Plan to Establish Jewish Consistory in Lithuania Meets with Opposition

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

A suggestion that the government take steps to establish a Jewish consistory in the Republic of Lithuanian caused a sharp controversy among the religious leaders of the Jewish community here.

The suggestion came from the Rabbinical Council of Kovno. According to the Council’s plan, the consistory would be headed by a chief rabbi, who would be subject to the jurisdiction of the director of the Department of Religious Affairs, a post held by a Christian priest.

An important section of the Lithuanian rabbinate is opposing this plan, contending that it is not in accordance with tradition.

The government has taken up the matter and is now drafting a bill to be introduced into parliament soon.

NOTED AMERICAN JEWS RETURN FROM ABROAD

James Marshall, son of Louis Marshall, the noted American Jewish leader, returned on the Majestic yesterday from an extended trip in Europe where he studied the Jewish situation. Mr. Marshall also visited Palestine when he acquainted himself with the reconstruction work. Mr. Louis Marshall met his son at the pier.

A number of other noted American Jews were among the returning passengers of the Majestic. Among these were: Samuel C. Lamport, well known merchant and communal leader, who was accompanied by Mrs. Lamport; Morris Miller, Philadelphia attorney, Joseph J. Bach, vice-president of the Public National Bank; Jacob Landau, director of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and the “Jewish Daily Bulletin”; D. S. Gottesman, chairman of the Board of Directors of the Central National Bank; Morris J. Speiser, former District Attorney of Philadelphia; Rabbi Ruben Meyer, who came as delegate from the Mizrachi World Organization; and Adolph Zuckor, head of the Famous Players Lasky Corporation.