THE JEWISH NEWS

1951
Incorporating The Detroit Jewish Chronicle commencing with issue of July 20, Editorial
Association

Member American Association of English-Jewish Newspapers, Michigan Press Association, National
Published every Friday by The Jewish News Publishing Co., 17100 We,..1. Seven Mile Road. Detroit, Mich.
VE 8-9364. Subscription $7 a year. Foreign $8.
Second Class Postage Paid at Detroit, Michigan

PHILIP SLOMOVITZ

Editor and Publisher

CARMI M. SLOMOVITZ

Business Manager

SIDNEY SHMARAK

Advertising Ma nager

48235,

CHARLOTTE DUBIN

City Editor

Sabbath Scriptural Selections

This Sabbath, the 22nd day of lyar. 5729, the following scriptural selections will
be read in our synagogues:
Pentateuchal portion, Lecit. 25:1-27:34. Prophetical portion. Jeremiah 16:19-17:14.

Candle lighting. Friday, May 9. ::21

VOL. LV. No. S

pan

May 9, 1969

Page Four

Rise of Anti-Semitism Search for Cures

In its recent study of the spread of anti-
Semitism in this country, the Anti-Defama-
tion League report stated that: "More than a
third of the population is anti-Semitic; the
majority of the other two-thirds indicates
apathy; overt anti-Jewish discrimination is
low but the widely accepted negative atti-
tudes are deeply ingrained."
Nevertheless, the ADL report asserted
that "To focus solely on anti-Semitic beliefs
would exaggerate the extent of the problem
and to focus solely on discrimination would
minimize it."
In the light of what had been exposed, in
view of the emerging revelations, the latter
statement is puzzling, and it is necessary to
ask whether proper approaches are being
made to bring light into a darkened sphere
and to help rally American public opinion
into a state of normalcy and greater adher-
ence to the basic ideas of fair play and an ex-
pression of resentment over the expanding
prejudices and the emergence of a backlash
that affects not only Jews but others, especi-

ally the blacks in our midst.
The ADL report gives credence to the
view expressed on numerous recent occasions
that while much has been said about Negro
anti-Semitism there is more of it among
whites—and this is cause for grave concern.
It is cause for distress because the spread of
bigotry, once it afflicts Jews, surely also will
spread as an expression of hate for Negroes.
Catholics and others who form a minority in
a WASP society.
Yet, the ADL report reverts to old cliches,
to solutions that have not proven workable.
The ADL's retired chairman. Dore Schary.
analyzing the report on the spread of anti-
Semitism, spoke .of "education" as a way of
providing a partial cure. H. stated:.
"Given the nature of _siett:Seniltism and the
conditions of economic hardship that persist in
the ghetto, it is hardly surprising _that economic
anti-Semitism has special appeal for Negroes.
As an ideoloo, anti-Semitism blames Jews for
social and economic ills. In a society where anti-
Semitic beliefs are indigenous and in which Jews
are a prominent part of the ghetto economy, it
would be nothing short of miraculous to find
Negroes immune to economic anti-Semitism.
"While education is not a cure-all. anti-Semi-
tic prejudice is likely to decrease as the educa-
tion level in the country rises.
"Education—at every level from grade school
through college—must transmit democratic prin-
ciples and strong commitment to the basic ideas

and ideals upon which the American political
system and society have been built.
"What we seem to have now, is mere outward
conformity to norms and prohibitions. The exist-
ence of pervasive anti-Semitism is a danger signal
to Jews. but it is also a danger signal to all
Americans."
It so happens that the one proferred solu-
tion—education—proved, in time of crises, to

be of such a long-range nature, that it is not
sufficient in the form in which it has been
utilized. We have used pamphleteering as a
road to educating people who suffer from
bias, but most pamphlets—except in the hands
of a select number of intelligent readers—
have proven valueless. Exchange of views in
newspapers often muddies the already dirty
waters rather than clears the stream.
A way must be found to reach a larger
On the 25th anniversary of Dr. Samuel Belkin's services as Wed-
public, to enlighten people factually, to strive
for understanding through every available dent of Yeshiva University, a volume of marked merit was compiled
in honor of the eminent scholar.
means—and perhaps the most important are
Entitled "Studies in Tora Judaism,''
the communications media of radio and tele-
this volume, published by Yeshiva Uni-
vision and the religious centers. If the preju-
versity Press together with Ktav Publish-
dices will not be either removed or allayed
ing Co., contains a series of essays by a

Tora Judaism Studies Honor
President Belkin of Yeshiva U.

from pulpits, and through the spoken words
of broadcasters who must. themselves, first

be properly enlightened, then we may be
due for a lot of trouble in many areas.
There is need for serious study and for•
approaches to eliminate hatreds, to help cure
the ills of society, to prevent the spread of
the poisonous ideas that undermine the basis
for common decency. Much is to be done. the
road towards good will is a difficult one, but

efforts to arrive at humanitarian goals must
never be shirked. What may be done to pre-
vent the spread of anti-Semitism also will
contribute towards the elimination of all
vestiges of prejudice affecting all Americans
of all creeds and all races.

*

There are many aspects of the new anti-
Semitic trends that call for added vigilance.
The New Left's role in fomenting strife
based on an anti-Israel approach has led to
an increase in anti-Semitism. Nvith whites
even guiltier than the blacks among whom
they are spreading their venom.
Then there is the new type of columnist—
like the former member of the U.S. ambassa-
dorial family — who have become so imbued
with anti-Israel feelings that they have turned
into virtual anti-Semites.
We have much more to be on guard against
now than ever since the era of Nazism.

