The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-07-29

Argument by jew OF Liberal Tendencies

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir; The
SUNS synopsis OF the English translation OF
nti-Semitism, Its History and Causes, by
Bernard Lazare, shows that this author mas
made a study OF Jewish history and religion.
and has done much reasoning also
Mr.. Gazares work ought to receive the at
tentlon OF Jewish renders and as II seems TO
strike az the very root Of the evil, 1t may prove
instrumental to its eradication.
Even reformed Jews seem TO entertain
more or less general conviction that prejudice
against the jew Is an inbred. insnperaDie
Christian sentiment. SO general seems tn's
conviction, that any jew who ventures 70 say
that no does not share it IL vigorously de-
nounced as foolish, as a very lukewarm jew.
and as one even more disliked by Christians
than one who has II. Never thought is given
10 the fact that such conviction is in itself
prejudice. The Jew can Justly be proud OF
his faith. and of the history and personal char
acter OF his people. Every fair minded Chris
tlan appreciates. him, and readily, comedies
he has reason for such pride 6 III dne ley ley
observances still kept by him solely because
Of their having been those OF his people tor
centuries p9st he T hasten the Sv HIRE the
barriers which the jew himself maintains
against his Christian neighbor and friend are
crumblng, away. as certain customs iaii oy
Whenever these customs or laws conflict
with municipal or State law, they cease forth,
wth-witness the jewish GET !rabbiinlGal
prevailing mode Of dress, they are, not OBJ
served. In the days Of the Jewish nation
tuxedos, pajamas. TRANSPARENT shirtwalsJHs y,
popular. nor we're weddings held in places
IKE Sherry's or Delmonicos, and oyster
cocktails. lobster a la Newburg and roast
beef rare were, not In demand . ,,.oss
himself. why not consider the adyisaplilty OF
further changes TO please his Christian friendSt
He Is not asked to- change his faith, ne 10 wei
come to remain Jew, he would still pc jew
Moses and subsequent Jewish leaders We're
admit eddy wise and able men. The laws they
put forth were undoubtedly warranted ana
ditiOns, and many Of them. because OF their
practical wisdom and justice. Will SURVIVE
humanity,
sessed the sense which would have led them
10 suggest a change or repeal Of law when-
ever q changed condition should render such
q course advisable. "
Reasoning on this line, were Moses living
to-day, would he not belikely at once to repeal
some OF his laws. or change others. to CONFORM
with changed conditions? Jewish national onI,i
natural and patriotic that for soma time AFTER
the Dispersion Jews should have prayed Tor
It's restoration. and for the advent OF one
divinely endowed with the abilities to bring
this about. Now centuries have elapsed, the
history OF the Jewish nation az a nation has
become one OF the most ancient. yet we still
repeat the prayer. while we know, In our
hearts. were the nation to resume existence
tomorrow In Palestine. few jews would
return there, excepting possibly such as are
now eager to fee from countries where they
are still prosecuted and oppressed. Has the
present generation OF the American negro
any desire to return to the sunny African
home OF his forefathers2
Instead of endeavoring to perpetuate value
less ancient laws and customs, and OF enter
tanning feelings OF mstrust or prejudice
against Christianity because OF the past, the
Jew should endeavor to have his faith UP to
he still maintains against the Christian. The
barrier was once a great one, and was mu-
tualiy maintained; the Christian appears TO
Jew destroy the other side altogether. and
then antl-Semitism will have become thing
OF the past. ADoLPH OPPENHElMkR.
NEW YORK, July 20.