Aiding Jewish prisoners in penal institutions in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and West Virginia, and taking care of orphans in the Erie Orphans Home are two of the outstanding functions of the Independent Order B’nai B’rith, District No. 3, according to the reports presented here yesterday at the twenty-third annual convention of District Grand Lodge No. 3, which opened here yesterday and continues today.
The rehabilitation of criminals while they are still in prison, securing employment for them, gaining their release on parole and then aiding them to reestablish themselves as useful members of society has been the aim of the prison aid committee of District No. 3 and much has been accomplished, it was stated. Visitations are being made to the Western Penitentiary in Pittsburgh, the Eastern Penitentiary in Philadelphia, Hudson County, N. J. jails, Newark prisons and other prisons in the district. That Jewish chaplains be installed at all prisons where there are Jewish prisoners was also recommended. The Federation of Jewish Charities was thanked for its aid to the B’nai B’rith in securing employment for prisoners released on parole and for those whose prison terms have expired. Judge Joseph L. Kun, of Philadelphia, an active member of the Philadelphia lodge, was also thanked for his efforts in behalf of Jewish prisoners in Philadelphia, as he aided many in reestablishing themselves in life.
A plea was made to Jewish business firms to employ former Jewish prisoners who were released through the efforts of the B’nai B’rith.
The Erie Orphan’s Home at Erie. Pa., is doing a remarkable piece of work in taking care of many Jewish orphans, according to Isador Sobel, President of the B’nai B’rith Home for Children. Mr. Sobel made a plea for aid from the District stating that the Home should accommodate more children.
According to the report of Joseph Herbach, of Philadelphia, Secretary of District No. 3, the membership in the District is close to 6,000 at the present time and the majority of the lodges are showing increases.
Mr. Herbach also stated that auxiliaries are being organized throughout the District and that the future is encouraging. Mr. Herbach stated that during the past year District No. 3 did great work in helping the Jewish needy.
More than 600 persons attended the banquet at the Hotel Americus last night. The principal speaker was Dr. Boris Bogen, of Cincinnati, Ohio, Secretary of the International Order of B’nai B’rith.
The invocation was delivered by (Continued on Page 4)
The Wider Scope Committee reported last night on the Hillel Foundation for the establishment of work among Jewish students in colleges and universities, the inculcation of better understanding between Gentile and Jew, and the extension of cultural activities.
Abraham Berkowitz, well-known Philadelphia lawyer, who is the new president of District No. 3, will be installed this morning. He is a past president of the Hebrew Literature Society of Philadelphia, a member of the Board of Directors of the Y. M. H. A., past president of the Morais Lodge. B’rith Sholom and, was recently named to the Court of the Arbitration of the Jewish Kehillah of Philadelphia. The convention will end today with a luncheon to the delegates and governors.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
