President and Mrs. Reagan have extended birthday greetings to Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan founder of the Reconstructionist movement on his 100th birthday.
“Throughout the past century, you have spectacularly proven yourself as a dedicated scholar, teacher and, most importantly, as a spiritual leader who has touched countless souls in the American-Judaic Congregation,” Reagan said. “Indeed, your lifelong commitment to a thriving, exemplary Jewish tradition in America has earned you the utmost respect and admiration of all who know you.”
The President, who called Kaplan one of “our nation’s most essential leaders of the faithful,” sent the message through the Jewish Community Council of Greater Washington which is sponsoring a lecture tomorrow night in honor of Kaplan. In addition three scholars will commemorate Kaplan’s centenary at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars at the Smithsonian Institution Wednesday night.
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