be used to better advantage in the work of our local social and philanthropic institutions.
4. The room would not be used. It would be a showpiece to our vanity.
5. We should not place our contribution, which is purely spiritual, beside the tangible contributions of other peoples.
6. Owing to the widely different opinions as to whether the Jews represent a race, a nation, a religion, the room and the idea behind it would need constant interpretation.
7. The fact that Jews disagree so greatly in regard to the project would make the room a monument to our differences.
8. Jewish students at the University of Pittsburgh would not want the room.
9. Neither the Jews of the Community nor the Jewish student body have been approached by the University in regard to this room. The idea of a Jewish room did not originate at the University and should the project be endorsed by all Pittsburgh Jewry, there is no authority for the assumption that the University of Pittsburgh is ready to grant such a room.
The following reasons were advanced as reasons why the Cathedral of Learning should include a Jewish Room among the fifty-six rooms set aside to represent the cultural contributions to civilization of the various peoples of the world:
1. Monotheism, the basic unity of mankind. The three monotheistic religions are all of Jewish origin.
2. Culture-Jewish culture is a unique culture based on the Bible, the Talmud and ideas contained therein. Jewish culture is not limited by national boundaries.
3. Social justice is articulated through the Prophets.
4. In view of our civilizing influence, our contribution to the Cathedral of Learning would be incomplete and unhistorical without a Jewish Room.
5. Jewish culture is consistent with American ideas. The immigrant may shed his social habits but not his culture.
6. Jews are taken to task as Jews when we have a Jewish criminal. Why not place in the Jewish Room memorials to the great Jewish personalities?
7. The Jewish Room would promote good will and understanding.
8. It would be a source of pride to Jewish students.
At the Conference’s meeting, the vote by organizations was taken, with the following results: Of 20 constituent organizations belonging to the Conference, sixteen groups sent written notes as requested. Thirteen voted in the affirmative and three in the negative.
The Conference has now sent a complete report of its findings to all Pittsburgh groups engaged in religious, philanthropic or educational work. And the Conference, it is reported, stands ready to meet with representatives of these groups for further discussion of the project in all its aspects.
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.
