Score 2 Universities for Refusal to Cooperate with Students on Sabbath, Holiday Observance

Temple University and the University of Pennsylvania were criticized for their refusal to co-operate with their Jewish students in the matter of Sabbath and Holiday observance, in an address delivered before the annual meeting of the Philadelphia Branch of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, held at Dropsie College.

The general topic under discussion was “The Jewish Student and His Religion” based upon a volume on this subject by Rabbi Marvin Nathan. Following the set address by Rabbi Nathan in which he summarized some of the major points touched upon in his book, Rabbi Greenberg was called upon to discuss “The Place of Judaism in Jewish Student Life.” Basing his observations on more than five years association with Jewish students on the Campus of the University of Pennsylvania and at the Jewish Students House on that Campus, Rabbi Greenberg expressed the opinion that it is almost impossible for a Jewish boy or girl coming from a home where traditional Judaism is observed, to complete a four year course either at the University of Pennsylvania or at Temple University without being compelled to violate either the Sabbath or the Holidays.

When spokesmen for these Universities attend public functions arranged under the joint auspices of Jewish and Christian students, he said, they talk of the importance of religious affiliation and call upon each group to adhere to the tenets of its faith. Yet in the arrangement of the curricula these preachments are completely ignored. Rabbi Greenberg cited instances where he went to the authorities of the Universities requesting them to change dates for examinations because these dates were on the Sabbath or on Jewish Holidays, but without success.

There are approximately 4,000 Jewish boys and girls receiving higher education in this city. These, Rabbi Greenberg explained, should receive spiritual guidance. It is to be regretted, he said, that virtually nothing is being done by the Jewish community in this direction.

In his Presidential message, J. Solis-Cohen, Jr., reviewed the work done by the Seminary during the past year and of the co-operation given by the Jewish community of Philadelphia. Mr. Solis-Cohen presented the regrets of Dr. Cyrus Adler who had planned to attend this meeting but was prevented by the sudden death of Mrs. Therese Schiff, widow of Jacob H. Schiff. A telegram of condolence was sent to Mrs. Felix M. Warburg, daughter of the deceased.

Henry W. Braude, for many years Secretary of the Philadelphia Branch, was unanimously elected President. Nathaniel I. S. Goldman was elected Secretary . Other officers elected include: Vice-Presidents, Rabbi Samuel Fredman and Dr. Aron Brav; Treasurer, Joseph Caplan.