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THE SOUTHERN ISRAELITE
A Resume Of Jewish Educational Alliance Activii es
Atlanta s Jewish Center
by EDWARD M. KAHN
The Jewish Educational Alliance is known to every Jew in
Atlanta. It is not a new institution. It has close to a quarter of
a century of active work to its credit. It has been a factor in the
development and growth of Jewish communal life in Atlanta.
But, institutions, like individuals, though they are bound up with
the traditions which they have established, nevertheless, cannot
live and function on the record of the past.
In past years the Alliance was looked upon and regarded by
people in the community as a charitable institu
tion. Activities were carried on a basis which did
not require any financial obligation on the part
of those who enjoyed them. In the past four years,
the activities of the Alliance have been re-organ
ized so as to make as many of these activities as
possible self-supporting. Naturally, not all activi
ties can be placed in this class. However, the em
phasis has been directed away from the spirit
of charity, in the narrow sense of the word, to
that of a spirit of communal responsibility and
service. Activities have been developed which seek
to open up the channels for self-expression and
provide the opportunities for wholesome utiliza
tion of leisure time.
The proper use of leisure time is one of the
most important problems which young people
have to face. They can either meet it in a way
which will impair their usefulness as future
citizens by indulging in anti-social and destruc
tive activities, or they can meet it by directing
their energies into socially useful activities which
will develop them physically, intellectually, and
morally. Since young people have neither the
means nor the possibilities of providing their own
recreational and educational institutions, it is the
EDWARD M. KAHN
Executive Director
also been organized in tap-dancing, which are primarily a form
of physical exercise but require a certain rhythm, and skillful
performance. Classes in social dancing help young people to
develop social contacts. For the dance is one of the most popular
means of social diversion.
The development of a Music Studio was made possible by the
appearance in the community of a Jewish musician, who came
to Atlanta after having spent a number of years as director of
the piano department of the University of Hono
lulu. A man, with a fine musical background and
teaching ability, the Alliance placed a studio at
his disposal so that the opportunity may be offer
ed, at moderate fees, for young people and adults,
to secure competent instruction in the piano. This
studio has been in existence only a few months
and has become successful beyond all expectations.
In connection with the development of the
Music School, a series of musical recitals were
held, with the purpose in view of cultivating an
appreciation of good music. It is intended to en
large the series and to make courses in music
appreciation a part of the work of the Music
Studio.
The-Alliance is also making plans for the addi
tion of a violin department under the instruction
of one of the most competent violinists in the
community.
Along with the development of the dance and
music, dramatics has always played an important
part. During the past year a number of dramatic
productions were presented. Plans are being made
for the expansion of this department so that
young people may cultivate their dramatic abili
ties. It is not intended that these performances be
community which must assume the responsibility of providing the the training ground for professional actors. This activity justifies
facilities and the program.
The development of strong bodies, the cultivation of things of
the spirit, do not necessarily develop the well-balanced, whole
some personality, unless attention is also given to the develop
ment of the emotional self of the individual. It has become com
monplace in discussions of the new psychology that in spite of
itself even if those who participate in it derive only the fun of
working together.
During the past year the Alliance was fortunate in improving
its physical facilities by building a new gym floor. This was done
with the aid of a generous contribution from the local lodge of
our claim to be rational and to reason, people are guided very the P’nai B’rith.
largely by their desires and feelings. Consequently, it is very In keeping with the spirit of the new activities being developed
essential to develop such activi- at the Alliance, the Executive
Director has taken a very aetiu*
part in the work of Southern
ties as will promote the spirit of
good fellowship, congenial asso
ciation with one’s fellows, and
the joy of healthful living. In
order that a Jewish boy or girl
may eliminate his self conscious
ness, his conflicts with himself
and his outside environment, it
is urgent that this fellowship,
association, and joy, be lived, in
so far as possible, in a Jewish
atmosphere, experiencing the
companionship of fellow Jews.
With the foregoing considera
tions in mind, the Jewish Educa
tional Alliance, has, during the
past year, developed a Dancing
Studio, where Jewish children
may learn to express themselves
through the exercise of graceful
form and bodily movement. The
dance has artistic vitality of its
own but it is also used as a
means of interpreting music.
In addition to this form of
interpretive dancing, classes have
JEWISH EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE; ATLANTA
Young Judaea. He has recognized
that Young Judaea Clubs in the
South are not primarily w*na
they are elsewhere. That neie.
they are above all, Jewish youti
clubs. The club department at
the Alliance is undergoing nian\
changes with ultimate re-organ
ization in mind.
In addition to the sponsoring
of athletic activities, the Alliance
has encouraged the promotion 0
educational and cultural ac “\.”
ties. With the young people*, tn s
is done through their clubs. >> 1
the adults, much of it is acco *
plished through classes ai
organiaztion of a Yiddish -
In giving this resume ,
outstanding recreational a
tural activities of the A- an
for the past year, it m
borne in mind that thoiL .
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