Evening star., 1909-01-19
Many Problems Before Council
of Congregations.
MEETING IN PHILADELPHIA
800 Rabbis and Laymen From All
Sections of Country.
GROWTH OF HEBREW COLLEGE
Additional Land Bought in Cincin-
natl for New Buildings-Con-
ditions in Mexico.

PHILADELPHIA. January 19.-The so
luton OF problems that concern the reli
gious and civic wellbeing of the Jewish
| race in the United States was earnestly
undertaken today at the opening of the
| twenty-first council of the Union o.
American Congregations here. The 30(
members OF the council. made up of rab
| bis and laymen from various parts OF
the country, assert today that such meas.
ures will be agreed upon as will establish
the Hebrew on a plane where he may
enjoy a fuller freedom in the pursuit OF
his individual endeavors.
The council had its formal opening this
morning at the Mercantile Club, and fol-
lowing the election of officers and the
presentation of printed reports an adj
Journment was taken until the afternoon
when announcement will be made Of the
standing committees which will consider
and draft resolutions on the more vital
questions now affecting the Hebrew in
this country. The council was opened
today with an address of welcome by
Samuel Grahfelder. chairman of the local
entertainment Committee.
Delegates Applaud Sentiment.
Word was received at the opening OF
the council that Louis J. Goldman. presi-
dent of the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations, was i'll at his home in
Cincinnati. A message from Mr.. Gold
man was read by Edward l.. Heinsheimer
of Cincinnati. who responded to the well
coming speeches. The delegates ap-
plauded vigorously when Mr.. Goldman. in
his message, said:
While as Jews We do not consider it
our province to interfere In political af-
fairs. yet as citizens of our land, we
should always regard it as a duty to per-
yrnff At% ~I,~ i 81
infringe upon the rights of any American
citizen because of his religious affilia-
tions and to enter our solemn protest
whenever the attempt is made
President Goldman told of the growth of
the Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati
and that additional land had been acquired
for the erection of new college buildings,
which would be built when the necessary
funds were procured.
Following the opening address the dele
gates elected Alfred NJ. Klein of Phila-
delphia as chairman or the council, and
Judge Philip Stein OF Chicago as vice
chairman. Levy Lipman Of Cincinnati was
elected secretary.
Reports Submitted.
Presentation of the annual report of the
congregations and formal reports of allied
Jewish organizations followed speech by
Chairman Klein, who declared for the
enactment Of just immigration laws and
a provision of treaties with those coun-
tries which discriminate against Jewish
citizens of this country.
In the report Of Rabbi Martin Zielonk,
special representative to the republic of
Mexico. recommendation was made that
the work OF organizing Jewish congrega-
tions In Mexico be continued. Rabbi lie
lonka, in his observation of conditions in
Mexico, stated:
''In every city there are some Jews who
deny their origin. wish to know nothing
OF their co-reIigionists. and attempt to
hide their identity. There are also lere
and there some who have been converted
to Catholicism for businss or marriage
reasons. In Mexico they are Catholics and
in Europe Jews
Joseph Krauskopen, director general of
the Isaac M. Wise memorial fund COM
mittee. submitted report showing that
subscriptions amounting to $780,. 40 to the
fund had been received and that $44, 533
was subscribed, but uncollected. After the
announcement of standing committees a
recess was taken.