Omaha daily bee., 1899-04-29
RABBI SIMON IS INSTALLED
Indicted Into Office as Leader of
Congregation of Temple Israel
ATTENDANCE OF THE MEMBERS
President Katz Welcomes the New
Rabbi and the Latter Delivers
an Interesting Address to
the Audience.

Rabbi A. Simon, late of Sacramento, was
last night formally installed as the spiritual
leader of the congregation of Temple Is
rael in this city. There was a large at
tendance of the members of the organiza-
ton. The music of the evening was a
feature, and it was beautiful. There was
a bower of potted palms on the platform
and the chandeliers were wrapped in smilaX
and roses.
After the customary ritualistic services
S. Katz, president of the congregation, made
a short address welcoming the rabbi to his
new position. He said the officers of the
congregation pledged their assistance and
support to the rabbi in his work. He as
sured the congregation that when it voted
for the rabbi it promised to give him more
than its material support; it is to give its
moral support as well and its full encour-
agement. He said it was necessary for the
people to stand together in support OF the
leader in any cause to triumph and 1t was
especially essential that the members of the
congregation stand shoulder to shoulder with
the rabbi in the battle for the betterment
of mankind. Mr.. Katz closed by reading a
telegram OF congratulation, coed wishes and
blessing from DR.. Leo NJ. Franklin of De-
troit, formerly rabbi at Temple Israel.
Rabbi Simon in his address, formally ac-
cepting the trust imposed. said he was pro-
foundly grateful for the kind words of well
come extended him. The hour to him was
one of great solemnity and seriousness.
holy is that moment" said he, when the
rabbi stands before the burning bush of
responsibility and sacred is that hour when
he stands before God taking the obligation
to be true, II Is a great responsibility you
have placed upon me, ! will be with you
in your hours of affliction and sorrow. as
well as in the hour when the smile of Je-
hovah is upon you.
The story of the children of Israel led
from the arkness OF Egypt through the
Red sea into the land of Canaan is the
story of all history. Everybody has begun
in the ignorance OF Egypt, passed through
the Red sea OF trouble, on through the
wilderness OF disappointment and fought the
battle against sin, in hope OF reaching the
Canaan of a better life. Religion has been
the moving spirit of the world. Religion
found man at the Red sea Of difficulty and
commanded him to stand still and see the
salvation of God. Religion gave humanity
a hope in this world, an ideal in the world
to com and bridged the chasms separating
man from man. The master creations OF
today in painting, sculpture, music and
thought have been inspired by religion,
Among the great religions in the world
at the present time none stand crowned
with greater glory than that which we call
our own, In the world of idolatry il
preached a pure divinity. In a world OF
slavery 1t preached freedom. Its teachings,
moral and spiritual, have been united aud
given forth in the greatest book of the
world, the bible. Judaism is in harmony
with every land where it is practiced. That
is why it exists today, Religion and life
are one. To be religious you must be clean
Of hand and heart, your thought must har-
monte with your deed"
At the conclusion Of the services there