(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)
Liberal Judais? has ## India, a report to the Jewish Religious Union of Bombay de?ares. The first organized att### toward the advance#### of Liberal Judais? in that country was made about a year ago.
The Jewish Religions Union in Bombay, was started by Miss Lea? ?hirad. ## who during her stay in England took the opportunity of studying the lines on which the Jewish Religious Union is ac## there. Another distinguished member of the Union is Miss R. Reuben, B.A., Principal of the Israelite High School, Bombay, who is a Hebrew scholar, and has made a deep study of Judaism, both Conservative and “Liberal.” It is chiefly on her that the burden of expounding the principles of “Liberalism” to the members falls. She is assisted in this by Miss A. M. Chincholkar, another Hebrew scholar. The Union has on its roll some prominent members of the Bene Israelite community.
The movement is at present small, and the membership is confined to the Bene Israelites; but considering the circumstances under which it has had to commence work it is regarded a success. The Sabbath services held by the Union every Saturday attract a large congregation. The holy-day services are also well attended. The services are conducted in Hebrew and English, and the Prayer-books issued by the “Liberal” Jewish Synagogue of London, are used. Members of the community who have no knowledge of English cannot at present take advantage of the services held by the Union, and the holding of supplementary services in Hebrew and Marathi is being considered. When this is done, it is hoped to interest most of the members of the community in the work of the Union. The services are at present, held at the residence of Miss R. Reuben.
Though there is no Religion School attached to the Union. the members have formed a Study Circle for studying literature on “Liberal” Judaism and discussing its various aspects. The Union at present conducts a class for teaching Hebrew to the children of members and it may be found necessary to develop this into a Religion School in future.
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