New Britain herald., 1928-09-14

once and for all: not an iota of the
law-not q shade OF belief must he
changed. Reform regards Judaism
n = philosophy that teaches prt-
marily monotheism and the brother
hood Of man.
I'VE. in the congregation, regard
Judaism a. a living civilization In
which all it, administrations ira
ditionA ideas, literature. art. lam
Guage. laws-are struggling for ex-
preston and development. This
civilization of ours, We believe. is
not petrilied, but alive. flexible and
ever-determining its future. The
view We take Of Judaism n a living
civilization will determine both the
curricula and methods of our
schools, the content Of our services.
the program Of our meetings and So
cial gatherings and the conduct of
our daily affairs and our home lite.
For over a generation American
Jewry in general in our community
in particular has done little or moth
Ing constructive either in the formu-
iation Of \ working philosophy or
Judaism In this country or in the
development of the means Of a pos
sible creation of that philosophy.
The statement is made not in criti-
cism OF our communal leaders and
workers but AZ a statement of fact
which can hardly be questioned. The
American Jews have in very recent
years aroused themselves to a more
serious consideration Of their needs
as Jews and scattered communities
throughout America are leading the
way towards 4 rebuilding OF Ameri-
can Jewish communal life that will
be not only American but also COM
munal in spirit and In line with
Jewish traditions.
Enthusiasm, and sincerity
The question now facing this
community demands an immediate
answer. Il our congregation strong
enough to undertake the task of d.
recting New Britain Jewry in this
direction? Are We strong enough at
this time of economic difficulties to
begin the construction Of a physical
center, building to house the ac-
Invites that will make for Jewish
civilization?
THE answer to this question lies
with YOU. During the coming year
you must exhibit two qualities: hon.
esty Of mind and enthusiasm. You
must not be afraid to tackle the
manifold problems which are yours
because Of your very attempt to live
A Jewish life. You must try after
careful deliberation and discussion to
come to some definite and practical
conclusion. You must act. even at
the cost Of some inconvenience on
the results Of those conclusions.
Yet even this il not enough. SIN
, certify. among healthy people. is evil
denced by sustained enthusiasm. A
more sustained enthusiasm is a more
sustained conviction.
Here then is the test. This year
will tell. There must be no sign of
apathy or OF doubt either in our
selves or in our cause. The problem
before US has been amply and fully
analysed and discussed. Although
We do not pretend to possess the
ranacea for all Jewish ills. we now
see clearly. in the first place. the ul-
innate goal before MS and. at least
the first step toward its realization
The ultimate goal. again. is a rec.
reation Of full rounded jewish
civilization In Palestine with =
definite and true reflection Of tina,
civilization here in America.
And the first step is the huildins
Of a community center where We
may hegin the fashioning Of that
civilization. To this end We must
bend all our strength. all our en-.
ergies and all Of our hopes. We
rersonally pin our entire faith or
the attainment Of this initial step or
our nrogram.
1T IL in this snirit that we grcet
the New Year. May you and yonl
family be granted health and well.
being. and may You use your energy