A statement as to the aims and organization of the Brooklyn Jewish Center, largest institution of its kind in the borough, was obtained by the Jewish Daily Bulletin from Joseph Goldberg, executive director of the Center. The message is appended to a New Year’s greeting for the readers of the Bulletin, and an expression of hope for a year of peace and happiness for Jews the world over.
Mr. Goldberg’s statement is as follows:
“In a few weeks (December 31) the Center will celebrate the eleventh anniversary of its dedication. This is not merely to be the celebration of another Jewish institution of which happily we have so many in Brooklyn and New York City as a whole, but that of a movement which has taken a strong hold upon Jewish life in America.
“What does the Jewish Center movement represent, and what is its aim in Jewish life?
“To answer this we must be acquainted with the causes that led to the idea of Jewish centers and what the center movement set out to accomplish.
“First and foremost in the minds of those who conceived the idea of a Jewish Center was to establish closer relationship between parents and children by giving to each of them the activities in which they are most interested. The institution was also to foster a love for Jewish tradition and ideals; to create a pleasant meeting ground for the Jews of the community and in general to develop better Jews and better Americans alike. They had in mind the creation of an institution that would house under one roof such diversified activities as a synagogue, gymnasium and baths, lectures and educational courses, entertainments, club and reading rooms, Hebrew classes and classes in Jewish history, games, dances and so forth. The older folks would by means of these activities, learn something of the spirit of the youth while they in return would gain knowledge of and respect for the ideals, customs and desires of the older generation. One would be brought closer to the other and there would be a better understanding between them by reason of the fact that they woud find something in common, something that each would appreciate in the other.
“The organization of the Brooklyn Jewish Center began in the year 1919, following immediately after the organization of a similar Center on West 86th Street, New York City. Its aim was to promote the physical, recreational, social, educational and religious well-being of the community. The building, one of the most beautiful and imposing structures erected by Jews in this country, was completed at a cost of $1,100,000 and dedicated for service on December 31, 1922. The activities conducted thus far have earned for it the reputation as the leading Jewish institution of its kind in America. It may well be said that the Brooklyn Jewish Center has fathered the Center movement in America. Its plans are being copied almost daily by communities large and small, and its activities are held up as a model for other similar Centers being erected in various communities.
“The religious activities are centered around the Synagogue, a most imposing place of worship and a model of architecture. It is always filled with people, young and old, who come to attend the Sabbath and Holy Day Services or the late Friday evening lectures, and musical services conducted duering the fall
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.
