Louis C. Cahn, for ten years managing director of the Jewish Charities of Chicago, who resigned recently to take his first vacation since the World War, today told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in an exclusive interview how many of his ideals have been consummated in the past decade. In an earnest, kindly manner, which has earned for him the respect of thousands of social workers, both Jewish and Gentile, throughout the United States, Mr. Cahn told how Chicago’s Jewish social activities have the reputation of being the most unified and best coordinated in this country.
Directors of the Jewish Charities, all men high in civic, commercial and financial circles of Chicago, know that to Mr. Cahn goes the credit for this splendid reputation.
Mr. Cahn was literally drafted for this position. Upon his return from a splendid record of social service work with the Red Cross, Mr. Cahn resumed his practice of law. His avocation, however, was social work. As a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Social Service, Mr. Cahn advocated a community study. His recommendation was adopted and he was named in charge of this work. More than $25,000 was spent in the survey and after it was completed, the directors of the charities agreed that Mr. Cahn was the only man fully capable of heading the organization’s activities. Whereupon, he gave up his law practice and assumed the newly created position of managing director.
Throughout the ten years of his service, Mr. Cahn has always emphasized coordination and unification. And he did not confine his activities to only the Jewish community, he is a prominent figure in Chicago—a man who is called upon whenever social problems arise. For years, he has been secretary of the executive committee of the Council of Social Agencies, an organization in Chicago composed of the leading social workers, executives and philanthropists of the city. He also is a member of the Cook County Welfare Council appointed by Anton J. Cermak, president of the Board of Cook County commissioners.
In 1923 Mr. Cahn accomplished what many consider the greatest piece of work of his career—consolidation of the two federations of Jewish social agencies in Chicago. The orthodox groups and the liberal elements were brought together under one organization working for their common good. This was a difficult task—how difficult, only those intimately connected with the negotiations realize. But Louis Cahn’s kindliness and steadfast course towards a common goal finally succeeded. It took years to accomplish that. And then, he began to work all over again, he was directing the social destinies of two widely diversified groups. And again he has proven his ability.
“In my efforts to coordinate the vari-
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
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.
