Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-12-26
U. 5. Rabbi in China
Does Army 'Pushups
To Get Ivory Buddha
BY ELSIE DANENBERG,

north American newspaper hlilduCc.
CHENGTU, China.-Offciating at
Burmese funerals, conducting Prot
estant services, killing 12-foot snakes,
flying on bombing missions, and
visiting all of his boys" around a
circuit of % towns, are almost
routine now for Rabbi Morris Cor
don, only Jewish chaplain in North
west China.
The rabbi, a graduate of City
College, Columbia and the Jewish
Theological Seminary in New York,
left his congregation at the con-
sentative synagogue, Anshe Emeth,
IN Youngstown, Ohio, to join the
Army early in the war.
In Burma, where he was also the
sole Jewish chaplain, he took over a
congregation of colored engineers
stationed near Bhamo during the
illness of the corps own minister
When the boys found that Rabbi
Gordon could sing spirituals and
"Hallelujahs" with as much zest as
they, he was adopted" on the spot
and thereafter they brought him all
their problems of love, religion, home
and finance.
While at Bhamo. the Burmese
priest Of Pongyi invited Rabbi Cor
don to visit a native school. With
the yellow-frocked, haired
monk by his side, the Youngstowner
gave a talk to the children, explain
ing the Jewish religion. They in
turn, through an interpreter, made
clear the main features of their own
faith. 1t was agreed that there
were many similar ideals in the
two religions.
Offered Buddha.
During his visit, Rabbi Gordon
admired little ivory Buddha in
the school shrine. The Pongyi
offered it to him as a gift, but
indicated that he must first kneel
and pay homage to the idol. When
the Rabbi explained he couldn't do
that the Pongyi withdrew his offer.
A compromise was reached when
Rabbi Gordon substituted for the
requested prostration an exaggerated
version of the old Army "push-up"
exercise.
Every one seemed satisfied and the
ivory idol was given in his care. In
return, Rabbi Gordon laid on the
altar a handsome little Jewish
prayer book.
I'm taking the gift home with me
so that may tell the children in my
synagogue the story of Buddhism"
said the rabbi. There are many
things they may learn from other
religions. And, believe me, the
chanting In that little Basha hut
sounded just like Jewish Sunday
school,"
Officials at Funeral.
Shortly after this, Rabbi Gordon
was asked If he would officiate at the
funeral of the headman of village
nearby. Ten priests came from
surrounding towns, CARRIED in the
vestments particular to their own
groups. The youngstown rabbi, in
his skull cap, long gown and prayer
shawl, prayed for the dead man,
consoled the relatives and received
the grateful thanks of the family.
In Chungking the chaplain was
lodged in Gen. Wedemeyer's guest
house, adjoining the quarters of
Generalissimo Chang Kai-shek, and
was provided an auditorium for
services, which both generals
attended.
We lived in luxury" said Rabbi
Gordon, "in quarters big enough for
two houses, with soft towels. satin
spreads, scented soap, valet service
and wonderful meals, which even
included fresh eggs and cream, fruit.
f1let mignon with onions and fried
potatoes and chocolate cream pie.
we also enjoyed delightful Chi
nese meals, one of China's most
popular dishes is sweet-and-sour
pork. Out of difference to my faith,
beef was substituted for the pork"
The rabbi, who stopped over in
Chengtu on his circuit of % towns
in Northwest China, said Rabbi
Alvin Fine of Portland, Greg, had
charge of Southwest China. HE
once travelled $50 miles to attend a
sick soldier" Rabbi Gordon told me
in admiration.