The Phoenix Jewish news., 1962-06-08
Overcoming Our Loss

recent article in the Phoenix Jewish News quoted
Dr. Nehemia Robinson to the effect that the American
Jewish community is still suffering from the effects of
the loss Of European Jewry in the large survival prob
lens facing this community.
Certainly it is true that in the early decades OF
this century American Jewry drew it's sustenance from
European Jery To this day the faculties of Yeshi
VOth and Semnaries products of Europe The read
ershp of the Yiddsh press and the supporters of Yd
dish generally almost exclusively European I
poets of Jewish life that reflect deep attachment to the
old culture and to the ideal of Jewish scholarship are
largely supported by European Jews.
CERTAINLY THERE MUST be process of Amerl-
canizaon for these influences to become effective in
American Jewish life. One could hardly expect mere
ranspanthg to successfully answer the needs of Amer
lean Jewry. What have suffered is a loss in con-
nuity because of the destruction of European Jewry
In cultural infancy orphaned. Making a
virtue of necessity, have struck out our own in
many areas often with surprising success STILL our
growth would have been richer and more natural with
Che parent community available.
Of course, the only positive value in examining
what would have been to the of loss and
if possible to repair the breech.
From the point of view of Jewish survival in this
country perhaps the greatest loss has been in the de-
creasng role of Jewish scholarship and learning and
in the loss of appreciation that these are of Importance
Even those who scholars aspire to that goal
sorely miss the presence of those who appreciate
their effort Rabbs we'll aware that there are very
few demands made upon them to continue to develop in
this field They look with envy upon their few C ol-
leagues who continue their studies in vacuum,
competition of more important activities.
This, of course, is an evil that filters down to the
lower levels of Jewish education and to large extent
explains it's failure. Every child is we'll Of how
little real Importance is attached to Jewish education
by his parents and by the community Motivation is
big problem
The presence of large numbers of the destroyed
Jewish community both here and abroad would provide
favorable atmosphere for the growth of American
Jewish scholarship and learning In its absence will
have to provide this renewal of values Our survival
depends it. This does not necessarily mean that
will happen large enough scale soon enough.
American Jewry has changed radically in the last
20 Some of the changes have been to the good
The of the tragic loss in Europe has awaken
ed American Jews nothing else had before. n
awakening expressed magnifcantly in terms OF
phianthropc aid to oppressed survivors, It also
increased Jewish awareneSS and pride.
Can convert these positive gains in attitude
from shock reactions to the basis for development
in American Jewish history?
i Can national pride and philanthropy make room
for the fundamental and basic (though less dra
matic) activity of becoming stepped in Jewish lore,
learning and living?
IF NOT, THEN WE will continue to feel the loss
Of European Jewry for centuries not decades. II we
can recognize the chief of loss and by will
this loss, then though never overcoming the
destruction of European Jewry will at least have
confined it to its time and place and will go on to
glorious chapter of Jewish history.
Many aspects of European Jewish life are for
ever lost However the essential element of all jewish
life in all countries and in all ages, can still be re-
created Ia American form The essential element in the
survival of the People of the Book has been and re-
mains the f'Book"
Rabbi William H. Greenberg