Rabbi Dr. Immanuel Jakobovits, Chief Rabbi of the British Commonwealth, advocated today a comprehensive study of the Anglo-Jewish community “to survey the British Jewish community’s overall resources, needs and services, with a view to modernizing its structure and securing its future.” Dr. Jakobovits recommended this action at a conference of the Institute of Jewish Affairs, a research body associated with the World Jewish Congress, at the London School of Economics. The conference was attended by 70 community leaders and academic and intellectual personalities.
The survey, to be conducted by social scientists, might investigate “the relationship between Jewish religious observance and education and social stability with special reference to the incident of divorce, illegitimacy, crime, juvenile delinquency and drug addiction,” Rabbi Jacobovits suggested. He explained that the study would deal with religious bodies – synagogues and educational institutions and welfare and civil rights services. The investigation could lead to the adjustment and possible reorganization of community services “to meet the complexities and challenges of the future,” Rabbi Jacobovits concluded.
Alderman Michael Fidler, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, welcomed the proposal and expressed the willingness of the Board of Deputies to cooperate with other bodies in the investigation.
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