Interesting Dispute Arises Between Chicago Jewish Welfare Institutions

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

The Moses Montefiore Hebrew Free School here has summoned the Chicago Jewish Charities to a “Din Torah” (rabbinical trial) because the latter withdrew financial support from the school when it failed to alter its course of studies to conform to the requirements of the Jewish Education Committee.

Some fifteen years ago the Orthodox Jewish charitable organizations here first took measures to support the public Hebrew schools. When the Orthodox charities were later merged with the Reform charities to become the existing Chicago Jewish Charities, stipulation was made that the principles of Orthodoxy were to be respected, and that the internal organization of various institutions which the charities supported were not to be interfered with.

Several weeks ago the Jewish Education Committee, which is part of the Chicago Jewish Charities, withdrew financial support from the Montefiore school because of differences over methods of teaching the Talmud. The school has refused to conform with the requirements of the committee and is asking its supporters to contribute funds to the school direct instead of transmitting them through the United Charities as heretofore.

This is the first time that the Jewish Education Committee has brought pressure to bear on institutions which have not complied with its policy of standardization and modernization. The outcome is being watched with interest as it may affect a number of Orthodox schools which have also declined to abandon their existing methods and studies.

The contract for construction of a temple in Cleveland, Massissippi, to cost approximately $20,000 exclusive of fixtures, has been let. Work will be begun immediately.