Powerful Elie Wiese' Novel Emphasizes Survival Issue, Exposes 'Game' of Nazism Three novels by Elie Wiesel- "Night," "Dawn" and "The Acci- dent" — all translated from the French, already had drawn very wide attention to the able author whose psychological - sociological studies of people and events re- lated to the Nazi era are among the most brilliant of the post-war era. The newest work by the 36-year- old foreign correspondent, who covers the United Nations, and who has served as correspondent in Paris, adds nobly to a glorious literary career. His "The Town Beyond the Wall." translated from the French by Stephen Becker, published by Atheneum (162 E. 38th, NY 16). emphasizes a talent in narration. This is an allegorical novel. It is replete with legends and the author's powerful resort to sym- bolism makes his new work stand out as a distinct literary gem. The four chapters are dedicated to the first, second, third and final prayers of a youngster imbued with fervor, who. having survived the humiliations under Nazism, goes back to his native city to solve the problem of those who had failed to act during the acts of terrorism. "The Town Beyond the Wall" is a remarkable story in the sense of the author's deep knowl- edge of Jewish traditions, his understanding of life in the ghetto, his interpretation of Jewish values. He describes the Sabbath: "Like a mantle of purple silk the Sab- bath came to drape the city at sundown on Friday. The city's face changed visibly. Merchants closed their shops, coachmen went home because there were no passengers, the pious proceeded to the ritual baths to purify their bodies. The Sabbath is compared to a queen: it is proper to have body and soul clean, to merit her visit. The Sab- bath: the essence of Judaism. The divine revelation in Time , . . " Then follows the description of - the Sabbath aura. All this is part of the nostalgia with which the young Michael, re- calling his youth, his having been torn away from family, the murder of his mother, craves for the old city. Interlinked are legends, stories about the Vilna Gaon, about the Zohar, about the ceremonials which had elevated Jewish life. And the memories of Auschwitz—the "last stop" — and the defiance as ex- pressed in the prayers. Survival mingles with destruc- tion, and the author probes into life and death, into the meaning of godliness and man's role in the soul-stirring episodes. The tale that Michael relates about the attempt of a peasant /-'- to save him and his mother, with the tragic end of the latter, is one of the very deeply moving incidents in a dramatic tale. In the Great Synagogue the young Grand Rabbi speaks about the punishment of the Jews by God because He loves them and is "determined to make them pure and just." Meanwhile, like ghosts, the Jews carry their knapsacks, on the way to doom, and the narrator expresses merely curiosity, not hate nor anger, because he fails to understand, because: "How can anyone remain a spectator indefi- nitely? How can anyone continue to embrace the woman he loves, to pray to God with fervor if not faith, to dream of a better tomor- row—after having seen that?" Was it a game? And what are /2 the rules of such a game? The suf- fering is evident and there can be I no forgetting. In the midst of this soul searching and heart probing, of revealing the crime, • there re- re- mains the prayer in the receding night. The author concludes his novel with a legend: Legend tells us that one day man spoke to God in this wise: "Let us change about. You be man., and I will be God. For only one second." God smiled gently and asked him, "Aren't you afraid?" "No. And you?" "Yes, I am," God said. Nevertheless he granted man's desire. He became a man, and the man took his place and immediate- ly availed himself of his omnipo- tence: he refused to revert to his previous state. So neither God nor man was ever again what he seem- ed to be. Years passed, centuries, perhaps eternities. And suddenly the .drama quickened. The past for one, and the present for the other, were too heavy to be borne. As the liberation of the one was bound to the liberation of the other, they renewed the ancient dialogue whose echoes come to us in the night, charged with hatred, with remorse, and most of all, with infinite yearning. What a remarkable commentary on the experiences of the conflict in which man's hatred was so dom- inant in our time! It is no wonder that the narrator, in his final ut- terance, asserts: "The real heights are like the real depths: you find them at your own level, in simple and honest conversation, in glances heavy with existence." Thus man is studied and found wanting, and resort to prayer aims at fulfillment as tragedy is unfurl- ed — in a great drama by Elie Wiesel. —P.S. Israel Bonds Honors 'Labor Priest' ELIZABETH, N.J. (JTA)—Van- dals raided the unused synagogue of Congregation Mishkan Israel here, scattered religious articles about the pews and floor, and ripped prayer books in the sanc- tuary. Residents of Elizabeth com- plained to police after the vandal- ism was discovered, and the police department assured them that it will attempt to trace the culprits and bring them to justice. MILWAUKEE (JTA) — A new home geared especially to the needs of emotionally disturbed adolescent boys will be opened here by the Jewish Family and Children's Service. GIve Yourself a LIFT ...automatically! with Monsignor Charles Owen Rice, known as Western Pennsylvania's "labor priest," was the guest of honor this week at a dinner in Pittsburgh sponsored by the Labor Committee for State of Israel Bonds. Among the outstanding personalities paying tribute to Monsignor Rice were the noted actor Edward G. Robinson (left), a foremost leader in the Israel Bond drive, and Michael Ouill (right), president of the Transport Workers Union. Some $700,000 in Israel Bonds were sold a', the dinner in tribute to Monsignor Rice. who has been a preen - rv•nt Roman Catholic spokesman for brotherhood and human rights. Cleveland Federation Endowment Fund Gets $291,683 From One Estate CLEVELAND ( JT A ) — Final distribution of receipts from the estate of the late Mrs. Fannie Brawn has brought the share be- queathed to the endowment fund of the Jewish Community Federa- tion here to $291,683. THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS 17 Friday, May 22, 1964 A BERRY Automatic Garage Door Operator $159.50 INSTALLED • opens and closes door from inside your car SEE IT! TRY IT! Firmer British Stand on Arab Boycott Is Sought JERUSALEM — Israel plans to press the British government to take a firmer stand against the Arab boycott of British firms which deal with Israel. Despite state- ments of government policy against such tactics, the Israelis say that the boycott is becoming more effec- tive. Engines, Turbines and Pumps Ltd. had directed its employes not Soviet Union to Take to work for or in Israel within three years of terminating their Control of 2 Convents employment with the company. in Jordan Jerusalem (A factory in Zurich known as JERUSALEM—The Soviet Un- Engines, Turbines and Pumps ion is expected to take over a large Ltd. was described by the de- part of the Mount of Olives in the fense in court in Zurich as being Jordanian sector. Presently affiliated with the Rus- sian Church in America, the two New York UJA Raises Russian Orthodox convents would $13 Million in Campaign follow a pattern set by Israel in NEW YORK (JTA)—The United 1948. The Israel government had Jewish Appeal of Greater New by decree decided that the Soviet York, now conducting its annual Union was legal successor to the drive for 1964, has raised $13,000,- previous proprietors, the Imperial 000 thus far in this year's cam- Russian Palestine Society and the paign, it was announced by Samuel Moscow Patriarchate of the Ortho- D. Leidesdorf, chairman of the lo- dox Church. cal UJA's "person-to-person" tele- The large Russian Orthodox phone campaign. holdings of purely secular lands That phase of the drive opened were sold by the Soviet Govern- at New York UJA headquarters ment to the government of Israel and was the first of 14 telephone a few months ago for about $3,000,- solicitation sessions scheduled be- 000. But the Soviet Union retained tween now and the end of June. ownership of the religious proper- ties. Home Rule Requested King Hussein has assured the for District of Columbia two convents there will be "no Aaron Goldman, Washington, change." D.C. businessman and vice chair- of the National Community New York UJA Reports man Relations Advisory Council, in a on Bequests in 1963 statement submitted to the Corn- NEW YORK (JTA)—More than mittee on the District of Columbia $2,000,000 was bequeathed to the of the House of Representatives, United Jewish Appeal of Greater urged the prompt enactment of New York during 1963, and $700,- pending legislation to give home 000 of this total has already been rule to the District. received, according to an an- nouncement by Louis B r o i d o, 5,000 U.S., Canada Jews chairman of the UJA's legacy de- Settled in Israel in 1963 velopment committee. NEW YORK (JTA) — Shlomo Among the recent bequests, he said, was one from an elderly Zalman Shragai, head of the Im- woman who left her entire $30,- migration Department of the Jew- 000 estate to the UJA after con- ish Agency, told a press confer- sulting her prospective heirs. An- ence here that 5,000 Jews from other bequest came from a Chris- the United States and Canada set- tian woman, who left $17,000 "for tled in Israel in 1963. He reported the poor, downtrodden Jews in Is- that with the industralization of rael." Israel there is a shortage of 40,000 skilled workers who can come from the free lands. Synagogue Building Vandalized in Jersey Home for Disturbed Boys exclusively engaged in working for the Egyptian "war industry.") On the other hand, a London firm shrugged off a ban by the Arab League. The boycott shut off trade between Burberrys, makers of raincoats, and members of the League. Burberrys in the past has not traded extensively with Arab coun- tries because it seldom rains there. There is limited trade with Israel. PLANNING A GARAGE? 1111— Send name, address and 10c 1 al MOO Sale 1101•1 ■■•■ a• ale mem Over 100 Helpful Hints on building or remodeling your garage! Only 104! mftnin 11, for your copy "101 Helpful Hints on Garage Construc- tion and Remodelling" BERRY DOOR SALES CO. Rated No. 1 in the U.S.A. Come in and see why before you buy 1 Quist 2388 COLE STREET BIRMINGHAM, MICH. Typewriter Co. Specialists Phone Midwest 4-1035 JOrdan 647no Since 1934 10622 W. 7 Mile DI 2-1600 2 Blocks E. of Meyers EXPECTING OUT OF TOWN GUESTS FOR. A WEDDING OR A BAR MITZVAH? Cranbrook House Motel Is Conveniently Located at 20500 JAMES COUZENS (8 Mile & Greenfield—Across from Northland) Call 342-3000 For the Finest Accommodations! Dine at the SCOTCH & SIRLOIN RESTAURANT Airport Limousine Service Available 51 Specializing Only in Rug Cleaning We're celebrating our 50th Year of de- pendability and integrity—your guaranty of superb rug cleaning. When you want your rugs and carpets cleaned properly, you can rely on Leader. Personal atten- tion is given to each rug. We also remove spots and stains, repair, rebind and re- weave. You'll be amazed at the beautiful results when we deliver your rugs. Call Today TY. 543400 came CARPET CLEANING CO. .---8700 LINWOOD Cash & Carry — Save 20%