Bernstein Stresses Need for Developing Strength in Jewish Community

The need for developing strength in the American Jewish community to provide continuity of Jewish philanthropic services in this country and over seas was stressed here by Philip Bernstein, executive director of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, addressing a “Teach-In” arranged this weekend by the Combined Jewish Appeal of Greater Chicago.

The American Jewish community is rapidly changing,” he noted. “It is the first generation of American Jews predominantly native-born and university-educated. It is the first generation of American Jews largely suburban, rather than mid-city oriented. It is the first generation which must work out an American Jewish culture fitting the American environment, rather than depending on the transplanted culture of grandparents from Europe.

“American Jews have choices not available to previous generations, because they are living in a more open society. The American forces molding the Jewish culture are themselves changing, as the goals of a pluralistic society replace those of the melting-pot. This is the largest community with the greatest resources of any Jewish community in the world. It has opportunities–and responsibilities–unknown to its forebears. Our task is to build a creative and ethical Jewish community which future generations will cherish with pride.”