The apparent preference on the part of American Jewry for conservative and reform religious affiliation is menacing the earning capacity and livelihood of the elder members of the orthodox Rabbinate, was the opinion expressed at the convention of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, which concluded its sessions on Wednesday at the Hotel Carlton here. The present state of the Rabbinate on questions of Kashrush and Sabbath observance shared importance in the discussions.
A number of rabbis unhesitatingly painted verbal pictures of the deplorable conditions extant in communities throughout the country where rabbis, suffering loss of congregational adherents, are beginning to feel the effects, through decline of income and position. Rabbi Daichowitz, of New York, asserted that “conditions in general, of Orthodox rabbis in this country are worse than in Russia.”
The discussion was climaxed with a proposal and ratification of a number of palliative measures which include among others the following: a committee of seven members to be appointed to meet bi-weekly during the year for the consideration of the state of the Rabbinate; to encourage congregations now without spiritual leaders to engage Orthodox rabbis; to endeavor to place rabbis with country communities; to institute a membership aid fund, each member to pay into the fund $10 per year in addition to his dues. There are about 375 rabbis in the Union.
The convention went on record as favoring the appointment of a field secretary accepting the proposal made by Rabbi N. M. Ehin. of New York, and (Continued on Page 4) (Continued from Page 3)
Rabbi Rosenberg, of Cleveland, urged the appointment of a committee to vigorously combat, through propaganda, both the reform and conservative elements. Rabbi Predmesky of the Bronx, urged the convention to declare its opposition to the practice whereby some rabbis are forced to pay a fee to secure positions.
The convention declined to favor a recommendation made by Rabbi Chaim Fishel Epstein, of Brooklyn, that a federation be formed to supervise Kashruth nationally.
Some rabbis, who were outspoken in their opposition declared in the domain of Kashruth.” They did, however, urge active agitation in the synagogues to have congregation members insist upon Kosher products when making purchases.
A proposal was accepted that meat in slaughter-houses hereafter have specified on the stamp either “kosher” or “treifa,” whichever the case may be. In order to facilitate the enforcement of Kashruth, the rabbis decided henceforth that there shall be one Vaad Ha’Kashruth in each section of a large city.
The rabbis declared their opposition to the endorsement of kosher food products by cantors or reverends, stating this to be solely within the domain of the rabbi with “S’Micha.” They declared, however, that the Union cannot protest against the endorsement of any product by one of its members because in this respect it has no power over the individual rabbi.
Dr. Bernard Revel presided at the Wednesday afternoon session, when the question of Sabbath observance was considered. The outstanding feature of this discussion was the endorsement of the five-day week in industry, special greetings being conveyed to the building trades which are now beginning to introduce it.
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