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in the Chair by Mr. J. Goldhill in 1907, Mr. A. Lewis then becoming Treasurer. In the course of its career the Canvassing Committee had spread its net so as to embrace the Finsbury Park and Stoke Newington Synagogues: but this expansive policy did not answer. The Committee became unwieldy and difficult to manage, finally dissolving in the winter of 1907. Each Congregation then undertook its own local collections in aid of the Board. The Dalston Synagogue Canvassing Committee rose from the ashes of the defunct institution, under the direct control of the Executive of the Congregation. From a financial point of view the Board of Guardians has suffered no loss by the dissolution of the partnership of the Synagogues.
The North London Jewish Literary and Social Union.—Another movement in which Dalston may claim the credit of having done pioneer work was in the institution of the North London Jewish Literary and Social Union. The institution of this Society was due to the initiative of Messrs. Albert M. Hyamson and W. Benscher, who in the early winter of 1897 called a meeting of select friends at the latter's house for the purpose of establishing a centre of literary and social intercourse in Dalston. Mr. Benscher acted as provisional chairman of the Society, which, when it was finally launched, elected Mr. B. M. Benjamin as its President. The brilliant success which attended the meetings of this Union gave an undoubted impetus to the formation of similar societies, not only in the metropolis but throughout the United Kingdom, and eventually led to the foundation of the Union of Literary Societies. Unlike so many kindred institutions which, like Jonah's gourd, sprang up overnight and died after a short space, the North London Union is still instinct with life and vigour.
Inspired by the example of this Literary Society, a movement was set on foot in 1903 to establish a similar institution for the benefit of those youths who were too young to be attracted by its ambitious programmes. A Junior Literary and Social Society was formed, which, after a dubious beginning, was reorganised, and is now pursuing a vigorous and many-sided activity, which includes the provision not only of lectures and debates, but of games and sports. Mr. I. Goldston is President of this Society, Mr. D. Spiro, B.A., Treasurer, and Messrs. H. M. Auerbach and J. da S. Haley, Hon. Sees.
In 1900, the Congregation had to mourn the loss by death of a valued administrator in the person of Mr. Wolfe Isaacs, who had zealously discharged the duties of Warden for a period of five years. A severe attack of illness had compelled him to retire from his post before the annual election of 1900, and to the general sorrow of the Congregation he passed away on May I7th, 1900. He had been Vice-President for many years of the Aged Jews' and Widows' Home. His place as Warden was taken by Mr. Philip Josephs.
In April, 1902, the Rev. M. Hyamson was elevated to the high and responsible position of Dayan of the community, an appointment which necessitated his resignation as minister of the Dalston Synagogue. The sense of loss, albeit tempered by satisfaction at his promotion, which was experienced by the Congregation, was expressed in a resolution that was proposed at the general meeting in May by the presiding Warden, seconded by his colleague, supported by the Financial Representative, and unanimously carried:-"That the members of the Dalston Synagogue in general meeting, while wishing to express their
