THE JEWISH NEWS
Easy Way to Learn Hebrew ABC
Incorporating the Detroit Jewish Chronicle commencing with issue of July 20, 1951
Member American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers, Michigan Press Association, National
Editorial Association
Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing Co., 17100 West Seven Mile Road, Detroit 35.
Mich., VE 8-9364. Subscription S5 a year Foreign S6.
Entered as second class matter Aug. 6, 1942 at Post Offic,... Detroit, Mich. under act of Congress of March
3, 1871
PHILIP SLOMOVITZ
SIDNEY SHMARAK
Edit, r and Publisher
Advertising Manager
CARMI M. SLOMOVITZ • FRANK SIMONS
Circulation Manager
City Editor
Sabbath Scrip tural Selections
This Sabbath, the twenty-ninth day of Tishri, 5720, the following Scriptural selections will
be read in our synagogues:
Pe•tateuchal portion, Bereshis, Gen. 1:1-6:8. Prophetical portion, I Samuel 20:18-42.
Licht Benshen, Friday, Oct. 30, 5:11 p.m.
VOL XXXVI. No. 9
Page Four
October 30, 1959
We Salute Canadian Jewry s Bicentenary
•
An historic event of great significance
is currently being enacted by our Cana-
dian Jewish neighbors.
Under the leadership of the Canadian
Jewish Congress, the National Bicenten-
ary of Canadian Jewry, inaugurated this
week, will be highlighted by special cele-
brations at the Plenary of the Congress,
now in session; at the Bicentenary Sab-
bath this Saturday and at events in all
the Canadian Jewish communities during
the entire bicentenary year.
A Proclamation of Faith and Thanks-
giving, issued on the occasion of the Bi-
centenary, heralds this important mes-
sage:
"The year 1959 marks the 200th anni-
versary of the Jewish settlement in Canada
where the blessings of a free country have
made possible a flourishing Jewish corn-
munity living in harmony with its fellow
citizens.
"From many lands, our people have
come to these hospitable shores in search
of religious and political freedom and
economic opportunity. Thanks to these
advantages, we have taken our place with
our fellow citizens in the promotion of
the economic, political, religious, social
and cultural life of our country. We have
come to the aid of the needy among us,
and have brought relief to our brethren
in countries of oppression and poverty.
Our sons have responded to the call of
patriotism in peace and war, some receiv-
ing coveted awards for their bravery and
service, others making the supreme sacri-
fice. _
"In this mosaic of Canada we have
held fast to our ancient prophetic ideals.
We have been motivated by our steadfast
belief in human dignity and human wel-.
fare. In this hour of thanksgiving we
recall that our generation was privileged
to witness the creation of the State of
Israel, and we express our profound grati-
tude for the leadership Canada demon-
strated in this historic achievement.
"Therefore, with humility, the Cana-
dian Jewish -Congress does hereby pro-
claim this year as one of Thanksgiving,
Prayer and. Celebrations to commemorate
the National Bicentenary of Canadian
Jewry.
"Let us give thanks to the *Almighty
for granting us the freedom to practice
our beliefs, to transmit to our children
our cultural heritage, and to live in full
equality with our fellow Canadians.
"Let us pray, on this blessed occasion.
for lasting peace in our country, indeed
throughout the world, and for the happi-
ness and prosperity for all that dwell
therein."
Lavy M. Becker, chairman of. the Na-
tional Bicentenary of Canadian Jewry,
has described the celebration in apt terms
when he said that it is "built on a bedrock
of faith." The bicentenary's proclamation
of faith emphasizes the significance of
the event in its declaration that "the
blessings of a free country have made
possible a flourishing Jewish community
living in harmony with its fellow-citizens."
The freedoms that were gained by
Canadian Jews, since the settlement of
its first pioneer — Aaron Hart — did not
come automatically. They were acquired
by devotion, by hard labors by a deter- a
mined will to interpret the Jewish heri-
tage with dignity and to adopt the noblest
traditions and benefits offered by the
Canadian people with joy and with
gratitude.
Samuel Bronfman, president of the
Canadian Jewish Congress, phrased it well
when he said that "Canada is a country
where, by dint of understanding and 1,
through patient projection of the various
cultures, it is possible to build a multi-
cultural nation." In this respect the
Canadian-Jewish relationships are akin to
An especially meritorious "Guide for the Jewish Home-
ours in the United States.
Of unique interest in the Canadian maker," written by Shonie B. Levi and Sylvia R. Kaplan, has
been published by Farrel:, Straus and Cudahy under the
celebration is the fact that Ezekiel Hart, just
title "Across the Threshold."
the son of Aaron Hart, the first Jewish
Covering every aspect of Jewish home life — Sabbath and
settler in Canada, was the first Jew to be holiday observances, ceremonies, synagogues services and scores
elected a member of the Legislative As- of Jewish customs — this splendid book, which has the additional
sembly of Lower Canada for Three Rivers. merit of attractive illustrations by Jessie B. Robinson, should
A plaque in his memory is being placed serve an important purpose in leading toward a better under-
in Three Rivers to commemorate the standing of all Jewish values in Jewish homes.
