The “disorganization of Judaism on the diaspora scene” was envisioned by Max M. Goldberg, of Washington, D.C., president of the National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs, unless there is “a greater religious involvement in this era of crisis by which we can meet the challenge in the areas of Jewish youth education, and synagogue participation.”
The Jewish lay leader will make this statement in his presidential report to his organization’s 43rd annual convention at the opening session of its five day convention beginning Sunday. Declaring that if these challenges are “not grasped, wrestled with and bested,” the hope for the “fulfillment of the true Jewish prophecy” will fail.
Pledging his organization to work towards greater religious involvement, Goldberg said that he didn’t want to be a prophet of doom but, “that without a true realization that we are Jews, and a diligent effort to achieve these goals, we are living a life of pretense, and all noble purposes, no matter how articulately mouthed, are hyperbole.”
As a hopeful sign, he pointed out that there is evidence that “many of our children want religious experience.” He said that this is a mission “that cannot be ignored, even though budgets have skyrocketed and neighborhoods have changed to such an extent that the future of congregations that have cost millions to build are now faced with problems of survival.” The National Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs is a part of Conservative Judaism and is affiliated with the Jewish Theological Seminary and the United Synagogue.
Michael Brojde returned to his home in Copenhagen today from a hospital where he had been confined since May 16 following an eight-day hunger strike, He was reported to be in good health. Brojde had been striking to protest the Polish government’s refusal to grant his father, Leopold Trepper, an exit visa for Israel. Trepper is the former chief of the Soviet spy network, the “Red Orchestra.”
Reminder: There will be no News Bulletin on Monday. May 29th, Memorial Day.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
