Preservation of Jewish ideals as a distinct contribution to American life, was urged here Sunday by Justice Irving Lehman, of the New York State Court of Appeals, in addressing the 21st annual convention of the New Jersey Federation of Y.M. H.A.’s and Y.W.H.A.’s.
Speaking here in his capacity of president of the National Jewish Welfare Board, Justice Lehman also urged continued regard for the “Y”s and community centers as character-building institutions, particularly in times of stress. He declared:
“Our resources today are smaller than they were a few years ago. But we must draw upon these resources to relieve the unemployed, to care for the distressed and the sick, as we once drew upon our resources for Liberty Bonds. And that is not enough. Now as then, the best service we can render is to sustain the spirit of our youth—the most precious assert of today.”
Justice Lehman commented upon his brother, Governor-elect Herbert H. Lehman’s recent pledge to continue to maintain social service agencies of New York State despite economic conditions.
Dr. Solomon Lowenstein, director of the New York Federation for the Support of Jewish Philanthropic Societies, was another convention speaker. In urging assistance for institutions such as community centers, he explained that the present trend of social service was to have the state take over activities of a direct relief nature, which would, in turn, permit communal and welfare agencies to devote themselves to the cultural aspects of their activities.
Among others who addressed the convention were Mayor Congleton and Rabbi Julius Silberfeld, of this city. Samuel Leff, field secretary of the Federation, gave his annual report.
Michael A. Stavitsky, of this city, who heads the Camping Department of the Federation, reported notable progress of that project during the past year. He told of the successful headway that is being made in the commingling of Jewish religious and educational endeavor with social and athletic activities in the respective boys’ and girls’ camps maintained by the Federation. He said he foresaw the gradual development of a youth movement through this endeavor.
Among the convention topics discussed was the possible purchase of a 300-acre camp site at a cost of about $20,000, to replace the present facilities in Palisades Interstate Park.
Among the resolutions adopted was one urging a state conference on Jewish education, under “Y” auspices. Other resolutions asked co-operation of centers in community charity drives, aid for the National Jewish Welfare Board and expressing regret upon the death of Julius Rosenwald.
A special conference anent women’s activities in relation to center programs, was held under the direction of Mrs. Leonard H. Gidding, of Plainfield. Mrs. David E. Goldfarb, of New York, was among the speakers.
Repeated references were made during the convention sessions, to the generous interest evinced in the Federation activity by the late Felix Fuld, who served as president for several years.
Louis Bamberger, local philanthropist, was re-elected honorary president of the Federation, and Philip Dimond, of Paterson, was again chosen president. Other officers elected were: Vice-presidents, Michael A. Stavistsky, of Newark; Harry Goldowsky, of Jersey City; Judge William Newcorn, of Plainfield; recording secretary, Mrs. I. Bloom, of Elizabeth; financial secretary, Mrs. Joseph B. Perskie, of Atlantic City; and treasurer, J. Jerome Schneidermann, of Bayonne.
One hundred and fifteen delegates and several score visitors from about twenty communities, attended the various sessions on Saturday night and Sunday.
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.
