16
Religion Classes on a self-supporting basis for the children of the district. The classes were opened for the first time on the 23rd of February, 1896, when 36 children were enrolled. At the end of the year there were 92 children on the register, who were divided into four classes. A special Neginoth class was taken from the very outset by the Rev. J. Lesser. Owing to want of adequate accommodation, the classes were originally conducted in the Synagogue. The inappropriateness of this mode of procedure was patent to all. Appealing to the United Synagogue, the Congregation were advised by Mr. N. S. Joseph to build class-rooms in the grounds of the Synagogue. A Building Committee, composed of the Executive with Messrs. J. Chapman and M. Drukker, was appointed to carry Mr. Joseph's suggestion into effect, with the addition that the building was to be made capable of being used as a Succah. Within five weeks after the plans had been submitted and approved, the structure was completed at a cost of £650, and on April nth, 1897, it was consecrated by the Chief Rabbi, with the co-operation of Mr. F. D. Mocatta. Mr. Benscher was the first Chairman of the Education Committee and Hon. Superintendent of the Classes, and Mr. H. H. Hyams the first Treasurer. On the retirement of Mr. Benscher from the chair, his place was taken by Mr. H. Oppenheimer. It was during his regime that Mr. I. Goldston was appointed Superintendent of the Classes by the Education Committee, on the strong recommendation of Dr. M. Friedlander, the examiner of the year.
Mr. Goldston had been on the teaching staff some two years previously, but his appointment as Superintendent dates from May 23rd, 1898. On the resignation of Mr. H. Oppenheimer, in September, 1900, Mr. M. Drukker was elected chairman in his place, a position that he still holds. The success of these classes is a matter of public knowledge, and their efficiency has been recognised by the highest educational authorities in the community. In a report published in 1908 by the Union of Hebrew and Religion Classes, the hon. examiners, Rev. Dayan Feldmau, Dr. A. Eicholz, H. M. I., Dr. L. Barnett, Herbert Adler, and Norman Bentwich, reported that "for the classes held at Poet's Road, under the headmastership of Mr. Isaac Goldston, the Education Committee have nothing but praise. A high standard of attainment has been secured in Hebrew Language, Religious Knowledge, History and Liturgy."
North of London Conjoint Canvassing Committee.—Dalston, however, has been no less zealous for Gemilulh Hasadim than for Torah. To further the beneficent work of the Board of Guardians, a Canvassing Committee was formed in January, 1897, which, as it embraced members both of the North London and Dalston Synagogues, was styled the North of London Conjoint Canvassing Committee for the Jewish Board of Guardians. That veteran communal worker, the late Mr. Henry Hart, was the first Chairman and Treasurer, and the Rev. M. Hyamson, the first Hon. Sec. In December, 1899, Mr H. Mayer relieved the Chairman of his duties as Treasurer, and on Mr. Hart's retirement from the Chair was promoted to that position in December, 1900, Mr. J. Birn taking his place as Treasurer. Further changes occurred in 1902, when, on the departure of Mr. H. Mayer from the district, Mr. J. Birn became Chairman and Mr. J. Goldhill Treasurer. Mr. I. Goldston was at the same time appointed Hon. Secretary vice Rev. M. Hyamson, resigned. Mr. J. Birn in his turn was followed
