The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-07
patriotic citizens.
OBJECTS OF JUDAISM.

uous growth OF peace, justice, and love In
the human race TO a messiahic time when
all men will recognize that they form
lone great brotherhood" for the establish
ment of Gods kingdom on earth.
The above was read by DR.. Phillipson
TO the convention, and was received with
applause. The president then appointed
DIR. Phillpson. Hon. Simon Wolff aid DIR.
Joseph Kranskopf 10 formulate -resolu-
lions embodying the sense OF the con-
vention.
Rev. DR.. Henry Berkonitz. OF Philadei-
phia. In an eloquent and vigorous speech.
advocated the appointment OF a perma-
nent committee on Synagogue Extern
sion"
Expansion IS In the air OF America"
said the Doctor, "and the convention
should catch the inspiration"
Dr Berkowitz went on TO explain that
the work of the proposed committee
would be to organize new CONGREGATIONS.
and to spread the work throughout the
country. There should be union and
brotherhood everywhere. he said, and the
difference between the orthodox and I'M
orthodox should be stamped out
Dr. Berkowitz yielded the floor before
finishing his subject I'm order that the
hon. Simon Wolf might address the
congregation.
Mr., Wolf was presented by Mr.. Straus
III brief but highly complimentary
speech.
MR.. WOLFFS ADDRESS.
Mr. Wolff said: Never before have felt
so difiient In discharging a sacred trus,
and duty as ] do to-day Two of Smeri-
cas- gifted orators and original thinkers
have been honored guests OF tNis Union
and have in eloquent phrases pointed out
wnat there was deficient. but never to
my recollection a single word how to
improve or better these conditions. and
where such eminent ability has failed ana
only succeeded in arousing a great deal
or criticism. possibly wholesome. il can
easily be imagined that I am not at all
sure of the ground on which | stand or
the measures of success which I should
advocate.
can. however say with absolute truth
that from the first moment I have been
devoted. jealous and enthusiastic friend
OF the Union Of American Hebrew Con
gregations. the college and all the works
connected herewith. Feeling sure then.
as / have ever since AMI now. that such
a union was essential for the preservation
Of the achievements Of Judaism In the
past. and for the bcttorment of the con-
dtiOn of the jew as individuals and citi-
Gems Of the United States.
The Union, according to my ideas. was
founded as a basis of developing the
active forces Of Judaism. 10 maintain n
high standard of morality. TO teach by
example unity. and TO endow a college
that should teach it's students all OF the
elementary principles underlying pro-
gressive Judaism, without endangerng
individual opinion, AM this college should
educate American rabbis who should
preach the word Of God I'm an intelligent.
cultured, refined and elevated manner.
appealing to and stimulating the younger
generation for support. and perpctuating
among the elder all principles endearel
10 the Jew.
And this idea. / believe. has been sue
cessfully accomplished. There can be no
question but what more should have been
done had there been an absolute union
Of all the congregations and more money
In the treasury.
The Union has never attempted. and
never will. to dictate any prayer-book or
any forms OF worship within the sacred
portals Of the synagogue. That is a mat
ter left entirely 20 the wishes OF the in
divilual congregation. and there Is not
a letter I'm the constitution Of the Union
or its bylaws that enf0rces discipline
In consequence Of n non-acceptance OF
he Union Prayer-BOOk. or any neglect
Of its rules except for the non-paNment
Of dues 10 the Union. II IS strange 10 me
that orr brethren and members Of the
orthodox congregations ard the non-par-
ticipating Reform congregations do no,
realize the vast amount cf good the
Union Of congregations has produced.
and how much more could be achieved
with a larger number OF congregations
and a larger income. The moral iniiu-
ence alone would be far-reachins and
wholesome.
TWENTY-FIVE years have passed into his
tory since the birth Of the Union OF Ame-
rican Hebrew Congregations. Years
freighted with rich argosies Of eX-
perience. for years prior 10 the
launching of our ship. the waters
were troubled and tempestuons ana IL
was hoped and believed that this Union
would not only produce harmony but
also permanent accord on all the INES
Of modern progressive Judaism, would
aid and stimulate patriotic fervor. ana
elevate the individual Jew 10 a higher
plane Of American citizenship.
Continuing. the orator said: The found
er of this Union. who at the same time
may be Justly called the Nestor OF Anne
rican rabbis and editors, Rev. DIR. Isaac
NJ. Wise was actuated by lofty and
sincere purpose. / do not claim, nor VIII
he. that he was always right. or that
time has not proven him occasionally
wrong. but the sincerity OF his motives
the singleness of his purpose. the unset
fish devotion to Judaism and the Jew
cannot be questioned and deserves at our
hands to-day as posterity Is bound 10
accord. unstinted praise, recognition, and
the sincerest homage to the scholar, the
editor, the patriot, the teacher, the man
and the fighter Had DR.. Wise never
done another act than the creating OF this
union" and the founding of the college.
he would deserve gratitude: he recOg-
nized with the instinct of genius the weak
spots in the communal life Of American
Judaism and foresaw splendid pOssibili-
ties based on union"
CONCENTRATION. ORGANIZATION
The trend OF modern society is for con-
centration and organization. A compact,
united and harmonious body can achieve
success and render invaluable service. not
only to itself, but TO the State, and what
Dr. Wise worked for was not only In the
interest of the Jew and Judaism, but also
i'm aid of civil and religious liberty, and
TO give the Jew as an American that
status and recognition to which he Is en-
titled by the logic of history. and by his
humane and civilizing philosophy and
ethics.
| have never conceded. nor do to-day.
that this Union was TO cement the Reform
Element only. The very word Union"
disproves it. The idea was and is TO
bring every Jewish congregation in the
United States into a closer union, not on
lines of common prayer book. or any
of the tenets that time and tradition have
engrafted. Orthodox Reform and Ag-