Orthodox Synagogue Must Become More Liberal to Survive, Says Rabbi

Declaring “unless the Orthodox synagogue becomes more liberal, there is no future for that synagogue in America,” Rabbi Louis J. Schwefel, of Adath Israel Congregation, the largest Orthodox congregation in Washington, delivered his farewell sermon on Kol Nidre night, Rabbi Schwefel sometime ago notified the congregation of his intention to seven his relations therewith at the end of December, and on Kol Nidre night he made a statement of his views which has created a sensation in local Orthodox circles.

“I believe the men and women should be sitting together. I believe in the children sitting with the parents. The service as it is at present constituted holds nothing. There is no future for the Orthodox synagogue unless we institute progressive reforms. On this, the holiest day of the year, I tell you that we can have no future unless we are willing to sacrifice something for our youth,” Rabbi Schwefel said, adding that even if members of the congregation opposed his views, he was not speaking with any malice in his heart because of any friction between himself and his opponents which has occurred.

Adath Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in the city, affiliated with the Conservative group, being a member of the United Synagogue of America. Rabbi Schwefel’s address was the first time in the history of the congregation that Orthodox practices have been attacked from the pulpit. Rabbi Schwefel has been its Rabbi for the past six years and is a graduate of the Jewish Theological Seminary.