Central Conference Appeals for Support of Cultural and Educational Institutions

An appeal to all Jewish communal leaders to utilize their influence toward the maintenance of cultural and educational institutions threatened by the depression is issued by the Central Conference of American Rabbis.

The appeals, embodied in a resolution adopted at the recent convocation of the Conference, the text of which was made public here yesterday, declares:

“We view with alarm the widespread tendency to minimize the need of character-building agencies and the discrimination against them in the allotment of funds from community chests and federations of charity. We would urge all communal leaders not to weaken but to strengthen these agencies which furnish helpful and wholesome recreation.

“In the general depreciation of character-building influences some Jewish leaders have shared. As a result, Jewish education and institutions that foster it are being seriously handicapped. In some communities proposals are being made and are meeting with favor for their elimination during the depression. Against this attitude we must voice our vigorous protest. In the Jewish tradition food for the spirit has been considered as essential as food for the body. Without either, life was believed inconceivable. We therefore appeal to all Jewish Communal leaders to utilize their influence towards the maintenance of those educational and cultural institutions which give color and dignity to Jewish life.”