Observance of Holidays by Jewish Youth Increasing, Says Welfare Board

The observance of Jewish holidays is increasing in the United States, according to a report issued by the Jewish Welfare Board.

Last year, a high record was established when more than 600 mass gatherings with a total attendance of about 200,000 persons were arranged by the affiliated Y. M. H. A.’s, Y. W. H. A.’s, and other Jewish Centers in connection with the observance of Jewish and patriotic holidays.

This year, reports compiled by the Jewish Welfare Board indicate that the above record has been surpassed. Six hundred eighty-seven holiday celebrations with an approximate attendance of 250,000 persons of both sexes and all ages were conducted by the societies associated with and receiving stimulation from the Jewish Welfare Board. The holidays included Independence Day, Succoth, Armistice Day, Chanukah, Chamisho Osor B’Sh’vat. Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthdays, Purim, Passover, Lag B’Omer, Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day, and Shevuoth.

In addition to the mass celebrations, the individual clubs also observed these holidays in a fitting manner. Thousands of boys and girls who are members of these clubs learned to appreciate many valuable Jewish customs and traditions by means of these observances. As far as possible, the organizations endeavored to utilize the mass affairs as the culminations of series of educational activities carried on in the clubs for weeks preceding the holidays. The programs consisted of dramatic productions, tableaux, pageants, addresses based on the significance of the celebrations, recitations, musical numbers, motion pictures and stories illustrated with stereopticon slides.