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7th Annual Dinner, Mestiva of Long Beach, NY, April 1, 1973
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7th Annual Dinner, Mestiva of Long Beach, NY, April 1, 1973
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The original documents are located in Box D34, folder "7th Annual Dinner, Mestiva of
Long Beach, NY, April 1, 1973" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and
Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Digitized from Box D34 of The Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
ANNUAL DINNER OF THE MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH,
NEW YORK, AT TEMPLE BETH EL, LONG BEACH
APRIL 1, 1973.
apoly for
of stabysts
WORTHY RABBIS, ESTEEMED GUEST OF HONOR,
DISTINGUISHED AWARDEES, LADIES AND
GENTLEMEN:
SOME OF YOU MAY BE WONDERING
HOW, OR WHY A MEMBER OF CONGRESS, FROM THE
STATE OF MICHIGAN, COMES TO ADDRESS A
GATHERING OF YESHIVA PARENTS AND SUPPORTERS
IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
WELL, ONE REASON IS MY GOOD
FRIEND, HARRY WALKER. WHEN HE ASKED ME TO
COME COME, I JUST COULDN'T REFUSE. WE HAVE
THIS LITTLE ARRANGEMENT, YOU SEE
Doesn't This better mean
HE'S THE WALKER AND 12 M THE TALKER.
Forther has a idea.
ANOTHER REASON IS THAT I AM NOT
A TOTAL STRANGER TO YESHIVA EDUCATION.
GERALD LIBRARY FORD
-3-
JUST ANOTHER POLITICIAN!" MAYBE SOME OF
YOU HAVE HEARD THE STORY -- YOU BIBLICAL
SCHOLARS SHOULD APPRECIATE THIS ONE -- OF
THE FOUR BOYHOOD FRIENDS WHO GOT TOGETHER
IN LATER YEARS. THEY WERE BY NOW ALL
WELL-ESTABLISHED IN THEIR CAREERS, AND
OVER A LEISURELY LUNCH ONE DAY, THEY
BEGAN DUSCUSSING THEIR RESPECTIVE
PROFESSIONS AND WHICH OF THEM WAS THE VERY
OLDEST PROFESSION.
"WELL," SAID THE DOCTOR,
"EVE
WAS CREATED FROM THE RIB OF ADAM, AND THAT
REQUIRED A SURGICAL OPERATION, SO I WOULD
SAY MEDICINE OR SURGERY IS THE OLDEST
PROFESSION."
"AH, YES," SAID THE ARCHITECT
AMONG THEM, "BUT BEFORE EVEN ADAM COULD
0R.FORD
BE CREATED, THERE HAD TO BE SOMEPLACE FOR
ANYUSIT
-4-
HIM TO LIVE, LIVE A WORLD A UNIVERSE, AND THAT
REQUIRED ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING. WHICH
MAKES MINE THE OLDEST PROFESSION."
"OBJECTION!" CRIED THE LAWYER.
"BEFORE THE WORLD WAS CREATED THERE WAS
CHAOS, AND BEFORE ANYTHING COULD BE BUILT
SOMEONE HAD TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE
CHAOS
AND THAT'S A LAWYER'S JOB.
SO I CLAIM TO BE PRACTICING THE OLDEST
PROFESSION."
FINALLY, THE POLITICIAN SPOKE
UP. "BUT GENTLEMEN," HE SAID, "WHO DO YOU
THINK CREATED THE CHAOS?"
USE
THAT MAY BE A PRETTY GOOD JOKE
BUT THAT'S THE KIND OF REPUTATION WE
POLITICIANS HAVE TO LIVE DOWN.
DeTac
IF I MAY GET SERIOUS FOR A MOMENT
SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT POLITICS
GERALD
-5-
IS A NOBLE PROFESSION. IT COMBINES, IN A
VERY PRACTICAL WAY, ITS PRACTIONER'S NEED
TO EARN A LIVELIHOOD WITH THE GREATEST
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF ONE'S
FELLOWMEN. AND IN THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY
OF OURS, WHICH HAS DEVELOPED THE FINEST
SYSTEM YET DEVISED FOR THE EXPRESSION OF
ITS CITIZENS' RIGHTS AND THE FULFILLMENT
OF THEIR NEEDS IT IS INDEED A PRIVILEGE
TO BE A POLITICIAN.
HOW DOES IT WORK? VERY SIMPLE.
