California Jewry is watching expectantly for what promises to develop into one of the most uniquely interesting situations that has arisen in Jewish life here in years.
Within a few weeks, two young rabbis are to take their places respectively, at the head of the two largest and most influential congregations in the West. And in their almost simultaneous entry into San Francisco Jewish affairs, observers see the beginning of a friendly rivalry between the two that should prove of absorbing interest.
Never before in western Jewish life has a similar situation arisen. Not only are the two rabbis assuming the rabbinates of the two largest Temples in San Francisco but they are taking the places of the two outstanding rabbinical leaders of western Israel.
Rabbi Irving R. Reichert has reached San Francisco from New York to succeed Dr. Louis I. Newman of Temple Emanu-El, who leaves next month for Gotham, there to become rabbi of Temple Rodeph Sholem. Rabbi Jacob Weinstein of Austin, Texas, is here to succeed the late Dr. Jacob Nieto at Temple Sherith Israel.
During his stay in San Francisco Dr. Newman occupied a place in the forefront of cultural and civic life. Not only an outstanding leader in Jewish affairs in the country, he was as well a formidable figure in civic undertakings. His radio talks every Sunday evening broadcast from San Francisco on current topics were awaited by thousands of listeners-in and his daily comment in the press proved an alluring feature.
The late Dr. Nieto was dean of the Pacific Coast rabbinate. He was the founder and president of the Board of Jewish Ministers of the Pacific Coast. For years he had interested himself as a powerful leader in civic and social reform. He was a friend of the downtrodden and never a movement was launched in behalf of the oppressed or for social uplift than that he was found in the fore ranks of the most persistent and tireless leaders.
It is to such positions of influence and power that Rabbis Reichert and Weinstein now will aspire. Of course the friendly spirit of rivalry that is bound to result will be of unique interest to onlookers but it is conceded as well that from such amicable and wholesome effort will come a big measure of benefit to the whole community and to the Jewish cause as a whole.
Formal ceremonies of installation are being planned for both new rabbis. These probably will take place in September.
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