The suggestion that Judge Otto Rosalsky, Aaron Sapiro and himself act as a Committee to arbitrate the differences between the Kashruth Association of Greater New York and the Master Kosher Butchers’ Association, is made by Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein, president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
The suggestion is offered by Rabbi Goldstein in a communication to Aaron Sapiro, representing the Butchers’ Association, replying to Mr. Sapiro’s criticism of his refusal to undertake the supervision of Kashruth for the Butchers’ Association. The latter organization is opposed to the Kashruth Association, contending that the Kashruth Association is attempting to force its system on the butchers and the public.
Rabbi Goldstein writes:
“I have your letter of the 27th and in response desire to say that I did not answer your letter of December 8th sooner than I did first because you said you did not want to hurry me and second because I was in the hope of straightening out the Kashruth situation via the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations.
“After giving your offer much thought, I felt that if I accepted it as an individual, I would be doing wrong to two communal efforts, our Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations and the Kashruth Association.
“At a meeting to which our Administrative Committee was called and over which Judge Rosalsky presided, I took the stand boldly and fearlessly that our Union was a competing institution to the Kashruth Association and therefore it had the right to accept your offer. The other side contended that the Union had no right to disrupt the Kashruth Association at this stage of the game. This argument prevailed, and our Administrative Committee was impressed with it.
“I need not defend myself as to what you write about pressure. My record and reputation clearly indicate that I have not shrunk from being in the minority against great odds.
“In addition to putting you straight in regard to this matter, the purpose of this letter is to tell you, that you have no better friend in the city than the writer or our Union. I am not a member of the Kashruth Association and I want to take this means of offering you still my good offices in behalf of Kashruth I think that I might be able to prevail upon the Kashruth Association to meet the situation and not to impose any unfair restrictions. I am not seeking additional burdens (at this time) but if possible I hope you will see your way clear to let me and perhaps Judge Rosalsky and yourself act as arbitrators in this matter.
“Yours for a sound, just and equitable agreement for all those concerned in Kashruth,” the communication concludes.
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