“american Israelite” Pays Tribute to Dr. Philipson

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Tribute to Dr. David Philipson on the occasion of the celebration of his fortieth anniversary as spiritual leader of the Rockdale Avenue Temple was paid by “The American Israelite.”

“Dr. Philipson as author, preacher, teacher, scholar and public servant has had a career far too varied and rich to permit of description here,” the paper declares.

“His life task seems to have been made up of dificult problems. As a member of the first class of the college, he faced the glare and blare of thousands of embittered crities ready to howl him down at the first sign of inadequacy or incompetence.

“In his pulpits he succeeded men of outstanding ability and must of necessity have fared ill by comparison with them, had he not had rich and enduring gifts. In Cincinnati particularly, in the pulpit of the beloved and marvelous, able Lilienthal, he had also to accept and meet the added problem of laboring in a community alongside Isaac M. Wise.

“As teacher and disciple the two walked hand in hand, but the public had to be forced to recognize the value of the young rabbi, seemingly impossible of recognition when compared with the enormous prestige of his famous colleague.

“Without cheapening his appeal, or feebly imitating his teacher, but with a cool, refined and powerful application of his great gifts and devoted energies, Dr. Philipson measured strides with Isaac M. Wise. He walked beside him as his companion and ally in his vigorous old age, slowing his won pace as time took its toll of his master’s vigor.

“As a leader Dr. Philipson is significant beyond cavil. He refuses to be carried away by emotional and temporary projects. His guidance is vigorous, direct and sane. His experience of more than a generation in the critical time of the Reform movement stands him in good stead. He was ever a heavy armed soldier, a “hoplite,’ not a slinger.

“We detect a lightening of the armor in recent years. He now seems to realize that the cause can safely deal with opposition and counter movements which at an earlier period might, but for unbending opposition, have seriously injured it. His powers, based on the stern discipline of the wars that were, are enhanced by the greater joy he finds in an Israel, possibly redeemed by mutual tolerance and respect.

“We pray that his service may continue to greater lengths and win finer achievements. We congratulate the congregation on the fine relationship of 40 years, a relationship excelled by none and equalled by few in dignity, mutual confidence and service. May it long endure.”

Mrs. Fannie Weissager, wife of William H. Weissager of New York, and a sister of Lee and Jacob J. Shubert, died in Syracuse, N. Y. on Sunday.

Funeral services will be held at Temple Emanu-El, Fifth Avenue and Seventy-sixth Street, today.