the Conference. All speakers from the floor agreed that the paper by Rabbi Silver was one of the most brilliant presentations made before the Conference.
The discussion centered around the definition for Jews as a race, religion or nation.
The discussion last night opened with a paper written by Rabbi Samuel Schulman of New York, now in Europe. The paper was read by Dr. Joshua Liebman of Chicago. Rabbi Schulman in his paper insisted that Judaism must be considered as a religion. He emphasized that the creative power of Judaism lies in religion. He added that Reform Judaism has failed owing to lack of mysticism.
“In the myth of Israel, the genius of Israel is expressed,” Dr. Schulman said in his paper. “Israel and Law are bound together. The hope of Israel is the unification of humanity.”
Dr. Schulman’s paper concluded with an appeal for unity in Israel. “Israel has much to teach the world, but first it must teach itself,” the paper said. “Palestine will lead us to an ethical content of Judaism. Do not stand aloof, but recognize the importance of Palestine.”
Earlier in the evening the Conference heard recommendations favoring the guiding of young people in problems of marriage and family life.
The Conference approved the recommendations that courses on marriage and family life be established for rabbinical undergraduates. Also that special study circles on marriage and family problems be organized.
A uniform marriage law for all States was also favored by the Conference.
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.
