American synagogues and affiliated groups must continue to be democratic in their organization and in aim in order to combat the forces which would discredit Jewry in this country, according to speakers addressing the triple convention today of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods, and the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods.
Calling for the creation of a better understanding between Jew and Gentile, the speakers stressed the need for greater education in Jewish life. The conventions will continue through Tuesday and will be climaxed tomorrow night with a banquet at the Willard Hotel.
The Brotherhoods officially closed their session today with the reelection of Samuel B. Finkel, of Boston, as national president. Other officers elected are: first vice president, Bernard Frankel, Philadelphia; second vice president, Jesse Cohen, Brooklyn; third vice president, Ralph Grossberg, Chicago; treasurer, Allen V. Deford, Washington; executive secretary, Arthur L. Reinhart, Cincinnati.
“There has never been a time when Jewish self-help was more essential, when we needed more imperatively to return to our heritage,” declared Jacob W. Mack of Cincinnati, chairman of the executive board of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, in his address last night.
“Our strength as well as our future lies in a genuine union,” continued Mr. Mack. “There have been days when it was hard for us to see this. But the world of today is bent upon teaching us the lesson.”
The Union is the logical body to develop unity among Jews, Mr. Mack declared.
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.