IN THE WISDOM OF THIS COUNTRY'S FOUNDING
FATHERS THEY REALIZED THAT IF EACH GROUP
on otherwise
OF CITIZENS HAD PROPER REPRESENTATION FOR
ITS PARTICULAR DESIRES AND REQUIREMENTS,
AND IF, TOGETHER, THESE REPRESENTATIVES
SHAPED THE LAWS THAT GOVERNED THEM ALL
THE RESULTANT BALANCE WOULD BE
SERIAL R.FORD LIBRARY
-6-
THE MOST FAIR AND EQUITABLE FOR ALL. IF
THE SOUTHERN STATES FOUGHT FOR THEIR
INTERESTS AND THE NORTHERN STATES FOR THEIRS,
IF THE FARMERS LOBBIED FOR THEIR WISHES
AND THE FACTORY WORKERS FOR THEIRS,
IF THE EXPORTERS SOUGHT HELP FOR THEIR
TRADE AND THE IMPORTERS FOR THEIRS -- THE
OUTCOME WOULD BE WHAT IS BEST FOR THE
COUNTRY AS A WHOLE. IT IS, THEN, THE
POLITICIAN'S JOB TO REPRESENT THE
INTERESTS OF HIS CONSTITUENTS AS
VIGOROUSLY AND CONSCIENTIOUSLY AS HE CAN,
AND IN SO DOING HE WILL BE ACHIEVING THE
GREATEST GOOD FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER OF
PEOPLE.
THERE IS NO NEED, THEREFORE,
FOR EVERY AMERICAN IO BECOME A STEREOTYPE.
I vepeat america
IT IS IN THIS COUNTRY, -- AND NOT IN HIS
OWN -- THAT THE WORDS OF A PROMINENT
COMMUNIST LEADER REALLY RING TRUE.
-7-
"LET A THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM," HE SAID.
YES, WE SAY, LET A THOUSAND FLOWERS BLOOM,
LET THERE BE MANY DIFFERENT KINDS OF
AMERICANS, AND LET THEM ALL FIGHT FOR
THEIR RIGHTS AND PREFERENCES -- AS LONG AS
THEY DO NOT DEPRIVE OTHERS OF THEIRS -- AND
OURS WILL BE A RICHER, HEALTHIER, STRONGER
COUNTRY FOR IT. THAT IS OUR SYSTEM, AND I
AM PROUD TO BE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THAT
SYSTEM.
I SAY TO YOU: YOUR FAITH MAY
NOT BE MY FAITH, IN MANY RESPECTS YOUR
CULTURE AND YOUR IDEALS MAY NOT BE EXACTLY
THE SAME AS MINE. BUT THAT'S EINE, THAT S
WONDERFUL
!
BE WHAT YOU ARE AND BE PROUD
OF IT! OUR COUNTRY WAS ENRICHED AND
ENNOBLED BY THE CULTURAL PLURALISM THAT
FLOURISHED ON THESE SHORES FOR MORE THAN
GERAL
LIBRARY
-8-
300 YEARS. BASICALLY WE ALL LOVE THIS
COUNTRY AND ARE LOYAL TO IT, BUT BEYOND
THAT WE CAN EACH LIVE UNDER OUR OWN FIG
IN
TREE ANDAOUR OWN VINEYARD, AND WE EACH
CONTRIBUTE SOME RICHNESS TO LIFE IN THIS
GLORIOUS LAND.
I FULLY REALIZE THAT IT IS NOT
EASY ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN A
MINORITY. THERE IS A NATURAL TENDENCY TO
WANT TO GO ALONG WITH THE STREAM. TO BE
LIKE EVERYONE ELSE. BUT I SAY THAT
AMERICA WOULD BE POORER IF WE WERE ALL ALIKE.
OUR LIVES WOULD BECOME DULL AND MONOTONOUS.
YOU IN PARTICULAR HAVE SO MUCH
TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BEST THAT IS IN
AMERICA -- YOUR LONG TRADITION OF STRICT
ADHERENCE TO LAW AND ORDER, TO THE SANCTITY
OF PRIVATE PROPERTY, TO THE IDEALS OF
-9-
CHARITY AND HUMANITARIANISM TO THE
LOFTIEST PINNACLES OF ETHICS AND MORALITY
IT IS NOT FOR ME TO PREACH TO YOU BUT I
SPEAK TO YOU AS A LEADER IN AMERICAN
SOCIETY: BE FIRM IN YOUR FAITH RAISE UP
YOUR CHILDREN IN THE WAYS OF YOUR
FOREFATHERS AND MAY OTHERS LOOK TO YOU
AS AN EXAMPLE
AGAIN I SAY, I KNOW IT IS
NOT EASY MAINTAINING A PRIVATE SCHOOL
SYSTEM SUCH AS YOURS IS COSTLY IN TERMS
OF TIME EFFORT AND MONEY. I KNOW THAT
YOUR TAX DOLLARS HELP TO SUPPORT THE PUBLIC
SCHOOL SYSTEMS, FROM WHICH YOU GAIN LITTLE
DIRECT BENEFIT. I KNOW THAT IN EDUCATING
YOUR CHILDREN IN THE AREA OF SECULAR
STUDIES YOU ARE PERFORMING A FUNCTION THAT
THE STATE SHOULD PERFORM. BUT THERE ARE
LIBRARY
-10-
DIFFICULTIES. THE CONSTITUTION, THE
COURTS, VARIOUS STATE LAWS -- WITH ALL
GOOD INTENTIONS -- SEEM TO WORK AGAINST
DIRECT ASSISTANCE TO PRIVATE PAROCHIAL
SCHOOLS. The mon - public school smoker which has a
proud record, a golat DO history NOT in American THINK has FOR knowledge ONE many MOMENT crins/it THAT will This service
m.