Hebrew University's Role in Crises

While struggling for security for its peo-
ple and for a guarantee for the protection
of the nation's autonomy, Israel does not per-
mit interruption in its major cultural and
spiritual tasks. The nation is on a war footing,
in an embattled state. Yet there is continuity
in the constructive efforts, in the establish-
ment of new industries, in the settlement of
large numbers of newcomers from lands of
oppression, and especially in the advancement
of its academic tasks.
Thus, the Technion trains skilled engi-
neers; Weizmann Institute, which has the
good fortune of securing the services of Dr.
Albert Sabin as president, carries on valu-
able research tasks; Bar-Ilan, Tel Aviv and
Haifa universities are making marked prog-
ress; and the Hebrew University retains an
international reputation for excellence in the
studies it provides for the many thousands
from Israel and students from many lands.
Facing the many crises that have threat-
ened Israel's very existence, the Hebrew
University uninterruptedly continues its ma-
jor aims of providing high-ranking educa-
tional opportunities in all professional fields.
Its attainments are so varied and numerous

that the great university, which sets the pace
for high goals by the other schools of higher
learning in Israel. has earned educators' com-
mendations and world Jewry's support.
Noteworthy efforts in behalf of the uni-
versity now are being made by Detroiters.
The dormitory to be established on Mount
Scopus by the Abraham Bormans will provide
new means to assure housing for the students.
A similar project by Mrs. Morris Schaver and
her family adds to Detroit's participation in
an important pro-Israel effort.
At the same time. the visiting Detroit stu-
dents from the Midrasha who. jointly with a
Jewish Center project. will participate in
scholarly efforts in Israel. will serve to en-
courage the cultural links between Israel
and Detroit.
These are tasks of a serious nature, stem-
ming from an understanding of Israel's needs,
inspired by the generosity of Detroiters who
assist Israel philanthropically and who have
the vision to help finance student enrollment
in courses of study that will surely con-
tribute towards higher standards of knowl-
edge among Americans and greater oppor-
tunities for advanc.ement.by

•1 number of learned men whose works
were gathered by Dr. Leon D. Stitskin
for this testimonial volume.
Dr. Stitskin, the editor of this book, is
charge of the Yeshiva University
series "Studies in Tora Judaism and
Judaica." He is director of special pub-
lications for the university and is pro-
fessor of Jewish philosophy at the uni-
versity's Bernard Revel School.
The tribute to Dr. Belkin is marked
by the selection of the honoree's
essay, "The Philosophy of Purpose,"
to begin the entire series. Dr. Belkin's
Dr. Belkin
famous essay concerns itself with the
meaning of the origins and causes of creation for man. He defines
mitzvot and their moral and spiritual values.
Paying honor to the head of the great university in New York,- Dr.
Stitskin declares that the essay by Dr. Belkin "attests to the philosphi-
cal validity" of the "traditional approach to a sound exposition of
Judaism. It serves to reconcile religious opinions as embodied in our
revealed documents with the philosophical and scientific judgments
resulting from independent thinking without doing violence to the intel-
lectual foundation of either."
The seven learned men whose essays supplement the introduction

-

by Dr. Stitskin and the philosophic article by Dr. Belkin attest to the
excellence of choice of basic material regarding Halakhic and other
questions.
In the section on "Halakhic Structures of Judaism," the following
articles appear: "The Nature and History of Jewish Law" by Rabbi
Mendell Lewittes, "Jewish Law Faces Modern Problems" by Dr. Im-
manuel Jakobovits and "Knowledge and Love in Rabbinic Lore" by
Dr. Leo Jung.
Dealing with the "Scientific Formulations of Judaism — Science
and Religion," is the essay by Dr. Sol Roth.
Then there is the opening section on "Religious Perspectives of
Judaism," which features these articles: "Prayer" by Dr. Eliezer
Berkovits, "Sabbath and Festivals in the Modern Age" by Dr. Emanuel
Hackman and "The Kaddish: Man's Reply to the Problem of Evil" by
Rabbi Marvin Luban. - -
In every instance, definite declarations are made on vital matters
affecting religion, science, Halakha, rab-
binic lore, so that this work, indispensable
for rabbinic students, assumes great value
for the lay reader.
The series of studies published by Ye-
shiva University and the current volume in
tribute to Dr. Belkin is declared by Dr.
Stitskin to be aimed "to project a distinc-
tive religious claim of Judaism, to moralize
our technological skills and scientific inven-
tions." He adds:
"In an age when technological knowl-
edge will largely determine the fate of
mankind, there is the possibility of raising
technological giants whose power is not sub-
Dr. Stitskin
ject to moral discipline and whose cold
scientific knowledge is uncorrected by a single spiritual impulse. The
supreme task of religion is therefore to infuse moral virtue into our
technological skills and to show that we can use technology for human
decency, freedom and intellectual fulfillment. We need Judaism's value
judgments to instill moral standards and an attitude of sanctity into
life. The underlying message of our faith is that there is a moral law
in the nature of things corresponding to the natural law. Justice, truth
and purpose are part of ouz intelligent plan,of the universe of. which
.inaa isthe..instxtiment - in the.bands df a. power .greater. than .himself."

