Plans Approved for New Buildings of Jewish Theological Seminary

The plans for the three new buildings of the Jewish Theological Seminary, the Library, the Dormitory and the Teachers Institute, have been completed and approved. Early steps are being taken to begin building operations, Dr. Cyrus Adler, President, reported at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The report of the President showed that out of 106 who applied for admission to the Rabbinical Department of the Seminary this term, 20 were admitted, making a total registration, exclusive of the Post-Graduate Department, of 70. There are now enrolled 29 candidates for the Degree of Doctor of Hebrew Literature and 3 for the Hattarath Horaah. Of the 20 men admitted, 4 came from Canada, 1 from Illinois, 3 from Massachusetts, 1 from Michigan, 7 from New York, 3 from Pennsylvania and 1 from Europe. The faculty has limited the number of admissions in an endeavor to improve scholastic standards. With the present academic year, the sessions have been divided into two terms, the first term to extend until the end of January and the second term in February and extend to graduation in June.

In the Teachers Institute, where registration is still taking place, and final figures are not available, there is at present an enrollment of 454 students.

The Seminary received bequests from the estate of Israel L. Butler of $250 and from the estate of Dora Denbosky of $50.

Benjamin Scharps has established in memory of his brother, a prize in the amount of $2,500. to be known as “The David Scharps Memorial Prize in Talmud,” the income of which is to be awarded annually to that member of the graduating class who, in the opinion of the faculty, shows the gratest appreciation and knowledge of the Talmud and the Commentators.

Seven of the graduates of the Seminary who received the Rabbinical Diplomas last June have been elected to positions.

Forty students of the Seminary officiated in synagogues in various parts of the country during the recent holidays.

Prof. Alexander Marx, Librarian, reported that the Library acquired since the Summer, 912 books, of which 96 were donated, and several very important and interesting manuscripts. Among the donors to the Library were Elkan N. Adler of London, England; Mortimer L. Schiff, Emanuel Hertz, Miss Aline E. Solomons and Dr. Elias L. Solomon.

Forty communal leaders were the dinner guests of Dr. Cyrus Adler. President of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, at the Level Club, and pledged their support to an educational program to advance traditional Judaism in the United States.

Doctor Adler asked the support of those present for the United Synagogue of America in its campaing to provide the means for carrying out an extensive program along cultural, educational and religious lines. Dr. Adler is honorary chairman of the Campaign Committee and Dr. Elias Margolis of Mt. Vernon is chairman.

Dr. Adler called attention to the United States Census figures analyzing Jewish conditions as they effect synagogue membership and the fact that there were hundreds of thousands of non-affiliated Jews in the United States. In his opinion, the program of the United Synagogue is calculated not only to draw back into the fold those Jews who because of being scattered in rural communities have no organized affiliation, but also to provide the youth with an educational and cultural background which will fit them for leadership.

Pledges of support were given by those present, who included: Felix M. Warburg, Sol M. Stroock, Israel Unterberg, Judge Otto Rosalsky, Judge Mitchell May. Henry A. Dix. Charles W. Endel. Henry S. Hendricks, Sol Mutterperl, Leo J. Goldberger, Dr. Elias Margolis. S. Herbert Golden. Max J. Schneider, A. U. Zinke, S. C. Lamport, Louis P. Rocker, Elisha M. Friedman, Benjamin Greenspan, Isaac Gordon, Leon Huhner. H. Levine, Louis J. Moss, David M. Mosessohn, Edgar J. Nathan, Harry Seinfel, Theodore R. Racoosin, Nelson Ruttenberg, Morris Stern. Abraham Shimm, A. Morton Werner, B. E. Kopelman, Edward Burger, Alfred Kornfeld, Mr. Holman. Elias A. Cohen, Rabbi Henry Fisher. Mr. Abraham Tuvim, Rabbi Samuel M. Cohen and Mr. Rosengarten.

BROOKLYN YESHIVA CLOSES FOR LACK OF FUNDS

The 800 pupils of the Brooklyn Yeshiva Torah Vodaath-Mesifta grammar and high school, at 206 Wilson Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., who have had a vacation since their fifty-four teachers walked out last week, claiming three months’ overdue salary, were notified that a decision would be announced Wednesday afternoon regarding a continuance of the classes.

The Union Orthodox Rabbis’ Association and the Board of Rabbis of New York City met recently to solve the financial problems, and it is expected that the decision will hinge on their findings. The school, which has a $70,000 deficit, involves an expenditure of $150,000 annually for maintenance.

Max Browdy, 83, one of the earliest residents of Springfield, Mass., died on Sunday. He was born in Russia and for many years was one of the few Jews allowed to live in St. Petersburg. He was a descendant of a line of rabbis prominent in Europe and spent his whole life reaching. Among his pupils was Rabbi Simon of England.

Rabbi Louis Wolsey of Philadelphia will be among the speakers at a special Armistice Day program at the Metropolitan Opera House. Dr. Stephen S. Wise will address a luncheon conference on Monday, November 12.