New-York tribune., 1907-05-13
DISCORD IN EMANUEL.
SECRET MEETING HELD.
Story of Rabbis' Quarrel Brings Dis
senSiOn to Head.

Following the story in The Tribune yesterday
Of the incident in Temple Emanu-E Ell on Satur-
day when the Rev. DR.. Joseph Silverman the
senior rabbi took vigorous exception to state
ment that had been made few minutes before
by the Rev. DR.. J. L. Magnes. the associate
rabbi, there was a hurriedly called meeting of
the trustees Of the congregation last night.
II is understood that the incident brought to u
head some little feelings of jealousy that are
said 10 have existed between the friends of eacn
rabbi. Two of the trustees it is understood,
We're accused of giving out the story in order to
inJure Dr. Silverman They denied that the"
had anything DO with it, but the discussion
brought out the differences of opinion among
the trustees and resulted in a debate that lasted
for two hours
When the trustees came out of the synagogue,
which is at Fifth avenue and 43d street, they
were surprised 10 learn that the fact that the
meeting was being held known outside
the board. They seemed much excited, and re-
fused 10 discuss what had been done One of
the trustees said:
This is only of our regular meetings, and
we simply transacted routine business. There
IS absolutely TO truth in the story that there is
any feeling between any members of the con-
gregation.'
1t learned. however that the meeting
was hurriedly called. and that it was most un-
usual to hold such meetings on Sunday night. It
was evident from the agitation of the trustees
that there had been an exciting time Before the
meeting adjourned each was put his
honor not to diyulge anything that had gone on.
Another director said: There is no question
of Zionsm anti-Zionism in this congregation.
Each has a right think as he likes. I
think this thing will blow over
There a rumor that there were differ
ences Of opinion between Rabbi Magnes who is
said to lean toward the ideas of the Zionists
and Rabbi Sverman. who is not in harmony
with these ideas. The propa ganda of the Zion
lists is that the Hebrews should return to PAL
estine and return TO the customs Of their fore
fathers.
The incident in the pulpit of Temple Emanu-
FL on Saturday arose from reference that DR..
Magnes made to trouble in the Hebrew Union
College. Cincinnati, last December. Professor
Margolius, OF the chair of Semitic languages,
preached a sermon in the college chapel, which
was strongly in favor of ZionisIn. DR.. Koher.
the president, who is a strong anti-Zionist. took
exception TO it, and said that thereafter he did
not want that doctrine advocated by any mem
Der OF the faculty. Professors Matter and
Schloessnger took sides with Professor Mar
golius. the result being that the three men re-
signed.
On Saturday. in Temple Emanuel. DR.. Mag
nes preached on the subject, The Jews a Mi
nOrity." His main thought that Jews should
stick closer TO the religion of their fathers that
they should preserve their faith, and that they
should continue the study of the Bible, not
leaving ii to the critics alone. In conclusion he
made an incidental reference to the occurrence
in Cincinnati saying that it showed that some
Jews were not broadminded they might
be, when three professors were practically
forced out Of college.
DR.. Silvernan said Yesterday that at the con-
clusion of the service he simply got up depore
the fact that DR.. Magnes had construed the
Cincinnati incident in such way TO indicate
that the professors had been deposed. He denied
that there any feeling between himself and
DR. Magnes. and said they were in perfect har-
mony, and were the best of friends.
Both rabbis attended the services of the re-
ligOus school of Temple Emanuel yesterday
morning, and DR. Silverman. In introducing DR..
Magnes 20 the children said that although the
latter had been with them only short time. yet
all had learned to love him. DIR. Magpes has
been associated with the congregation. which is
one of the wealthiest in the country. for less
than year.
Among those at the trustees meeting last
night were James Selignan president: NJ. II.
Moses. Justice David Leventritt. ex-Justice A.
J. Dittenhoefer, S. NJ. Shafer Louis Marshal,
Louis Stern and Daniel Guggenhefm. Both DR..
Siverman and DIR. Magnes were present Jacob
Schiff the banker, IS a member of the board,
but at the meeting.