New Britain herald., 1917-06-07
BOSTON SOCIETY
 TO STUDY, TALMUD
Great Hebrew Work to Receive
 Full Consideration

Boston. June S.-In line with tho recent remarkable revival of interest In Jewish history. philosophy and tra- dition is the establishment of a so- ciety in Boston called the Talmud so- ciety. Its primary object Is 8 fuller understanding of that vast literary work. the Talmud. which according to some Jewish authorities has been the greatest factor not only in the preser- vation of the Hebrew literature and the Hebrew law, but even of the He- brew race.
 1t Is therefore but natural that the scope of the society should be en- larged at its very inception. It not only encompasses the study of mat ters relating to Jewish religion in gem, eral. but likewise that of everything else that pertains to the Jewish race at time when Jews in general. and American Jews in particular. have been aroused as never before to their interactive force as people and a world factor. At this epoch making time this realization of their power by, American Jews affects their loyal Anericanism simply to strengthen it.
 IL is surprising how little h known among educated people outside of the Jewish race concerning the Talmud. which Is certainly in many ways tho most unique literary work that has ever been produced in all history. Particularly is this the case because Ahe TaInlud has for centuries heen in Jewish households their lecture room, their theater. their library. their newspaper. their studio. their one-in-all."
 This is also the more remarkable because the Talmud is not merely a religious work, but one of especial interest to the citizen of the world, which the Jew, with all his devotion to the religion of his race. has of necessity been throughout his long history.
 It is no wonder. therefore. that when. over forty years ago. the Quar- terly Review published an, article with the title What is the Talmud ?'' the literary and scientific world was startled to find how little 1t knew
 
 Is 50 intimately known and loved by those for whom 1t was written. Here was a work that was rffafftfestly in many ways the most remarkable pro- duet in all tho history of literary and scientific thought, and yet was prac. tically unknown among English, speaking people!
 Still greater was the surprise among Christian ministers and other stu dents Of the Christian religion to find that study of the Talmud was of vital importance to them as supple naentary to and in many cases explan- story of the Bible. It Is true that ore of the most famous Christian He nraists, the hroad-minded Doctor Lightfoot, 50 far back as the begin. ming of the seventeenth century, rec commended the Talmud to Christians in these strong words: Christians by their skill and industry may render Talmudic writings most usefully serv- iceabie to their students, and most euainently tending to the interpreta. ton of the scriptures" This was. of course. in Keeping with the dictum of Tylcr that ''he who only knows one religion can no more understand that religion than he who only knows one language can understand that language"
 In fact some of the leading Amer ican scholars in praising the new edi- ton of the Talmud have stated that 1t is of the greatest interest and value to Christians who would seek to un- ders.and such doctrines as that or the atonement and original sin.
 That American Christians have awakened to the importance of such institutions as the Talmud society ana those with similar aims. was made strikingly evident in Boston lately. Half a century ago who would nave believed that a large congregation or orthodox Christians would gather to- rether In . Jewish synagogue, situng at the feet of Gamaliel? And yet this is exactly what happened in the Tenn ple Israel. Boston largest synagogue. where Rabbi Henry Levi discoursed for several hours to Christian aud fence on Jewish rites. customs ara ceremonial objects. This audience vas composed of several clergymen and many members of various socie. ties of the high and low divisions or tha Episcopal church. After the address appreciattve sRRecnes were made by tho clefxymerea tour was made of the entire synagogue. and many questions were asked concern inr the appurtsnances of Jewish wor' ship. The addresses made by the clsrgymen at the close of the meet ins were warmly expressive of tn' benef,t derived from the rabbi's teach inss.
 If such . "getting-together" as thi had prevailed during former age there would probably be but little the racial and religious prejudices an misunderstanding that have cause the worlds wars. ..
 The Talmud has sunered sreat' throughout many centuries pec1us it's enemies did not know what IL VI mher. "a. never a work-not even tn