-
I AND THIS ADMINISTRATION, FROM PRESIDENT
NIXON ON DOWN, ARE INSENSITIVE TO YOUR
PROBLEMS. WE ALL REALIZE THAT SOME
FORMULA SHOULD BE DEVISED TO HELP YOU
CARRY THE BURDEN. JUST LAST APRIL,
PRESIDENT NIXON TOLD CATHOLIC EDUCATORS
THAT HE FAVORED FEDERAL ASSISTANCE TO
INSURE THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF SCHOOLS
SUCH AS YOURS. AND IN HIS STATE OF THE
UNION MESSAGE TO CONGRESS, PRESIDENT NIXON
SAID: "I SHALL PROPOSE LEGISLATION WHICH
WOULD PROVIDE FOR INCOME TAX CREDIT/FOR
GENLO R.FORD LIDRER
-11-
TUITION PAID TO NONPUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND
SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THESE INSTITUTIONS
ARE A VALUABLE NATIONAL RESOURCE
RELIEVING THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM OF
ENROLLMENT PRESSURES, INJECTING A WELCOME
VARIETY INTO OUR EDUCATIONAL PROCESS, AND
EXPANDING THE OPTIONS OF MILLIONS OF
PARENTS."
AND IN RESPONDING TO THE
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE, I SAID ON THE FLOOR
OF CONGRESS: "THIS MEANS THE CONGRESS
SHOULD ACT PROMPTLY TO
PROVIDE
PARENTS OF NONPUBLIC SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH
INCOME TAX CREDITS FOR A PORTION OF THE
NONPUBLIC SCHOOL TUITION THEY PAY." AND
I INTRODUCED A NONPUBLIC SCHOOLS TAX CREDIT
BILL ON THE OPENING DAY OF THE 93rd CONGRESS.
-12-
IT IS ONLY RIGHT IF GOVERNMENT
CAN SPEND MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON DRUG
ADDICTS, IT IS UNTHINKABLE THAT WE SHOULD
NOT BE ABLE TO HELP YOUR STUDENTS -- AMONG
WHOM YOU WON'T FIND A SINGLE DRUG ADDICT.
IF GOVERNMENT CAN SHOWER MANY MILLIONS OF
DOLLARS ON THOSE WHO VANDALIZE OUR HOMES
AND BURN OUR CITIES, IT IS UNTHINKABLE THAT
WE CAN'T HELP THOSE WHO HELP BUILD OUR
SOCIETY ON FOUNDATIONS OF THE HIGHEST
ETHICAL STANDARDS. IF GOVERNMENT CAN
SQUANDER MANY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON
EXPERIMENTS TO OFFER HIGHER EDUCATION TO
THOSE WHO SIMPLY CANNOT BENEFIT FROM IT, IT
IS UNTHINKABLE THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD SOME
FORM OF ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO ARE
CAPABLE OF SCALING THE HEIGHTS OF
INTELLECTUAL ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTRIBUTING
LIBRARY
BERA
-13-
THEIR GIFTS TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF OUR
SOCIETY. BELIEVE ME, I AM NOT SPEAKING AS
A POLITICIAN NOW BUT AS A CONCERNED
CITIZEN. WE ARE WORKING ON II. IT MAY
TAKE SOME TIME. OUR SYSTEM IS MUCH TOO
VALUABLE TO TAMPER WITH INDISCRIMINATELY.
WE MUST MOVE CAREFULLY AND CAUTIOUSLY, BUT
why?
WE WILL DO SOMETHING. WE MUST DO SOMETHING.
China
IN THE MEANTIME, I OFFER YOU
PRAISE
AND ENCOURAGEMENT. YOU ARE
DOING A WONDERFUL JOB. AMERICA NEEDS PEOPLE
LIKE YOU; THE WORLD NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
AND WE NEED YOUR CHILDREN, JUST THE WAY
YOU ARE RAISING THEM UP IN THE MESIVTA
OF LONG BEACH -- YOUNG MEN DEDICATED TO THE
LOFTIEST IDEALS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE
WHILE AT THE SAME TIME FULLY PARTICIPATING
IN AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE SOCIETY WE LIVE IN.
-14-
BLESSED BE THE HANDS OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT
THE MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH EACH AND EVERY
ONE OF YOU. AND MAY THE ALMIGHTY GRANT
YOU THE FULFILLMENT OF YOUR FONDEST
DREAMS , FOR YOURSELF YOUR CHILDREN AND
FOR ALL MANKIND, THANK YOU.
