Rabbi Samuel Schulman, rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanu-El, and president of the Synagogue Council, was tendered a farewell reception yesterday afternoon by the New York Board of Jewish Ministers prior to his sailing abroad. The reception took place at the Temple.
Many of his contemporaries attended the gathering. High tribute was paid to the rabbi who had held the post of spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El for many years. His successor, Rabbi Samuel Goldenson, lauded him, his work and his ideals.
The aged and reverend Rabbide Sola Pool, leader of the Spanish and Portuguese congregation, paid his respects. He said in part:
“It has been a pleasure to differ with Dr. Schulman. He never wavered, never straddled. One always knew where he stood.”
Rabbi Max Drob, president of the New York Board of Jewish Ministers, declared of Dr. Schulman: “Through his work he glorified God. As president of the Synagogue Council he has the world still before him.”
It remained for Dr. Goldenson to deliver the final words of homage:
“It is always pleasant to be called upon to pay tribute to another man,” he said, “I have been associated with Dr. Schulman for many years, particularly thought his work in the Central Conference of American Rabbis, and I have found him to be one of the most hopeful and powerful men. If I were asked the question why, I would say that it is because he is a man capable of philosophic thought that is reinforced by a real learning. But even more so it is his courage, his outspokenness, that has made him the leader he has always been. It is courage, in the last analysis, that makes philosophy and learning of value to the human race. With more leisure I hope he puts in writing some of his thoughts so that future generations may benefit, as have his contemporaries.”
Rabbi Schulman, final speaker, replied:
“This has all been very delightful. One of the speakers referred to my sense of duty. That is the thing I prize most highly.
“At the time of my final sermon I said it was both the happiest and sorriest day of my life. I was happy to turn over my pulpit to a man such as Rabbi Goldenson, a man from whom I expect big things. When a man is really interested in his work, he is happy to know his successor will be as fine a man as Dr. Goldenson. I still hope to do the best work of my career.”
Rabbis Moses Hyamson and Barnett A. Elsaz, former Board presidents, were among those at the reception.
Rabbi Nathan Stern acted as chairman.
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