The sun., 1896-10-18
Jewish Questions,


Jewish Questions.
An interesting brochure entitled Judischb
Frdgcn (Jewish Questions, and containing
two essays by the Rev. DR.. B. FRrsEN-
THAI of Chicago tKoellinR & Klappenhachl.
treats OF tho questions that are aRitating tho
minds of Israel in America, as they are divided
into two camps. the orthodox and the reformers
In the treatment Of these questions the vener.
able scholar produces a clear outline Of a situa-
tion which is somewhat puzzling TO the outside
observer. DR.. Felsenthal belongs to the school
of Hebrew philosophers. no. with all their vene-
ration and affection for orthodox Jewish Gus
toms, are still clear-siyhted enough TO perceive
that so far as their people in the United States
are concerned. the old is rapidly passing away.
and new phase shall We cay dispensatonO p
of the ancient faith is just as rapid y developing.
Men of thought and learning cannot help
noticing this. Unlike the school of Jewish con-
servat!ves. who also perceive the same. but
satisfied to abide bv the old confessions and to
allow times to pass on and changes to develop
"as God may destine." the reformers OF DR..
Felsenthal's calibre are anxious to understand
those changes. and by them to fathom the gen.
eral principle at work. whether historical or
theological. and. II possible. to outline a
view of the future of their religion. Men like
to venture upon such speculations. for 1t is they
who for the last three or four decades havo
worked to establish reform OF the German hoo
anon the r bret hren OF the United States. where
IN its latest developments. 1t outstrps the vague
confessions OF the ethical culturists." and
borr.crs on atheism. on the one hand. and seems
to incline strongly toward the religion OF
love" on the other hand. But they are still
Jews. The vaguest and the most defective
clamnr for ,udhiam and do
claim rs its adhererts. Noticing the con-
trast between the Representatives OF tho
extreme reform wing and the orthodox rabbis
and believers. whom the imm graton from Rus
sa has brought hither in the last fifteen years.
and being unable to understand tho various
Gratations in the religious faith and conduct
OF their brethren that appear between these two
extremes. tho young American born generation
of Jews asks OF men like DIR. Felsenthal, What
is Judaism"
There are number of other scholars of tho
type Of our author. who stand In the same rela-
tion to their faith. and who have work ed as
arduously. II not moro SO, for the cause OF Ger
man Jewish reform. The serious question OF
the Young generation is addressed to them as
well as to DR.. Felaenthai. But they choose to
waive the question. so to speak. Attempts
were made by them at Conventions OF
Reform Rabbis, some few years ago. to
create platform" as the Jewish publica-
mons ca1led IT. or to formulate q creed
that should represent their religion or express
the principles OF raith they stand by But these
attempts nave failed. Their platforms were
large enough Tor all the people on Gods Garth to
staho upon. nut not sound enough even for the
members oi the reform confession to venture to
mount win the philosophical and scholarly
oagRaee they claim AS their own. This meta
phor' IL VIII De acknowledged. 10 justified BY
the.r own cholce OF the word platform" for
'heir creeu' linen. their attempts at formulating
ne" creeu having tailed. the leaders
OF the heIorm party Withdrew. each to his
chossh he!d OF activity In his own congregation,
sa'snea that reform had como to stay"
tah"ther peculiar phrase OF their own ohoce),
ana ehch sh'lt'ng along individually as best he
coulu. some OF the most prominent among
."e,h nave oven retracea their steps and gone
backward 10 conservatism; others content them
serves with entertaining their congregations
with cho.ce rhetoric and beautiful metaphors
soou. :, ,unA,sm' tne JUDAISM which is still un-
uelheu ana "hich IL stiIl not understood.
Young Israel in America, however, docs not
seem to be satisfied with glittering generaliti.,
and scintillating Je,ir dc mots. II may be SO far
entertained and amused by these things as to
forget temporarily the principal point at issue
In its admiration OF tho speak ers and rhetor
tcianss sbut In moments OF serious reflection tho
question rocurs; "What Is Judaism2 ?" with
the practical turn OF mind OF natiye.born