-- END --
9-FORD LIBRERY
m
woul LINT'T
MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH
n"a
March 21, 1973
Congressman Gerald R. Ford
Office of the Minority Leader
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Ford;
I want to thank you for consenting to be the Guest Speaker
at our 7hh Annual Dinner this April 1, 1973. I am very pleased
and honored that you found the time from your busy schedule to
come and help us.
Enclosed are some thoughts I jotted down about the Mesivta,
which the Congressman might find useful for his files.
I thank you again.
Rabbi than L Lesin
Sincerely
Executive Director
SL:sl
GERALD AMOUNT
205 WEST BEECH STREET/LONG BEACH, N.Y., 11561/PHONE (516) 431-7414
Distribution: 10 Capies for M. Ford only
M OFFICE COPY
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE 7th ANNUAL DINNER
OF THE MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH, NEW YORK
AT TEMPLE BETH EL
LONG BEACH, NEW YORK
APRIL 1, 1973
Worthy Rabbis, esteemed Guest of Honor, distinguished Awardees, Ladies
and Gentlemen:
Some of you may be wondering how, or why, a member of Congress, from
the state of Michigan, comes to address a gathering of Yeshiva parents and
supporters in the state of New York.
Well, one reason is my good friend, Harry Walker. When he asked me to
come, I just couldn't refuse. We have this little arrangement, you see he's
the Walker and I'm the talker.
Another reason is that I am not a total stranger to Yeshiva education.
In my own state of Michigan, in our great city of Detroit, we have the Yeshiva
Beth Yehuda, and I am quite familiar with the wonderful work they are doing.
I applaud the efforts of everyone who believes in and supports this kind of
fine educational system for our youth.
I must admit, though, that it took a bit of courage on my part to accept
this invitation. Politicians, you know, don't have a very highly esteemed
public image, especially when they sound off on matters other than politics
or public affairs (and even then it's not so hot...). And if we ever hired a
competent public relations man to correct this unfair image, we'd be criticized
for that, too! You know how people talk, "Oh, he's just another politician!"
Maybe some of you have heard the story -- you Biblical scholars should appreciate
this one -- of the four boyhood friends who got together in later years. They
were by now all well-established in their careers, and over a leisurely lunch
one day, they began discussing their respective professions and which of them
was the very oldest profession.
"Well," said the doctor, "Eve was created from the rib of Adam, and that
required a surgical operation, so I would say medicine or surgery is the oldest
profession.'
"Ah, yes," said the architect among them, "but before even Adam could be
created, there had to be someplace for him to live, a world, a universe, and
that required architectural planning, which makes mine the oldest profession."
"Objection!" cried the lawyer. "Before the world was created there was
chaos, and before anything could be built someone had to straighten out the
chaos and that's a lawyer's job. So I claim to be practicing the oldest
profession.'
Finally, the politician spoke up. "But gentlemen," he said, "who do you
think created the chaos?"
That may be a pretty good joke, but that's the kind of reputation we
politicians have to live down.
(more)
LIBRARY
-2-
If I may get serious for a moment, I sincerely believe that politics is
a noble profession. It combines, in a very practical way, its practitioner's need
to earn a livelihood with the greatest opportunity to serve the needs of one's
fellowmen. And in this wonderful country of ours, which has developed the finest
system yet devised for the expression of its citizens' rights and the fulfillment
of their needs, it is indeed a privilege to be a politician.
How does it work? Very simple. In the wisdom of this country's Founding
Fathers, they realized that if each group of citizens had proper representation
for its particular desires and requirements, and if, together, these representatives
shaped the laws that governed them all, the resultant balance would be the most
fair and equitable for all. If the Southern states fought for their interests and
the Northern states for theirs, if the farmers lobbied for their wishes and the
factory workers for theirs, if the exporters sought help for their trade and the
importers for theirs -- the outcome would be what is best for the country as a
whole. It is then the politician's job to represent the interests of his con-
stituents as vigorously and conscientiously as he can, and in so doing he will
be achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
There is no need, therefore, for every American to become a stereotype.
It is in this country -- and not in his own -- that the words of a prominent
Communist leader really ring true. "Let a thousand flowers bloom,' he said.
Yes, we say, let a thousand flowers bloom, let there be many different kinds of
Americans, and let them all fight for their rights and preferences -- as long as
they do not deprive others of theirs -- and ours will be a richer, healthier,
stronger country for it. That is our system, and I am proud to be an integral
part of that system.
I say to you: Your faith may not be my faith, in many respects your
culture and your ideals may not be exactly the same as mine. But that's fine,
that's wonderful! Be what you are and be proud of it! Our country was enriched
and ennobled by the cultural pluralism that flourished on these shores for more
than 300 years. Basically we all love this country and are loyal to it, but
beyond that we can each live under our own fig tree and our own vineyard, and
we each contribute some richness to life in this glorious land.
I fully realize that it is not easy, especially when you are in a minority.
