Warsaw Rabbinate Admitted 21 Proselytes, Former Christians, in Nine Years

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Twenty-one proselytes, sons of Christian parents, were admitted to Judaism by the Warsaw rabbinate in the period June 1918 to January 1927, according to figures given out by the rabbinate bureau here. The others who were admitted to Judaism were either former converts or sons of converts. The 21 former Christians admitted, represent only a small fraction of the number of applications made to the Rabbinate.

These figures were given out in connection with the dispute which has arisen between Jewish leaders and the Polish government as to the right of the Jewish community to admit proselytes when they express their desire to become Jews.

The Warsaw Rabbinate displayed extreme caution and unwillingness to admit proselytes The first application was made in 1918 by a Polish officer in the German army. He submitted evidence that his desire to embrace Judaism is not caused by any ulterior motives and he was admitted. During the entire period the rabbinate acted favorably mainly with regard to requests of such applicants who were of Jewish origin.

Since the issuance of the last government ordinance prohibiting the Jewish community to admit proselytes, the consideration of such applications was discontinued. There are, however, many applicants of Christian origin who continue to appear at the offices of the rabbinate inquiring as to when the prohibition will be lifted. Representations have been made by Jewish leaders to the government concerning the ordinance which they consider unconstitutional.