RABBI HONOURED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 130, 5 June 1933, Page 3

RABBI HONOURED.

52 YEARS' MINISTRY. \ CONGREGATION'S TRIBUTE. A reception to Rabbi S. A. Goldstein to celcbrate his eightieth birthday was held by the Auckland Hebrew Congregation in the Synagogue schoolroom yesterday afternoon. The gathering was a very large one. Mr. C. H. Moses, president of the congregation, spoke of the deep affection the members of the congregation had for their rabbi. He had been an inspiration to them in all their activities. He had, too, during his ministry of over 52 years in Auckland, earned the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens of all denominations. His scholarship was widely recognised. He hatl been a profound influence among the many pupils who had passed through his hands. Among these were many nonJewish students who had attained distinction in New Zealand and abroad. As a citizen ho had served in many capacities. In all his efforts he had shown a noble, spirit of service and selfsacrifice. In presenting an armchair on behalf of the congregation and the various communal societies, Mr. Moses expressed the hope that in the eventide of his life ho would enjoy its restfulness, and that he would be spared to them for many years. I>cv. Alexander Astor paid a tribute to the many qualities of mind and character of his esteemed colleague. He paid that long before his arrival in New Zealand, Rabbi Goldstein's name was well known to him. His prestige stood very high among the Jewish minister's ef the Empire. Indeed, the present chief rabbi, Dr. Hertz, had said in an address at Jews' College, London, that his predecessor, Dr. Hermann Adlcr, had stated that among the most distinguished ministers whom he had sent overseas to colonial appointments were 1,0 late Rabbi Van Staveren, of Wellington, and Rabbi Goldstein, of Auckland.

Dr. Ranston, who was present, joined "1 the congratulations to his old and esteemed friend. He referred to the manner in which liabbi Goldstein had revealed to the students of other denominations the many beauties of the ancient Hebrew tongue and to his "oerality and breadth of mind. Rabbi Goldstein, who was received mtli great enthusiasm and prolonged applause, thanked his congregants for ,e gift and (lie speakers for their appreciative references. He had humbly nod to do his duty. He paid a tribute o the early pioneers of the congregai°n. One name above all should be Mentioned and remembered on such an occasion, that of the late Mr. David ' athan, the founder of the congregation, ne rabbi said that when he arrived in uckland in 1880, the Jewish community Was a ve ry small one. It had grown in strength, and he hoped it would conmue to grow from strength to strength. ® appealed to the younger generation ° carry on the traditions of the congregation. They who lived among condit'ons of freedom which the British -mpire extended to all its citizens would show at all times by their public ? pirit how deeply they valued their fitizenehip. In concluding, he referred jo the many happy associations lie had ••ad and the many staunch friendships lie had made during the period of his w'-i'.istry among his fellow citizens.