Self-criticism by both Jews and Christians as a cure for misunderstandings between religious and racial groups was suggested yesterday by Rabbi Abram Simon of Washington, D. C., addressing the Good Will Seminar of Bucknell University. No group should be afraid to analyze its weaknesses, said the rabbi, for only in that way can it correct its own faults and thus gain greater strength and dignity in the eyes of other groups.
Rabbi Simon also suggested that Good Will Seminars should be a permanent feature at all colleges, to be held in conjunction with the sociological departments of universities. These seminars, he thought, should study how prejudices originate, how Jews function in various walks of American life, etc. They should also publish text books on the contribution of various religious and racial groups. Greater cooperation between Jews and Gentiles and a “Better Understanding Week” were also proposed by Rabbi Simon, who called attention to specific instances of discrimination against Jews in social areas, university circles and economic relationships.
President Richards of the Reformed Seminary and Everett Clinchy of the Committee on Good Will between Jews and Christians of the Federal Council of Churches of Christ also led sessions of the Bucknell Seminar. Rabbi Julius Herman and Rabbi Charles Mantinband represented the Jewish communities of Sunbury and Williamsport respectively.
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