Jewish philanthropy; an exposition of principles and methods of Jewish social service in the United States

Preface

This book is an attempt to meet the demand on the part of those who are engaged or are interested in Jewish social service, for a statement of the principles evolved through the experience of the last two decades in various philanthropic efforts of the Jews of this country. It is primarily a compilation of the different ideas expressed by the leaders of the movements on various occasions, as well as a presentation of the actual practical experiences that were met in the different lines of philanthropic activity. It is intended to serve as a text-book for beginners, and as a ready resume for those who are already engaged in the field.

No claim for scientific treatment of the subjects is made, but it is hoped that as a first attempt in this direction it may serve as an impetus toward clarifying the indefinite views in vogue at present among Jewish social workers of the cotmtry and help beginners to orient themselves in the perplexing problems of Jewish social service.

The book is practically a revision of a course of lectures on Jewish philanthropy given for the last 6 years at the Hebrew Union College of Cincinnati, Ohio. The leading Jewish social workers of the country should be given credit for their co-operation in reading the manuscript and making emendations and corrections withvm PREFACE

out which this book would lose considerable part of its value. Special thanks are due, and are hereby tendered to Dr. Lee K. Frankel, Morris Waldman, Louis Levin, David Bressler, Dr. Ludwig Bernstein, Jacob Billikopf, Rabbi David PhiUpson, Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, Adolph S. Oko, and A. S. Freidus for suggestions and criticism, to Dr. Kaufman Kohler for aid in preparing Chapter III, and to Mr. Julius Rosenwald, through whose generosity this pubHcation became possible. I desire to acknowledge my indebtedness to Iskander Hourwich who revised and prepared the manuscript for publication.

BORIS D. BOGEN.

Cincinnati, October i, 1916.

TABLE OF COiNTENTS

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I

0 PAGE

The Extent and Scope of Jewish Philanthropy i

A. The Problem of Modem Philanthropy i

( B. Reasons for Philanthropic Agencies Specifically Jewish: Sectarianism. Promise of the Jews — Never to Become a Burden on the General Community. Immigration. The

Specific Problem i

C. The Extent of Jewish Philanthropy 7

CHAPTER II Dependency among Jews 10

A. Basic Principles and Specific Causes 10

B. Temporary Dependency Due to Immigration 10

C. Chronic Dependency of Recent Origin: Resistance Power. Formation of Permanent Slum Conditions. The Necessity

for Jewish Agencies 12

^ CHAPTER ni

A. Charity Based on Justice 16

B. Systematic Relief 18

C. Principles of Relief 21

D. Jewish Charity in the Middle Ages 23

E. Charitable Societies 26 is

X CONTENTS

Chapter IV Page

A. The Baron De Hirsch Fund: Baron Maurice De Hirsch. The Jewish Colonization Association. Formation of the Baron De Hirsch Fund. The Agricultural and Industrial Aid Society 27

B. The National Conference of Jewish Charities: Membership 31

C. The Independent Order of B'nai B'rith 33

D. National Institutions for the Care of Consumptives 34

E. National Farm School 35

F. The Council of Jewish Women 35

G. The Hebrew Sheltering and Immigrant Aid Society of America 35

H. The Educational League 35

I. The National Jewish Immigration Council 36

J. The National Union of Jewish Sheltering Societies 36

K. The American Jewish Committee 36

L. The Joint Distribution Committee 37

^ CHAPTER V

Methods of Fund Raising for Jewish Philanthropic

Agencies 1^8

A. Direct Begging 38

B. The Pushka Method 39

C. Charity Taxes 40

D. Endowments 41

E. Charity Socials 42

F. The Federation Idea: Federation Experiences. Advantages

of Federation 43

G. The Subscription Method 49

H. Efficiency Tests for Raising Funds 49

I. Methods of Getting Subscriptions: The Card Catalogue.

Circulars. Personal SoHcitation. Arguments. Special Help. After Numbers. Special Donations. The Spirit of

