Did Not Form World Union for Progressive Judaism to Combat Orthodoxy

The statement that the World Union for Progressive Judaism was not formed to combat Orthodoxy, but for strengthening the cause of Progressive Judaism was made by Dr. Isaac Landman, first of the American rabbis to return from the International Conference of Liberal Jews held recently in London. When interviewed by a representative of the “Jewish Daily Bulletin”, Dr. Landman stated:

“Positive good for Judaism the world over will follow the organization in London of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. The Union was founded, not for controversy, not for opposing Orthodoxy, but for strengthening the cause of Progressive Judaism, and for the study and better understanding of the conditions that make for or against Jewish modernism in various parts of the world. Three continents and seven countries were represented by delegates, the largest number of whom naturally came from the United States. India, the farthest off and the latest country to report a Liberal Synagogue, was also represented.

“One American interjected the question of Zionism, which was ruled out of order, the attitude of the World Union being that a Liberal may take whatever attitude be please toward the movement.

“Strikingly typical of true liberalism was the agreement in the Conference that while a ‘Union’ was being formed, there was no arm at ‘uniformity.’ Actually, there never has been uniformity in Judaism; neither in doctrine nor in observance. On the other hand, there was unanimity at the Conference on the matter of principles and ideals: that the revelations of divinity are unending; that the exalted teachings of the Bible Prophets, as basic in Judaism are applicable to modern conditions and the progress of knowledge; that ancient and historic forms and practices should and can be adapted to present-day requirement and the outlook of this generation. The fartherance of these principles constitutes the fundamental purpose of the new World Union; and upon these principles it is proposed to invite like-minded individual Jews and Jewish organizations everywhere to cooperate.

“That this enlightened conception of Judaism has taken root among the native Bene Israel youth of Bombay was a revelation to the delegates and a heartening token of the necessity for the movement: that on the morning following, a World Organization of Orthodox Jews to combat Liberalism was announced is likewise a sign that the dead bones are stirring into a vitality that holds promise of ultimate recognition that in petrifaction there is no life.”