strict accordance with Jewish traditions. in the country today — 1,760
(Copyright, 1959
*
*
Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Inc.)
*
weekday afternoon schools,
1,393 one-day (Sunday) schools
Personalities in the News
An Excellent Survey:
Distinguished personalities figure in the latest happenings and 214 Day Schools.
The American Association for Jewish Education deserves
The overall total being high praise for the comprehensive study it has just published on
on the Jewish scene.
The selection of Avraham Harman for the Israeli Ambassa- spent by the Jews of America the state of Jewish education in this country . . . To undertake
dorship to the United _States holds a major spot in the lime- annually for the Jewish. such a long-needed study on such a gigantic scale was a tre-
light. Abe Harman is well known here—having appeared on schooling of their children, mendous effort . . . To the credit of :the AAJE, it must be said
Platforms in Detroit in behalf of the United Jewish Appeal. An elementary and secondary, is that the mission was completed with unprecedented success .
able speaker, he has inspired audiences throughout the world estimated at $60,000,000.
The results of the survey — conducted among Jewish parents,
in Israel's behalf. He is an authority on matters relating to
The cost of schooling per teachers, school children and community leaders — give an
Jewries everywhere, an able writer and a. dignified spokesman pupil per annum for all types all-around picture of the achievements and defects of the Jewish
for his people. He will surOy...be. .:.a- -creolit to Israel. and to the of Jewish religious schools school system in America • . . It can safely be predicted that
Israelis' kinsmen in this country.
combined is $110, varying the survey will mark a new and important turn in the field
These qualities :apply with equal force to the new Israeli from $28 in the Sunday of Jewish education in this country . . . It will constitute the
representative.:at the United Nations, Arthur Lourie. In his School, to $160 in the weekday foundation upon which Jewish education will henceforth be
several poSts, as spokesman for Israel at the UN and as his afternoon schools, and $480 in built, bigger and better . . . The study embraces all possible
country's Ambassador to Canada, he has faced problems with the All-Day schools.
problems concerning the education of Jewish children, and
analyzes these problems in full frankness . . . It presents im-
skill And with dignity.
The Institute is charged with portant data on every aspect of the Jewish school system, stresses
Those who know Label Katz of New Orleans look to him
as an able successor to Philip Klutznick in the presidency of setting up a continuous, over- what is good and what is missing in the Jewish schools and makes
Bnai Brith. He is a young man, is interested in the problems all prograM 'for "coordinating. pertinent recommendations . . . It .thus opens new avenues of
of our youth and is expected to draw larger numbers of young stimulating, - aiding and direct- thought in the minds of many who are interested in strengthen-
ing activities" to clarify the ob- ing Jewish education in this country . . . It will become the
Jews into action for Bnai Brith and other Jewish causes.
A word is in order about the able commander of the jectives of JeWish education, de- handbook on Jewish education in America and will, without
Israel Air Force, Gen. Ezer Weizmann, who was a guest here velop additional texts and cur- any doubt, help stimulate Jewish welfare fund leaders to vote
on Monday at the Israel Bond dinner. Himself a keen observer ricular materials, . conduct ex- for larger allocations for Jewish education.
: of Jewish affaairs and an able organizer whose skill has helped perimental educational work
Israel in the wars for liberation and defense, he has acquired and prepare testing' materials.
many of his qualities from an able father and an able uncle—
The nationwide study re- Meet Your Leader:
Label. A. Katz, the newly elected national president of the
the late Chaim and Yechiel Weizmann. Nephew of the first vealed that Jewish children be-
President of Israel, he has followed in his footsteps in devoting gin their religious. schooling Bnai Brith, is the best personification of the young leadership
himself to the needs of his people.. Similarly, like his late, "too late and leave it too early." which is now emerging in the ranks of American Jewry . .
father, he takes a deep interest in his country's economic needs. To counteract the very consid- Only 40 years old, he has an envious record of achievements in
fields of Jewish activities as well as in civic work . .
He has inherited from his father—who was affectionately known erable drop-out after Bar-Bat various
active, deeply interested in Jewish affairs, he has been
as "Chilik,"—a keen sense of humor. He proved his skills in his Mitzvah, and also to insure Amiable,
positions of leadership for the last ten years, not only
address here which inspired an enthusiastic Israel Bond "continuity" in Jewish religious holding
his native city of New Orleans, but also in national Jewish
education, the conference called in
audience.
organizations
• . . In addition to being devoted to Bnai Brith,
* * *
for a three-point program:
he is a member of the executive board of the Council of Jewish
The Sad 'Mechitzah' Problem
1. Jewish communities are Federations and Welfare Funds . . . He is also a member of the
Michigan's State Supreme Court last week handed down a urged to establish junior Jew- national council of the Joint Distribution Committee and of the
decision upholding the minority in the Mt. Clemens congrega- ish religious high schools for National Campaign Cabinet of the UJA ... He was vice-chairman
tion on the question of separate seating of men and women.
pupils, aged 11-14, and senior of the Israel Bond Campaign, and is one of the national leaders
A long-fought battle thuS ends in triumph for a minority high schools for older stu• of the Anti-Defamation League . . . Locally, he was president
of three that dwindled into a lone dissenter's determined effort dents;
of the Jewish Welfare Fund in New Orleans, and holds positions
to uphold the stringent orthodox rule of setting up a "mechitzah"
2. Junior Jewish religious of leadership in the Jewish Federation and in the Jewish Com-
—a dividing line between men and women during congregational high schools are urged to in- munity Center there . . . A member of the New Orleans Bar
services.
augurate or expand summer Association, he was on the Governor's staff, and serves as member
It takes only one person to be right, and on that score the camping in Hebrew - speaking of the New Orleans Mayor's Committee on Housing Improve-
lone dissenter undoubtedly is the hero in a struggle that has camps, and to develop student ment . .. He also finds time to serve as board member on the
involved an entire community. But if, as it appears in all such pilgrimages to Israel; and
United Fund in New Orleans, and is active in other civic groups
struggles to uphold extreme rules, dissenters' victories tend to
. . . With young leaders like Katz, American Jewry can safely
Communities
and
congre-
3.
drive away the vast majority, especially the youth, then we are gations, educators and rabbis assert that "young blood" is being brought into the ranks of
compelled to say to the lone victor in Mt. Clemens: "one more
. . . Katz is interested in promoting Jewish educa-
are called upon to make the its leadership
.
.
.
He
was
national chairman of the Bnai Brith Youth
such victory, and we're all lost."
tion
Such cases never should go to the courts. From that point of junior high school "a central Commission and a top leader in Hillel Foundation.
phase"
of
Jewish
education.
view, we also lost a tragic battle in a high civil court.
THE DET ROIT JEW ISH NEW S -•
By PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
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