Zionistic literature written for their uses. Though many of these needs time alone can satisfy, still what would greatly facilitate and vivify our work, and could be immediately issued, is a handbook for juniors. This would contain methods and ways of organizing, short sketches on the principles and history of Zionism, Zionist songs and a detailed outline course of Bible study. I would particularly ask that an appropriation be granted for such a use.
Another measure which would have a far-reaching effect in encouraging new circles would be a union of all junior circles in this country. There are now in existence numerous brotherhoods and other leagues composed of junior clubs in all cities. Such bonds of union, the larger the better, have a particular attraction for our young. And there is no reason why our young Jewish clubs cannot be welded into a national union, just as like organizations of Gentiles. We have now, in this country, over thirty junior circles, and just as the junior council links them together, locally, there is a need of a national junior Zionist league to bind them together nationally. Many requests have been received during the past year by Zionist as well as by non-Zionist groups to join such a league. When such really exists, I am certain it will not only strengthen our present circles, and make their existence more permanent, but will greatly assist in the organization of new circles. More particularly non-Zionist circles would be attracted to such a league. I should therefore request this convention to authorize the organization of such a league under the jurisdiction of the Federation. Each circle in this league should be sub-chartered by the Federation under its special provision for junior circles. The charge for issuing this charter should be paid to the Federation, but the dues of the circles should be given to the league, this fund to be used in the efforts towards spreading junior organizations.
There remains yet but one step to co-ordinate these plans. We have the organization locally by the council and conference. We have the national union of circles, by the league. There is now needed a body of the Federation that will more rigidly supervise
junior activity than in the past. If this work is to receive particular emphasis, then its work should be separated from that of Jewish education in general, by the authorization of a separate committee on junior organization. This committee should not only supervise and encourage junior organization, but should have absolute power over all junior activity within the Federation. I say this advisedly, knowing the drawbacks of this work in the past. Junior circles have sprung up in the past, and have just as speedily disappeared without the slightest knowledge of their existence by the Federation. In some circles, programs are given that to a to a large extent result in detracting from the good effects of junior endeavor. I have one circle in mind where study that savors of the religious is forbidden by seniors and the study of the Bible discouraged. We must realize that the most hopeful results may be obtained from junior endeavor, yet irresponsible, haphazard organization may result in more serious evils. I, therefore, particularly urge that no junior circles shall be organized except with the permission and under the direction of such a junior organization committee as is proposed. On the other hand, such committee should be empowered to compel societies, wherever at all possible (particularly councils), to assist in the organization of circles in their midst. If New York possesses seventeen such circles, and Denver and St. Louis each four, there is no reason why such cities as Pittsburg, Boston and Baltimore should be without any such circles, particularly when but two or three years ago each possessed six or eight of them. Their disappearance is due to the lack of attention paid to them in the past.
If this convention desires junior organizations, then it should encourage them not only in one locality but throughout the country. A committee, such as proposed, could directly superintend such organization. This could be accomplished by sub-committees in each locality, until a conference of leaders could be organized.
I therefore again urge upon you the need, the importance, and the value of this work. We must rely upon our maturing youth for