The appearance of Rabbi Leo Jung’s eighteenth volume is a happy and fortunate event that will be warmly welcomed by all to whom the Jewish tradition is dear. Guardians of our Heritage (New York: Bloch Publishing Company, 1958), edited by Dr. Jung, is a significant contribution to a field of Jewish study which has not yet received sufficient attention by Jewish researchers and historians – that of the most recent past of Torah Jewry, from 1724 up to the last day of the year 1953.The structure of the book is in the form of short biographies — mostly, one might say, intellectual profiles — of some of the most out-standing guardians of the Jewish heritage writ-ten, in many cases, by disciples or relatives, and usually by people who were personally ac-quainted with their subjects. There is a ring of authenticity in these essays which will serve to enhance their scholarly value, as well as their readability for the layman.There is a cosmopolitan quality attained in the variety of the subjects. They range from Italian bibliophiles to Lithuanian Roshei Yeshi-bah, from modern German scholars to early American rabbis, and from a founder of Miz-rachi to a stalwart leader of Agudah. The one element that unites the illustrious "Guardians,” subjects of these brief but penetrating biog-raphies, is — their common "Heritage.” They are all champions of the Jewish Torah tradition. Reading through these informative essays about such fundamentally different personalities, who are all, nevertheless, "Guardians” of our "Heri-tage," one becomes aware of the multifaceted character of the heritage itself. Judaism, to judge by its foremost exponents, is decidedly not a monolithic structure which encases its communicants in a rigid ideological pattern.It is this total impression that makes Rabbi Jung's own contribution so felicitously appro-priate. In the introductory essay, entitled "The Rabbis and Freedom of Interpretation," Rabbi Jung points out that while Halakhah (Jewish law) is authorit…

Our congregation is justifiably proud of its outstanding record of cooperation with the UJA/Federation Joint Campaign. Unfortunately, there are many individuals in the local Jewish community who do not contribute to this most important cause. Many of our own friends and neighbors remain aloof from this life-sustaining campaign for Jewish survival. Often, they do not give simply because they are not asked for a donation. Indeed, many of the Jews in our community are not affiliated with any synagogue or Jewish organization. They are not reached by the normal fund-raising procedures of UJA/Federation.Our community is not unique in this regard. There are literally scores of thousands of Jews in Metropolitan New York who would contribute to the Joint Campaign if they would be approached properly. It is for this reason that UJA/ Federation is organizing Mobilization '76 — a massive effort to reach as many of our brethren as possible on behalf of the Joint Campaign. The highlight of this effort will be on Sunday, June 6, 1976. Beginning at 9:30 that morning, thousands of volunteers will ring doorbells and solicit donations from their neighbors. At 8:00 o'clock that evening, UJA/Federation will present a television spectacular featuring Alan King, Bess Myerson, and hundreds of stars and celebrities. Thousands of volunteers will invite friends to their homes to watch this telethon and, it is hoped, to contribute to the Joint Campaign.Obviously, Mobilization '76 depends upon the support and active partici­pation of dedicated volunteers. People are needed now to assist with community organization, telephoning and clerical tasks. Additional volunteers will beneeded on June 6 to host telethon house parties and/or to ring doorbells. If you would be available to assist in any way, please send your name, address, telephone number, and the type of activity for which you volunteer, to:Rabbi Norman LammSynagogue Advisory Council130 East 59th StreetNew York, N.Y. 10022

Intensive study of the Torah in an atmosphere of fellowship among our congregants has always been an aim of The Jewish Center. To achieve this goal this year in a new way, The Center will be sponsoring a weekend retreat for families in an informal hotel setting near New York City, beginning on a Friday and concluding on a Sunday afternoon. The Kallah will be open to Center families only, and limited to no more than fifty people, in order to achieve intimacy in study, fellowship, and tefillah. Our own Rabbi, Dr. Norman Lamm, will be the Scholar in Residence for the Kallah, which will take place October 31 – November 2.

In an innovation in Center educational programming, we will sponsor an all-day conference in which the whole of the Jewish community will be invited to join with The Center membership to study and discuss the critical challenge to Jewish life that is posed by the question of conversion. The conference format will be used beginning with a morning session, led by a keynote speaker and two prominent respondents. A buffet luncheon will be served in mid-afternoon. Workshops, discussing the questions raised by the morning speakers, will continue afterwards. At the conclusion of the conference, Rabbi Lamm will summarize the critical meaning of the questions raised. More details will be announced shortly. In the meantime, we are pleased to announce that our keynote speaker will be Rabbi Shubert Spiro of Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Spiro is a gifted speaker and original thinker. He is the rabbi of Young Israel of Cleveland and a faculty member of Case Western Reserve University. More details will be sent in a special brochure. In the meantime, please reserve February 29th.

A very fine crowd turned out to witness the installation of the newly elected officers of Sisterhood at the Annual Spring Luncheon, held this year at Moshe Peking’s Restaurant. Rabbi lanro installed the new officers and delivered an inspiring talk at this delightful occasion. Sincerest expressions of appreciation were extended to the outgoing President, Mrs. A. Harry Skydell, for her outstanding leadership and tireless devotion to Sisterhood as well as to her deep Interest in the welfare of all worthy causes. Our hearty wishes of success and accomplishment to the newly and re-elected officers of Sisterhood: Mrs. Elsa Leibler; President Mrs. Gertwude Cohen; Vice President Mrs. Edith Aussenberg; Vice President Mrs. Eva Romer; Vice President Mrs. Margy Kahn; Vice President Mrs. Rochelle Tennenbaum; Treawrer Mrs. Hadassah Gold; Secretary Mrs. Sadye Bayer; Social Secretary

It is not often that a synagogue has the zekhut (privilege) to celebrate as joyous and significant an occasion as that which will be the happy lot of The Center family this month. Mr. William Feinberg, the Chairman of the Board of The Jewish Center shortly and a former President of our institution, will shortly be celebrating his 85th birthday and will mark this milestone in his life by chanting the Haftorah on Shabbat Shekalim (February 28). Mr. Feinberg is so very much a part of Center history, that it is inconceivable to write or even discuss the historic development of The Jewish Center without reference to his immeasurable contributions over the course of the years. In so many ways, he is indeed "Mr. Jewish Center." Not only has he directed the affairs of The Center in its most critical period and endeavored with all his might and main to keep our synagogue loyal to the vision of its founders, which is the vision of Orthodox Judaism, but in his own personality he so well represents what is distinctive and unique about The Jewish Center and its membership. His simhah is not only that of his immediate family, but of the entire congregational family as well. We offer him our warmest congratulations and join his family in expressing to the Almighty our devout gratitude for having spared him and kept him alive and well and vital to reach, with us, this great moment in his life. We pray for his continued health and joy for many many years to come. May the Lord grant him the years, the equanimity, and the good health to continue his creative leadership at The Center, and to reap the harvest that he so richly deserves. Ad Mei ah V'esrim Shanah — may he reach the golden age of 120 years I