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Jewish Men’s Clubs Convention Discusses Role of Religion in Space Age

May 16, 1961
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The role of religion in our age of conquest of space and in science was discussed here today at the 32nd annual convention of the National Federation of Jewish Mens’ Clubs, an affiliate of the United Synagogue of America which is the central body of the Conservative religious movement. More than 800 delegates representing 350 clubs are attending the parley.

Discussing “new frontiers” of the synagogue, Dr. Gerson D. Cohen, associate professor of Jewish literature and institutions at the Jewish Theological Seminary, said that the recent conquests in space made it imperative that the synagogue re-assert its leadership with a view to making the moral basis for Judaism known once again throughout the world.

Senator Jacob K. Javits, who was presented at the convention with the Federation’s annual award for distinguished service to American Jewry, strongly attacked the John Birch Society. The Society, he said, uses name calling to “kindle fear, suspicion and prejudice which can make Americans suspicious of one another.” While he did not say that the society was engaged in anti-Semitism, he made it clear that all rights, including that of the American Jews, were wrapped up in the fight to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Americans.

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