Considerable excitement has been created in Australian Jewish circles by the activities of Rabbi Jerome Mark from the United States who is here to establish and organize Liberal Judaism in Australia. Under Rabbi Mark’s leadership the first Liberal Rosh Hashanah services ever held in Australia were conducted here. Large crowds were attracted to the services.
The Jewish clergy, with one exception, refused Rabbi Mark’s invitation to participate in a reception which prompted him to issue a statement to the Jewish and general press saying that he had not come to Australia to fight or to stir up trouble but simply to assist those who were not receiving spiritual satisfaction from the existing synagogues. Rabbi Mark voiced the hope that it would be possible for him to collaborate with the other Jewish ministers, but if cooperation was denied he would proceed with his commission.
Rabbi Mark, a graduate of the Hebrew Union College of Cincinnati and formerly rabbi of a Reform congregation in Selma, Alabama, was delegated by the World Union for Progressive Judaism to engage in extension work in Melbourne. The material needed for the organization of Reform Judaism in Melbourne was rushed there by the Liberal Synagogue of London.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
