“The differences of the elders are being perpetuated among the children, and valuable as the educational work is, it does not promise a return to normative Judaism,” he pointed out. The same divergencies, perhaps greater ones, are noticeable in the worship at the synagogues. There are however two factors of immense importance which serve as a bond of union between these diverse elements. They are the land and the language. “This common speech,” he said, “which is used from the stately University growing up on the wonderful site of Mount Scopus down to the smallest kindergarten is the miracle of Palestine; this bond consitutes the strongest hope for unity in the future.
He called upon the Rabbinate and the Teachers in the United States to see to it, that if a cut in the budget is necessary in Palestine, it shall not result in the non payment of the salaries of the teachers.
“It will take a mighty effort to rebuild Palestine economically and spiritually,” he continued. “In this effort the Jews of America must play a great part. See to it, Rabbis and teachers, that there are Jews in America so trained and so guided by you that they will have the disposition to play this part. The many differences in Palestine must be healed. See to it that our differences in America are healed. It may be that the differences in Palestine are but the echoes of our differences and those of the other lands of the Diaspora. Certainly every quarrel here is reflected there. Do not for a moment imagine that Judaism may be permitted to languish in America and the small group in Palestine will keep it alive for you by proxy,” he warned.
“Earnest efforts, sincere intelligent, no doubt capable of great improvement, are being made toward a realization of the ancient dream of Israel. Ours is the privilege to aid in the historic movement. Those of us to whom religion is uppermost will wish that the Palestine community shall be spiritually sound as it should be economically sound. To be of aid in this direction we must ourselves be spiritually sound. By contributing not only material help, but a sound Jewish spirit, we hasten the day when the Torah shall again go forth from Zion rebuilt.” Dr. Adler stated.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
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.