The Washington herald., 1911-01-19

Rev. Louis L Egelson, rabbi Of Adas
Israel Synagogue, announced last night
that he has decided not to attempt a re-
consideration of the action Of his con-
grcgation in failing to re-elect him. but,
on the contrary, has concluded to step
out at the expiration of his term, on
March l.
He issued the statement after a con-
ference with friends in New York. He
declares that he has no feeling Of bitter
ness toward those who opposed his re-
election, and believes that he has sown
a seed of progresSiveness which will be
fruitful in the future The controversy
in the congregation which resulted in
Rabbi Egelson not being reelected arose
over the question Of using English in the
service He advocated the use of Eng
lish and found many strong supporters.
His statement is:
I returned from New York this morn
ing. where 1 went to confer with some
of my intimate friends as to the course
/ should pursue at this time. After con-
sidertng the question from every point of
view. I have definitely and finally con-
cluded not to encourage tine activity of
my supporters in their attempt to secure
reconsideration of the decision of the
congregational meeting of January s, as
TO my retention as rabbi Of the Adas
Israel Synagogue. and to sever my rela-
tions with the congregation at the expira-
tion of my term. on March !.
Entertains No Feeling.
Il haven't the slightest feeling of bit
terness toward those who worked so
strenuously in opposition to my re-elec-
tion. Rather do 1 sympathize with them.
l have the highest respect for sincere
orthodoxy. but for shamming. Stimulating
orthodoxy / can only with difficulty re-
press sentiments of reproach. I do not
doubt for moment that If pos
seSsed the pliable conscience or could sup
press its complaints and condemnations
at will, there would never have arisen
any dissension in the congregation
Once I became convinced that rigidfty
in orthodox Judaism must give way to
elasticity, that we cannot maintain an
lncompromising attitude toward other
movements in Judaism. l began planning
10 blaze a new and progressive path for
my congregation 1 am convinced now
that they were not prepared for any
change in their custom of worship OF
many years standing. While to me the
change l suggested seemed evolutionary,
like suddenly removing the bandaSe from
the eyes of a man who had long been
kept in darkened room. Too much
dazzling light entered at one time and
almost blinded them. They therefore find
more pleasure and peace of mind in re-
placing the bandage and in continuing
to walk in darkness.
Fills n Crying Need.
For others the light revealed a crying
need I feel satised, therefore, that
have inaugurated a movement for pro-
EresSivenesS in the congregation, and
that it has taken deep root. There is
now a sufficiently large nucleus of pro-
gressiveS to keep the question alive and
to recruit new supporters to their side
] realize that 1t is not given to every
man to accomplish what he intends. Not
every man who plants a tree enjoys its
fruitage- Even Moses could not lead his
people into the promised land. NV sue
CeSSor. If he have the same convictions
] have, will be able to build gloriously
upon the foundation have laid
Il do not look for breach in the con-
SreGation as a result of my withdrawal
] will personally intercede with my
friends and plead with them that they
do not withdraw their financial support
from the synagogue, but that they con-
tinue to contribute in the future even
more literally than they have done in the
past.
'As to my future plans, I can only say
that 1 shall seek a congregation that Is