“One of the problems that is frequently discussed in religion is whether God has created man or the converse-namely, man has created God in his image”, declared Rabbi Joseph Zeitlin to the congregation of Temple Ansche Chesed, West End Avenue and 100th Street. “This seemingly innocent speculation has come to a most serious conclusion only recently when a Herr Chancellor in Germany ventured to foist his new conception of the Godhood upon his people. There is a great danger that a manufactured deity will be the cause of the evils of race-hatred, bigotry, depression and moral degeneracy. It is well for us to fortify ourselves in our religious beliefs and traditions if we would that civilization be not placed in the precarious position of being overthrown. Would that we taste of and appreciate the blessings that religion offers us.”
CONTRASTS HITLER AND ROOSEVELT
Discussing “A Roosevelt Anniversary and a Hitler Anniversary”. Dr. Israel Goldstein told Congregation B’nai Jeshurun 88th Street west of Broadway, the the two anniversaries “have provided an opportunity to estimate not only two contrasted personalities but two conflicting currents of optimism and of pessimism touching humanity’s progress.
“In these times which are depressing spiritually even more than materially, one consolation we may offer ourselves is that there are still great countries to which the spirit of Hitler’s Germany is alien. Roosevelt’s America is today one of the two bright spots in the world picture. The other bright spot is Soviet Russia, where for the first time in fifteen years there are difinite signs that its new economic order can hold its own in comparison with other countries.
“Such social phenomena as are taking place today in these two countries, counterbalance the impressions made by Hitler’s hatredridden Germany, and inspire hope and faith in human progress.”
LAUDS ARBOR DAY
“Ceremonies must have a high place in modern religion”, said Rabbi Louis I Newman in his sermon at Temple Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83rd Street, “and the Jewish New Year for trees which is now being celebrated points the way to a revival of interest in the pageantry and symbolism of faith. Those religions which refuse to incorporate ceremonial observance into their cult cannot expect to win the enthusiasm and allegiance of the children of their members. Children enjoy the rites and ceremonies of the holydays, the religious institutions and the home.
“When the Jewish people recovers a normal status as a people with a homeland, then the peasant class and agriculturists who form the backbone of a nation can bring their contributions to the life of Israel. The New Year of the trees is a symbol of the Jewish hope that Palestine will be revived as a center not only for a great ruban, but great colonist population.”
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.