Rivalry 50

CONTENTS ri

PAGE

J, State and Municipal Subventions 53

K. Outside Contributions 54

L. Collections by Mail 54

M. Publicity: Reports. Pocket Editions. The Daily Press.

Moving Pictures 54

N. Emergency Funds 5^

Chapter VI

A. The Stranger in the Past 59

B. The Modern Conception 60

C. The Passing-On Policy 61

D. The Transportation Rules 62

E. Extension of the Transportation Rules 63

F. Special Decisions 64

G. New Transportation Rules Adopted, 1916 68

H. Violations of the Transportation Rules by Outside Agencies 70

I. Hachnosis Orchim 71

J. Professionals 73

K. Temporary Dependent Transients 75

L. Sick and Defective 77

M. The Tramp 79

CHAPTER VII The Immigration Problem 8s

A. Early Jewish Immigration to the United States 84

-■*1B. Beginnings of Jewish Charity in the United States 85

C. Early Immigration 87

D. Immigration of 1848 88

E. Polish Immigration 89

F. Russian Immigration 89

G. Immigration Funds 91

H. Federal Legislation 91

I. First Aid to the Immigrant 92

J. The Exodus from Russia and Roumania 93

3di CONTENTS

PAGE

K. Additional Legislation 96

L. The Immigration Law of 1907 98

M. The Economic Status of the Jewish Immigrant loi

N. Protection of the Immigrant at the Port of Entry 102

0. The Anti-Restriction Movement: The Immigration Commission of 1907. The Jewish Issue Before the Commission. The Burnett-Dillingham Bill 107

P. The Galveston Movement iii

Questions iii

Chapter VIII

A. The Industrial Removal Ofl&ce 113

B. Co-operation 114

C. Local Agencies 115

D. Classification 115

E. Methods 117

F. Reception of New-Comers 120

G. Relation to Relief Agencies 1 20

H. Results of the Industrial Removal Office Work 121

1. The Galveston Movement 122

Chapter IX

A. Early Attempts 125

B. The Agricultural and Industrial Aid Society 127

C. The Extent of Jewish Farming 128

D. Recent Efforts 129

E. Woodbine 130

F. The Industrial Settlement 131

G. Self-Government 132

H. The Baron De Hirsch Agricultural School 133

I. The National Farm School 134

J. General Suggestions 135

\^Ui\ X EjIS i C> XUl

Chapter X Page

A. The Sick 138

B. School Hygiene 143

C. Defectives 144

D. Hospitals 145

E. Tuberculosis: Home Treatment. After-Care of Consumptives. The Cincinnati Method 148

F. Insanity 155

G. Convalescents 156

H. Chronic Invalids 157

Chapter XI

A. Congregate Systems 160

B. The Placing-Out System 160

C. The Cottage System 164

D. Self-Government 164

E. State Subventions 165

F. Orthodox Tendencies 165

G. Child-Caring Methods 167

H. After-Care of Orphans 169

I. Day Nurseries 169

J. Family Desertion : Family Desertion as a Problem. Causes

of Desertion. Promoting Legislation. PubUcity as an Aid. Study of Desertion in New York. The National Desertion

Bureau. Methods of Treatment 171

CHAPTER Xn

A. Causes of Insufficiency of Income: Inefficiency of the Breadwinner. Training in Trades. Self -Respect Fund. Employment Agencies 181

B. Establishment in Business 187 xiv CONTENTS

PAGE

C. Self-Support Funds 190

D. Temporary Dependency 192

CHAPTER Xin

A. Different Standards 199

B. Individual Standards 202

C. Existing Standards of Living 203

D. Standards of Relief 208

CHAPTER XIV

Educational and Social Orgaotzations 211

A. The Rise of Jewish Social Organizations: Young Men's Hebrew Associations. Religious Educational Agencies. The Bureau of Education of the Jewish Community of New York City 211

B. Sabbath Schools: Radical National Schools. Religious Instruction and Social Service Agencies. Religious Services 219 Questions 225

