The Maccabaean

Any comment on the work of the New York Kehillah at this time is apt to be viewed with suspicion by its leaders. The community has been "rattled" by so much criticism of an indifferent sort, that it would not be surprising if all criticism were regarded as pernicious.

The writer, however, is a friend of the Kehillah movement. As one of a group who believed it to be an important step in the direction of Jewish union, he contributed something to the organization of the New York Kehillah. He feels, therefore, that the following review of its tendencies is entitled to be considered on its merits, without prejudice.

The leaders of the Kehillah seem to be unaware of what is going on. They do not understand the temper of the community. The petty and scattered criticism to which it has been subjected, and to which it seems to have disdained a reply, is symtomatic of a serious condition in its affairs. That criticism does not fairly represent the indictment which is slowly gathering for an effective presentment.

KEHILLAH RESPONSE TO A POPULAR DEMAND

The Kehillah was the outcome of a spontaneous impulse to create a central organization to speak and act for the composite interests of the community as a whole. It arose as a protest against the charges of General Bingham. That incident crystallized the latent sentiment, and it was urged from all quarters that there should be a permanent organization to act for the Jews of this city, in their name and with their support.

For years local Jewish affairs had been represented by scattered and unsystematic fragments of endeavor. For years the various elements, of diverse antecedents and ideals and tempers, were distrustful of one another, unwilling or unable to cooperate. The Bingham affair for the time united them all in defence of Jewish interests. It seemed that the time had come

for the introduction into Jewish life here of that traditional form of self-government in which we had, in the past, in other lands, united for our common interests.

DEMOCRATIC IMPULSE DISSIPATED.

This genuine democratic impulse has been completely dissipated. The Kehillah, in the three years of its existence, has succeeded in starting a number of important local Jewish enterprises, but it seems to have lost the confidence of every element that had joined in its organization. Radical Jews, keen in their vision of principle and theory, were the first to desert. Orthodox Jews, by tradition and training presumably appreciative of a Kehillah’s work, have been loudest in their opposition. Reform Jews, pressed into the organization by the rush of popular enthusiasm, with the decline of popular interest, have been gradually departing. Even the Zionists, admittedly the best friends of the Kehillah, now seem to be looking with anxiety at the trend of affairs and are silent only because they hope there will be a change for the better.

The Kehillah seems to have lost its representative character. It seems to have abandoned the very essence of the composition of a Kehillah. It is now, in effect, operating as a benevolent despotism.

Over everything it now does we may read this motto: The people are not to be trusted. Things are better done in Committee, without publicity or discussion, without interference by well-meaning or incompetent, or unruly, ‘leaders of the people” Do the work first, then, if you think it desirable, get the approval of the people. You cannot have a democratic representation for Jewish affairs. It is impracticable. It is unnecessary. It is even dangerous.

DEMOCRACY IN JEWISH LIFE

I shall not attempt to justify democracy to American Jews. To Jews born in this