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THE JEWISH WESTERN BULLETIN
Tliiirsday, May 12, 1932
THE JEWISH WESTERN BULLETIN
Published Every Thursday by THE VANCOUVER JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTRE 2675 Oak Street, Bay. 4210 — Vancouver, B.C.
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Albert O. Koch, Chairmanj P. Lesser, S. Ftothstein, Dr. S. Pet&rsky
B. Margolius EDITOR: S. A. Goldston, B.A. Send all news items to the Community Centre. For advertising rates,
phone Bay. 4210
THURSDAY, MAY 12, 1932
EDITORIAL
r
A Square Deal For Judaism
N modern times, especially in enlightened countries, the average man is attempting, in a general way, to give the Jew a square deal, as a man and fellow citizen. As much cannot be said, however, regarding the religion. On the contrary, there has been no spiritual force among the peoples of occidental civilization in the course of the last twenty centuries, to which the square deal has been more persistently denied than to Jud'aism.
It is a fact commonly accepted by all sincere and scientific students of religious history of the early centuries of the common era, that Jewish Scripture was ruthlessly handled by the Christian propagandists of those times: that the utterances of Judaism's prophets were scandalously distorted to suit purposes which these great preachers could never have had in mind: that lies and calumnies, outrageous in their conception, have dealt blows to Judaism from which it would have died long ago but for the inherent uni-versalism of its truths and the undaunted martyrdom 'of its adherents. Even today, though these facts have been definitely established by unbiased critics, the orthodox Christian sees in Judaism only an element of stubborn resistance to man's salvation. He, therefore, has naught but pity for this stiff-necked' opposition; he prays diligently for its final destruction, through supernatural power and contributes to the missionary funds for the conversion
of the Jew.
The Christian of liberal tendencies also is satisfied with the instruction of his youth. He still believes that Judaism outlived its usefulness two thousand years ago; that its ideals were then realised, its laws abrogated and its mission fulfilled.
The non Jew, who is no Christian at all, has ages of prejudice to overcome and to conquer. He is either occupied in demolishing Avhat is left of his own inherited religion or is constructing his faith out of the ruins of the old, or in locating and adopting some new religion constructed by others. To him Judaism is a peculiar, Avell preserved antiquity that some day he promises himself he Avill look into.
To all of them Judaism is a "terra incognita." It never enters their minds to attempt the discovery of the causes behind its miraculous vitality, or to find out its ancient, yet even modern point of view as to God, man, and life. They cannot conceive that Christianity has no monopoly on religion that it has not cornered the market of salvation; that the reconstructed cults of this new, unsettled religious era were nursed at the breast of the mother of them all. Indifference, ignorance, prejudice and false interpretation are thus combined to deny Judaism a square deal.
Unfortunately for Judaism this same indifference, ignorance and prejudice on the part of its own adherents are combining to give Judaism as unfair a deal as does the same contribution on the part of the non-Jcv/. All too many amongst us are those v/ith v/hom synagogual membership is a sufficient bond of attachment to the ancestral faith, or perchance a contribution to a charitable institution. Others, neglecting their spiritual needs all the year round, hasten to synagogues on the great holy days. Lamentable, too, is the ignorance of Israel of Judaism's history and ideals.
iHow can we hope to instruct the ignorant non Jew and to dissipate his prejudice against Judaism, when Ave fail to support firmly and effectively, schools of learning, Avhence Jewish scholars may emerge thoroughly equipped witli all the essential docftrine wherewith to confront a hostile world?
We would even advocate the establishment of a special chair in one of the Universities for disseminating knowledge concerning Jewish history, its ideals, the part it played in the formulations of other faiths and in civilization's spiritual progress.
And thus, shall we secure a square deal for Judaism. 'On the one hand, we m-ust publish, far and wide, its claims and demands for justice from the non Jew, and on the other we must live our own lives in accordance with its teachings so clean and blameless that all men, with one accord, will arise and proclaim Judaism and its adherents truly blessed.
Editorial Goinment
The many Jewish names that appeared in the results of the recent examinations at tlie University of British Columbia is indeed a matter of congratulations to the students and the entire Jewish Community who bask in the reflected glory of their success. We are more than proud of it.he students that gained Scholarships and feel that before many years elapse, their names will stand out prominently in the history of Vanciouver Jewry.
