Agudath Israel Urges New Spiritual Strength in American Jewish Life

One thousand leaders of American Orthodox Jewry, including deans from the leading rabbinical institutions in this country, heard a call today to American Jews for a more intimate involvement with the traditional values of Judaism as a means of strengthening the moral strength of the Jewish nation. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, Dean of Mesifta Tifereth Jerusalem and a member of the presidium of Agudath Israel, addressing the dinner meeting of Agudath Israel of America, called on Jews everywhere “to face the current trying times with a rededication to the ancient values of Judaism, asset forth in the ancient Torah.”

Gov. Hugh Carey of New York, responding to his being bestowed with the 1975 Humanitarian Award of Agudath Israel of America, hailed the growth of Agudath Israel and the Orthodox Jewish community in general. He warned against the current administration policy in Washington of “reassessing American relations with Israel.” He termed it “a short-sighted policy, which is not only immoral, but flies in the face of the interests of our own country.” He called the continued military, economic, and political aid to Israel “in the best interest of America.”

Rabbi Moshe Sherer, executive president of Agudath Israel of America, called for “a changing of the guard in Jewish leadership with a new breed of leaders, with policy decisions to be made by leaders thoroughly rounded in ancient Jewish tradition. The bank book guide rule of determining Jewish leadership must come to a halt and must be replaced through Jewish scholarship and commitment to traditional Jewish values if we are to come to grips with the problems facing the Jewish people, Rabbi Sherer continued.

In addition to Carey, three American Orthodox Jewish leaders received awards: Sheldon Beren, prominent Denver Orthodox leader, Joseph Friedenson, editor of “Dos Yiddishe Vort,” and Max Berg, chairman of the Russian Immigrant Rescue Fund.