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Page 12 The Southern Israelite 1 ^cutlifrgJ^rtHe m { Executive Offices: 161 Spring St., N. W. Published In Atlanta Monthly by THE SOUTHERN NEWSPAPERS ENTERPRISES, Inc., M. STEPHEN SCHIFFER, Managing Editor Subscription Rates: 15 Cents Single Copy, $1.50 Per Year In Advance. Entered as second class matter at the Postoffice at Atlanta, Ga., under the Act of March 3rd, 1879. All communications for publication should reach this office not later than 1st and 15th of each month. The Southern Israelite Invites correspondence and literary contributions, but the Editor Is not to be considered as sharing the views expressed by the writers except those enunciated in the Editorial columns. Our Problem It is hardly necessary to explain the efforts that are being waged pro and con the proposed change in the calendar which would create a wandering Sabbath for the Jews and other seven-day observers. There are those Jewish leaders who refuse to admit the grave disadvantages to our Sabbath such a change would necessi tate, but for the most part, our leading Jewish organizations have loyally and firmly protested against the plan. Very recently the magazine “Liberty” under the editorship of Charles S. Longacre published a special issue devoted to the pro posed calendar change. In its effort to bring pressure to bear against the joint resolution of Congressman Porter requesting the President to propose the calling of an international conference for the sim plification of the calendar, “Liberty” urges the securing of signa tures to a petition to the Senate and the House of Representatives, requesting “not to recommend the calling of an International Con ference by the President of the United States, or the acceptance by him of an invitation to participate in such a Conference, for the purpose of revising the present calendar, unless a proviso be at tached thereto, definitely guaranteeing the preservation of the con tinuity of the weekly cycle without the insertion of blank days.” Our compliments to “Liberty” and our urgent appeal to every Jewish citizen to respond to the realization of the situation that confronts Jewry and the preservation of our Sabbath. Your Pledge David A. Brown in an article in this issue describes the splen did work done by Jacob M. Loeb to complete Chicago’s payments to the United Jewish Campaign 100%. This is only one of the many noble responses to the United Jewish Campaign, which has broad cast a plea to those having pledged support to their fund to pay up their pledges so that the Joint Distribution Committee, which has appropriated $310,000 to relieve the terrible calamities that are causing indescribable suffering to Jews in Eastern Europe, can be prepared to help. Europe has experienced a miserably cold winter, and greater misfortune is anticipated in the spring when the rivers overflow causing devastation and disease. The Jewish Distribution Com mittee must be prepared so that if such a situation materializes, they can act immediately to save those in danger. Unless the United Jewish Campaign collections are speeded up, it will be imperative to borrow sufficient funds to complete their quota. Bearing this terrible disaster in mind, do not put off paying up as much of your pledge today as you are able to. And we feel that no more forceful thought could be left with you than to quote Mr. Brown’s urgent and sincere appeal, “Won’t you be another Jacob Loeb—won’t your community be another Chicago ?” Purim The festival of Purim, or the Feast .of Lots, was ushered in Monday evening, March 25, 1929 with the reading of the book of Esther followed by. great festivity and joy. It was the celebration to commemorate the deliverance of the Jewish people from the hands of Haman by a decree from King Ahasuerus, won through the loyalty and devotion to their people of Queen Esther and Mordecai, her uncle, against whom Haman, the Prime Minister, bore a personal grudge. We are all more or less familiar with this beautiful story, but we must also bear in mind that this celebration is significant not only for its historical and Biblical value, but because its applica tion is universal and century-old. In every age and in every land where the Jewish people have lived, there have been those who, like Haman, condemned the whole people because of personal prejudices against individual Jews. But the. feast of Purim also reminds us that there were always those faithful spirits in every generation who challenged all prejudice and evil decrees and who proclaimed the cause of Judaism and Jewry. And we cannot but hopefully look forward into the future and feel confident that each succeeding generation of our people, like their forefathers, will continue to carry on the standards of Israel proudly and loyally. I AM A JEW! By Captain Ralph Willner 7 am a Jew—and just like you, I carry a load on my back. No matter where, it's always there; A burden in a sack? I am a Jew—and there are few Who dare my load to lift; They cannot see, it’s part of me, My burden and my gift. I am a Jew—thni life I hue Inscriptions that forever live— You cannot break that which I make; There is no price for which I give. I am a Jew—and looking thru The ages that have passed At a Throne—I stand alone— It's meaning I have grasped. I am a Jew, and like a Shrew, A small and humble Race— With all your might, and all your spite, You cannot take my place! I am a Jew—and those who knew, And you who know my stock, Will give me cheers and smiles and tears— You will not stand and mock. I am a Jew—7 am a Jew! And those of you, however few, Must knoiv forever and anon-— 7 am a Jew—7 am a Jew! Editor’s note: This is an answer to our editorial on “Conversion and the Jews” in our March 1st edition. Fast of Esther JEWISH CALENDAR 5689 Purim ... Rosh Chodesh Nissan Thursday. April 11 Pirs^ Day of Pcssach Thursday, April 25 Eighth Day of Pessach Thursday, May 2 ♦Rosh Chodesh Iyar Saturday, May 11 Lag B’Omer Tuesday! May 28 Rosh Chodesh Sivan Sunday, June 9 Shavuoth ♦Rosh Chodesh Tammui Saturday', June 15 Tuesday. July 9 Fast of Tammuz Thursday July 25 Rosh Chodesh Ab Tisho B Ab ♦Rosh Chodesh Elul Friday September, o Rosh Hashonah 5690 Fast of Gedalia Mnndav. October < Yom Kippur .... Succoth Shemini Azreth Sunday. October 20 Saturday, October 2b Simchas Torah Sunday. October 21 Rosh Chodesh Chesvan Monday, November * Rosh Chodesh Kislev Tuesday December » hirst Day of Chanukah Friday, December a NOTE: Holidays begin in the evening preceding the dates designated. •Rosh Chodesh also observed the previous day.