Discussion of the campaign against obscenity in motion pictures from the Jewish point of view and possible drastic action will be the features of today’s meeting of the committee on social ethics of the New York Board of Jewish Ministers at the study of Rabbi Sidney E. Goldstein, 40 West Sixty-eighth street.
Dr. Goldstein, chairman of the committee, was busy yesterday rounding up the five members of the committee and informing them of the special meeting. He refused to comment on the subjects to be discussed but indicated that some action will probably be taken.
The other members of the committee are the Rabbis William F. Rosenblum, Leo Jung, Elias Solomon, Sidney Tedeshe and Max Drob. The parley will be held behind locked doors at 2 p. m.
Among the topics expected to be aired is the #idening of the scope of activity of the Interfaith Committee of the Legion of Decency. Where formerly only indecent films roused the indignation of the committee now both dance halls and theatres are under fire.
It was also announced that the city is to be canvassed by local inter-faith committees which will attempt to obtain pledges from all persons to refrain from attending offensive films. These committees are to start work within two weeks.
The Rev. Joseph A. McCaffrey, pastor of the Holy Cross Roman Church, and chaplain of the New York City Police Department, could not be reached for a statement yesterday as he was out at a police outing.
It is understood that the chief grievance against the theatres is the burlesque shows. Several months ago the burlesque houses promised to reform but have not kept their promise, according to the inter-faith committee.
Another feature of the committee program is to enlist the aid of school children when the fall semester starts. All school children, from college students to elementary school students, will be asked to stay away from indecent shows.
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