The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-04-28
An Event OF Importance In Our Re.
. ligtOus History.

An FsN Gnu Importance VuT NC
ligious History.
The dedication, on Sunday. of the new
building Of the Jewish Theological Semi
nary Of America was an event Of impor-
lance in the history of American Judaism
and in the whole religious and social de-
velopment of America. and of New York,
more specifically. The Jews, formerly n
small fraction of the population Of the
town and of inconsiderable influence
relatively, have now become something
like fifth part of the inhabitants and in
the East Side district. where they are con-
gregated in greatest numbers. they con-
stitute almost the whole population and
dominate the region with their religion
and their customs. Moreover, with the
exception Of the Italians, their race seems
to be increasing more rapidly than any
other, though already the Jewish COM
munity in New York is greater than any
other ever assembled in one place since
the dispersion. As we showed yesterday,
out Of nearly half million immigrants to
this country during the last nine months,
about two-fifths were from Russia and
Austria Hungary. the sources from which
the Jews are now coming almost ex-
clusively.
The Jewish Theological Seminary,
whose new building, at i23d street, was
dedicated on Sunday, is Of significance
because it is representative Of the con-
sentative school Of Judaism and is a
development from movement started
by the Orthodox school of Judaism. In
1885, at a Rabbinic Conference at Pitts
burg presided over by the late DR.. ISAAC
NJ. WISE, the leader of liberal Judaism,
these principles were declared:
We hold that the modern discoveries and seicn-
tho researches In the domains OF nature and his
tory not sntssonistic to the doctrines Of Juda
ism. the Bible rejecting the primitive ideas OF is
own age and at times clothing Its conception Of
Divine Providence and justice In dealing with man
In miraculous narratives
we recognize In the Mosaic legislation q system
Of training the Jewish people for Its mission during
Its national life In Palestine and day accept
a. binding only the moral laws and maintain only
such ceremonies elevate and sanctify our lives
but reject all such as arc unadspted 10 the views
and habits OF modern civin ration.
we hold that all Nsuch Mosaic and Rsbbnicai
laws a. regulate Diet phesty purity and dress
originated In ages and under the influence OF Ideals
altogether foreign to our present mental and spir-
itual state.
we consider ourselves no longer nation, but
q religious community. and. therefore, expect
neither return TO Palestine nor a sscrnclai wor-
ship under the sons OF AAnox DOR the restoration
of any Of the laws concerning the Jewish state
This declaration, drawn up largely
under the influence of the Hebrew Union
College at Cincinnati, the representative
institution OF the Reformed party Of Ju.
daism, was so offensive to the Orthodox
school that steps toward the formation
Of a theological seminary in opposition
to its principles were at once taken.
When. in 1887, Philadelphia rabbi made
an appeal for funds for the then strug-
Cling seminary, he expressed the bitter
ness OF the Orthodox feeling thus:
The two Gags have been raised. the appeal has
been made. From cacinAau comes plea for half
. million dollsrs. for the BAai who even there 10
no, GOD From New York comes plea 70 build
and sustain school which shah send forth leaders
TO guide Israel In the path Of truth. which Is the
path OF the ErEnxAL"
Now, sixteen years later, the Jewish
Theological Seminary Of America is able
to dedicate in New York building for
It's uses which has been erected at cost
of $500, 900, while an endowment fund
OF 10000, contributed by the liberal
ity OF distinguished Jews, conspicuous
among whom is Mr.. JACOB b. ScHIFr,
has been provided for its support and Is
to be increased to 81 900 900.
Mr.. ScHIFP explained In his remarks
at the dedication, however, that the
purpose Of the seminary is not u cham
pion any particular views OF its organis-
ers, but 70 appeal to all desiring to pre-