(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
Dr. David Philipson of Cincinnati, made an apeal for support of the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati, founded by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, in an address here at the Adath Israel Temple. Dr. Philipson is the only survivor of the first group of rabbis that was graduated from the college forty-four years ago. He is making a series of addresses in connection with the nation-wide drive for the college.
“The Jews of this country,” Dr. Philipson declared, “rest under an eternal debt of gratitude for this college. It is for the reason that it has not been supported adequately during the half-century of its existence that this concerted and nation-wide appeal is made. The call comes for you to do your part for the institution that furnished you with fine leaders, even as these leaders have served you so faithfully and well.
“How distinctly I remember the day of the opening of the college on the third of October 1875, when as a lad of thirteen, I entered the institution! Little did my classmates and I recognize that we were participating in a great and daring adventure under the guidance of that dauntless leader, the founder of the institution, Isaac M. Wise. Of that entire group of students but four continued during the eight years’ course
“We four were sent forth as the first American trained rabbis. It was well that we were not conscious of the fact that a mighty burden rested upon our young shoulders. Upon our success or failure the future of the institution would largely turn. My three classmates have rested from their earthly labors. They achieved so well that the worth of the Hebrew Union College became a household word among Jews throughout the land.
“The hundreds of rabbis who have graduated since that first ordination have with but very few exceptions followed worthily in the footsteps of the four pioneers,” Dr. Philipson said. “In cities and towns in every portion of the United States these men have represented the Jewish cause creditably and in instances brilliantly. They have participated in the life of the general community and have given devoted service in the advocacy of every effort for the welfare of humanity. The Jews of this country rest under an eternal debt of gratitude to these men for their service.”
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