The Denver Jewish news., 1920-07-21
Special Weekly Letter
from New York
LACK OF JEWISH INSANE ASY-
LllMS IN NEW YORk-.IEWISH
THEATERS CLOSED-ARRANG
MENTS FOR COMING SEASON

established special hospitals to care
for the Jewish mentally derangcd. Yet
the need of such institutions is be
coming more apparent every day. That
the Jewish insane must he treated diff
ferently from the unfortunates of other
natiOnalities, is clear to anyone who
has some knowledge OF abnormal
psychology.
First, there are among these un-
fOrtunates great number of pious
Jews who are not able to observe th"
religious ceremonies and customs ac
cOrding to their habit and conviction
in general hospital. Since tile ment-
ally affected are usually even more
moved by religious fervor and are more
strenuous in their devotional exer-
cIses than normal people. this situa-
tion Is constant source of irritation.
The eating of non Kosher food. the
lack of religious service and the like.
often so agitate these wretched souls
as not only to negate the medical treat
ment given them hut perhaps to ac'
centuate and to develop their ailment.
Second. the presenc6e OF these sick in
foreign atmosphere among people
whom they do not understand and who
do not understand them, also tends
to affect their health negatively. and
to aggravate their nervous state of
mind.
The third problem that is created by
the Jewish insane is. one for the spe
cialists. II is clearly established that
the Jews are subject to different
alterations from those of other ma
is disproportionate number OF eases
of Dementia PraecOx among the Jews.
The Jewish insane type is different
from those of other groups. and conse-
quently needs other treatment. This
may be mere e6stsy aKlfHined In u
special Institution for the Jewish in
sane.
There are an unusually large num-
ber Of Jewish mentally deranged in the
city of New York. Only the Irish
contribute n greater absolute number
to the insane asylums. Rabbi Sam
,el Buchler. former Sing Sing Chap
lain. has gathered much interesting
statistical data about the Jewish in
sane in New York. According to him.
there are 500 Jewish insane in local
institutions. The number of Irish in
sane is 1914. althO the Irish populn-
ton in New York Is much larger than
the Jewish. In proportion to popu-
lation the Jews contribute more in
sane than any other element.
A hospital for the Jewish insane in
the city of New York is essential to
their well-being and possible restore
ton to health and society. We hope
that the energetic Rabbi Buchler. who
has already done so much for them will
undertake the leadership in the found
ing of such an institution. The Jews
of all classes will undoubtedly lend
him support in this noble work
Yiddish theatres are now closed for
the summer. and no plays are being
presented There Is, however. plenty
of activity in the Jewish theatrical
world. Engagements for next season.
the purchase of new plays. and the
orking out of plans for future pro-
ductions keep both managers and actors
busy.
Tn tbis wbirl of octiyity. the Jewish
.rt Tbe,tro holds tbe center of in
torest IF has stimuloteo more gossip
,nd rumor tbon any other. and is prov
;uy to be a troublesome beam in the
ove of tbe Hebrew Actors Union.
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