Greetings!
To the readers of Commentaries everywhere, to all my critics* who dislike my orthodoxies or heterodoxies, to my fellow Jews and my fellow Christians, to the good Jewish people of Helsingfors, Finland, who entertained me so royally this summer, to the Soviet^ who made my tour in Russia so comfortable; to the Berlin Jewish community for its splendid hospitality during the conference of the World Union for Progressive Judaism; to the captains of the Laconia, Oberon and Resolute, the fine ships that brought me safely to my destinations; to the very charming people I met on these boats� to all I wish a very happy year.
I MISSED A LOT
My, I missed a lot this summer because of my absence from the city! There was the Kosher meat strike, the golf tournaments and "gossip"�threads of which I am picking up here and there, and the Habonim controversy, I mean its heated discussion about the t^red garments these builders of Zion like to wear. I Could have "written up" these in Commentaries. I missed it! However, there are more exciting things to be observed and studied in this little world of ours. Even "Old Orchard" with its enticing bathing resort could not keep me in this section of the world. Hence, Finland, Russia and Germany were the places of my summer outings. These I shall write about after the Holy, Days, Be patient, dear Reader.
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TASHLICH
According to the old ritual, on the afternoon of Rosh Ha-Shona, groups of wofshippers go to river banks and make the motion of casting something away from themselves into the water. This ceremony is best known as Tashlich. The motive of this custom, whatever its early origin, is found in the book of Micah�"and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." Here then is a suggestion for us on Rosh Ha-Shona 5689! At the threshold of a new year we are to cast aside the things that make of us humans small creatures and narrow individuals. Suppose we do hold different points of view concerning the interpretation of religion, why be intolerant? Why doubt each other's motives? One may be as worthy and at least as honest as the other. Let us cast aside congregational jealousies. Let vis drop our snobocracy and conceit. Let us think in terms of open-mindedness and kindliness, of love and fellowship. Above all else let us remember Emerson's thought: "Nor knowest thou what argument, thy life, to thy neighbour's creed has lent?"
"SYNAGOGUE BEGGARS"
Funny indeed is it not? Have you observed Jews who neglect tt'-e synagogue all year,and at the Holy Day Season come "bargaining" for seats in Shul? No, it isn't funny! It is rather tragic! Why not support a synagogue all year around? In Montreal there are many s> nagogue Beggars. They are also to be found in other cities. Of course, being absorbed in religious matters I sometimes cannot underhand how a Jew can carry the name of Jew and not affiliate himself ^ ith the very institution which inarched with our people throughout the centuries; tfcat institution which saved us from destruction�the synagogue. II you believe in the synagogue on Rosh Ha-Shona and Vom Kippur, nave faith in it the other three hundred and sixty-two days of the year. Support it materially and personalty; for the Temple, the Shul, it the symbol of all that is sacred and beautiful in Jewish tile. ShasM on you if you arc a poor synagogue beggar. And Somc of ym qyfcSjgugwi beggars have plenty of money and material goods. BitimMio longer .tmoaoth�su" but "
Extending oar Heartiest Wishes for the New Year, 1928*5689 to the Jewish Community*
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