Rabbi Joseph L. Fink of Buffalo was elected president of the Central Conference of American Rabbis as the 63rd annual convention of the organization of the Reform rabbinate concluded here today. He succeeds Dr. Philip Bernstein of Rochester, N.Y. Rabbi Fink welcomed increasing manifestations of unity and cooperation on matters of mutual interest among Reform. Orthodox and Conservative rabbis.
A resolution on Israel approved by the conference commended the new state on its “mighty achievements in the four years since its establishment,” and applauded “the sacrificial idealism of the young nation in absorbing 700,000 new immigrants in this short time despite its own grave trials and privations.
“This is an achievement of human helpfulness and rescue unprecedented in history and an example of practical Judaism at its best.” It further praised Israel for providing medical, social and educational services for all inhabitants of the land whether Jewish, Arab or Christian. The resolution expressed confidence that “problems of food distribution, free public education and of adjusting various elements of the population to one another would be resolved when the pressures of economic security and military safety are relieved.”
Commending continued American support of Israel through the United Jewish Appeal and the Israel bond drive, the conference expressed the hope for an “ever increasing interchange of the precious gifts of American experience and the fervor, spark and faith of a new pioneer land. Thus will the greatest democracy and the newest democracy strengthen each other as a token of that greater fulfillment of democratic world brotherhood.”
Rabbi Solomon B. Freehof of Pittsburgh, chairman of the conference Commission on Jewish Education, reported a substantial increase in the number of adult education groups in Reform congregations, the establishment of 15 regional centers to activate youth programs in different parts of the country, and the inauguration of an audio-visual education program to make the study of Bible and history more understandable to children.
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.
