Religion plays a vital role in keeping America firmly rooted in the tradition of freedom and democracy, U.S. Senator Leverett Saltonstall, of Massachusetts, declared tonight addressing the annual dinner of the New York Federation of Reform Synagogues at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. He called upon people of all faiths “to go forward together toward peace and universal brotherhood.”
The dinner, which was held on behalf of the $1,875,000 Combined Campaign for the the Union of American Hebrew Congregations and the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, was attended by more than 500 guests representing 53 Reform temples in the Greater New York area. The Union is the central body of Liberal Judaism, representing more than 400 Reform synagogues throughout the United States and Canada.
Dr. Jonah B. Wise, speaking at the dinner, called for greater support of the national institutions of Reform Judaism. Dr. Nelson Glueck, president of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, declared “there is a great need today throughout the world for the expanding influence of the kind of religion which preaches the golden rule.” He called for a vigorous application of religious principles to life.
Other speakers included Frederick F. Greenman, president of the New York Federation, and Justice Meier Steinbrink. Dr. Maurice N. Eisendrath, president of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, was unable to attend the gathering because of illness. A message from him describing the growth of the Reform movement throughout the country was read at the dinner.
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