Jewish Vote Not New to America, Rabbi Declares

Declaring that a Jewish vote as the organized expression of Judaism and Jewish idealism is not unprecedented in America, Rabbi J. Max Weis in his sermon in the Heights Free Synagogue defended Israel Zangwill against his critics, particularly Louis Marshall.

“Judaism”, Rabbi Weiss said, “must function as an organized religion. Following the genius and vision of the Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America, of the World Alliance for International Friendship Through the Churches, and of the National Catholic Welfare Council, American Jewry must also act as a unit of spiritual and ethical influence. Shall we stand aside as the Churches of Christendom organize for world peace, for the fight against the drink evil, for the investigation of stell trusts, and for the liberation of political prisoners?…..When the Central Conference of American Rabbis votes, at its session, for the world Court and for the liberation of political prisoners, its Rabbis publish to the world “a Jewish vote’ on these political questions. When the Council of Jewish Women, in accord with its ideals, announces its support of Legislative measures affecting the welfare of women and children, its action is unchallenged by Mr. Marshall. Yet, the pronouncement of the Council of Jewish women is, essentially and completely, a vote of Jewish women on a question of political import.”