Fifty-six Jewish children of high school age who participated in a Christmas night program staged on the platform of the Garfield High School here last Friday, have been condemned for their “unthinking action” by an aroused Jewish community in this city.
Leaders of the rabbinate and Milton Steinberg, chairman of the Social Justice Commission of the Jewish Theological Seminary, a conservative institution, are investigating the circumstances. Rabbi Steinberg announced that the Social Justice Co###sion has been collecting data tending to show that similar incidents have been common in many cities and villages throughout the nation.
One of the students who took part in the Christmas eve program was Eva Aronson, daughter of the president of the Seattle Talmud Torah.
Rabbi Philip A. Langh issued a statement as follows:
“I heartily endorse any efforts to dissuade Jewish children from participating in Christmas plays in the public schools. Many Jewish parents do not realize that Christmas celebrates not a national holiday, but is the observance of the principal religious holiday of Christianity. Jewish children have no right to take part in the celebration.”
Rabbi Baruch Shapiro, of Machzikay Hadath synagogue, said:
“Under no circumstances should
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