CHAPTER XV

A. The Palace of Immigrants 227

B. Americanization 228

C. Ghetto Forces 229

D. A Change of Policy 230

E. David Blaustein 231

F. New Conceptions 233

G. Opposition 234

H. Program of the Educational Alliance 236

I. Experiences in Other Cities 237

J. A New Departure 238

K. Neighborhood Self-Activity 241

L. Technical Education 241

CHAPTER XVI

PAGE

Jewish Settlements and Neighborhood Work 244

A. The Settlement as a Social Service Agency: Origin of Social Settlements. Definition. Residents in Settlements. Charity in Settlements. The Specific Problem. Difficulties

in Jewish Settlements 245

B. Jewish Activities in Settlement Work: Jews of Many Lands. Children's Clubs. Jewish Games. Activities for Adolescents. Community Forces 252

C. Religion in Settlements 264

D. Neglected Neighborhoods 266

E. Jewish Neighborhoods 268

F. The Teaching of English 271

G. Employment 273

H. True Americanization 276

I. Expansion of Activities 278

J. Children's Work 280

K. Specialization 282

L. Politics in the Settlement 284

M. Co-operation 288

N. Difficulties of a Jewish Settlement 289

0. Juvenile Delinquency 289

P. Crime Among the Jews 294

CHAPTER XVII

A. Leadership 295

B. The Selection of Leaders 296

C. Persistency in Office Holding 298

D. Quahfications of Leadership 299

E. The Board of Directors 300

F. Meetings 301

G. The Paid Worker 302

H. Qualifications of a Social Worker 304

1. New Positions 306

J. Difficulties of a Social Worker 308 xvi CONTENTS

PAGE

K. Attitude Towards the Board of Managers 310

L. The Attitude of the Social Worker to the Community. ... 315 Questions 317

CHAPTER XVni

A. Friendly Visitors as Adjuncts of Relief Societies 318

B. Modern Conceptions of Lady Visitors 320

C. The Problems of Friendly Visiting: The Health of the Poor. Infant Welfare. Protection of the Health of the Children of the Poor. Tuberculosis, the Scourge of the Poor. Indiscriminate Charity. Proper Housing. Sufficient Feeding, an Index to Normal Life. Apportionment of Work Day. Proper Clothing. The Career of the Children of the Poor. The Struggle for Existence. Recreation and Amusement 322

D. Settlement Volunteer Workers 331

E. The Big Brothers and Big Sisters Movement 233

F. Education of Jewish Social Workers 335

CHAPTER XIX

A. Budget Making 337

B. Analysis of Budgets 338

C. Applications for Rehef 342

D. Administration Facilities 343

E. Inter\aewing the Applicant: Granting Relief. Refusal to Grant Relief. Investigation 344

F. Record Keeping: The Record Book. Individual Records.

Filing Records 350

CHAPTER XX

A. Philanthropic Effort in the Synagogue 363

B. Philanthropic Effort Taken out of the Synagogue 364

PAGE

C. The Effort to Unite the Synagogue with Charity Endeavor 365

D. The Federation and the Synagogue 366

E. The Scope of Social Service in the Synagogue 368

F. Plan of Action 372

BiBUOGRAPHY 375

Index 383

THE EXTENT AND SCOPE OF JEWISH PHILANTHROPY

A. The Problem of Modern Philanthropy Ours is the era of social service. Society is beginning to realize its responsibility for the care of those who have been cast out of the human mill. The question, now, is only as to methods, — means that are to be adopted toward the solution of this perplexing problem. The growth of social consciousness, once aroused, has been phenomenal. Private initiative has been extended, first to municipal agencies, then to state and national enterprizes, all directed toward the amelioration of the condition of the poor and the eradication of causes predisposing to poverty. The waste of society is being reduced to a minimum.

B. Reasons for Philanthropic Agencies Specifically Jewish In the midst of these progressive tendencies on the part of society as a whole, it seems but natural that there should arise a question as to the real need for organizations specifically Jewish. It is frequently suggested that the same purposes served by Jewish organizations may be achieved through existing agencies catering to the general population. In this, as in other perplexing situations, history is helpful. Some light may be shed by the origin of the different Jewish philanthropic organizations in the United States.

