A vigorous program to strengthen the work of orthodox synagogues in the southeastern regional unit of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, was adopted here last night at the conclusion of the regional convention which was attended by approximately 500 delegates from a half dozen States and the District of Columbia.
Formal organization of the Southeastern Region took place as the last piece of business of the convention. Israel Gomborov of Baltimore was elected president of the regional unit. Vice-presidents elected were Joseph Kaplan of Washington, Louis Davidson of Baltimore, Harry Cohen of Wilmington, Del., Judge Joseph Fromberg of Charleston, S. C. Two additional vice-president will be named by those already elected.
Joseph J. Hurwitz of Baltimore was elected secretary with Jacob Bass of Washington, treasurer.
TO STRESS EDUCATION
The program launched in the southeastern region will lay particular stress on the extension of Jewish education to Jewish youth and to bring these young people closer to the fold of orthodox Judaism. A resolution adopted by the conference urged that organizational and educational activities among Jewish youth be considered by the Union as major undertakings.
Another resolution urged the Union and the regional unit to devise ways and means whereby a field director may be employed to carry on intensive work in the smaller western and southern communities where udaism is losing its hold because of a lack of organization and proper facilities. In the event that a director can not be financed, it was suggested that orthodox rabbis in the larger communities nearby be provided with adequate funds and directed to make periodic visits for the purpose of reviving, inculcating and strengthening traditional Judaism among Jews in the small western and southern communities.
BACK 5-DAY WEEK
The regional convention adopted a resolution which petitions Congress to enact a law to establish a five-day work week in all government departments.
Another resolution adopted condemned Fascism, Nazism, and Communism as “destructive to the high ideals of Judaism.”
A resolution which brought forth a heated debate among the delegates and which was brought up on the floor in spite of the fact that the resolutions committee had voted against it, would have pledged the Union membership to support Mizrachi through election of Mizrachi delegates to the World Jewish Congress. This rump resolution was defeated and in its stead a resolution supporting all efforts to upbuild Palestine as a Jewish homeland was adopted.
SEES REICH-U.S. SPLIT JUSTIFIED
Speaking earlier in the day, Senator William H. King of Utah indicated that severance of diplomatic relations with Germany “might be justified” in view of the treatment which the Hitler government has accorded Jews.
In his address Senator King praised Orthodox Jewry for its adherence to the Orthodox faith during times of religious and racial persecution and condemned Germany for its persecution of Jews. Asserting that “Hitler policies are inconceivable in this age of civilization,” Senator King said, “when nations with which we have international relations adopt policies which are cruel, bigoted and inconsistent with civilization, I am not sure but what the severance of diplomatic relations might be justified.”
GREATER ROLE FOR ORTHODOX
William Weiss of New York, president of the Union, called upon Orthodox Jews to become a more articulate force in the affairs of American Jewish life.
“The most signal contribution that American Jews can make to the United States in this period of economic readjustment,” Mr. Weiss declared, “is to revitalize and perpetuate those spiritual principles and ideals of life which have sustained the Jewish people throughout the centuries, in spite of persecution and hardship.”
Pointing out that the Union was founded thirty-seven years ago, Mr. Weiss said that the organization “still represents seventy-five per cent if not more of the Jews of America.”
Because of this large representation, Mr. Weiss contended, “the voice of Orthodox Jews should be more articulate and influential in the affairs of Jewry in America.”
Mr. Weiss read to the convention a letter from President Roosevelt, who expressed his good wishes and lauded the purpose of the meeting.
Other speakers included Representative Sol Bloom of New York, Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein of New York, Judge Fromberg, and rabbis from all important cities of the southeast. The convention was opened by Morris Garfinkle of Washington, chairman of the convention committee. Women delegates to the convention met during the afternoon for a special meeting which was presided over by Mrs. A. C. Selis of this city.
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.
