Future of Judaism in America Depends on Education and Training, Says Adolph S. Ochs

That the future of Judaism in America after the coming into effect of the new immigration law depends upon education and proper training, was the opinion expressed by Adolph S. Ochs, publisher of the New York “Times”, in response to an inquiry sent out by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations as to the effect on Jewish life in America of the restriction of immigration. This inquiry, addressed to a group of men prominent in the life of American Jewry brought the following responses:

“Endow the Hebrew Union College with five million dollars to educate and train men and women to keep the faith, and enlighten the world with the spirit and tenets of American Progressive Judaism”. Mr. Ochs stated.

James Davis, Chairman of the Jewish Education Committee of Chicago replied. “The effect of immigration restriction cannot help but be beneficial to the Jew in America. It will release the resources in effort and money that can well be spent in religious and cultural work.

“With proper religious training of the young, there is no reason why the Jew should not contine to represent the fine traditions of his race. The synagogue can and ought to assume a larger responsibility in this direction.”

“Many of the present Jewish activities will be restricted”. Mr. Aaron Waldheim stated, “and the necessity for Jewish social service will gradually become less and less. Reform congregations should be able to increase their membership, and persistent efforts should be made towards this end.”

“The restriction of immigration is going to simplify the Jewish problem in America”, is the opinion of Ludwig Vogelstein. “The’ Eastern Jews, who have come to America during the last four decades, will become Americanized and in another generation reasonably assimilated. The social service and philanthropic problem will change to educational work. The Jews will become a part of the country, different from the Gentiles only in their religion.

“Congregations should take a more active interest in the religious education of the Jews, which is the only thing that will keep the Jews Jewish. I do not think their views will change except that extreme Orthodoxy will disappear, and there will be a slow movement toward Reform Judaism.”

With the subscription of $20,000 by six prominent members of Congregation Israel, and the inauguration of a drive for Further funds, the construction of a new temple will soon be undertaken. This was the sentiment expressed at the annual meeting, which was held Tuesday evening in Pythian temple, with an attendance of over 400.