I. Sectarianism

In years past, when Jewish communities were small and homogeneous and consisted of individuals from the Old World, steeped in an atmosphere of which Jewish charity was an integral part, it was but reasonable that these communities should embody the same spirit and organize societies to help their own. There were, naturally, few Jewish poor. But these could get no help save from their brethren, who, in their religion, considered this their duty. The first Jewish organizations in the United States of a philanthropic nature were relief societies. These were connected closely, sometimes organically, with the synagogue, and were sectarian in character. At that time, charitable endeavor, in general, followed denominational lines. Jewish charities were no exception. Moreover, the Jews provided for their own poor that the latter should not be compelled to seek assistance from sources sectarian and strange to their own beliefs. The fear of proselytism was well founded, and served as an additional impetus for philanthropic effort specifically Jewish. As early as 1832, the first Jewish orphanage was established in New York City, and the reason given for its organization was that the Jewish community felt it its duty to care for Jewish orphans, who hitherto had

EXTENT AND SCOPE 3

had to be placed in non- Jewish, sectarian orphanages at that time the only institutions for child-caring. Later, the same underlying principles were given as the motive for the establishment of Jewish hospitals. These reasons for Jewish institutions have lost none of their potency through age, and still exist.

It has also been the position that the Jews need special institutions because they need Jewish influence, and Jewish atmosphere : The Jew must not be allowed to become de-Judaized but rather re-Judaized, for herein lies the hope and the promise of maintaining the positive characteristics of their individuality, — the guarantee of their good citizenship.^

Then again, the ardent adherent of orthodoxy demands not only institutions under Jewish auspices, but also institutions that observe strictly all the dietary and other laws which are not observed, as a rule, by institutions supported in large by the reformed wing. This is the great motivator of new and frequently duplicating Jewish institutions, hospitals, orphan asylums, homes for the aged, etc., that are springing up all over the country, initiated and supported by the newer settlers from Russia, Roumania, and Austria-Hungary.

2. Promise of the Jews — Never to Become a Burden on the General Community

As a general proposition, however, Jewish philanthropy presented a limited sphere of activity up to the

1 Dr. David Blaustein, " Proceedings Fifth National Conference of Jewish Charities," Richmond, Va., 1908, page 126.

time of the large Jewish immigration from Russia in the latter part of the eighties. Then the demand for Jewish philanthropic activity suddenly developed enormously. It was unreasonable to expect the then existing philanthropic agencies, though quite advanced and free from sectarianism, to care for this new and tremendous additional burden. The Jews did not forget the promise given two and one-half centuries previously to Governor Stuyvesant ever to care for their poor in such a manner that they should never become a burden upon the community.^ American Jews have fulfilled their pledge.

But that argument is of value no more. The Jews have become part and parcel of this country; they share its responsibilities with the rest of the citizenship and are entitled to the same privileges. The pride of the Jews that they will never become a burden on the community is to-day an empty phrase. Notwithstanding all the generous effort of private philanthropy, some of the burden of chronic dependency falls upon the state and the municipality. As a result of their participation in general welfare movements, the Jews of this country recognize to-day their right to avail themselves in common with the remainder of the American population of the general forces and agencies for the amelioration of the conditions of the poor. They are entitled, as taxpayers and American citizens, to the privileges of municipal and state institutions. As contributors and fellowmen, they need not decline to par-

1 Judge Julian Mack, " Proceedings Fourth National Conference of Jewish Charities," Philadelphia, igo6, page 25.

EXTENT AND SCOPE 5

ticipate as beneficiaries of the different private endeavors of a non-sectarian character, — be they rehef agencies, educational movements, or social activities. They need not be separatists so far as their rights and privileges are concerned.

