Dr. Neumann Reports Increasing Receptivity to Hebrew in Institutions

An increasing receptivity to the introduction of modern Hebrew language studies for both children and adults on the part of Jewish institutions in this country–including YMHA’s and Jewish Centers, as well as in American colleges and universities–was reported by Dr. Emanuel Neumann at the annual meeting of the Tarbuth Foundation for the Advancement of Hebrew Culture held here.

At the same time, Dr. Neumann noted that the problem of qualified Hebrew teachers on all levels is becoming more acute year by year. “There is no adequate replacement to fill vacancies caused by death or retirement, and no early prospect of increasing the number of graduates from Jewish Teachers’ Seminaries. Even the recruitment of qualified teachers from Israel is running into difficulties,” he declared.

“Since there can be no Jewish survival in a meaningful sense, without Jewish education–and no education without teachers–this is rapidly becoming the number one problem facing our community. The problem should be recognized and attacked, not merely by specialized agencies but by the Jewish community as a whole; and not merely on the local level, but on the national level,” Dr. Neumann urged.

The report indicated that the Tarbuth Foundation during the past year continued its support of a number of projects to which it was previously committed, including: the monthly Hebrew magazine for children, Olam Hadash; preparation of modern Hebrew texts for college students; the introduction of Hebrew courses in public high schools; in service training courses for Hebrew teachers. Among the new projects initiated, were a Tarbuth program of Hebrew instruction in summer camps maintained under institutional auspices; Hebrew courses for adults in YMHA’s; and Hebrew columns in 15 Anglo-Jewish weeklies. These programs are to be continued and expanded during the coming year.

Officers of the Tarbuth Foundation re-elected for another term are: Dr. Emanuel Neumann, president; Abraham Goodman, chairman of the board of directors; Ralph Wechsler, secretary; and Jacob Goodman, treasurer.

(An incentive award for students of modern Hebrew in the public high schools throughout the country has been set up by the National Hebrew Culture Council, according to an announcement today by Judah Lapson, president of the Council. The award, which will be presented annually to the outstanding student of Hebrew in every public high school in the United States where Hebrew is included in the regular foreign language curriculum, is to be known as the Alexander Lamport Hebrew Achievement Award.)