The San Francisco call., 1908-09-21
RABBIS FROM AfAR
HELP DEDICATION
DevOut Disciples of the Jewish
Faith Attend Ceremony at
Opening of Synagogue
Girls of Confirmation Class Join
Long Procession Into
Sacred Edifice

Hundreds of devout disciples of the
Jewish faith assembled in the new
Beth Israel temple in Geary street near
Fillmore yesterday afternoon TO par
ticipate in the exercises that marked
the dedication of the new edifce. The
services, partly in the Hebrew tongue,
were impressive while exquisite music
from trained choir was a noteworthy
feature
Half an hour before the long pro-
eession Of rabbis, sweet young girls Of
the confirmation class and the congre-
cation officers wended its way into the
magnificent edifce every seat was
taken Many who were unable to find
seats filled the aisles, while several
hundred anxious spectators thronged
about the Geary street entrance.
The presence Of visiting rabbis from
Sacramento. Oakland and San Francisco
added to the Importance of the occa-
sion. Officers of the congregation, as
in all Jewish ceremonies, took an i'm
portant part in the afternoons cere-
monies.
Addresses from the rabbis were, in
general appeals to be faithful TO the
teachings Of Judaism. Congratulations
10 the Congregation Beth Israel were
extended by rabbis from other congre-
cations. During the service kilograms
from rabbis in Portland and the east
were read.
DEDICAToRY SERMON
The keynote OF the dedicatory ser
mon. delivered by DR.. NJ. 5. Levy, was
an explanation of the purposes of
houses of worship. He said in part:
Il appreciate the evidence of love and
esteem that has been displayed by the
preceding speakers. 1 have tried to
do my duty as ] understand it 1 have
tried my best TO put the Congregation
Seth Israel where she hoped to be. In
doing that work 1 simply performed my
duty.
To-day we are dedicating this house
TO the glory and worship of God Let
US be glad and rejoice; but, before
doing So let me ask: What does the
new temple stand for2 Some people
think that this temple is a luxury, but
there is a multitude of men and women
who think that such house is a neces-
sity. If the temple is the main thing
and rightly used ii is the most beau
tiful thing that any man could use IL
for. Is house of worship neces-
sary2 Is ii vital and indispensable?
take IL for granted that the temple
stands for religion. There is some race
pride evident here today. These in
luences are conventional Is there
something deeper. something connected
with our conscience2 If this temple
stands for religion in the highest sense
II represents the greatest gift in the
world for any man."
GIRLS HEAD PROCESSION
Headed by DR.. Levy and Cantor
Joseph Rabinowitz the procession en-
H. roTc -l,
, o'clock The 80 girls of the June
confirmation class. clad in immaculate
white and carrying white carnations.
formed an imposing spectacle. In the
lead was Miss Henrietta Marks and
Miss Lillian Lobree, the latter carry
ing handsome gold key, which was
later presented to Morris Wascerwitz,
president Of the congregation
After a circuit of the building. while
the choir rendered open Ye the Gates"
the rabbis and officers took their places
on the platform in front of the arch.
With a deeply impressive chant and
accompanying ceremonies the various
scrolls of the congregation were de-
posted in the arch. This was followed
by the lighting of the perpetual lamp
by Simon Myrson, vice president of the
congregation.
Max Goldberg of the building COM
mittee presented the building TO Nor
ris Wascerwitz. and then followed the
presentation of the golden key by Miss
Marks.
Rabbi DR. Jacob Nieto delivered a
scholarly address on Fellowship" DR..
B. NJ Kaplan made the opening ad-
dress with short prayer. The closing
address was made by DR.. NJ Fried
lander of Oakland, and benediction was
pronounced by DR.. Fried of Sacra-
mento.
The building committee, which
planned the building and arranged the
finances for its erection. was composed
of Max Goldberg. Morris Wascerwitz.
Julius Gollober and Jacob Lewis.