3. Immigration

The argument that Jewish philanthropy deals in the main with recently arrived immigrants is weakening. There can be little doubt that Jewish charity, dealing in the main with foreigners, aliens in speech and nationality, calls for special agencies to deal with this peculiarity. The country at large, however, is rapidly awakening to the importance of this problem. It is a matter of but a short time when ample facilities will be provided by non-sectarian agencies for handling this situation in its ramifications, thus obviating the necessity of providing private institutions to meet the specific demands of the immigrant Jew, as far as speech and other obvious peculiarities are concerned.^

In this respect Jewish philanthropy paved the way for reform, and served as a model in the method of immigrant care, education and Americanization, a problem which is not alone Jewish in character.

4. The Specific Problem

Thus, through the experience of a short time, different causes and reasons have been assigned in ex-

* Professor J. H. Hollander, President's Address, " Proceedings National Conference of Jewish Charities," St. Louis, 1910.

planation of the existence of Jewish philanthropy. The apologetic attitude is rather typical. The tie that connects the Jews is not due to a formula of practical reasoning. It Hes deep in the emotional nature of humanity which is responsible for the intense feeling for kith and kin.

There is no need for analyzing the external motives of Jewish philanthropy, nor is there any reason for apologizing for the brotherly attitude toward the needy. Jewish philanthropy, as such, is growing and extending in every direction. The old agencies enlarge and intensify their activities, and are constantly supplemented by new organizations and institutions called into existence throughout the country. This phenomenal growth of Jewish philanthropy indicates the demand along these lines, and points to valid reasons why Jewish activities should be directed through specifically Jewish agencies. The problem of Jewish dependency is unique. Jewish poverty does not carry with it the burden of heredity, and is not characterized by a downward tendency, repellent of reclaiming influences. Though poor and economically disabled, the Jews never before constituted the lowest strata of society, nor were they the inhabitants of the slum districts of their native cities. Their difficulties were due to external conditions, which did not, however, succeed in crushing the spirit of mental and moral integrity dominant throughout the ages. Nay, possibly the very disadvantages of the Jews in fighting for the rights of existence were responsible for the strengthening of their inner powers

EXTENT AND SCOPE 7

that express themselves in the indomitable aspiration for higher ideals of achievement. If this assumption be correct, it follows that philanthropic effort among the Jews is capable of better results than are to be looked for in the general field of charitable endeavor. Neglect in this respect cannot fail to create a new strata among the Jews, unreclaimable, and presenting a permanent waste to society. The responsibility for such a situation would rest directly on American Jewry. In other words, we are dealing with the prevention of the slum, rather than with the reclamation of a slum inherited from former generations. The problem is both manifold and difficult. Spasmodic effort and the mere treatment of symptoms by establishing relief agencies, institutions, and so forth, cannot be considered a wise method. Jews are entitled to have their own organizations to meet situations which would otherwise escape proper consideration — ^provided that such institutions cover a field untouched by general organizations. The right is also conceded to the Jews to separate agencies if these agencies cover the field more efficiently.

C. The Extent of Jewish Philanthropy

The extent and scope of Jewish philanthropy is rapidly growing, and is assuming quite important dimensions. An investigation made in 1909, of this particular phase of the subject, shows that there were then 1,191 separate and distinct Jewish organizations, — not including mutual benefit societies, cemeteries, burial societies, trade unions, Zionists, Territorialists, and other organizations doing work of an international character. The character of the 1,191 organizations was as follows:

Relief societies, including federated charities, relief societies, proper sewing societies, etc 809

Institutions, including hospitals, dispensaries, orphan

asylums, convalescent homes, sanitaria, nurseries, etc. 148 Educational institutions, including institutes, settlements,

trade schools, etc 227

Grand total 1,191

Reports of annual disbursements were received from only four hundred and eighty-nine organizations, These show total expenditures in round numbers, of approximately four million, seven hundred and seventy-nine thousand dollars ($4,779,000). The membership of four hundred and sixty-two organizations, was three hundred and thirty- two thousand dollars ($3 3 2, 000). ^ Without going into further detail, it is patent that the amount of money spent by the Jews in the United States for philanthropic purposes and the number of persons interested in the field of endeavor, as indicated by the total membership of the different organizations, are sufficient to demand serious consideration. The figures cited refer to about one-half the organizations, and since this investigation, there has been both an intensive and an extensive expansion of Jewish organizations. The American Jewish Year Book registers for the period 1909-1915, eight hundred and nine addi- 1 " Extent of Jewish Philanthropy in the United States." Monograph, Boris D. Bogen, 1909.

