New-York tribune., 1906-10-20
WANT FREE SYNAGOGUE
DR.. Wise Here to Establish Ne1C
Form of Judaism.

The Rev DR.. Stephen S. Wise, ex-rabbi OF the
Congregation B'nai Jeshurun of this city, and for
the last six years in charge of a congregation IN
Portland Ore, arrived here yesterday from the
latter city and will begin the work OF establish
Ing IN New York the free synagogue
This. Dr. Wise explained. is to be an institution
which will be higher ethical and spiritual plane
than the present day synagogue. for which ne mas
already from men and women of like belief In DIFF
ferent parts Of the country promises OF co-opera-
ton and offers of support
DR.. Wise took pains TO make clear that the free
synagogue not designed to appeal to the NAL
contents In any established Jewish congregation
The Jewish population Of New York. he said. was
zoo. 600.
'I think may say" he continued, without fear
Of contradiction. that the new Jewish congrega-
tions in the upper section OF the city. with the
exception of Harlem. no larger than ten or
twelve years ago. although the Jewish population
is four or five times large 1t in $780,
DR.. Wise has received many letters and mes
sages asking him to found such institution as
the free synagogue. There will be meeting soon
Of the men and women interested in the movement
to perfect plans. The names Of these persons have
not yet been disclosed has it been decided in
what part OF the city the free synagogue will be
established.
There is no truth whatever" SAID Dr. Wise, 'in
the report that call has been or is TO be extended
to me to accept the pulpit Of the Congregation
B'n. Jeshurun. from which I resigned six years
ago before going to Portland. President Asher Of
the Jewish Theological Seminary is present rabbi
OF that congregation, and I cannot understand why
my name should be mentioned in connection with
that pulpit"
DR.. Wise said of his plans for the free synagogue
and its essential features:
The free synagogue will not be way out Of Ju-
daism, but a way forward with Judaism, out of the
Judaism that never was into the Judaism that need
never cease to be. The free synagogue Judaism
VIII be based upon the idea that the Jewish
lgton was not a single act. a series Of
steps, but q never ending process. never ceaSing
Development.
For one thing the Free Synagogue will stand for
progress and prophetic Judaism. In the next
place. it will be free in far as unlike most
gregations II will be supported by voluntary con-
tributions The pew system, morally is a bit OF
r7Adiaa1oIiSr, 6o,ya ,Ions I,rao
Synagogue, which is to be dedicated to the high
Ideals Of the essential democratic teachings of the
The Free Synagogue will, its name implies, be
free In so far its pulpit will be free and untram
!neled, free to voice without fear or scruple the
nigh moral and spiritual teachings of the syna-
gogue. 1t will thus do much to regain the moral
support which church and synagogue alike, alas!
are losing or have lost.
DR.. Wise refused last winter 10 consider the
terms under which the trustees of Temple Emanu-
FL would have him accept the pulpit OF that
gregation. DR.. Wise thought that the board of
trustees should control the pulpit. the call
not extended.
doctor was the guest OF honor at dinner given
made by Governor Chamberlain of Oregon; Mayor
Gearin.
DR.. Wise founded in Portland the Peoples
the Peoples Institute of this city He served
four years as Child Labor Commissioner of Ore
presidents OF the Conference OF Charities and Cor
rectton