The Jewish Western Bulletin
Official Organ of the Vancouver Jewish. Administrative Council
Philip Lesser----'.—.-----------------
Harry Musikansky ---------.---------
-Chairman Administrative Council ____________________Business Manager
2675 Oak St., BAy. 4210,
Business Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Saturday and Jewish Holy Days. Entered as Second Class Mail Matter a;£ Ottawa
VANCOUVER, B.O., FRIDAY, 3WARGH 29, 1940
DO IMMIGRANTS HURT PROSPERITY?
When a Canadian mechanic applies for a job and an immigrant gets the position, the Canadian is likely to blame immigration for his own unemployment. He is not disposed to look at the problem from a long-range point of view. For him the all- important thing its that he didn't get the job.
You can't tell this Canadian that immigration creates new consumers, spurs creation of more industries, adds to the supply of jobs. The individual is not interested in these things; all he knows is that he needs a job and didn't get this one.
But national policy cannot be based on the emotional reaction of individuals. It must study long-term effects, the net result of immigration.
A valuable contribution to the information in this field has been made in the United States by Felix S. Cohen, Department of Interiw* expert, in an article published in the current issue of the Contemporary Jewish Record, issued by the American Jewish Committee, and deals with this subject as it effects the U.S.A.
He'shows, for example, that the ten States with the highest proportion of foreigri-bom population have the highest average income; the ten States with the lowest ratio of foreign-bom have the lowest average income.
"Whatever obstructs the growth of population prevents the expansion of housing agriculture and other consumer goods industries tends to make factory-building, machine production and road- and railroad-buUding unnecessary."
It is in the periods of heavy immigration that there "has been a great increase in the number of available jobs," and m American history "a significant decrease in the number of jobs, has occurred only when emigration exceeded immigration."
These are cold facts for legislators to consider, Alaska, whose economy has remained almost static for years, may be immensely expanded if the bill now in Congress to encourage settlement of Americans and refugees in the northern territory is passed.
In the post-war depression years, Canada has adopted a severe anti-immigration policy, thus further contracting the market and adding eiconomic distress. The conclusions point the way to a new approach to Canada's economic problem—creating an expanding economy through greater immigration.
COMMUNITY COUNCILS
t AccordingHo theSeattle-JewislrTran^cript, Jewislrcoinmunal affairs in Seattle are in bad shape owing to the want of co-ordination in important community projects causing much discontent which would be otherwise eliminated if a solidified body would work in unity, attaining successful efforts by gaining full support of the community at large... Many cities have Jewish Community Councils which have rendered invaluable service by commonsense methods of handling community affairs, whereby the most beneficial results can be obtained... Problematic matters are increasing daily and haphazardous ways of dealing with them only cause greater confusion. While we do not want to meddle in Seattle's Jewish domestic affairs, we can assure them that our Community Council or otherwise Administrative Coimcil is, and has been, a valuable asset to the Jewish Community here and has proven this over a test of many years. Seattle Jewry can not go wrong if they go about forming their Community Council in a democratic manner, electing their members as we do in Vancouver from the community at an open meeting, then including representations from the various organizations.
We in Vancouver should be thankful to the community lead-BW^^^^^^^' -'"'^sight to form the Administrative Council a jr-tCii, ^go, otherwise we would be suffering from the same chaotic conditions in our community, as Seattle evidently is burdened with today.
"THE JUDAEAN"
Junior Judaean Boys are to be congratulated and commended on the fine showing they made in the publication of the first edition of their club paper "The Judaean." One of the bright spots was that there was no advertising, something unusual these days, when organizations are forever attempting some advertising scheme to raise money.- "The Judaean" was beautifully laid out, the headings in most appropriate design which indeed was a credit to the youthful publishers who spent many hours of haxd work in its production. An undertaking such as this, especially by a boys' club v.hose ages range from thirteen to sixteen years, requires much perseverance and forbearance, but at the same time it provides a recreational and educational period which stimulates the body and mind.
This initiative taken by the Junior Judaean Boys in producing a periodical of worthwhile consideration, should be an example to other junior organizations to undertake activities which will not only prove benefit to their members but will achieve some measure of merit, instead of just a round of social affairs which some clubs indulge in year in and year out.
COimUNAL ACTIVITIES INCREASE
Every year sees more Jewish activities in many different forms and this winter was no exception to the rule. With the war on, there are more affairs being held than ever, as individuals and organizations of our community are raising money for relief of war-torn refugees and for the successful prosecution of the war.
Naturally, there must be some reaction to this increase of communal effort, and reflection of it can easily be seen in the manner in which the Community Centre Building is being used. Not only at night, but through the day as well, the buildLig is being occupied, and if this persists and our community continues to grow (which we hope it will) it means sooner than we expect, it will be necessary to look into the possibility of building that second unit. However, in the meantime, it would be in order to remind the various clubs and organizations to make their reservations for space in good time so that disappointments may be avoided. This applies also to the fact that early bookings will also help to eliminate conflict with other affairs, and at the same time help the Centre Building staff to make the proper arrangements.
still bemused by the matter of Ellen the grandchild of whom I wrote last week. I still like to stand at her crib looking at her, as if contemplating the phenomenon of my immortality. (For, as ought to be y/ell known by now, she is my grandchild—^the first).
