New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-19
THEIR OLD CUSTOMS NOT CHANGED
But THERE IS SAID TO BE A DESIRE FOR
MODERN UsAGEs II THE NINETEENTH
STREET SYNAGOGUE.

But THERE IS SAID To BIZ DESIRE FOR
MODERN UsAGEs IL THE NINETEENTH
STREET SYNAGOGUE.
The modern spirit. II is reported has laid its hand
upon the oldest Jewish congregation in 'NewYork.
ana threatens 10 destroy Of the old Hebrew
customs and TO establish the usages and ceremonies
now In vogue in the reformed synagognes. The
Nineteenth Street Synagogue was founded abou,
two hundred years ago by Spanish and Portuguese
Hebrews. and Its membership to-day Is composed
chiefly OF those OF Spanish Portuguese English and
Dutch descent, who adhere strictly to the Old
Mosaic ritual. and differ from the German Jews.
even 10 the pronunciation Of the Hebrew. in which
language the prayers are written The men wear
their hats during religious service, and the women
occupy pews in gallery. There is no instrumental
music. and the ritual is long.
reform party has sprung up in the coDgrega-
ton which favors choir with organ. a material
abbreviation OF the service. English and less
Hebrew in the prayer book. and above all rear
rangement OF the body OF the synagogue that
there may be family pews
The movement is simply the result Of progress. -
said prominent member. land from which every
congregation must start before it become. re-
formed. Keeping the head covered and having a
separate place for and Oriental customs
have religious significance and are not in keep
ing with the customs Of this country and the grow
ing generation is too American to continue these
practices"
On the other hand. tie older members, and they
are in the majority. adhere religously to the Old
customs and argue that If they were good for 300
years they should be good still
The regular annual business meeting was held al
the synagogue last evening. al which II was said
the differences OF opinion apparently exlQing be-
tween the orthodox and reform elemeniE IN the
synagogue TO be discussed and a vote taken
Tribune reporter who went 20 ,he place Of
meeting was unable 10 secure admitfance early I'm
the evening, bat at the close OF the meeting was
told that the matter had not been discussed at al,
J.. Napoleon Levy. the president Of the syna-
gogue SAID: THE meeting tonight merely took
action upon the building Of the new synagogue for
which the foundations have already been laid at
Seventieth-st. and Eight -ave. A. ia this talk
about any changes In order OF service The
whole thing is fabrication He We nave
maintained the old orthodox customs IN our wor-
not going 10 make a change now This whole mat
ter settled last June. when special meet
Ing called TO vote upon the advisabi.ty OF haV-
Ing family pews organ and English prayer
book and the reform element were defeated by an
Overwhelming majority
I'm the " synagogue, which we expect Will be
ready for occupancy in about year. all the ar
rangements for worship Will be on the old orthodox
lines and will not be altered one iota from our
present system.
H Perelra Mendes the minister corroborated Mr..
LEWIS statements He denies cmpha;cal!y that
there 10 any factional fght among the members
There are. however. some prominent members OF
the synagogue who talk differently and take an
opposite view OF the case.