The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-12-28

here to old forms of worship, without the
introduction of innovations of any kind !;
so the rabbi is not an Opulent divine, Ia
mlliar in society.
Yet he travelled to Japan in style befit-
ting man of wealth accustomed to
luxury, for he occupied a selected state
room on the fine steamer, and gave evil
dence OF having command of considerable
money on his departure.
This fact impressed itself on his friends
and caused all the more speculation, since
IT was known that their rabbi could but Ill
afford to make such q long journey IN
luxurious fashion. Questioning availed
little. The purpose of Rabbi Hirschowitz' S
trip was kept secret from his congregation,
even from his friends; although 1t has
since transpired that he went to the Orient
to perform a ve2y important function of
his office as Jewish rabbi
But what that ceremony was could not
be ascertained by those who knew of the
rabbl's going away. Every movement in
connection with the matter was studlouSly
clouded in that direction. Some had it
that he was called across the wide ocean to
marry wealthy couple in the Mikado's
klngdom-a couple wno would not accept
the civil marriage by the United States
Consul-General at Yokohama as binding,
or in fact marriage outside the church at
all. This was an ultra-OrthodoX view, and
1t found many ready adherents.
The truth was, however, quite opposite
from the generally accepted belief.
Rabbi HirschowitZ was taken to Japan
to perform a divorce according to the
tenets of the strict orthodox observance.
So much Is certain, but who it is that seeks
the divorce is mystery here.
1t is known that the interested married
couple dwell in Yokohama, that they are
very wealthy--even millionaires-andt that
they would not accept divorce from the
hands of the United States Consul-General
in that city, although his powers are tan
tamount to those of the Federal courts in
the United States. A civil separation was
not enough in their eyes; it should be
strictly in line with their religious convic-
tons.
So they secured the services of an Ortho-
doX rabbi, of whom the most accessible to
Japan was nearly 5000 miles away, and
paid all his expenses and undoubtedly a
handsome round sum in addition for his
time, trouble and services.
That the United States consular decree
of divorce should not have been accepted
is regarded here among Jewish people as
extraordinary, since civil divorce is usu-
ally taken by members of the Hebraic faith
in America. For that reason, too, it is sur
missed that the couple i'll Japan belong to
the ultra-orthodox church, and possibly
are Russian Jews.
Miss Hirschowitz, daug liter of the rabbi.
stated last night at her home, 81 Langdon
street, that her father had gone to Japan
on private business and would possibly re-
turn on the next steamer leaving after the
arrival ofthe City of Picking at Y Yokohama.
He has gone there to divorce married
coupler" she was asked
"Well, you know as much as myself, "
the young lady remarked, smiling blandly
"These people would not take civil
divorce?"
No, it will not be accepted by othodox
Jews. You know othodox Jews could not
marry again unless divorced by theil
rabbi otherwise it would not be divorce
at ALL
Further than this she would not discuss
the matter, explaining it was confidential
with a few friends in San Fran cisco.