Evening star., 1898-10-08
CONFIRMATION SERVICES
Interesting Ceremony at the Hebrew syna-
gogue on Eighth strest.
Glass of Ten Little Girls Received
Into Fellowship-Addres by
Rabbi Stern,

In the presence of a congregation which
completely filled the magnificent new He
brew temple on 9Th street, and with an
impressive service of song and praise to
God, ten pretty little girls, daintily gowned
in pure white We're this morning confirmed
as children of Israel and brought into the
religion of their fathers. This was the
first class to be confirmed in the new sacred
edifce, and Rabbi Stern, who led the
ceremonies, admonished the children to be
proud of such distinction and honor.
The confirmation exercises were preceded
by the regular service Of the day, toward
the close of which the candidates for di-
vine blessing entered the auditorium
through the two main doors. half of the
number marching up either aisle and each
child carrying a pretty bouquet of flowers
Upon taking their seats in the chancel the
girls deposited the floral tributes on the
already profusely decorated altar.
The candidates for confirmation were:
Misses Irma Stern, daughter of the rabbi;
Mabel Blumenthal, Cecilia Lowenthal
Edna Dreyfuss, Miriam Prince, Jennie San
ger, Bertha Lowenthal, Ray Hahn, Carrie
Baer and Savina Goldsmith
Little Miss Bertha LOwenthal made the
opening prayer invoking the aid of God in
the endeavors of His children to lead up
right. religious and virtuous lives, and
praying that He might receive them into
His holy congregation.
Tested by Rabbi Stern.
The class was then put through a cate
chism on the subject of the fundamental
principles of Judaism, Rabbi Stern acting
as nterrogator. The children by their an
swers proved themselves to be thoroughly
familiar with their religious belief, the his
tory of their church and their duty upon
fHl1
by brief remarks from the children on vari-
Gus religious topics. Miss Irma Stern spoke
on the subject OF The Unity OF God" say
ing that the belief in one universal ruler
is the Hebrews standard and his comfort
Miss Mabel Blumenthal spoke on "Immor-
tality." She declared that immortality of
the soul is the sweetest thought of the truly
religious; the thought and belief that after
the night OF death there comes a rosy dawn
and bright day whose sun never sets-a
life everlasting. The Messianic Idea" was
discussed by Miss Cecilia Lowenthal When
all persons dwell in unity, when there is
men, when all are united in the worship of
one God. she declared, then would be the
time of the Messiah. And to such a glori-
Gus time the Hebrew looks forward with
earnestness and devotion.
MISS Miriam Prince chose as her subject
w Inch Is the True Religion?" 1--WE are all
brothers and sisters" she declared .'and
the children of on. Heavenly Father. our
deeds must attest our faith She was pre-
ceded by Miss Edna Dreyfuss, who spoke
OF The Mission of the Propt ets" declaring
that they were the uncompromising eX-
fcnents of justice and righteousness Sac
gers theme. She urged devotion in pray-
Ing, saying that prayer without devotion is
like the body without the soul. Miss Ber-
tha Lowenthal spoke on "a Lesson of the
Seventh Month Miss Ray Hahn on 'Edu-
cation" Miss Carrie Baer on Reverence"
and Miss Savina Goldsmith On 1.-The Jew
ard His Country" Miss Hahn said that
the Jew has always loved IA nd fostered edu-
cation. Miss Goldsmith said that she re-
1c1ced in the citizenship of country that
has never questioned the rights and liber-
ty Of its people in their religious belief
Address to the Class.
Rabbi Stern then addressed the class de-
claring that on the religious education Of
the children depends the safety of the
Union. Who can complete the work We
leave incomplete and finish the tasks we
leave unfinished" said he ''if not our chill
dren? They are to aid in building our great
tabernacle of religious faith on the princi-
pies of the unity of Our Father and the
brotherhood of man. To imbua them with
sense of their duty and to impress upon
them the Importance of their future work
are the objects of confirmation.
Not only the girls, but the boys as well
should be filled with the spirit Of the church
and imbued with its principles 1t Is IA
matter of deep regret that of late years
the boys have rarely entered our confirma-
ton classes. The neglect in preparing
them for the church and for a better life
is a sin that l hope will soon be rectified.
An Elaboration.
Never forget concluded the rabbi in
ADDRESSING the class, that you are daugh
ters of Israel-a distinction and title of
horor. Remember your sacred promises
and DO not become stranger in the church
Never hesitate to identify yourself with
any movement that may have for it's OBJ
Ject the promotion of Judaism and the ad-
Vanccment of religion. May the blessings
of your parents be realized and fulfilled
Pray children that you may not disappoint
tEem IN any of their hopes reasonable
expectations. In being blessed may you
become a blessing to yourselves, to the
world around you-a blessing in every sense
of the word
Leaving their seats on tae chancel ele-
walton the children passed down into the
congregation, where they received their
parents blessing, the choir singing the
blessed hymn. The children again ascended
the platform, made their confession of the
faith and We're blessed again by the min
lister.
The service was most Impressive through
out. The closing prayer was offered up
by Miss Jennie Sanger and the services
were concluded.