(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
A controversy between Rabbi Louis J. Schwefel of the Adath Israel Congregation of this city, and Christian Scientists, has developed as a result of a recent sermon delivered by Rabbi Schwefel attacking Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy, its founder. “The Christian Science Watchman,” a national organ of the Christian Scientists, has sent out a printed circular to leading Jews of Washington, replying to Rabbi Schwefel’s attack.
The “Watchman” utilizes as part of its propaganda the following statement made by Rabbi Schwefel in his sermon: “The movement of Jews to Christian Science is the greatest defection we have had in centuries. Never in the last five centuries have as many Jews been converted to another religion of any kind as in the last twenty-five years to Christian Science. You, my dear friends, do not understand how serious this movement is. I have watched it for years; not ten thousand, not fifty thousand, but in New York somewhere over one hundred thousand Jews have become Christian Scientists.”
Regarding this statement, the “Watchman” observes, “It is certainly true that the modern Jew is a progressive citizen and seeks to keep abreast of the times. Therefore, there must be sound reasons for such an astonishing situation as Rabbi Schwefel declares exists. It is not a question of the Jew accepting a new religion, but of recognizing his own relation with the lost tribes of Israel now representing the Christian Science advancing movement which has developed the plan of their original Abrahamic covenant unity to its highest standard of scientific religious efficiency.”
The circular closes with an invitation to visit the Christian Science reading room and offering to send literature free.
The site for the new Staten Island Jewish Community House has been purchased.
A campaign, of which Max Levy is chairman, is now being conducted to raise the necessary $150,000.
The Jewish Community Center will have a large auditorium, a gymnasium, a library, a swimming pool, and club and class rooms.
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.
