Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, former U.N. mediator for Palestine, was today awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humans Letters by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The presentation was made by Dr. Louis Finkelstein, president of the Seminary, at a special convocation marking the opening of the Seminary’s 63rd academic year.
Former Governor Herbert H. Lehman was inaugurated as chairman of the Board of Overseers. He conferred citations for distinguished service upon 175 synagogue presidents from all sections of the country cooperating with the activities of the Seminary. Judge Simon H. Rifkind, former adviser on Jewish affairs to the American Military Government in Europe, delivered the principal address. He called upon the lay leaders of American Jewry to take the initiative in establishing and sustaining the institutions required by the Jewish religious community, particularly its educational facilities.
The degrees of Doctor of Hebrew Literature were conferred upon Rabbi Max J. Routtenberg, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Assembly of America, and Rabbi S. Bernards, spiritual leader of the Overbrook Park Congregation of Philadelphia.
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