There is a natural tendency to want to go along with the stream, to be like
everyone else. But I say that America would be poorer if we were all alike.
Our lives would become dull and monotonous.
You in particular have so much to contribute to the best that is in
America ---- your long tradition of strict adherence to law and order, to the
sanctity of private property, to the ideals of charity and humanitarianism, to
the loftiest pinnacles of ethics and morality. It is not for me to preach to
you, but I speak to you as a leader in American society: Be firm in your faith,
raise up your children in the ways of your forefathers, and may others look to
you as an example.
Again I say, I know it is not easy. Maintaining a private school system
such as yours is costly, in terms of time, effort and money. I know that your
tax dollars help to support the public school systems, from which you gain little
(more)
-3-
direct benefit. I know that in educating your children in the area of secular
studies you are performing a function that the state should perform. But there
are difficulties. The Constitution, the Courts, various state laws -- with all
good intentions -- seem to work against direct assistance to private parochial
schools.
Do not think for one moment that I and this administration, from
President Nixon on down, are insensitive to your problems. We all realize
that some formula should be devised to help you carry the burden. Just last
April, President Nixon told Catholic educators that he favored Federal assistance
to insure the continued existence of schools such as yours. And in his State
of the Union message to Congress, President Nixon said: "I shall propose
legislation which would provide for income tax credit for tuition paid to
nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. These institutions are a valuable
national resource, relieving the public school system of enrollment pressures,
injecting a welcome variety into our educational process, and expanding the
options of millions of parents."
And in responding to the President's message, I said on the floor of
Congress: "This means the Congress should act promptly to provide parents of
nonpublic school children with income tax credits for a portion of the nonpublic
school tuition they pay. And I introduced a nonpublic schools tax credit bill
on the opening day of the 93rd Congress.
It is only right. If Government can spend many millions of dollars on
drug addicts, it is unthinkable that we should not be able to help your students --
among whom you won't find a single drug addict. If Government can shower many
millions of dollars on those who vandalize our homes and burn our cities, it is
unthinkable that we can't help those who help build our society on foundations
of the highest ethical standards. If Government can squander many millions of
dollars on experiments to offer higher education to those who simply cannot
benefit from it, it is unthinkable that we cannot afford some form of assistance
to those who are capable of scaling the heights of intellectual achievement and
contributing their gifts to the improvement of our society. Believe me, I am not
speaking as a politician now but as a concerned citizen. We are working on it.
It may take some time. Our system is much too valuable to tamper with
indiscriminately. We must move carefully and cautiously, but we will do some-
thing. We must do something.
In the meantime, I offer you praise and encouragement. You are doing
a wonderful job. America needs people like you; and the world needs people like
you. And we need your children, just the way you are raising them up in the
Mesivta of Long Beach -- young men dedicated to the loftiest ideals of the
spiritual life while at the same time fully participating in and contributing
to the society we live in. Blessed be the hands of those who support the Mesivta
of Long Beach, each and every one of you. And may the Almighty grant you the
fulfillment of your fondest dreams, for yourself, your children and for all
mankind. Thank you.
# # #
Copies with M. 7 7 only
O OFFICE COPY
REMARKS BY REP. GERALD R. FORD, R-MICH.
REPUBLICAN LEADER, U. S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AT THE 7th ANNUAL DINNER
OF THE MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH, NEW YORK
AT TEMPLE BETH EL
LONG BEACH, NEW YORK
APRIL 1, 1973
Worthy Rabbis, esteemed Guest of Honor, distinguished Awardees, Ladies
and Gentlemen:
Some of you may be wondering how, or why, a member of Congress, from
the state of Michigan, comes to address a gathering of Yeshiva parents and
supporters in the state of New York.
Well, one reason is my good friend, Harry Walker. When he asked me to
come, I just couldn't refuse. We have this little arrangement, you see he's
the Walker and I'm the talker.
Another reason is that I am not a total stranger to Yeshiva education.
In my own state of Michigan, in our great city of Detroit, we have the Yeshiva
Beth Yehuda, and I am quite familiar with the wonderful work they are doing.
I applaud the efforts of everyone who believes in and supports this kind of
fine educational system for our youth.
I must admit, though, that it took a bit of courage on my part to accept
this invitation. Politicians, you know, don't have a very highly esteemed
public image, especially when they sound off on matters other than politics
or public affairs (and even then it's not so hot...). And if we ever hired a
competent public relations man to correct this unfair image, we'd be criticized
for that, too! You know how people talk, "Oh, he's just another politician!"
Maybe some of you have heard the story - you Biblical scholars should appreciate
this one -- of the four boyhood friends who got together in later years. They
were by now all well-established in their careers, and over a leisurely lunch
one day, they began discussing their respective professions and which of them
was the very oldest profession.
"Well," said the doctor, "Eve was created from the rib of Adam, and that
required a surgical operation, so I would say medicine or surgery is the oldest
profession.'
