For twenty-four years Rabbi Moishe Gelman had occupied his post as a rabbi in the township of Janovitch, Viebsk region. Today he announced in the Yiddish communist paper “Octiabr”: “I don’t believe any longer in God and have nothing more to do with Rabbinism or religion.”
Gelman’s father and brothers are all rabbis now in White Russian cities. In his statement Gelman declares that he received “smicha” (ordination) from twelve rabbis, including the Lubowitscher Rebbe.
As the Year Turns, Support the Journalism You Trust. JTA covers the stories shaping Jewish life around the world — with the depth this moment calls for. As you reflect on the year ahead, consider a gift that keeps independent Jewish journalism strong.
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.
