=Western Reserve University=
THE opening of the scholastic year 1915-16 marked a radical change in
the policy hitherto followed by the Western Reserve Menorah Society.
During the first few years of its existence membership was open only
to the male students of the university and attendance was necessarily
small. Interest in the Society itself began to dwindle until finally
it became clear that some radical step would have to be taken if the
Society was to remain intact and worthy of the name.
Accordingly, at a meeting of the executive committee held shortly
after the opening of college in the fall, it was decided that
hereafter membership would be open to both the men and the women of
the university. Seventy-five students gathered for the opening meeting
held on October 24. At later meetings, Dr. Lamberton, of the Faculty,
lectured on "The Influence of Hellenism on Hebraic Culture," and Dr.
Daniel A. Huebsch, noted art critic and lecturer, spoke on "The
Neglect of the Old Testament." Dr. Huebsch urged that inasmuch as the
Menorah Society was devoted to Jewish study, it was the proper place
for a revival of interest particularly in Biblical literature and
other Hebrew writings. These works were distinctively the Jews' own
and should not be neglected by them as the younger generation was
inclined to do. Both lectures were well attended and followed by
interesting discussions. A later meeting was devoted almost entirely
to a lively as well as an intensely interesting discussion of Zionism.
The Western Reserve Menorah Society may well look forward to a banner
year. Having overcome the obstacles that face every new organization,
we are now prepared and eager to carry on the aggressive work of the
Menorah. Passing as we are through a period fraught with epoch-making
events, an endless number of problems spring up on every side, each
one clamoring for attention. Upon the solution of many of these
problems rests the future welfare of the Jewish race. Having been
awakened to a realization of the seriousness of the situation, the
Western Reserve Menorah Society will compass every effort to do its
share in the movement for enlightenment and progress.