Women’s Vote Stirs United Synagogue in England; Leaders in Controversy

(Jewish Telegraphic Agency)

Sir Robert Waley-Cohen and other honorary officers of the United Synagogue, Samuel Moses, Frank D. Benjamin, Isidore Salmon, Nathaniel S. Lucas, Frank Samuel, Joseph Prag and Lawrence Levy have written to Lionel de Rothschild, President of the United Synagogue, stating that they are not prepared to continue in office unless arrangements can be made to maintain the Constitution of the United Synagogue.

A special meeting of the Council of the United Synagogue was convoked to deal with the situation.

“The situation,” says the “Jewish Chronicle” “is an aftermath of the determination of the Council, subject to the decision of a conjoint meeting to be held presently for the purpose of confirming it, to grant to women the right to vote at Synagogal elections for Boards of Management and Wardens. In the view of some, the proposal, even in these days of the ‘flapper’ vote urged by a Conservative Government, is considered dangerously revolutionary. Others think that the moderate nature of the franchise extension is its chief objection, and that there is no valid reason why women should not themselves be eligible for such offices as those in question, always providing, of course, that no breach of Jewish Law or traditional practice is involved.”

The “Jewish Chronicle” suggests that a round table conference before the meeting might tend to resolve the critical position that has arisen, and trusts Mr. de Rothschild to do all in his pwer to effect an understanding between the opposing parties. “We think,” it says, “that the motive of those who carried the resolution that has caused the trouble is sincere and well-meant, though utterly mistaken and absurdly groundless. On the other hand the step taken by the honorary officers, though with the very highest of purpose in view, is not, we believe, one in respect to which they will carry much general approval.”

Establishment of Jewish student houses at Johns Hopkins University and at the University of Maryland will be one of the subjects of consideration at the annual convention of the Baltimore Branch of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America which will be held on Sunday, March 18.

Frank Morrison, Secretary of the American Federation of Labor, will discuss the five day week. Doctor Moses Seidel, supervisor of the Board of Jewish Education of Baltimore, will discuss the question of Jewish education. Israel S. Gomborov, president of the Baltimore Branch, will preside.

The principal speakers at the banquet to be held in the evening will be Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein, president of the Union, Mayor William F. Broenino, Judge Eli Frank and Rabbi I. L. Brill.