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manner in which he had performed the functions of his office, it may be mentioned that the financial prosperity of the Congregation showed a marked upward movement under his regime.
Mr. Simons and Mr. Berg were succeeded in their respective positions by Mr. Wolfe Isaacs and Mr. Alfred Posener.
In the following year, 1896, Mr. Joseph Birn, who had tied at the last general election with Mr. Isaacs for the post of Warden, but had magnanimously retired from the position in favour of his opponent in order to preserve the peace of the Congregation and to avoid the necessity of a casting vote by the Council of the United Synagogue, entered the Warden's box for the first time, in place of Mr. S. Hess, who had resigned. Mr. Joseph Birn had served on the Board of Management for eight years previously. Due acknowledgments were made to Mr. S. Hess for his many years' loyal and zealous work for the benefit of the Congregation, both as Warden and member of the Board of Management,
Jewish Lads' Brigade.—Ever to the fore in all communal movements, the Dalston Synagogue was not long in giving active support to the organization of the Jewish Lads' Brigade, soon after its inauguration in 1895 by Colonel Goldsmid. In 1896, the North London Jewish Lads' Brigade was formed, and placed under the command of Captain Hyman Isaacs, drill being conducted in the Newington Green Board School, and later in the Congregational Class Rooms when these were opened. On his resignation he was succeeded in the charge of the company by Captain Joseph Hoffman, who 'was supported by Lieutenant Percy Josephs. In 1898 the latter was appointed commanding officer, and promoted at the same time to the rank of Captain. During his absence in 1900 in the South African campaign, his place at the head of the company was temporarily filled by Captain David Goodman. On his return to England Captain Josephs resigned, and was placed on the reserve. Captain D. Goodman was then gazetted commanding officer, and when he resigned he was succeeded by Captain Solomon. The company was finally disbanded in 1904.
Hebrew and Religion Classes.—It was about this period that a resolute effort was made to place the religious education of the children on a sounder and more systematic basis than had hitherto been the case. Classes had been established already in the very early days by the Rev. M. H. Myers, which had been taken over, re-organised, and developed both by the Rev. H. Gollancz and the Rev. M. Hyamson on their coming into office. But useful and admirable as the work of the Ministers undoubtedly was in this direction, it was recognised that the numerous other duties which fell to their portion precluded them from devoting to the instruction of the young more than the wonted two or three hours per week, a number of hours which was deemed inadequate. Classes were needed, which, conducted by properly qualified teachers, should meet at least six hours per week. The initiative in the matter was taken by Messrs. Waldemar Benscher and Herman Oppenheimer, with the active co-operation of the Minister. Prompted by these gentlemen, the Board of Management, on December 9th, 1895, elected a Committee on Education, consisting of the Executive with Messrs. Benscher, Drukker, Felsenstein, A. Kahn, H. Oppenheimer and J. A. Rozelaar, who were charged with the task of establishing Hebrew and
