Jews and Judaism: An Address by Morris Jastrow, Jr., Ph. D., Before the Congregation Rodef Shalom, December 4, 1886 (Classic Reprint) (Hardback) | Released: 22 Apr 2018

Excerpt from Jews and Judaism: An Address by Morris Jastrow, Jr., Ph. D., Before the Congregation Rodef Shalom, December 4, 1886

Try to be as exact as we can, it is better to err on the wider side than on the other, which consists in using it in a too restricted sense. If for the sake of illustration, I may introduce terms with which we cast about so liberally, what do we mean, or let me rather ask, what should we mean, when we call a man Orthodox. Say of another that he is Conservative and of a third, that he is a Radical? These terms meet our gaze continually in the press, resound from pulpits, or are heard in homes, but a clear definition of them is rarely attempted, much less furnished. It is of course possible that the terms base upon sentiment. I mean to say that they can be used in a sense which would make it depend upon the personal feelings, and not strictly logical beliefs of a man whether he identifies him self with the one or the other wing. I say, I do not deny the possibility of such an interpretation of the terms But Ido say if this be the case among American Jews, let us know it. If all the differences consequently that exist among us refer merely to a few forms and ceremonies, more or less, and if the question of these forms and ceremonies is a mere matter of feeling and sentiment, then by all means, let it be clearly stated. But if this be all, I am afraid that we have been enacting a comedy of Much Ado About Nothing that would be ridiculous, were it not lamentable. If, as would appear from recent ofl'icial utterances, the whole question hinges upon the introduction of the organ, or family pews, the removal of hats, a few prayers more or less, why then, let positions on these questions be clearly taken, but whether it is worth while to wage a forty years' war over such questions at the loss of many golden opportunities for doing some positive good, or whether the result can in any case be of sufficient importance to merit a song of triumph, or a funeral dirge, is another question, which I have no hesitation whatever in answering in the negative. It is possible that' at the opening of what is commonly known as the Reform movement, the word was understood in the narrower sense as involving merely a change of forms, leaving all doctrines, teach ings, principles and even traditions entirely undisturbed. Whether this be so or not, it is certain that if there is any meaning to be.

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