A solemn service of thanksgiving and re-dedication at the Temple Emanu-El today marked the 25th anniversary of the New York Federation of Jewish Charities and the official opening of the annual merged campaign of the New York and Brooklyn Federations of Jewish Charities.
The service, attended by more than 3,00 invited guests, opened with the reading of a special message of greetings and congratulations from President Roosevelt. The meditation and prayer services were led by Rabbi Samuel H. Goldenson, Rabbi Israel H. Levinthal and Rabbi David deSola Pool.
George Z. Medalie, president of the New York Federation, in a statement said: “At this time of crisis, it is fitting and proper that we mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of the New York Federation, not in a mood of celebration, but in the spirit of solemn thanksgiving and re-dedication. In this hour of meditation in the synagogue, the community will give expression to the thanksgiving that is in our hearts for the privilege that has been ours through all these years to serve humanity in kindliness and brotherhood, under the aegis of freedom in this blessed land.
“Drawing inspiration from the wellsprings of our history, we shall rededicate ourselves to the prophetic tradition of our faith which affirms that each man is in truth and in duty his brother’s keeper, and that charity is justice. We shall rededicate ourselves to the vision for which America stands, the right of every human being to liberty to opportunity and to the decent life. In this spirit we shall pledge ourselves anew to the great tasks that face us today and tomorrow, and we shall go forth with renewed courage and faith.”
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