The title of the book, "Across the Threshold," is most
event.
appropriate, since it begins with the mezuzah. It is intended,
Ezekiel Hart was elected to the As- the authors, point out, "as a lesson, not as a charm." This portion
sembly on Jan. 29, 1807. On Sept. 24, contains a suggested ceremony, with appropriate prayers, for
1807, the Solicitor General of Great the affixing of the mezuzah on the doorpost upon the family's
Britain said he saw no legal objection to acquisition of its home.
Then, under the chapter title, "Occupation: Housewife,"
a Jew's sitting in the Assembly after tak
ing the required oath. By a vote of 21 to 5 conies the explanation of the dietary laws, the preparation
kosher food and a list of foods in the Jewishly-permitted
in the Assembly, Hart was refused the of
Listed also are prohibited foods.
right "to sit, or vote in the General As- category.
In "From Cradle to Canopy," the authors suggest the
sembly" because he professed the Jewish selection of Hebrew names for children, forms of announcements
religion.
of births, gift suggestions, Bar Mitzvah and confirmation and
But on June 18, 1808, Ezekiel Hart wedding programs and invitations.
Mesdames Levi and Kaplan, who are the wives of Rabbi
again was elected a member of the As-
sembly. Again, on May 5, 1809, the S. Gershon Levi and Dr. Lawrence G. Kaplan, have excellent
backgrounds which qualify them in the preparation of
Assembly ruled that he could not hold Jewish
the material contained in this attractive book. They explain
his seat in accordance with a resolution Jewish divorce customs and rules in a time of mourning.
that was passed on Feb. 20, 1808. When
An enlightening chapter is devoted to the Sabbath,
a bill was introduced on May 15, 1809, and the "Yearly Round" contains an outline of all the
to declare Jews ineligible to sit in the festivals, fast days, their traditions and ceremonials.
Thanksgiving and patriotic occasions are included in the
Assembly, the Governor of Canada at the
time, Sir James Craig, dissolved the As- "American Holidays" section.
In all instances, suggested Menus are offered and books
sembly and the bill never was reintro-
appropriate to the occasions are listed as aids for further reading.
duced.
Especially valuable, as aids in securing additional informa-
Acting as godfather to the son of
tion, are lists of book publishers, suggestions for enrollment
Ezekiel Hart, on Aug. 22, 1809, Sir
as members of the Jewish Publication Society and directories
James Craig gave additional -weight to
of national Jewish organizations.
In "A Goodly Heritage," the authors explain the importance
his action, which ended the religious
discrimination in the Canadian As- of the synagogue. They give an outline of Scriptural books and
explain basic books like the Talmud, the Mishnah, the Gemarah,
sembly.
the Midrash. They also evaluate the prayer book.
Thus, from the time that Aaron Hart
A section is devoted to "The Fine Art of Learning," in
became a permanent resident of Canada, which a complete Hebrew education is urged for every
on Sept. 18, 1760, Jews became integrated Jewish child and suggestions are made for continuing Jewish
in the country firmly. They became solid studies while in universities and for camp programs.
Family fan on how to enjoy Jewish ceremonials, philately,
citizens, sharing in the Canadian affairs
— politically, culturally, economically — the tradition of tzedakah, and a section with Jewish recipes
and observing their faith with honor, add immeasurably to the book's value.
Calendars, prayers for many occasions and a glossary are
dignity and self-respect.
additional features of this book.
Canadian Jewry's record for service
"Across the Threshold" has a great de -al of merit. It is a
to their kinsmen, to their countrymen guide for all homemakers and is an introduction to further study
and to their fellow men is a noble one. of Jewish customs and the JewiSh way of life.
We congratulate them on their bicenten-
ary and join with them in their wish for
lasting peace and for happiness for all.
,
Across the Threshold Splendid
Guide for Jewish Homemakers
Balfour A nniversary-Zionist Mobilization Time
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Observance of the anniversary of the
Such a movement detrimental not
B a 1 f our Declaration, marked here an- only to Israel but also to American
nualy by a Zionist Organization concert, Jewry, must be countered with construc-
should be an occasion to give added tive efforts to prove anew the significance
strength to the movement that gave im- of Zionism as a humanitarian movement.
petus to efforts for the creation of the The Balfour Concert of the Zionist
State of Israel.
Organization of D e t r o i t provides the
In , recent months, there - has been means with which to carry on these activ-
evidence of the re-emergence of a bitter ities. The event, to be held on Nov. 14,
anti-Israel campaign, sparked by Arabs also serves as an educational instrument
and their friends not only in the United for the extension of Zionist activities. It
Nations but also in political, religious should receive our community's tradi-
and social circles in this country. tional encouragement.
Reading the Bible Aloud
An effective method by which of communicating a religious
message to an audience, large or small, is proposed in a most
interesting book, "Reading the Bible Aloud," by John Edward
Lantz. The book has just been published by Macmillan.
The author, who has taught speech at the University of
Michigan, where he received his M.A. degree, and at other
universities, is a minister and educator.
He points out in his text that "the practice of public reading
was enjoined by God, and was common in the Jewish synagogues."
He makes considerable use of the Psalms, among suggested
readings, and he writes that "the Jews used choral reading,
as well as responsive reading, in chanting the Psalms on their
pilgrimages to and from Jerusalem."
While most of the suggested readings in this book are
from the New Testament, many are from Hebrew Scriptures.
His book will be found eminently worth while as a guide for
preachers, teachers and public speakers.