The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-21
TORAH DEPOSITED
 IN NEW SYNAGOGUE
The Orthodox Jews Have lm-
 preSsive Ceremonies
H0N0RS SOLD AT AUCTION
The Congregation Move in Procession to New Hoouse of Worship-Ribbi
 Yasgorn Makes an Eloquent
 Address--other Addresses.

The ceremony of carrying the torah or scrolls from the old to the new place of worship occurred at the new synagogue of the orthodox congregation K'Nesseth- Israel at the corner of Seventeenth street and Seventh avenue yesterday afternoon. Rabbi Yasgour, Dr. Samuel Ullman and the Rev. pr. L. s. Handley of the Gen. tral Presbyterian church made addresses. There were violin and piano solos and after the exercises refreshments were served. The members of the congregation went to the old meeting place and form ing a procession, brought the torah to the new synagogue and with much cer- emony the scrolls were placed in the ark.
 Honors at Auction.
 After the congregation had assembled the first proceeding was the sale by auc- tion of the honor of bearing the three scrolls. The highest bidders being M. B. Hermann, M. Engle and L. Weinstein, they had the honor of bringing the torah at the head of the procession. The honor of first opening the door of the new house of worship was then sold and purchased by Mir. and Mrs. J. Philllpson.
 The congregation then left the syna- gogue and proceeded to the place where the scrolls had been kept. The sacred writings were taken by the bearers and the procession started for the new syna- gogue.
 The Key.
 When the procession reached the syna- gogue Rabbi Yasgour handed to key to Mrs Phillipson, saying: Tn the name of the congregation K'Nesseth Israel, give you the key to open the gates of this holy structure, erected as a monu- ment of piety and fraternity" Mrs. Phillipson unlocked the door and, push ing it open, said in german: Brothers and sisters. in the name of God, l open these gates to you"
 The members of the congregation then filed into the synagogue and took their seats, the bearers of the scrolls being in the front. Rabbi Yasgour read some prayers and extracts from the Jewish bible, after which he made a short ad- dress, calling attention to and explaining the significance of the torah to the Jew ish people He laid special stress on the change in the Jews in the succeeding generations.
 Love and Spiritual Growth.
 He sought to impress upon his hearers that fraternity and love for one's fellow man lay at the foundation of all spiritual growth. That the outside appearances went for little, but that purity of heart and the cultivation of the soul were the essentials in all teaching and growth. He thanked God for the opportunities given his people by the American gov ernment and the American institutions. His address was not set and was in measure extemporaneous, but was elo- quent. It was delivered in English.
 Following the address of the Rabbi came a violin solo by Max Kirsch, which was greatly enjoyed by the auditors. The performer played with great feeling and expression. His touch was sympathetic and his technique, especially the finger ing, was surprisingly fine for an anna teur. The accompanist was Alfred Bal sane, a young Birmingham boy. His work was good and especially so when it is remembered that he is only IA years old. Later in the afternoon he gave a piano solo which was received with great favor by the audience.
 MT. Jack Minnisman was to have de- livered an address, but was prevented by Illness
 Closing Ceremony.
 The honor of placing the scrolls in the ark was then sold at auction, as we'll as the honors of opening and closing the doors of the ark. This ceremony was the most impressive of the whole pro- ceeding and was accompanied by singing of the choir, led by Rabbi Yasgour, who has a voice of singular sweetness.
 Refreshments of cake and wine were served by Mrs. J. Philipson and Mrs.