"Ah, yes," said the architect among them, "but before even Adam could be
created, there had to be someplace for him to live, a world, a universe, and
that required architectural planning, which makes mine the oldest profession."
"Objection!" cried the lawyer. "Before the world was created there was
chaos, and before anything could be built someone had to straighten out the
chaos and that's a lawyer's job. So I claim to be practicing the oldest
profession.'
Finally, the politician spoke up. "But gentlemen," he said, "who do you
think created the chaos?"
That may be a pretty good joke, but that's the kind of reputation we
politicians have to live down.
(more)
GERALD R FORD
-2-
If I may get serious for a moment, I sincerely believe that politics is
a noble profession. It combines, in a very practical way, its practitioner's need
to earn a livelihood with the greatest opportunity to serve the needs of one's
fellowmen. And in this wonderful country of ours, which has developed the finest
system yet devised for the expression of its citizens' rights and the fulfillment
of their needs, it is indeed a privilege to be a politician.
How does it work? Very simple. In the wisdom of this country's Founding
Fathers, they realized that if each group of citizens had proper representation
for its particular desires and requirements, and if, together, these representatives
shaped the laws that governed them all, the resultant balance would be the most
fair and equitable for all. If the Southern states fought for their interests and
the Northern states for theirs, if the farmers lobbied for their wishes and the
factory workers for theirs, if the exporters sought help for their trade and the
importers for theirs -- the outcome would be what is best for the country as a
whole. It is then the politician's job to represent the interests of his con-
stituents as vigorously and conscientiously as he can, and in so doing he will
be achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
There is no need, therefore, for every American to become a stereotype.
It is in this country -- and not in his own -- that the words of a prominent
Communist leader really ring true. "Let a thousand flowers bloom," he said.
Yes, we say, let a thousand flowers bloom, let there be many different kinds of
Americans, and let them all fight for their rights and preferences -- as long as
they do not deprive others of theirs -- and ours will be a richer, healthier,
stronger country for it. That is our system, and I am proud to be an integral
part of that system.
I say to you: Your faith may not be my faith, in many respects your
culture and your ideals may not be exactly the same as mine. But that's fine,
that's wonderful! Be what you are and be proud of it! Our country was enriched
and ennobled by the cultural pluralism that flourished on these shores for more
than 300 years. Basically we all love this country and are loyal to it, but
beyond that we can each live under our own fig tree and our own vineyard, and
we each contribute some richness to life in this glorious land.
I fully realize that it is not easy, especially when you are in a minority.
There is a natural tendency to want to go along with the stream, to be like
everyone else. But I say that America would be poorer if we were all alike.
Our lives would become dull and monotonous.
You in particular have so much to contribute to the best that is in
America -- your long tradition of strict adherence to law and order, to the
sanctity of private property, to the ideals of charity and humanitarianism, to
the loftiest pinnacles of ethics and morality. It is not for me to preach to
you, but I speak to you as a leader in American society: Be firm in your faith,
raise up your children in the ways of your forefathers, and may others look to
you as an example.
Again I say, I know it is not easy. Maintaining a private school system
such as yours is costly, in terms of time, effort and money. I know that your
tax dollars help to support the public school systems, from which you gain little
(more)
-3-
direct benefit. I know that in educating your children in the area of secular
studies you are performing a function that the state should perform. But there
are difficulties. The Constitution, the Courts, various state laws -- with all
good intentions -- seem to work against direct assistance to private parochial
schools.
Do not think for one moment that I and this administration, from
President Nixon on down, are insensitive to your problems. We all realize
that some formula should be devised to help you carry the burden. Just last
April, President Nixon told Catholic educators that he favored Federal assistance
to insure the continued existence of schools such as yours. And in his State
of the Union message to Congress, President Nixon said: "I shall propose
legislation which would provide for income tax credit for tuition paid to
nonpublic elementary and secondary schools. These institutions are a valuable
national resource, relieving the public school system of enrollment pressures,
injecting a welcome variety into our educational process, and expanding the
options of millions of parents."
And in responding to the President's message, I said on the floor of
Congress: "This means the Congress should act promptly to provide parents of
nonpublic school children with income tax credits for a portion of the nonpublic
school tuition they pay." And I introduced a nonpublic schools tax credit bill
on the opening day of the 93rd Congress.
It is only right. If Government can spend many millions of dollars on
drug addicts, it is unthinkable that we should not be able to help your students --
among whom you won't find a single drug addict. If Government can shower many
millions of dollars on those who vandalize our homes and burn our cities, it is
unthinkable that we can't help those who help build our society on foundations
of the highest ethical standards. If Government can squander many millions of
dollars on experiments to offer higher education to those who simply cannot
benefit from it, it is unthinkable that we cannot afford some form of assistance
to those who are capable of scaling the heights of intellectual achievement and
contributing their gifts to the improvement of our society. Believe me, I am not
speaking as a politician now but as a concerned citizen. We are working on it.
