Large crowds today attended funeral services for Dr. Moses Gaster, retired Sephardic Chief Rabbi who died Sunday night at the age of 82. Hundreds were unable to enter the overcrowded chapel at the Golders Green Spanish and Portuguese cemetery. The impressive service was according to the medieval Spanish Jewish rites. The ram’s horn was blown twice, in the chapel and at the graveside. Chanting psalms, dignitaries of the synagogue, the Chief Rabbi and Jewish scholars and leaders made seven circuits around the coffin, on which two candles glowed. Among those in the procession was Neville Laski, president of the Board of deputies of British Jews and Rabbi Gaster’s son-in-law.
Dr. Gaster’s contributions to the Zionist movement were eulogized at a memorial meeting held by the Zionist Organization. Dr. Chaim Weizmann, president of the World Zionist Organization, referring to Dr. Gaster’s work for the issuance of the Balfour Declaration, said: “We all need comfort in these difficult times, but I am afraid we may have to pass through more difficulties in the future.” Other speakers were Prof. Selig Brodetsky and Leon Simon.
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.
