The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1876-08-07
Extravaganza mt FuIerns&.
70 TIE JEWISH PUBLIC.

In view of the extravaganza and display
at funerals. which are assuming such large
proportions, we the undersigned nlaRllsterS
of the Jewish congregations in the city OF
New York, believe tliat time has arrived
for calling attention 60 this growing evil.
Whilst we can exercise only moral iDflu-
cnce in tie matter, yet We are OF opinion
CHAT our efforts will nof altogether be in
esfectual in suggesting return to the SIM
1sicity by wfaich Jewish fsaerals were for
merly characterized.
The spirit and teachings OF our faith are
enthusiastically opposed to the prevalent pomp
and wastefulpesg which are mainly to be at
tributed to pagnicious fashion. Death,
which levels al distinctions OF rank and
wealth, should remind us OF that equality
and unpretensiousDess which the present
practices have tended so largely to destroy.
| We therefore feel it as a religious duty to
ask our eoreligionists TO discountenance not
only the use of costly Baskets, but also the
expensive floral display at funerals, which
seem to have become habitual. The end
might he gained to very great extent were
friends and acquaintances to be notified that
flowers would not be accepted on such sad
occasions. a.
We think that dissemination OF these
suggestions, coming from ministers OF all
shades OF opinion. through the Jewish press
and the authorities OF our congregations,
will tend to lessen and discourage the evils
pointed, even if it does not wholly remove
them. We therefore earnestly request your
attention to the matter which we have VEN
tured to bring to your notice.
S. ADLER,
G.. GoTTHEIL,
S. NJ. IsAACs,
HENRY S. JACOBS,
J. J. Lyons,
f. DESoLA MENDEs,
ISAAC G.. Moor,
II. w. SCHNEEBERGER.
-ADoIpH WISE.
New York, June 18th, 1876.
We trust that the publication of the above
card will accomplish its purpose. 1t will be
noticed that nine OF our Jewish preachers
have signed it, two only (Drs. Einhorr and
Huebschl for reasons Of their own, de-
clining to declare their adhesion to the ideas
thus advanced, although we are assured
that they sympathise with their colleagues
in this matter.
1t is time that this step were taken.
While incidentally lowing how harmoni-
Gus our guides may become in matters con-
corning the general welfare, so long as mere
dogmas arc excluded from discussion, this
public expression of the disapproval with
which they view the growing extravaganza
OF Jewish funerals will be appreciated and
respected. The evil is plainly referred to-
costly caskets and expensive fiowers-con-
yerting funeral, that should be impressive
in its simplicity, into an empty show, where
lavish expenditure Of money will be ec-
pected to console the mourners in their grief
and induce the bystanders to believe that
the more glittering his obsequies the more
deserving Of praise the deceased must have
been.
A few weeks ago there was appended to
the notice Of the funeral OF an estimable
lady, the daughter Of prominent member
OF Temple Emanuel, this intimation: "It
is the desire OF the family that friends alb
stain from sending flowers" The funeral
was attended by no less concourse Of
friends because it was conducted with be-
coming simplicity-a plain coffin, devoid Of
silver handles and plate, no floral emblems,
bleeding hearts, broken columns, stringless
harps, duttering doves, anchors, and even
crosses. There was simple wreath OF
pure white flowers, the gift OF the stricken
husband, and this was the sole ornament
that appeared on the pail. A charity box
was placed on the parlor mantel, and into
this friends dropped contributions, after
the old fashion, before extrayagant ideas
were suggested to this generation. and
large sum was thus collected for distribu-
ton among the poor.
This was significant scene, and we CON-
mend it to those people who, in describing
the simplicity and equality of the Jewish
ritual, would substitute heartless and
wasteiul worship Of fashion. The clergy
men have indicated the evil; let us oil apply
the remedy, and return to what is COM
mendable in the Judaism OF the past. ~
But why should this appeal be made to
the Jewish public alone? This extraya-
gance at funerals is an evil that besets every,
creed; and we trust that the public press
and the clergy Of all denominations will
second the appeal OF the Jewish ministers.
JeuSsh Messenger.
s. TIE HAWKING BIRD.-The thimble story
OF the Danyiile NenS reminds us OF az,