Over 200 synagogue buildings representing an outlay of $400,000,000 have been erected in the last decade in the United States, it was reported here today at the annual convention of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, the organization of Reform rabbis. The figure is for Orthodox, Conservative and Reform groups, it was emphasized.
The convention was told by Dr. Israel Bettan that Bas Mitzvah does not belong in Reform temples and that it goes counter to tradition. There is no popular demand for it in Reform Jewry, he stated. Rabbi Malcolm Stern, of Norfolk, urged that rabbis be equipped with information about psychology if they wish to be successful counsellors.
Today’s session observed the 750th anniversary of the death of the famous Jewish philosopher Maimonides. Speakers emphasized that the teachings of Maimonides are pertinent today.
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