Last week I looked at her and discussed her in this column as a human being. Today I must take her up as a Jewish problem. It was inevitable that I should get around tp that—like the Jewish essayist who on being asked to write a piece about an elephant wrote on "The Elephant and the Jewish problem."
What, I ask myself, ought I to do about Ellen Jewishly; though, in fact, I'll probably not be allowed to have anything to do with that'matter anyway. They will probably tell me to run along and that a grandfather has enough to do keeping his feet warm in the chimney corner. And perhaps it is good that the palsied hand of the past is not permitted to intrude on a life of the future.
YetJamat liberty to make wishes. 1 may wish the kind of Jewish person I should like to see Ellen be. Strangely, my best wishes do not envisage Ellen as.a prominent Jewish figure. Being Jewish is not the be-all and the end-all of her existence but only one of the f^iqets of her being.
I have been troubled lately by the discovery that being Jewish has entirely absorbed the interest of many Jews, as if there were nothing else to the business of being alive. It is much like "Deutschland ueber al-les." It is not, sad to say, a spiritual passion. It has to do with fears and feverish eagemesss, to do something or other, a puzzled, groping, a reaching for the comfort that may be found in pretending to be a nation, a wrestling with enemies.
I don't want Ellen to be Jewish in that way.
When Ellen goes to a party she hvill not take up the matter of being Jewish as soon as she has her wraps off. Being Jewish will be to her v/hat being of Scotch-Irish descent or being Baptist is to other people. It will be nothing to make an evening of.
In short, I hope Ellen will be a normal human being who is not haunted by nationalistic aspirations, by obsessions of some mission or other, by a sense of being different, ■ I shall feel that Ellen is Jewish indeed if her Judaism is an inner light that Ellen carries, not flamboyantly but with humility. It, will lead her in a good and happy way of life. It will illuminate her dark days; it will be a bright light in her house, (Some day the chiefs, of Israel will discover to their disnaay that Judaism has ceased to be an illumination of the inner being. It is becoming less and less a faith. It seems to be more a political party that has to do with wrestling vdth England or v/ith playing at being a state. Its-content of spiritual power seems to become less and less.)
I know I shall get hell for this and to all who will jump on my neck I plead for the mercy that is due a grandfather. But I must insist that Ellen shall be a Jew who finds sufficient fulfillment in Judaism as a happy way of personal life.
We think of "Jewish life" as a complex of external things. But I should like to see Ellen thinking of Jewish life as her own life: "Judaism is the spirit of my own life. It tells me the way to go. It teaches me my duty to all other human beings. It comforts me in my sorrows. It is no wall of separation but a bond of kinsmanship with all mankind. It is my religion not my national identity, for I am American and nationally nothing else,"
Not that Ellen will go about brooding over her religion, but I hope it will be in the bundle of her life, as naturally a. part of her as her heart which must contain loving-kindness and compassion and as her eyes which must be calm with the serenity of Jewish life that is personal,
I hope that Ellen will belong to a congregation. I hope, too, that in her time rabbis will have ceased to be experts on foreign affairs and will look at the lives that look to them for guidance,
(In our time a Jew going to ser-■"'ices may discover his rabbi attempting to take up the role of Secretary of State Hull or advising Sumner Welles.)
Ellen will not go to the synagogue for enlightenment on foreign policy. It is my opinion that in her time rab-
ZIONIST PURIM FESTIVAL HUGE SUCCESS
Letters To The Editor
2 JEWISH WESTEJIN BULLETIN Friday, "March 29, 1940
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TALMUD tOMH LADIES' AUXILIARY
The monthly "Oneg Shabbat" of the Talmud Torah Ladies' Auxiliary will be held on Saturday, March 30; at 2:30 p.m. at the home of Mrs. B. Nemetz, 968 "VV^est 13th ./kyenue.
Mr. Zyi Sohreiner will review one of the la.test current novels which, has aroused much discussion. All members of the Auxiliary are Invited to attend,'
The Talmud Torah Ladies' Auxiliary will hold a meeting on Monday, April 1, at 2:00 p,m, in the home' of Mrs, S. Stone, 955 Thurlow. All members are urged to attend.
A Miscellaneous Shov/-er for our bazaar will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 8:00 p,m. in the home of Mrs. H, Kemp, 2966 West 10th Avenue. Come and spend a pleasant evening with your friends at a game of bridge. Refreshments will be served. Your price of admission— a package.
We regret that due to the printer's oversight the following notices were omitted:
We wish to thank Mr, and Mrs. I. Harrison for their extreme generosity. A most profitable social was held there on March 9.
