J. D. B. News Letter

Community’s Consolidation Progresses as Institutions are Built (By our San Francisco Correspondent)

During the last ten years there has been evident in San Francisco and in other large cities of the West a gradual and steady breaking down of the lines between the various elements of Jewry.

So marked has this tendency toward a solidarity in Jewish ranks become that as a result movements are on foot in a score of western cities toward the formation of Jewish centers in which the activities of Orthodox, Conservative and Reform Jews would be consolidated.

Especially is this change noticeable in San Francsco and as San Francisco is typical of all Western United States in this respect, a brief view of conditions here will serve to illustrate the situation.

Ten years ago there were sharp lines between the three groups of San Francisco Jewry. Zionism had barely taken a foothold in the community and the Agudath Zion Society was made-up exclusively of the Orthodox. Then came Rabbi Wolf Gold from Palestine and established a Mizrachi Zionist group. That further drew the lines of demarcation.

B’nai B’rithism was in the hands of the Orthodox and a few Conservatives. The Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association were in the hands of the latter groups.

Slowly but certainly there has worked out a change that presages a solid front in Jewish activities with men and women of all “shades” of Judaism working harmoniously side by side to promote the best interests of their faith, regardless of personal beliefs on forms of worship.

Out of the small group of Orthodox Jews making up the Zionist body has emerged a large powerful Zionist Organization of Northern California comprising Jewish men and women of the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform elements. Group lines have been forfotten and the organization functions as one of the most influential and effective of Zionist bodies in the country.

The same is true of the B’nai Brith Many prominent Jewish business and professional men — Reform Jews — have enlisted in the Sons of the Covenant. They work side by side with their fellows of orthodox and conservative views, while the differences. in their beliefs are submerged that they may better serve the Jewish people.

The same is true in the Young Men’s and Young Women’s Hebrew Association and a powerful organization has resulted.

And the climax to this change is looming in the plans now being pushed ahead for the formation of a Jewish community center which promises to being all groups together in a concurted program for Jewish intellectual cultural and recreational advancement.

Before long the plans for this center are expected to crystalize in the erecation of a suitable building and there working side by side with but one purpose in mind, will be Jews of Reform. Orthodox and Conservative ###, all working as one for the common good.

Municipal Court Justice William P. Wiener of Queens County. N. Y. who was reelected to office without opposition at the last election after he was endorsed by both the Republican and Democratic parties, will be given a testimonial dinner by the members of the congregation of Temple Beth-El Rockaway Park, at the temple auditorium, on January 15, 1928.