The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-08-18


Jews need more preaching In the vernacular in
their synagogues, which were established origi-
nally for instruction. and not merely for prayer,
as according to the Jewish ritual ten males ('min-
yan'O who have attained nineteen years of age
are quorum competent for religious worship any,
where and at any time; consequently the only OBJ
ject Of congregating in large numbers was to hear
the law read and expOunded, which custom, as we
read of in the Bible, is as Old as the law itself.
We OF the orchodox school believe in the neces-
sity OF retaining the Hebrew language as the
medium of conveying our thoughts and expressing
our wishes to our Father in Heaven. There are
others who prefer the use OF their native tongue
interspersed with few Hebrew sentences; but all
agree that religious instruction Is essential to the
well being OF the House Of Israel, and the anxious
inquiry comes from all sdcs-How can the demand
be supplied We answer by the establishment of
theological seminary upon broad and liberal
basis wherein first class classical education can
be acquired, combined with thorough theological
course or instruction. The means Tor this are in
large part ready at hand; for suggested by your
sp0ndent, IAN lsraete,n Mr.. sampson SIM
son, who died some twenty years ago beqnsath s
precisely this purpose, and why no step has been
taken, so far as we are aware by the trustees ap-
pointed by the testator or their successors to
carry out the spirit OF the will OF the poor sraelite
we are at loss to understand. The property Is very
eligoy located and Is now OF great value There
therefore, If after aproper appeal to the public tor
aid 20 erect suitable building liberal response
be not forthcoming, then we think 1t would be emf
nently proper for the trustees ar there be no pro-
hibitlon In the WHY to apply to the Legis-
lature, or any court having competent jurisdic-
ton, for leave to sell such surplus part
OF the grounds az would enable them to erect a
building and launch the undertaking fairly into
istence. Further valuable time should not be lost.
The trustees owe duty to the deceased and the
public which must not be longer ignored, and we
hope 10 see them wake from this Rip Van Wrinkle
nap and be up and ready TO supply the much needed
want. So much for the Rabbinical College.
Now in reply to part OF your article that SUBJ
ject published In your edition of last Sunday Au-
gust 4.
Alter taking exception to the views OF one Of
your correspondents, you go on TO say lit is be-
ueved AMI reported, however, that the lead
ing Jewish rabies or this city are in
favor OF observing the Christian Sabbath
instead OF their own. as being the only means OF
keeping their congregations together and their
synagOgues respectfully filed They are I'M
doubleday, right. But, then, the Sabbath question
comes up and demands q hearing"
In all this you have been misnformed; for we
venture to assert without fear of denia that there
Is not minister Of respectable Jewish congrega-
ton In the city OF New York that will subscribe to
or undertake TO perform religious somerset OF
that kind. About year ago such a motion was
made by q member at meeting OF his congrega-
ton In New York; but IL was voted down by such
an overwhelming majority that the proposition Is