It may take some time. Our system is much too valuable to tamper with
indiscriminately. We must move carefully and cautiously, but we will do some-
thing. We must do something.
In the meantime, I offer you praise
and
encouragement.
You
are
doing
a wonderful job. America needs people like you; and the world needs people like
you. And we need your children, just the way you are raising them up in the
Mesivta of Long Beach -- young men dedicated to the loftiest ideals of the
spiritual life while at the same time fully participating in and contributing
to the society we live in. Blessed be the hands of those who support the Mesivta
of Long Beach, each and every one of you. And may the Almighty grant you the
fulfillment of your fondest dreams, for yourself, your children and for all
mankind. Thank you.
###
GERALD R. FORD
The Mesivta was founded by graduates of the famous Beth Medrash Govaha
in Lakewood, New Jersey.
We have approximately 250 students.
Our students come from the U.S, Mexico, & Canada
They come from such states as Massachusets, Michagan, Vermont, & Florida
Of this years graduating class:
60% received Regent Scholarships
2 students received National Merit Scholarship Awards
3 students received National Merit Commended Student Awards
40% of senior class are members of National Honor Society
We have 3 modern dormitories
We have kitchen and dining room facilities
We have a new library.
Our students attend classes from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Their studies include a
program of intensive Religious and Secular Studies.
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW
The nation's nonpublic schools are an important part of elementary
and secondary education in this country. In 1970, some 5,282,567 stu-
dents were enrolled in the largest private education enterprise in the
world. Taken collectively, the nonpublic enrollment exceeds, in size,
the public school system of our largest state by more than one-half
million students. One in every ten American school children is being
educated in the private sector. (See State Table on following page)
:
The impact and importance of these schools goes beyond gross national
enrollment figures. Nonpublic schools are largely an urban phenomenon,
playing a vital role in the education, tax structure and viability of
every metropolitan area in the nation. To return briefly to national
figures 83% or 4,471,895 of these students are found in the Standard Metro-
politan Statistical Area (47 1/2% or 2,600,465 in the SMSA center cities).
In many cities their enrollment represents a major component:
Public School
Nonpublic School
Percent of
Enrollment
Enrollment
Total
1. New York
1,116,711
358,594
24.3%
2. Chicago
554,477
208,174
27.3
3. Los Angeles
653,549
43,601
6.3
4. Philadelphia
288,799
146,298
33.6
5. Detroit
294,094
58,228
16.5
6. Houston
223,772
16,672
6.9
7. Baltimore
192,169
33,833
15.0
8. Dallas
158,729
11,178
6.6
9. Washington
149,021
18,008
10.8
10. Cleveland
153,043
36,922
19.4
Totals
3,784,364
931,508
19.7%
The ten largest cities in the nation bear this out quite graphically.
With an enrollment of 3,784,364 public school students and 931,508 nonpublic
students, 19.7% of all students are in nonpublic schools.
PRES. Com ON SCHOOL FINANCE SELECTED STAFF STUDIES
1972
- _70
Enrollment K-12,1970
Total
Public
Nonpublic
% Nor.puolic
% PUBLIC
TOTALS
51,185,938
45,903,371
5,282,567
10.3%
89.7
is:
834,013
805,205
28,808
3.5
96.5
11 Anske
81,021
79,845
1,176
1.5
93.5
12
466,853
439,524
27,329
5.9
94.1
.3
A. assas
474,152
463,320
10,832
2.3
97.7
14
California
5,032,179
4,633,198
398,981
7.9
02.1
15
Collecto
585,717
550,060
35,657
6.1
93.1
M
16
Consecticut
772,537
662,205
110,332
14.3
857
i7
Delaware
149,787
132,745
17,042
11.4
89.10
16
District of Columbin
165,7451
145,704
20,041
12.1
97.9
19
Fibrida
1,540,233
1,427,896
112,337
7.3
92.7
20
Georgia
1,127,954
1,098,901
29,053
2.6
07.4
21
Howaii
208,179
180,641
27,536
13.2
E20
22
Mi.bo
188,486
182,333
6,153
3.3
06,7
23
Minois
2,808,360
2,356,636
451,724
16.1
021
24
Indiana
1,339,394
1,231,458
107,936
8.1
91.9
25
TOWA
732,343
660,104
72,239
9.9
90.1
26
Kansas
550,062
512,308
37,754
6.9
93.1
27
781,847
717,205
64,642
8.3
91.7
20
Leuisione
978,078
842,365
135,713
13.9
%.1
29
Maine
264,691
244,670
20,021
7.6
92.4
30
Maylend
1,036,960
916,244
120,716
11.6
82.4
31
Missachusets
1,372,724
1,167,713
205,011
14.9
85.1
37 Michigan
2,444,788
2,180,699
264,089
10.8
012
33
Minnesota
1,038,316
920,839
117,477
11.3
38.7
34
Mississippi
555,047
534,395
20,652
3.7
96.3
35 Missouri
1,181,831
1,039,477
142,354
12.0
88.0
56
Moncann
187,722
176,712
11,010
5.9
94.1
37
Nobraska
377,580
329,110
48,470
12.0
37.2
33
132,185
127,550
4,635
3.5
96.5
39
hew Hampshire
192,916
158.756
34,16
17.7
11.3
40
New Jersey
1,780,548
1,482,000
298,528
16.8
23.2
41
New Mexico
295,717
281,372
14,345
..?
