Appeal for Jewish Education Issued by Leaders of Major Groups

Leaders of all major Jewish organizations today issued a call to Jewish parents through out the United States urging them to enroll their children in Jewish schools beginning with next month, as well as to concentrate on improving the programs offered in Jewish schools. The call was issued through the American Association for Jewish Education.

“As American Jewry enters into its fourth century, it may well raise a series of fundamental questions,” the appeal says.” What form is Jewish life here likely to take# What are the essential cultural and religious values that are worth perpetuating and through which we enrich ourselves and the society around us# Does the American cultural pattern encourage and make sufficient provision for the preservation of such values# What is to be our relationship to Israel# How can we develop our mutual contacts so that the basic ideals of Judaism are preserved and strengthened in both Israel and the United States#”

Pointing out that Jewish children must be able cope effectively with these questions, the appeal says: “Much will obviously depend on the attitudes they develop toward Jewish matters but also on the intelligence and understanding which they can bring to bear on them. Positive attitudes and genuine understanding will turn depend in great measure on whether or not they receive a Jewish education and also on the adequacy of the Jewish education that is provided. Leading a wholesome well integrated life as affirmative and self-respecting Jews can result only from an education that starts early and continues well into adolescence and adulthood.”