The Maccabæan
EDITORIAL PAGES
LOUIS LIPSKY, ACTING EDITOR
OLDNEWLAND
WITH this issue of the MACCABÆAN we approach the end of Dr. Herzl's remarkable novel. As the author himself says in a farewell word, he has written a novel with a purpose, but men will disagree, as to whether the element of romance or of the purpose looms largest throughout the book; for, to some, the purpose will seem so romantic, that they want nothing more than that it should remain the fairy tale it is on paper. The book has already brought forth considerable criticism, and it has been charged with a want of Jewishness. We would say, having scanned every line, and studied every phrase, that it is the novel of a diplomat, who in this form wrote an open letter to the diplomatic world, and carefully scrutinized and thought out every line, and its possible impression upon every such reader.
"Oldnewland" not only has described what our leader believes can be accomplished when one generation shall have passed away, but whoever has thought while he has read, will have noticed that the Zionist leader has touched the most profound depth of the problems of modern existence. It has given us joy and satisfaction to have presented to the English-speaking public the most remarkable Jewish novel written at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth century, in which the story is to be fulfilled.
REFORM VEERING
IT may be noticed that Reform Judaism is taking in sails. At the Jewish Chautauqua it was evident that the Reform Rabbis were smarting from the many criticisms administered them during the past few months. Dr. Emil G. Hirsch, who styles himself the “arch-Reformer,” did not scruple to speak his mind. He said that the Reform Rabbis were getting tired of the attacks made on them, whenever they came
East, and if it continues, he would refrain from coming East. Inasmuch as Dr. Silverman, who is President of the Central Conference, is an advocate of the historical Sabbath, and Dr. Rudolph Grossman, of New York, and Dr. Harris, also of New York, are becoming extremely concerned about our traditions, it will be seen that Dr. Hirsch is in danger of becoming not only the arch Reformer, but practically the only Reformer in the United States. If he continues with the co-operation of Dr. Kohler, he may have that gentleman's assistance, but certainly Dr. Kohler cannot be depended upon for any unbiased statement of any theology.
THE PETITION
IN the Jewish news of the month the diplomatic movements of the United States stand out prominent. The B'nai B'rith petition has become by now not only an eye-sore to the President of the United States and his Secretary, but is likely to injure the very people for whom Mr. Leo N. Levi brought the petition into being. As we go to press, we learn that the petition may not even be sent, but that a question will be put to the Russian Government. The Russian Government will be asked: "If we send you a letter protesting against the Kishineff outrages, will you become angry?" Of course, it may be presumed that the Russian Government will reply immediately, "We are angry even now." The petition will then be in a very sad state; it will belong neither to the Russian Government for whom it was intended, nor to the B'nai B'rith who sent it. Perhaps it will be sent to the dead letter office, to be claimed by whoever is interested in historical documents.
OUR FRIENDS, THE ENEMY
WHILE many belittle our movement, they yet look to Basle for something which will relieve the darkness of the Jewish situation. They may characterize us as dreamers, as false leaders, as misled enthusiasts, but in their innermost of hearts, in the Jewish elements of that heart, they feel that it is only by just such methods as are advocated by the International Jewish Congress that an end may be put to the Jewish problem. However much they may differ, arguing from their little towers of observation against Palestine—