Jewish parents throughout the United States were urged to enroll their children for a Jewish education, and to participate actively in the educational programs of their own communities, in a “Call to Jewish Parents” issued today by the American Association for Jewish Education. The call was endorsed by the heads of more than 20 of the major national Jewish organizations.
The organizations which endorsed the call include the American Zionist Council, American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, B’nai B’rith, Congress for Jewish Culture, Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, Zionist Organization of America, Hadassah, Jewish Labor Committee, Jewish War Veterans of the U. S. A., Mizrachi Organization of America, National Council for Jewish Education, National Council of Jewish Women, Jewish Welfare Board, and others.
“The beginning of the school year, this Fall, will coincide with the opening of an historic celebration–the observance of the 300th anniversary of Jewish settlement on these shores, ” the appeal says. “During the Tercentenary, American Jews and their fellow-citizens of all faiths will commemorate the arrival of the first Jews as the beginning of three centuries of creative Jewish life in this country. During these years, Jews have contributed significantly and generously of their talents, their energies, and their labors toward the growth and development of this great land.
“This has been a saga of immense achievement, based partly on the inspiration they drew from Jewish tradition, but also on the opportunities which this nation provided in full measure to those who left less hospitable countries to make their homes in this bountiful land.
“The accomplishments of the Jews who settled here ennoble our lives, but they also charge us with responsibilities. In the first place, we have the obligation to see to it that the great spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions which they, among others, brought to this country, will be maintained and cherished. In the second place, we of this generation have the duty to lend meaning and dignity to our existence here by forging new weapons in behalf of American democracy, our own community and Jews in other lands, including the State of Israel.
“There is an indispensable method by which we can discharge these responsibilities, now and for the future. Through a program of effective Jewish education, we can forge the links with the generations that have passed and with the communities of Jews in all parts of the world.
“Jewish Education Month will be observed this year from September 12 to October 10. During this period we must create the conditions of community interest and participation–in the Fall enrollment–in a program of Jewish education for youth and adults, girls as well as boys, that will guarantee a future in keeping with our past, yet attuned to present-day conditions and challenges. “
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