Jewish Post, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 August 1979 — Page 1

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VOLUME XLV, NUMBER 47

Indiana Business Is Topic Of Historical Society Book

From Peddlers To Merchants, by Joseph Levine, Executive Secretary of the Indiana Jewish Historical Society, has recently been published and distributed to members, libraries and other historical societies. This is the twelfth publication of the IJHS dealing with Jewish life in Indiana. THE LATEST PUBLIC ATION tells the histories of four businesses in Indiana founded by Jews more than one hundred years ago and still owned and managed by members of the founding family. They are Beitman & Wolf of Wabash founded in 1861; Lauer’s of Plymouth

founded in 1865; D. Marx and Sons of Huntington, founded in 1874 and Oppenheim’s of North Manchester, founded in 1875. Copies of the publication are available at the headquarters of the IJHS at 215 E. Berry St., Ft. Wayne, Ind. 46802. The Indiana Jewish Historical Society was founded in 1972 to collect, preserve and publish material dealing with the two hundred years of Jewish life in Indiana. It already has an archive collection of more than 3500 items and a total of 622 individuals and organizations have joined the society since its founding.

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WSL Used Book Sale To Open On Aug. 29

The second annual Women’s Service League used Book Sale will hold a preview sale and opening from 5:00 to 9.00 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Castleton Square Shopping Center Mall. The sale will feature over 30.000 books in 40 categories. The sale will continue from Thursday, Aug. 30 through Sunday, Sept. 2 at the shop-

ping mall. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays and 12:00 to 5:30p.m. Sunday. A $1 donation is requested opening night. The sale is sponsored by the W.S.L. of the Jewish Community Center. Proceeds go to assist and implement the facilities at the Jewish Community Center.

THE REFEREEE -What does an advertising agengy executive do in his free time? Here is Elmer Kuben, vice president of Ruben Montgomery Advertising, refereeing a soccer game in the city’s amateur league. The look on his face shows he means the decision he is calling, and he tells his friends that he keeps fit by working with young people via soccer.

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At Union Camp's Dedication

Rabbi Schindler Reviews His Ideas On Conversion

By JO-ANN PINKOWITZ ZIONSVILLE - Rabbi Alex Schindler, President of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, attempted to clarify his ideas on the conversion program of the Reform Movement last weekend at the dedication of the Myron S. Goldman Union Camp Institute. Schindler’s recommendations on conversion were made last spring at a board meeting of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in Texas. His proposal that we resume our ancient vocation as missionaries for Judaism has been greatly misunderstood. Schindler told the group at Zionsville he made these recommendations for two reasons. “Firstly I am not defensive,” he said. There is strength in numbers, even an inner strength. The number of Jews is important. Judaism is not diluted by converts, in fact many congregations have actually been strengthened by converts. SECONDLY SCHINDLER wanted to start internal discussions. “We’ve arrived and we’re no longer ashamed of being Jewish,” he said. “But our spiritual perception is not as strong.” During his speech Schindler cited a number of surprising statistics about the decreasing number of American Jews — Congregations today are filled with older people. They are also populated with children from homes with one parent. In one temple in Brookline, Mass. 40% of the children come from a single parent home. The birth of the American Jew has declined. The Jewish birth rate (1.4) even when compared to the general birth rate (1.7) is actually below replacement level (2). Intermarriage is also placing a potential drain on the size of the Jewish community. One out of every three children chooses a non-Jewish partner. According to Schindler, the only way to prevent the diminuation of the American Jewish community is through a planned conversion program.

“We can gain an extraordinary amount because what we’re offering is as good as what’s available,” he said. SCHINDLER SEES the continuation of Jewish education as vital. Studies have shown that the more Jewish education a person has the less likely he or she is to intermarry. In most intermarriages it has been shown that the Jewish partner has the determining voice. It is this person who determines whether the children will be raised as Jews. Hopefully with the proper education the children will be raised as Jews. Attention must be given to the manner in which we train and receive non-Jews. Schindler noted that once the conversion process has occurred all too often the person is forgotten or treated differently. “Congregations must do a better job integrating converts,” he said. Although a convert may reject his former faith, he may still keep in contact with his nonJewish relatives. Statistically 30-40% of all intermarriages result in conversion of the non-Jewish partner. However, these cases mainly involve non-Jewish women. Only one to two per cent of non-Jewish men officially convert. Statistically 30-40% of all intermarriages result in con-

B’nai B’rith Lodge #58 will play AZA, B’nai B’rith’s youth organization in a softball game at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 on the softball field of the Jewish Community Center.

The Jewish Welfare Federation voted to award the Hebrew Academy up to $12,500 for scholarships for needy children at a recent meeting. A separate re&Oiuaon was

version of the non-Jewish partner. However, these cases mainly involve nonJewish women. Only 1-2% of non-Jewish men officially convert. Yet there is a Judaising phenomena because when these men are asked their religion, 50% of them say they are Jewish. “Let’s build on this phenomena by making a determined effort to encourage the non-Jewish partner to become Jewish,” said Schindler. SCHINDLER S FINAL recommendation was to accept the principle of active conversion. In classes conducted by the Union, 5-15% of each class were attended by people who did not intend to marry a Jew. “We can offer a religion of hope to those who are alienated and lonely,” said Schindler. Schindler was questioned as to his views on intermarriage. He does not perform intermarriage ceremonies. He eels that if a rabbi endorses intermarriage, the rate will increase. Also why should a rabbi be asked to attend to something that is hypocritical. Statistics have shown that figures of authority, such as parents and rabbis, can discourage intermarriage. Schindler’s interest lies not in the hour long ceremony, but in the life long relationship of the couple to Judaism.

Pizza and drinks will be provided after the game. All those interested in playing can call Barry Sapurstein, 926-6021, or Don Fogle, 9249251 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

proposed suggesting that the JWF consider tuition scholarships for Russian and other immigram ildren. This proposal is bein fo considered

AZA Vs. B'nai B'rith Men In Softball On Monday

Federation To Award $12,500 To Academy

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