Search JTA's historical archive dating back to 1923

B’nai B’rith Convention Stresses Need for Jewish Education

May 25, 1955
See Original Daily Bulletin From This Date
Advertisement

The impact of anti-Semitism and Zionism upon America’s five million Jews “cannot suffice to stimulate and sustain Jewish loyalty.” Rabbi Robert Gordis of New York told the closing session of the 103rd annual convention of B’nai B’rith District Grand Lodge No. 1 today. What is needed, Rabbi Gordis continued is a form of liberal Jewish education that can succeed traditionalism and the recent emphasis on Hebrew language and literature that came with the rebirth of Jewish nationalism.

Rabbi Arthur J Lelyveld of New York, director of B’nai B’riths Hillel Foundation, also urged “a shift of emphasis in Jewish education in order to revive the Jewish ideal of learning. “The educated Jew is not the Jew who possesses the greatest number of Jewish facts or technical skill, but the Jew whose life is most fully enriched by his possession of Jewish meaning.” Joseph M. Finkle of Providence, R.I., was installed as president succeeding Judge David A. Rose of Boston.

Recommended from JTA

Advertisement