Shochtim Convention Decides on National Organization

The convention of the Shochtim which concluded its sessions at the Broadway Central Hotel Monday evening voted at its final session to federate permanently in a national organization and elected its first official slate as follows: Rev. Jacob Bloom, President; Rev. Joseph Rosenman, Vice-President; Rev. Elihu Meltzer, Secretary-Treasurer; Rev. Israel Bashkovitz, Recording Secretary. The Reverends Shrigel, Solomon, Liber, Ehrenkranz, Buchin, Vagarin, Segal and Freedman were also elected Vice-Presidents.

The newly created Verband, following its organization, adopted a series of resolutions, relating to the improvement of the conditions of the Shochtim and touching the general status of Shechita. One of the resolutions empowered the national organization to devise ways and means for the raising of a fund for sick and infirm Shochtim as well as a pension fund for widows of Shochtim. The Verband also decided to convert the “Shochtim Stimme,” the official organ from a monthly into a weekly publication.

Another resolution called upon the Verband to cooperate with the rabbinical authorities, toward the general design of improving the present disordered status of American Shechita and Kashruth generally. The resolution provides for the creation of a joint committee of rabbis and Shochtim to work for this end.

The Verband in still another resolution called upon the Shochtim throughout the country to seek representation on the various local Kashruth boards. The convention also voted to exert the efforts of the national Verband generally in the interests of Jewish religious life.

A resolution was adopted protesting against the oppression to which Shochtim were said to be subjected in Poland.

The resolution to create a permanent national organization was adopted with great enthusiasm at a session presided over by Rev. Jacob Bloom. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Joseph Rosenman, Rev. Israel Bashkovitz, Rev. S. L. Hurwitz, Rev. S. Krulevitz and Rev. Elihu Meltzer. The concluding evening session was presided over by Rev. Krulevitz and addresses were delivered by Rev. Sherman of Atlantic City, Rev. Weinberg of Hartford, Rev. Abel of Scranton, Pa., and Rabbi Leiter of New York. Rabbi A. M. Kavalski delivered an address, urging the members of the new Verband to cooperate in the creation of an American market for Palestinian products.

The sessions of the convention were concluded with a banquet Monday evening at which speeches were made by Rev. Bloom, Rev. Rosenman and Rev. Bashkovitz, Rev. Meltzer and Rev. Krulevitz.