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THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE A Magazine Perpetuating Jewish Ideals Volume 5 FEBRUARY 28, 1931 Number 24 Courage and Vision Young Judaeans throughout the Southeast are observing March as Young Judaea month. Special programs have been arranged in every city where there exists a club. The Southern Young Judaean Association is to be congratulated upon its undertaking such an ambitious program, and the Atlanta Council deserves much credit for sponsoring many literary, social, and athletic activities. Cooper ating most cordially with the Southern and the Atlanta Young judaea clubs is the Jewish Educational Alliance, headed by Edward M. Kahn, which organization offers its physical facilities and the guidance and advice of trained leadership. The Alliance has always been the center of Young Judaea activities in Atlanta. Work with |ewish boys and girls constitutes its major activity. Young Judaea is a Jewish youth organization. It aims to develop among Jewish youth a consciousness of kin and a loyalty and attachment to their own people. It ties up the historic past with an interest in current Jewish problems and a faith in the future of the Jewish people. In the smaller communities in the South the Young Judaea Club is the only link that binds the Jewish boys and girls to their people. Boys and girls can be reached best through club fellowship. The informal and self-governing features of the club make a special appeal to the ambitious boy or girl. It is in the club that youth learns to restrain selfish interests. It is in the club that group interests and team-work become the dominant influence. It is in the club that the individual learns the first lessons of good citizen ship and develops social-mindedness. The Young Judaea Club can perform all these tasks plus the wonderful opportunity for develop ing wholesome Jewish personality and well-adjusted Jewish char acter. Young Judaeans in the South must possess courage to pursue their aims with vigor and vitality. They must have the vision to see beyond the immediate horizon and have faith in the future of the Jew as a creative force among the peoples of the world. * * * Straus’ Jewish Will “It is my wish that none of my children or grandchildren shall ever marry out of the faith and I enjoin upon them always to be and remain good Jews.” Thus wrote the venerable philanthropist, Nathan Straus, in his will, which has just become known. A striking, straightforward plea in these days of intermarriage. Nathan Straus’ Jewishness was mark edly devoid of clannishness. His philan thropic gifts were non-sectarian and bore the stamp of a broad, all-embracing humanity. But the Grand Old Man of American Jewry was proud of his spiritual heritage and never hesitated to fight I to the last ounce of his strength for a tolerant interracial and inter-religious 1 relationship. Mr. Straus believed that Jews and entiles could best respect one another they remained good Jews and good ristians, respectively. ■ Nathan Straus’ post-humous appeal nis family—that is, to his people— be and remain good Jews contains he essence of his philosophy of life. Eugene Oherdorfer Is Dead Eugene Oberdorfer, Sr., nationally known insurance man and for more than thirty years treasurer of the Republican party in Florida, passed away February 22nd. Outside of the affection of his close associates and the respect of his many acquaintances, few realized his intense participation in the political, religious, and civic interests of his community. Born in New York, he moved to Jacksonville, where he became deputy clerk of the Federal District Court, and took an active interest in the affairs of the Republican party of the State. Even after his removal to Atlanta, he continued to serve as treasurer of the Florida State Republican organization until two years ago, and only two months before his death he was named treasurer of the Georgia Republican Committee. In addition to his political activities, Mr. Oberdorfer was an outstanding leader in civic and religious affairs in Atlanta. He was a founder and past president of the Burns Club, and during the war served as director of Jewish welfare work in this section. He was past president of the Jewish Educational Alliance, of the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation, and of the National Order of 21. He was also a member of the Yaarab Temple Shrine here. In every Jewish activity since his coming to Atlanta, he took a prominent part, as well as devoting much time to the general upbuilding of the city. Scanning even this small glimpse of his life one can appreciate the constructive influence in both civic and religious circles that Mr. Oberdorfer endeavored to further in years of untir ing effort. His passing has bereft our community of a loyal citizen and a spirit devoted to Judaism. * * * Let Us Be Gay This week we are celebrating Purim. Wherever Jews live there will be rejoicing and hilarity. The Jews of Poland, who are bat tling with the spectre of hunger; the Jews of Germany, who are fighting the mad anti-Semitism of Hitler; the Jews of Palestine, who are straining every effort to hold the Jewish position in Eretz Israel; the black Jews of Abyssinia, the Israelites of France—all of them will be reading the story of Esther and of the liberation she brought the Jews of Persia in their hour of need from the most notorious anti-Semite of all time, Haman. And in our own country this year Purim will be celebrated with more joy than for a long time. * * * A Courageous Action Monte Lemann, of New Orleans, was the only one of the eleven members of the Wickersham Law Enforcement Com mission who refused to sign the joint report presented to President Hoover. He appended an individual statement in which he recommended outright repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment. The ac tion of Monte Lemann has been hailed as courageous and dignified. It is being lauded as the only logical course open to a man of convictions. There have been some cheap politicians who point to Le- mann’s Jewishness and charge him with dissenting out of political ambition. All unprejudiced observers will praise him for his courage and independence. CONTENTS Have Christians Forgotten the Golden Rule? By Mrs. Estelle M. Sternberger - - - - 4 Should Weizmann Resign? By Henry Montor - ------ - - 5 Why Jewish Folk Are Not More Jewish By David VVeissman - - 6 March—Young Judaea Month - - 7 Southern Notes - - 6 Society - - 8 In the Limelight - - 9 National News - - 11 Entered as second class matter at the Postoffice at Atlanta, Ga., under the Act of March 3rd, 1873. Published monthly by The Southern Newspaper Enterprises, Inc. Subscription Rates: Is Cents Single Copy, $1.50 per year *1 advance. 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. Established 1025. M. Stephen Schiffer, Managing Editor. All communications for publication should reach this office not later than 1st and 15th of each month.