Our New York Letter

Chicago Chronicle, March 6, 1925
Ohio Jewish Chronicle, March 6, 1925

A small item slipped through the metropolitan press, probably unobserved by many readers.

The Young Men's Christian Association in the City of New York, incorporated about fifty years ago, caused the introduction of a bill into the New York State Legislature to permit the amendment of the incorporation charter of the institution.

Those connected with the management of the New York Y openly stated that in the future, when the charter is amended, they would allow non-Protestants to become members of this institution, not exceeding thirteen percent of the general membership.

One might say that the incorporation charter of any charitable or social institution is a matter of concern only to those who are interested in it. I believe, however, that in the circle of those who should be interested in this seemingly unimportant application for an amendment, a great number of our own folks ought to be included.

The Young Men's Christian Association and the Young Women's Christian Association are not unfamiliar names in the households of American Jews. The numerous Jewish membership applications in the YMCA and YWCA, in the early stages of development, had no doubt their justification and were even desirable. It was the desire of mingling in the American environment and a not-to-be-suppressed wish to engage in wholesome sport and social entertainment conducted along spiritual lines. Although the Young Men's Hebrew Association, modeled after the similar Christian association, endeavored to create the same environment with a Jewish background, only a small group at first heard the delicate call which is dictated by the maxim that the best social interests of the various communal and racial groups, although they may be a part of as fair-minded and great a nation as the American nation, is best served by an institution which bases its social activities and educational efforts on the heritage of that particular group and in conformity with its traditions on the proper background.

The delicate, but not less determined hint of the New York City Young Men's Christian Association ought to be taken in its proper light. It would be a misunderstanding to see in it a kind of social ostracism. It is only just that the religious and racial groups serve the interests of their members. The Jewish communities are sufficiently equipped at present to take care of their own. The Jewish Community Center movement which is a more proper aim and natural consequence of American Jewish development along the line of social and educational endeavors, will only benefit by it.

Although not listed as a Jewish contribution, the American Jewish Community may with pride read of the many interesting details of the Three Million Dollar scholarship foundation established by Simon Guggenheim, President of the American Smelting and Refining Company and former United States Senator.

All the characteristics attached to the establishment of this great endowment fund point to the Jewish tradition from which it emanates.

Simon Guggenheim's son, when he was eighteen years of age, prepared for Harvard University and intended to undertake scholastic studies in European universities. Unfortunately, premature death destroyed this plan. This tragic event in the Guggenheim family prompted the establishment of a fund which is to enable no less than fifty scholars, without distinction of race, color, or creed, without distinction of social status, without distinction to subject of study, to go abroad for the purpose of continuing and perfecting themselves in their particular branch of study. The sum of $2,500 is to be given annually to each of the appointees for this purpose.

No people cherishes the memory of its departed dear ones as do the Jewish families. Three times a year Yiskor services are held. No people attaches as much importance to life under every circumstance as the Jewish people and no one feels more intense tragedy when a promising life is prematurely cut off.

Both the deeply human motive and the broadly human purpose of the foundation indicate its Jewish origin, although the Guggenheim family have contributed little towards specifically Jewish philanthropies.

The provisions of this endowment, destined as they are to further scholarship, will no doubt be of assistance also to those scholars who devote their lives to Jewish scientific subjects.

(Taken from news clipping.)