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20 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 . world (Please turn to pa