THE CHIEF RABBI

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10897, 11 May 1921, Page 6

THE CHIEF RABBI

ARRIVAL IN WELLINGTON WARM RECEPTION ACCORDED BY CITIZENS. THE HEAD OF THE JEWS. A civic reception was tendered at the Town Hall yesterday afternoon to the Rev. Dr. J. H. Hertz, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Empire. There was a large attendance, in which those of the Jewish faith predominated. On the platform with the doctor were the Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke), who presided, the Rev. Van Staveren, the local Rabbi, the Rev. S. Fitowski, several prominent Jews in business in. the city and members of the City Council. A HEARTY WELCOME. Mr Luke said that, whatever their faith, he was sure all present would join with him in extending a very hearty welcome to Dr Hertz, a man who towered above all the Jewish fraternity throughout the British Empire. He was pleased to welcome the Doctor as a pro-Britisher, and he hoped the Jewish people would long remain associated in cordial relationship with the people of the British Empire. Dr. Hertz nad done much to remove the disabilities between the Jews and the Catholics in South Africa. He was a great educationist, and had written several important works, outstanding amongst which was the classic, “The Need of the University in Modern Times.” In sending forth that hook the Doctor had indicated not only to the Jews, hut to the Gentiles that there could he no success in a country unless opportunity was given to both sexes to graduate throughout the university. No more worthy movement aould have been commenced at this time than that for the restonation of Palestine to the Jews, and the preparation of the country for their reception. In conclusion Mr Luke again assured Dr. Hertz of the welcome extended to him by the citizens. The doctor would find in New Zealand that no distinctions were made -between the- Jewish people and the Gentiles, and that there was one desire only and that the uplifting of the people generally and the happiness and prosperity of the country.

THE SHEPHERD AND HIS FLOCK. Mr R. A. Wright, M.P., Mayorelect, said that there were many people who believed that the British were the survivors of the lost ten tribes. (Laughter.) If there was one thing to-day that had made th<} Hebrew people what they were it was the old Jewish Scriptures, so much read and admired by those of other faiths. 'One of the reasons why the Jews were such a strong and virile race was because they had followed the example of their great leader in their mode of living. The doctor had come to New Zealand on a ■ mission somewhat similar to that undertaken by Joseph —to see whether all was well with his flocks, and how the shepherds had been performing their duties. He trusted the doctor would realise the faithful work that was being performed in Wellington by the Rev. Van Staveren. Dr Hertz was also in New Zealand in connection with the appeal for funds for the erection of a war memorial to Jewish soldiers who fell in the war, and he was sure the Hebrew people would respond in their usual generous manner. DR. HERTZJN REPLY. “DEEPLY GRATEFUL.” Dr Hertz was welcomed as he rose to reply with loud applause, all’ present standing. In expressing thanks for the extraordinarily cordial welcome that had been accorded him, he remarked that somebody had said -cat if a man lived to see his own works appreciated in another country he was experiencing his own immortality. He was deeply grateful and appreciative of the great honour that was being done to him that day. He was conscious of the fact that he was not being welcomed merely as the ephemeral incumbent of the high office of Chief Rabbi, but as the head of tho Jewish people. The total Jewish population of New Zealand, he said, was 2500, and that of Australasia 25,000. Out of that number, 250 had been killed in the war. The Jews of New Zealand held the country in honoured respect, and it was the highest aim of their lives to make it more lovable. Further remarks made by Dr Hertz are published in another column. Mr Albert Woolf, 0.8. E., vicepresident of the United Hebrew Congregation in England, said he had come to appeal to his / co-religionists for assistance for the improvement of the ministers and for the r<#.ef of the poor. The problem of the poor was one of the merct difficult they had to face.