Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-12-08
ADDRESS BY MRS. MINNIE d. LOUIS
OF NEW YORK.
GREAT INTEREST WAS SHOWN
TO ADAPT JUDAISM TO
PROGRESS OF THE PRESENT.
Popular Education, Which Will Ena-
BILE jews to Understand Their
Needs and to Wisely Consid-
er Them. FOstered by
the Cha uta uqun.

Mrs. Minnie D. Louis. of New York.
national field secretary for the Jewish
-Chautauqua Society, whose headquarters
are in Philadelphia, and of which Rabbi
Henry BerkowitZ. of that city, Is founder
and chancellor, in her address last even
ing AT the Temple. said in brief, that she
came as messenger of hope, to bring
courage and cheer to the Jewish heart.
But this could only be obtained through
the study of Judaism, its history and liter
azure. A comprehensive knowledge of
these would so quicken the mind and heart
that the old intense love for il would be
revived. This knowledge is not to enforce
the rigid views and ceremonies of ages
past. but is to open the mind that it may
inteiligently know how to adapt the eternal
truths of Judaism 10 the needs and Gus
toms of progressive generation, without
altering Its significance; for this. the wis
dom of the people, as well as of the rabbis,
Is needed. Therefore. popular education
which will enable the people 10 understand
their needs and to wisely consider them, is
fostered by the Jewish Chautauqua.
Mrs. Louis related having heard Pro-
lessor Richard G. Moulton lecture on 1.-The
Literary Study of the Bible on a Sunday
afternoon in a Christian church. to its
congregation. in which he made so mani
fest the real inspiration, the God-empower-
ed mastery of the old Hebrew poets and
prophets, that not listener there but
must have acknowledged that the world
owes all its worship of the One Mighty God
to the Jewish people. She said the time
has come when the Jews should begin to
realize their ownership of the Bible and
stand before the world, not as crucifiers of
Christ, not as Judas iscariots, not as
Shylocks, as they have SO long been paint
ed, maligned and falsified. but as teachers
of Gods law. That the time is now. And
the Jewish Chautauqua comes in the true
democratic spirit TO offer all the knowl-
edge that will enable them TO resume their
ancient dtgnity-amonSst the peoples of the
earth.
She spoke OF the methods of the Jewish
Chautauqua. which followed those of the
parent 'Chautauqua, and specializing on
one subject Judaism. in all its phases.
sacred and secular: and of the Summer
Assembly which has been held three con-
secutive summers at Atlantic City. all of
which We're marvelously successful in
scope and attendance: she thought Chris
tian teachers could also profit by attend
ing them and would be edited to a degree
that would remove some of that ignorant
prejudice which is, at times, so pernlciouS
in the classroom.
Mrs. Louis, in conclusion, quoted from
Emma Lazarus. Let but an Ezra rise
anew. to lift the banner of the Jew.
apostle of Jewish expansion, and said she
believes he is the new Ezra to lead the
Jews to the spiritual realm of Zion. which
knows no West, no East; and that be-
meath his banner. which bears the device
of the Jewish Chautauqua. will gather
again the loyal hosts that will re-establish
the dominion of Judaism.
Mrs. Louis will also organize circles for
the study of the Bible and post Biblical
history according to the several syllabuses
that have been formulated for it.
Summer Assembly has been success
fully held at Atlantic City for the past
three years. and it is the object of the So
ciety to establish permanent one. that Is
to buy the ground for ii, at some place
not yet designated.
Mr. Berkowitz in his opening remarks
| smoke of the advance of education in mod
| ern times and urged his audience TO think
| seriously of the new movement In jewish
| circles and lend their influence to the
| Chautaudua work which aims TO bring edu-
| cation within the reach of all:
Following Mrs. Louis. Rabbi II. Mayer
gave a short address Of welcome for the
| church. 10 which Mr. Leon Block respond
| ed for the congregation. Miss christine
Haas spoke for the Council OF Jewish
Women.
! The musical numbers were Schubert
"Serenade'' played upon the violin, py
Mr.. |. Landman. and vocal solo. My
| Heart at Thy Sweet Voice, by Mrs Dora
| Harshel