The University of Judaism, the West Coast Branch of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, was formally dedicated here last night at ceremonies in which community leaders, prominent educators, clergymen and lay officials of Los Angeles participated. More than 400 persons attended the ceremonies for the new 15-room, $100,000 school building which is equipped to house over 500 students as well as officers and Jewish museum.
In a message of congratulations to the University, President Truman said: “By integrating the great tradition of Israel into the framework of our democratic life, the Seminary has long been a major factor in broadening public understanding of the Jewish faith and the Jewish people. In signalizing the founding of the West Coast Branch of the Seminary, it is important to note that this institution has made another forward stride in the development of a great University of Judaism in America.”
Messages were also received from California’s Governor Earl Warren and Los Angeles’ Mayor Fletcher Bowron. Dr. Louis Finkelstein, president of the Seminary, declared that “we believe that the University of Judaism will bring these scholars together in one institution, and that one of its values to Judaism and America will be the stimulus it will offer them to think for the purpose of preserving and advancing Judaism.”
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