But they must not think that because of this success tlioir labours are finished. It should be their ambition to continue on the same course so that when their University days are over they will have attained the hig-hest pinnacle of success. Scholarships cannot be won by every student and to those wlio were not successful this year we would say that persistence often helps to overcome great difficulties and next year we may see them in the happy position of their colleagues of this year. We would like to see some of the Jewish University Studnts take some part in the Jew^ish socfial movement of this City. Some of the boys, it is true, are active members of the A.Z.A. Chapter and do their share of the work but it would be appno-priate if some of them took some part in the Religious classes of this City. With their training they should be willing to render some assistance. We know their assistance would be welcomed.
W<?. have been asked to say a few words about the Flannel Dance to be given on May 23rd inst. by tlie Council Juniors and the A.Z.A. We are advised that a eerta'in portion of tJie profits will be given to help the Centre fund. Both these societies are doing excellent work and their members are very active in communal work, and a great asset in the Community. We must remember that these young people A\''ill be the future leaders of the Community and it behooves us, one and all, to help and encourag'O' them. Let us then try and be present at this function and show our appreciation of their efforts.
Charles Rosenbaum Wins
Distinction In Denver
Charles Rosenbaum of Denver, Col., brother of Harry Rosenbaum, well known communal leader in this city, last week was awarded one of the highest honors possible when he was chosen vice-president of the Denver Bar Association at its annual meeting. This high honor was conferred on Mr. Rosenbaum in recognition of his ability and standing in the legal profession.
Charles Rosenbaum is only thirty-one years of age., and amongst Den. ver's 450 lawyers, he is the youngest to be honored with this high position".
The nominating committee Avhich presented Mr. Rosenbaum's name for vice-president was composed of Justice Butler, representing the Supreme Court of Colorado, Judge Steele, representing the District Courts; a representative of the past Presidents of the Association; a member of its board of trustees, and the dean of the University of Colorado law school.
Mr. Rosenbaum lias been a member of the Denver bar for eleven years and has distinguished himself in a number of leading eases. He recently addressed tlie Denver lawyers on the subject of "cross-examination in Civil Cases." He is .author of a manual on American citizenship adopted by the national executive committee of the B'nai B'ritli as its text book, and' is a past president of Denver Lodge. He was recently chairman of the B.M.H. Qongrega-tion $60,000 Mortgage Drive, and was last week appointed vice-chairman of the American Jewish Committee for Colorado District.'
Charles Rosenbaum is well known in Vancouver, having visited here three years ago. His many friends Avill be glad to hear of the honors he is winning.
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Mention the "Bulletin" wlien buying from advertisers
To the Editor,
The Jewish Western Bulletin, City.
Dear Sir:
I read with pleasure in your issue of May 5th of the success of the Young Judea Club in their baseball gaijies, and was delighted to see our boys taking part in the athletic sports. But I regretted to notice that-they intend holding a meeting on Fridaj' evening, May 13. Have these boys forgotten^ in their enthusiasm of winning a baseball game, that Friday evening is the eve of, the Sabbath. Surely with six other nights at their disposal the Young Judean's might 'have selected another night for their meeting and not desecrate the Holy Sabbath. It is bad enough that many of us are compelled to break the Sabbath through circumstances over which we have no control, but surely these youths have not the same excuse.
We note that the aim of the Club is to prepare and carry on a cultural Judean programme in addition to tiieir athletic activities. If .they intend carrying out the cultural part of tlieir programme, they have certainly made a bad beginning by meeting on Friday nights. We feel it is a bad precedent to set.
Thanking you for the insertion of this letter.
Yours truly,
"THE KIBITIZER"
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FLANNEL DANCE
Tlie Joint Flannel Dance given by tlie Junior Council and the A.Z.A. is being much looked forward to. (Boys, give the girls a break); quoted by one of the prominent men of the B'nai B'ritli. This event will be held at the Winter Garden (a place of love) on May 23. The popular Wendell Doray's Commodore Cabaret orchestra will supply music and entertainment tliat Avill be a perfect duplication of the repertoire of the fashionable Cocoanut Grove.
LOGAN & BRYAN
BROKERS
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