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David Lilienthal Addresses Public Celebration of Centennial of Temple Brith Kodesh

January 18, 1949
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The vitality, unparalleled productivity and standard of living in America are not the consequences of an economic system, but rather “our flourishing economic institutions are the consequence of our ethical and moral standards and precepts, of our democratic faith in man,” David E. Lilienthal, chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, declared here yesterday at a public meeting celebrating the 100th anniversary of Temple B’rith Kodesh, of Rochester.

Speaking of the atom bomb and recent scientific discoveries, Lilienthal declared: “If we live with faith I deeply believe that these great discoveries of our time can be made to better the lot of mankind and further the Kingdom of God.” He also stated that “ethical principles and religious faiths” distinguish and exemplify the spirit of American democracy.”

Rabbi Philip Bernstein, spiritual leader of B’rith Kodesh and former advisor on Jewish affairs to the American high command in Germany, stated: “The urgency of this day’8 common problems and tasks points up as never before our common humanity and our common responsibility. The age of conflict between science and religion has ended. To continue it would be as irresponsible and suicidal as to foment in these times controversy between Catholic and Protestant, between Christian and Jew. Ours a common task in the laboratory and in the classroom and at the altars of God, to nourish men’s minds with knowledge and understanding and to touch their hearts with pity, faith and hope.”

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