EMIL G. HIBSCH 253 alive to-day as well. He speaks all the modem languages of Europe. His vast scholarship has stood him in good stead. He has not only taught men much; he has led them away from the pitfalls that lurk behind half-truths and superficialities. He has the courage to say **no** when the multitude says **yes.** He can point out the blind alleys where others see but the primrose path. Two incidents illustrate this. One was during the first con- ference of liberal religions, held in the Old Sinai Temple, Chicago. Liberal clergymen of unorthodox faiths had gath- ered in his Temple. The common denominator of all religions was emphasized. A new era was imminent, it seemed, because the radical element among the Jews was joining with other unfettered denominations into a conmion brotherhood. The age-long seclusion of the Jews was apparently ended and the Jew was about to clasp the hand of his fellows under new auspices. This, at least, was the impression the speakers at- tempted to create. They meant well, but they did not inter- pret Israel aright, and it required a man of Dr. Hirsch *s cour- age and learning to set them right.
- Not in spite of, but because we are Jews, do we enter into
this conference,** he thundered with all the force and elo- quence at his conmiand. ^^The Jewish aspiration is to fra- temalize all the children of men. In the most sacred hour of our synagog we pray for the advent of that day when all hu- manity shall be united by a conmion bond of brotherhood. Be- fore Christianity was bom our sages said the righteous of all nations will inherit eternal bliss. Not away from Judaism, but back to Judaism is our ambition — to acquaint all man- kind with the passion of Israel for the eventual salvation of all earth-bom creatures. ^^ Abolishing the superfluous ceremonies did not alter the divinely imposed purpose of the Jew towards humanity. His spiritual charge is as vital to-day as of old. His is a historical mission, imposed by birth, and this purpose can not be les- sened or abated by joining forces with other peoples. On the