EXTENT AND SCOPE 9

tional philanthropic agencies, making a grand total of about two thousand.

A conservative estimate, therefore, of the total amount spent by Jewish philanthropic agencies in the United States would be ten milHon dollars ($10,000,000). Estimating the Jewish population in the United States at about two million, and presuming that two per cent are dependent, we get forty thousand Jewish dependents in this country, whose maintenance would cost, at two hundred dollars per capita per annum, about eight million dollars. In the experience of philanthropic effort it requires at least one paid worker for the distribution of each thousand dollars, or eight thousand workers to administer to the dependent Jews. Of each four employes, one should be necessarily a professional, hence the number of persons requiring professional proficiency in dealing with the problem of Jewish dependency can be conservatively estimated as two thousand.

Chapter One. The Extent and Scope of Jewish Philanthropy

1. What is the problem of modern Philanthropy?

2. What are the reasons given for philanthropic agencies specifically Jewish?

3. What is the specific problem of Jewish philanthropy?

4. Under what conditions are philanthropic efforts specifically Jewish legitimate?

5. What is the estimated number of Jewish philanthropic organizations in the United States?

6. What is estimated to be their total budget?

II Dependency Among Jews

A. Basic Principles and Specific Causes

The tendency of modern philanthropy is toward the elimination of the causes predisposing to dependency, rather than toward palliative measures affecting the symptoms of distress alone. There can be little doubt that the broad basic principles underlying the phenomena of poverty and misery in general are applicable to dependency among Jews. Economic maladjustment, ignorance, political disability and exploitation of labor produce inevitable results, irrespective of race, creed, or color. At the same time, there are, in the case of dependency among the Jews, special causes, — in addition to the basic reasons, — specific reasons deserving serious consideration, which may, perchance, suggest different treatment and unique measures.

B. Temporary Dependency Due to Immigration

The awakening of philanthropy on a large scale, among Jews in the United States as has been shown, dates from the mass immigration, — almost an exodus, — from Russia in the eighties. In those days the underlying cause of dependency, — the reason for philanthropic effort among the Jews, — was immigration. The immigrant was the problem, and the measures

DEPENDENCY AMONG JEWS il

applied were mainly such that might Americanize the newcomer and help him to withstand the hardships of the period of adjustment and adaptation. The large majority of the immigrant Jews coming to this country were not dependent upon charity in their native land. The existent poverty among the Jews in Russia could be easily explained by the political and economic restrictions under which they lived. Even in the case of the dependent, the Jews did not represent the lowest strata in Russia. (Poor as the Jews are there, there is little pauperism among them. More important, throughout these centuries they have succeeded in maintaining their family ties, the sanctity of their homes.) It seemed reasonable to presume that in this country of equal and untold opportunities, equal political, economic, and social rights, the Jewish immigrants, as soon as they had adjusted themselves to their new environment, would gain their independence and would present no problem as far as charitable effort is concerned. Jewish philanthropy, during this period, limited itself to giving "first aid to the immigrant." Conditions, however, have changed. The reports of various charitable organizations show that the number of people applying for relief who have been in this country less than three months is negligible. ^ It seems that it takes from two to five years before the strength of the immigrant peters out, when he and his family become dependent upon charity. Thus, the problem of

1 "Report of the United Hebrew Charities," New York, 191 2; "Report of the United Hebrew Charities," Chicago, 1914.

aiding the immigrant is fast losing its commanding position. The majority of immigrants now come to join relatives or friends, and under ordinary conditions do not apply for assistance to organized charity. The difficulty comes later, when the cause of dependency is deeper rooted, and when temporary and inadequate relief does not offer a solution. Thus, in this particular instance, we deal with a dependency of a comparatively recent origin, — a dependency caused by conditions under which the immigrant Jew lives for the l&rst few years in his adopted country.

