J. D. B. News Letter

Plans are rapidly being formulated for the new fraternal group that is to consist, at the outset, of Jewish members of the Order of the Eastern Star who resigned about two months ago in protest against parts of the ritual which they claimed committed them to profession and practice of Christianity.

This was made known here simultaneously with an announcement by E. N. Biron, of Atlantic City, that application for a charter for the new group has been filed with the Secretary of State at Trenton and action on it is expected soon. Mr. Biron declared that the new organization would be non-sectarian and affiliated with Masonry. He stated that all members of the Eastern Star would be welcome to join the new order, irrespective of race or religion, and that it would not be necessary, so far as the new group is concerned, to surrender Eastern Star membership in order to join it.

The present purpose, he added is to make the order state-wide, with the possibility that later on it will become a national institution.

Mr. Biron further made known the fact that the Senior Hadassah, women’s Zionist organization, had extended an invitation to those woman leaving the Eastern Star, to affiliate with the Women’s Zionist unit. “We could not accept that offer, though.” he said. “because we want to retain our non-sectarian character. For one thing, we want our charitable efforts to be expanded in several directions in a non-sectarian way whereas in the Hadassah we would have to work for one cause and one alone.”

He made known further that Rabbi Max D. Davidson, formerly of Asbury Park and now of Perth Amboy, is heading the ritual committee for the new organization. Norman Jacoby is head of a committee to prepare a constitution and by-laws for the new group. It is understood that both committees will soon be ready to report.