Teaching of Religion in Schools Rouses Community: No Decision Reached Yet

(Jewish Daily Bulletin)

Strong objection to the proposal to have the study of religion included as a part of the school work in this town was put forward last night at a public hearing on the question, by Rabbi Samuel S. Kaplan, of Temple Shaarei Tefiloh, of East Orange.

Besides Dr. Kaplan, three ministers, a Seventh Day Adventist and various members of Protestant Churches voiced their opinions at the meeting, which was attended by about 500 persons. No decision was reached.

Rabbi Kaplan objected to the plan, declaring “it is bringing up again the matter of church and state. To combine them is contrary to our Constitution.”

When it was suggested by members of the clergy committee sponsoring the idea, that Jewish and Catholic children could be excused from attending the religious classes, Dr. Kaplan asked if those who attend would receive school credit. He was informed that this point, as well as other significant points in the proposed plan, had not been worked out.

The president of the town Board of Education declared they are in sympathy with the project but are not urging the community to accept it.

Responding to questions as to denominational teaching, the Rev. H. G. Hubbell, of Morristown, declared that classes would be of no denomination but that the children would get a general education in religious precepts that they all might be “Christlike.”

AVUKAH TO MEET IN PITTSBURGH, JUNE 28TH

The third annual convention of the Avukah, Student Zionist Federation, will be held at the William Penn Hotel, Pittsburgh, Pa., June 28 to June 30.

The question of whether Avukah shall adopt a Palestine project or confine itself to non-money raising activities, will be one of the outstanding issues.