Digest of Public Opinion on Jewish Matters

[The purpose of the Digest is informative: Preference is given to papers not generally accessible to our readers. Quotation does not indicate approval–Editor.]

Criticism of Ethical Culture, especially because of its leader’s attempt to associate the symbolism of the Torah and the Elevation of the Host in the Mass, is made by Rabbi Jonah B. Wise, in the “American Israelite.”

Writing in the issue of June 17, Rabbi Wise says, in part:

“Dr. Felix Adler is a distinguished scholar and humanitarian. He however, trespasses a little on patience when he associates the symbolism of the Torah or Scroll of The Law in the synagog and the Elevation of the Host in the Mass. The Torah is not worshipped in the synagog. It is difficult to discuss differences without becoming censorious but one really is a little surprised at a man of Dr. Adler’s reserve and learning maintaining a pose today which was hardly correct fifty years ago. The advent of Jewish liberalism has released the Bible and especially the Five Books of Moses from the thralldom of legalism and ecclesiastic authority. If it had not done so in Dr. Adler’s congregation it was his privilege to see that such liberty was forthcoming. Jews and humanity are better served by a free and stimulating interpretation of their own inherited programs than they are by sudden and anarchic departures from them.”

KLAN NOT WELCOME IN CANADA

The Klan, which is striving to establish itself in Canada, is apparently not receiving a friendly reception, it appears from the remarks in the “Toronto Globe,” wherein we read:

“Perhaps the ridicule with which the people of Welland have greeted the Ku Klux Klan’s advent into that town and its attempt to establish itself there is the best way to render it innocuous, and eventually drive it out of the community. It is virtualy impossible for a blatant and mischievous organization of this kind to thrive in the face of the universally displayed contempt of the community. There is no place in Canada for orders of this description, whose only living in amity and contentment, and whose only appeal, if it has any appeal, is to ignorance and the childish love of pyrotechnical display and silly mystical mummery.”

JEWISH COMMUNAL ACTIVITIES

Rabbi Ezekial Lifschitz, of Poland, was greeted by Mayor Dever of Chicago.

The committee which escorted Rabbi Lifschitz to the mayor’s office was composed of Ald. Jacob Arvey, Mitchell Robins, member board of local improvements; M. Ph. Ginsburg, publisher of the “Jewish Courier”; L. S. Levin, B. S. Horwich, A. Abramsky, Rabbi E. Epstein and Prof. M. S. Szymczak, secretary to County Judge Jarecki, who was interpreter.

Temple Etz Ahayem will be erected in Montgomery, Ala., by the congregation “Tree of Life.” a Sephardic congregation.

The new temple will cost approximately $20,000.