Jewish Foundation Urged at Menorah Convention

Suggestions for the establishment of a Jewish foundation similar in spirit and purpose to the Carnegie and Rockefeller foundations, for the encouragement and promotion of Jewish scholarship and culture, and for the creation of Chairs in modern Jewish history in the American universities, were made before the national convention of the Intercollegiate Menorah Association at its final session yesterday by Henry Hurwitz, Chancellor of the Association and editor of the "Menorah Journal." The convention, which was held at Schermerhorn Hall, Columbia University, was attended by forty-six delegates representing Menorah societies in universities throughout the United States and Canada Harry Starr presided at the convention.

Questions relating to the advancement of Jewish culture in America and the relations between the Menorah societies and other Jewish student organizations like the Avukah, Hillel Foundations and fraternities were discussed by the convention.

A proposal for the establishment of Menorah societies of post graduate members in order to continue the work of the Menorah by alumnis outside of the colleges in the various Jewish communities, was made by Jeffry Heiman of Seattle, Washington. James J. Wolfson of the Massachusetts Institute of Technilogy, Arnold Karlins of Minneapolis, Jack Berry of Oklahoma and others participated in the debate.

Chancellor Hurwitz in his annual address urged the Menorah to uphold its traditional ideals of intellectual and cultural aspiration. The Menorah, he stated, welcomes such organizations as the Hillel Foundations and fraternities. But whereas these organizations concern themselves with religious and social activities, the Menorah must continue its specific pursuit of cultural work. He reported a marked increase in membership during the past year but also pointed out that the Menorah has been hampered during the past year by lack of funds and a number of special enterprises, like the Menorah Bulletin had been dropped owing to this condition. It was hoped that during the next year the necessary funds would be forthcoming to enable the resumption of these activities.

The support rendered the Menorah by a number of Jewish leaders in America was acknowledged in a resolution of thanks. Special gratitude was expressed to Judge Irving Lehman whose help made it possible for the Menorah to tide over critical periods in its career.

The following officers for 1927 were elected by the convention: Harry Starr, president; Jeffry Heiman, Miss Rohama Siegel of Montreal, Arnold Karlins and Irving Goldberg vice-presidents.

Among those present at the convention were Louis Berdansky, Brown University; David E. Swartz, Clark University; Simon Rosenzweig, Cornell University; Maurice Zigmond, University of Cincinnati; Dorothy Morris, Emerson College; Israel J. Mendelson, George Washington University; Carl Alpern, Harvard University; Florence Louis, McGill University, Canada; Etta Levinson, University of Manitoba, Canada; Mildred Pawel, New York State College; Irving C. Bilow, Northwestern University; Roy Stone, Ohio State University; Pearl Hirshberg, Portia Law School; Joseph First, University of Pennsylvania; Leah Malkiel, Radcliffe College; Milton Tucket, Rutgers University; Irving Goldberg, University of Texas; Sam Rosenfeld, Temple University; Leah Sisson, Tufts College; Isador Schraeder, Washington University and Ira Eisenstein, Columbia University.