C. Chronic Dependency of Recent Origin I. Resistance Power While in many instances the inherent physical disabilities of the Jews may be responsible for their breakdown, there is, on the other hand, considerable resistance which is not met with in the non- Jewish population. Thus, there is practically speaking no intemperance, no shiftlessness; on the contrary, there exists an unconquerable ambition, an untiring energy, and an entire absence of that indifference to one's condition which Karl Marx has so aptly styled "Verdamte Bediirfnislosigkeit." This is true with respect to the recently arrived, but unfortunately not altogether correct as concerns those who have been in this country for a certain length of time, nor is it true with respect to the second generation. One need not be a close observer of society to notice that the main strength of the Jewish immigrant lies in his home. And so long as home ties

DEPENDENCY AMONG JEWS 13

are retained, so long as the family is the unit and the center of care and consideration, just so long will the centrifugal forces of modern society, which destroy the individual and produce the terrible effects of poverty, meet with a resistance that in most cases results in immunity from degeneration. This explains why in the majority of cases the immigrant Jew outlives his experience of readjustment, and escapes the permanent effects of his first struggle for existence. He soon moves from the so-called neglected neighborhood, and joins the normal groups found in American society.

2. Formation of Permanent Slum Conditions

Extensive as is this immunity from deteriorating and devitalizing influences, all too many succumb and fall by the wayside. The very character and extent of this negative phenomenon of Jewish life is new and therefore doubly discouraging. We deal with the effects of a formative process, we witness the disintegration of the social group, a disintegration that has just begun. The problem is quite different from that of the general situation where individuals are burdened with hereditary traits which weaken the initiative for higher and better life and where the conditions productive of misery originated generations before.

If the Jewish Ghetto is to remain permanent; and if from a temporary abode of inmiigrants, with its pathos picturesque and sympathetic features is to change into a permanent breeding place for the terrible human cancer, the slum, with all its concomitant, frightful attributes, — delinquency, degeneracy, and irresponsibility,— then the blame is upon the present generation. For in that instance we permit the condition to foment without grappling with the problem in a sufficiently forceful and energetic spirit.

3. The Necessity for Jewish Agencies

Should this prove to be the case, it is proper to assume that besides lessening or eradicating the negative conditions in neglected neighborhoods, we must utilize, develop and strengthen those features of Jewish life which have enabled the Jew to withstand persecution and hardships within the narrow confines of the European Ghetto; and who is more qualified to undertake this work than the Jew himself? Only a Jew, who is stirred by a feeling of powerful self-consciousness can hope to cope with a problem so novel and unique. Appreciating fully the advisability and desirability of social intercourse between Jews and the general population, the question is much discussed whether, in this stage of readjustment, care should not be taken that the Jew should not fall to the level of the other inhabitants of neglected neighborhoods and thus fail of ultimate rehabilitation. Hence it is evident that the treatment of the Jewish problem of dependency presents a specific character and necessitates separate and specific measures.

"I sometimes think," said President J. H. Hollander at the Sixth National Conference of Jewish Charities in St. Louis, Mo., "that 'das jtidische Herz' is not a thing

DEPENDENCY AMONG JEWS 15

of the heart but of the head, less of a warmer pity for need than the outcome of a clearer conception of how that need had arisen. This, then, is the essential need for a distinct ministration of social relief to Jews by Jews, and the prime warrant for an independent study of the problem in all its phases by those who are immediately concerned therewith. It is only a more complete carrying out of that rational tendency that has brought us to where we are now, full determination of the causes of distress and application of the more appropriate remedies by the most efi&cient agents. Since it is only the Jew, who by virtue of a subtle 'Gefiihl,' historic identity, race consciousness, or religious brotherhood, can become cognizant of the special circumstances which have contributed to Jewish dependency, it is therefore primarily the Jew who should assume the problem of Jewish relief and in anticipation of his responsibility, should deliberate as to his procedure." *

Chapter Two. Dependency Among Jews Questions

1. What is the relation of Jewish dependency to the general problem of poverty with respect to basic principles?