Jewish Activities in the Metropolitan Area

Declaring that “most of the mistaes we maek in life are made under pressure and when we are in a panic,” Dr. Samuel H. Goldenson, newly-appointed spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-El, Fifth evenue and 65th street, in an interview with the Jewish. Daily Bulletin asked for far-sighted vision in coping with the problem of the Jews in Germany.

“No single measure,” he said, “ever covers a problem as great as that of the Jews in Germany. If you look for measures that would clear up the situation immediately, I know of none such. There are so many factors that would have to enter into the ultimate solution of the problem that one does not know where to beging.”

EXPLAINS FAR-SIGHTEDNESS

Explaining what he means by far-sightedness, Dr. Goldenson continued:

“Internationally, I mean a more just relationship as between one people and another. Economically, a fairer distribution of natural resources and of output of human labor. Religiously, a nearer approximation to the nobler teachings of the faith that eachgroup professes, a finer appreciation of the meeting of culture. Jewishly, the reaffirmation in word and in deed of thespiritual teachings of Israel and of the lessons of Jewish history in such wise as to give to our existence and continuance a greater sense of ..ral purposefulness.

“Such thought and conduct will at the same time bring about a greater appreciation of our value to society on the part of non-Jews who in their turn will be readier and more willing to help us in our difficulties.”

PLEADS FOR AID

Referring to the immediate aid that must be given victims of anti-Semitice persecution, Dr. Goldenson declared that “we must be ready to help wherever we can. If Palestine is able to admit Jewish refugees, we should be read to give help from here. If Russia, or South America, or any other region, can give aid, we must give help there too.”

Dr. Goldenson discussed his view of anti-Semitism in the United States. “I personally have not seen signs of any rise of anti-Semitism in this country. We have to be on our guard, of course, but we must no exaggerate the importance of Fascist movements in this country.”

Rabbi Goldenson mentioned the farewell meeting a month ago at the Trinity Cathedral in Pittsburgh on the occasion of his departure for New York. He emphasized the spirit of these services and queted from the January 15 issue of The Churchman, and Episcopalian magazine.

“If cathedrals are to have any justification whatsoever for their existence in the twentieth century they must stand for such inclusive representation of all the finer forces in our social order.

It is apparent that Bishop Mann believes that a cathedral in a modern city must serve that city to the fullest, breaking over every narrow boundary and standing for all that is meant by Catholic in its real, as opposed to its sectarian, connotations’.”

IS FROM PITTSBURGH

Rabbi Goldenson who came to New York as the new spiritual leader of Temple Emanu-En only ten days ago. was formerly rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Poland on March 26, 1878, and came to this country as a child. He received a B. A. degree from the University of Cincinnati, and a B. D. degree from Hebrew Union College there. Rabbi Goldenson also holds a Ph. D. from Columbia and Doctor of Hebrew Laws from Hebrew Union College.

Dr. Goldenson’s first congregation was Temple Adath Israel, at Lexington, Ky., where he resided from 1904 to 1907. He was then called to Congregation Beth Emeth, in Albany. N. Y., where he stayed until 1981. He had been with Temple Rodeph Sholom in Pittsburgh from 1918 until last month, when he was called to Temple Emanu-El.

He delivered his inaugural sermon at Temple Emanu-El last Saturday morning.

PLAN MEMORIAL CONFERENCE

A conference in memory of the late Rabbi Nathan Hirsh Finkel has been called for February 13 and 14 by the alumni organization of the Rabbinical College of Slabodka, at the Broadway Mansion, 209 East Broadway.