The “Liberal Temple,” a non-denominational institution dedicated to youth, will open its doors on Oct. 12 in the Academy of Music under the leadership of Rabbi J. Gerson Brenner. Rabbi Brenner expects to have prominent clergymen, diplomatists, authors and statesmen deliver addresses during the Winter season as part of the religious services.
“The desperate cry of young men and women for religion is thunderous to him who does not close his ears,” Rabbi Brenner stated. “Youth, hungry for a religious message applicable to this age, marched to the churches. Then, unable to find what they wanted, they marched past the doors and are now waiting at the crossroads. Young people today are more concerned with justice and righteousness on this earth than in the world to come. Poverty, disease, prostitution, crime and war are religious questions. For this reason the Liberal Temple will preach but one day a week and will practice during the other six.”
Since the membership fee will be nominal, the success of his congregation will not depend upon a few large financial contributors, Rabbi Brenner said. He plans to establish a social service department which will function in the poorer sections of Philadelphia and in public institutions. The Liberal Temple will hold services every Sunday morning at 11 o’clock and men and women of all or no creeds will be welcome.
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.