We also wish to thank Mrs. Rosen, for the lovely box of chocolates she donated. The raffle of the candy was most successful.
be served by the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Talmud Torah. This Saturday,' March 30, Mrs. T. Youngson will be the Kiddush hostess.
^ The Vancouver Zionist Council sponsored a very successful Purim f^estival on Thursday, March 21. ^ Rabbi Cass gave an enteftaing ad-^jpress on - "Jewish Humor." Miss Anne Giiler of the Junior Judaean Girls delivered a recitation. The main speaker of the evening was Baruch Zukerman of Jerusalem, who dliveiredan unusually fine address on the "Philosophy of Zionism" and received .a tremendous ovation. * At the conclusion of the Festival, Purim refreshments, including ho-mentashen and teglachi were seryed.
HUNGARIAN ANTI-SEMITES ARE IMPRISONED
" BUDAPEST (WNS),—Three members of an Illegal anti-Semitic organization have been sentenced to prison terms of up to one year here for attempting to revive the notoriously anti-Semitic "Szalasi movement,"
The three men were accused of organizing terrorist groups which distributed pamphlets threatening polit-. ical assassination and other intimidating actions. Major Ferenc. Szalasi, Hungarian Nazi lea^der and power behind the anti-Semitic movement vis serving a three-year prison sen-ience for subversive activities.
ACHDUTH SOCIETY HOLDS STAG PARTY
A "Stag" under the sponsorship of the Vancouver Achduth Co-operative Society is being held on Saturdiay evening, March 30th, at the home of Mr. Joe Morris, 1796 W. 11th.
All gentlemen of the community are asked to keep this date open and attend Saturday's "Stag," as they are assured of an enjoyable evening.
JUNIOR B. B. GIRLS
A very successful general meeting was held on Thursday, March 28, with Thelma Koffman, cultural ^chairman, presiding. Mr. Z. Schrein-,er gave a mosf interesting talk on "Purim." Anne Faghin also spoke on the "Aims and Achievements of Jr. B,B„" Several musical selections and a comical skit were also enjoyed. Refreshments and a general social followed. The whole meeting wore an air of Purim.
Items of Interest: Joe Harrison and partner took honors for the Jitterbug Contest at the last mixer. . . The Hot Session (mostly session) ^held on Sunday night drew a large crowd. ... Skating party held with A.Z,A, greatly enjoyed . . . . this month's Canuck will have a page of jjr, BB. activities and 'Shmootz' . . . Housecoats prevailed at recent Pa-jama Party . . . Watch Bulletin for date of next mixer.,.
The Editor,
Jewish Western Bulletin, Vancouver, B.C. Dear Sir:
Your listing of the various names of donors to the Jewish External Wlfare Drive just completed was, to say the least, enlightening. For the first time it enabled one to really judge the humanitarian values of some of our community members.
In the opinion of the writer, in some instances it would appear that the individual's responsibility is not reflected in the amount given, which may be due to a lack of conscience or the habit of "Letting George Do it,"
The writer feels that social ostra-cization is a bit too rough for the present, but there must be many other ways that this matter can and should be coped with. One thing is certain, these individuals must be made aware of their responsibilities in some way or manner.
The writer is ^nfortunately a small donor but a
HARD WORKER,
bis will have come to see that their function is religious in the sense of giving direction tb personal life, ' There is so little of that in the icurrent synagogue. I have just been reading the sermon topics in a number of Christian churches: "Gateways 'of Life" . . . "Worthwhile Things" . . . ''Finding God in Everyday Experience" . , . "The Art of Neighborli-ness" . .. "Overcoming Difficulties on the Way.".
When the storms of these times are over our rabbis may get around to that sort of thing, to their function as leaders who understand that Jewish life is not a complex of all Linds of meetings and luncheons but has to do with the lives of Ellen and plain people like her.
But when they do get around to this, they may be distressed to discover that Jews don't care for religion anymore. They will so long have been without Judaism as a guiding light for their feet, as a personal experience. Hitler will be dead and gone and Jews will have been saved again, but what for? They will be empty Jews, empty of everything that Judaism means in the way of spiritual significance.
Yes, I hope Ellen will not be president of this Jewish group or that, chairman of one committee and another, running from one organization to another, hunting for something Jewish to do. I want Ellen just to be Jewish in the sense that her ancestors were Jewish,
if Ellen finds in Judaism the way of the good life, if she gets out of its teaching its essential serenity, if Judaism illuminates her heart with kindness, compassion and justice, if it takes her a feeling of kinship with people of other groups I shall feel fche is Jew enough.
Then her grandfather will turn up his toes content.
Junior Congregation
The Junior Congregation sponsored by the Talmud Torah Board of Education, now meets for regular Sabbath Services every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. The services are conducted entirely by the children, and are held in the Talmud 1'orah rooms in the Centre. All children up to 15 are invited to attend the Special Children's Sabbath Service. -,
After the services, a Kiddush will
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