The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-04
The. Menorah Movement
of
coneg sienora Asso m NewsJ

Sh history. literature, religion and
ideals II endeavors first OF ALI To he
strictly academic in nature \ AIc0oTa h
Society is open In every university 10
all men interested in a liberal, non
partisan study of the culture an
achievements of the Jewish peop,c. 10
partakes If the liberal character
Of American universities themselves
which offer the student the oppurtu-
nifty Of eleCting a liberal course ia the
arts and sciences. "A Me-orah So
ciety, while making its earnest appeal
Ia the Jewish students. Is open To
all men Of the university. Jew and
Gentle. For the Jewish student a
Menorah Society particularly supplies
n need by furnishing him with courses
IN Jewish history and contemporary
problems. the courses offered by the
Semtlcs departments in most univcr
sites do not fulali the requirements
~ JEWS students desiring "a general
knowledge in that field Furthermore.
Aenorah societies. through the Ioyal
self sacrificing cooperation Of Il body
Of Jewish scholars and men of affairs
have given the Jewish students the
unique opportunity and advantages OF
drinking knowledge and inspiration
from tho messages and association
with these princes and sages OF Israel
In America.
Partly through self realization and
re-awak partly through associa-
tion with Menorah lecturers. "a Memo
rah Society IS instrumental IN pro-
duclre Jewish students with virile
moral fbrs. Consequent upon the in
teilectnal grasp of the splendid con-
jrihuton Of he Jcw to civilization, his
unique survival through the ages, per
s,sting in his adherence to certain high
IL "a.
'jGn If the nobility Of his heritage.
shame and concealmeut Is placed by
ready acknowledgement OF the Jewish
heritage. q spirit OF reverence for the
deals and achievements af the Jewish
past ia true appreciation uf the pres
tut day problems Of Tire Jew. and
finally "a spirit of obligation and ser
wees TO The future ri the Jew. a
new moral attitude Is created where
~ the class distinctions too strictly
AVN bGtween The TI5H ana poor Jew,
the orthodox and the reform, the
Zionist and the non-IEonist. are re
auced or obliteratcd. 4 Menorah So
.ieiy j. thus an ageuey for umfying
and consolidating Jewish men. under
fae fuI recognition that as Jews they
have common moral and intellectual
qualities paramount To Tn" apparent
differences that may exist
y @lF0EFdH society ~ thus Hhi&lnG
the different elements of jewish stu
dents ana intoxicating ln laeu n"
spirit ~ service l. "a valuable patriotic
agency. Professor Benjamin NJ Bacon
sara In an address hefor" the Yale
Nenorab, Il think see I'm No8r so
Ciety a recognition Of The real sPlri.
II the motto Of our country, F}url-
nus uoum That does not mean
sinking Of the differences between us
all into absolute uniformity, bur
rather the harmony that can result
from The recognition Of these differ
cnces and developing your own in
diy3auatitjcs SO that we shall have a
variety In unity" America thus re-
gu.TeS thai tbn Jews shall not sink
heir Individuality and distinctlvenc-s
absolutely and .rTeyoCabl in some in
denna bic lnelflng pot, bu' that the
Jew SHALL as people contribute their
run share Of ethical and cultural
values 10 American civilization What
richer field Of contribution 10 the flu
cure development Of America lies be-
fore the Jewish students Tran service
IN the large jewish communities
which haTe arisen In recent years
In addition 10 the fllfilment Of gem
cral obligations 80 STATE and nation
which every citizen must give. There
* afforded this remarkable dpportu-
nitv for enlightened leadership and
loyal cooperation In the work ~ the
our multiplying prob
lens our increasins measure Of re-
eponSbilty, calls for servants and
leaders ~ the new generation, who
viii combine an understanding Of the
roots OF American in
stttltfans with a warm devotion to
me tradition and ideals of Their Jew
.sh heritage. The Menorah soeicteS
are serving this, double function.
4 Menorah Society Is accorded
honor and respect on the university
campus because OF It's recognized Gull
iural value. A Memorial Society la
looked upon as a cultural institution
similar in character to the Deutscher