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 • • • • • 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.