Work in Rural Communities Described by Council Chairman

Though the Jewish educational classes organized in the rural communities by the Department of Farm and Rural Work, of the National Council of Jewish Women, were attended by approximately 800 children, this number represents but a portion of the several thousands who ought to receive these opportunities, it was reported by Mrs. Abraham H. Arons, national chairman of the department, in a statement describing its activities for the twelve months ending April 30.

“Only those who have worked in the isolated districts can begin to estimate what the program of Jewish education means to the Jewish farmer, whose children in most instances are growing up without any knowledge of the history or traditions of their ancestors,” stated Mrs. Arons.

The program of the Council’s rural department also includes classes in Americanization, citizenship and English. Lectures are provided and evening schools established. Seventy rural communities received the benefit of these activities.

Another phase of the Council’s rural program, which was discussed by Mrs. Arons, is its rural social service.

“The farm and rural department of the National Council of Jewish Women is the only women’s organization in America rendering this type of service to the isolated family,” declared Mrs. Arons. “We have become known to all social agencies and whenever a case involving a Jewish individual or family is to be investigated in the rural communities, we are invariably called upon to extend our cooperation in such instances. The Albany, New York Section has contributed a part time worker and generous relief for needy cases during the past year. Special contributions were made by a number of other Council Sections to promote this activity.”

The rural program of the National Council of Jewish Women is carried on in the states of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.