05.1
42
New York
4,275,126
3,477,016
798,110
16.7
0.3
43
: th Carolina
1,213,104
1,192,187
20917
1.7
98.3
41
North: Dabote
159,222
147,013
12,209
1.7
92.3
45
Onio
2,765,078
2,425,643
339,455
12.3
07.7
60
OLlahoma
638,184
626,956
11,226
1.8
05.2
47
Oregon
506,968
479,527
27,441
5.4
94.6
43
Pennsylvania
2,876,535
2,358,100
518,435
18.0
82.0
49
Phode Island
226,129
188,090
38,039
16.3
23.2
50
South Carolina
660,371
637,800
22,571
3.m
96.6
51
S. the Dakota
178,519
166,305
12,214
6.8
93.2
52
Tennessee
931,984
899,893
32,091
3.4
96.6
53
cxas
2,959,961
2,839,900
120,061
4.]
05.9
5%
Urah
308,506
304,002
4,504
1.5
98.5
55
Vermon.
115,660
103,130
11,530
10.8
89.2
3
zio...
1,137,868
1,078,754
59,114
5.2
94.8
5% Wishington
864,374
817,712
46,662
5.1.
94.6
5:. kiss Virginia
411,467
399,531
11,936
2.9
07.1
39
Wisco.).in
1,189,558
993,736
195,822
16.5
83.5
GO
R'yoming
89,359
86,886
2,473
2.8
97.2
Public data from: Statistics of Public Schools, Fal 1970, US OE
Nonpublic data from: Economic Problems of Nonpublic Schools, Notre Dame.
Adjusted to correct for Maryland schools reported
in Delaware and the District of olumbia.
PRES. comm ON SCHOOL FINANCE SELECTED STATE STUDIES.
1972
QUICK LANET COA
3
m
were JUNTI КЛУЛО
MR. PINCUS ROTHSTEIN
Our Guest of Honor
Mr. Pincus Rothstein, president of Hawdro, a real estate concern, is a
prominent member of the Long Island Jewish community. His
communal interests and benefactions encompass the major
philanthropic institutions in this country and in Israel. He has been for
many years a member of the Board of Trustees of Congregation
Shaare Tefilah of Far Rockaway, and an active supporter of UJA,
Hebrew Institute of Long Island, Yeshiva Toras Chaim at South
Shore, Yeshiva Toras Emes of Brooklyn, and many others.
His concern for Jewish education is of long standing and he has
demonstrated a special interest in the Mesivta of Long Beach.
We deem it a privilege to tender honor to such an outstanding
member of the community and supporter of the cause of Torah
education.
T"D1
The Mesivta of Long Beach
requests the honor of your presence
at the
Seventh Annual Dinner
in honor of
Mr. Pincus Rothstein
to be held
Sunday evening, the first of April
Nineteen hundred and seventy three
at
Temple Beth El
570 West Walnut Street
Long Beach, New York
Subscription $150 per couple
(No solicitation of funds at dinner)
R.S.V.P.
Cocktails 5:45 pm
Dinner 6:45 pm
LIDRARY
T'D]
MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH
205 WEST BEECH STREET, LONG BEACH, N.Y. 11561 (516) 431-7414
Abraham Koppel
Chairman of the Board
Nash Kestenbaum
President
Solomon Scharf
Dinner Chairman
Sherman Gross
Herman Neuman
Harry Walker
Harry Hamel
Rabbi Zev Parness
General Chairman
Morris Hamel
Rabbi Ralph Pelcovitz
Marvin Hershkowitz
Irwin Peyser
Hon. Albert Feuerstein
Shlomo Silvian
Harold Jetter
Paul Peyser
Rabbi Lazar Kahanow
Ernest Pollak
Honorary Chairmen
Simon Kaplan
Milton Popper
Myron Katz
Donald Press
Morris Kleinman
Isadore Ringler
Rabbi Ephraim Kolatch
David Scharf
Alex Gross
Rabbi Amos Bunim
Hon. Arthur J. Kremer
Sam Scheiner
Melvin Gross
Edward Diamond
Sam Krischer
Dr. Alvin Schiff
Dr. Morris Gross
Rabbi Murray Daitchman
Jack Levy
Hyman Shapiro
Aaron Abelow
Leon Dusowitz
Robert Lichtschein
Dr. Walter Silver
Abraham Appel
Marvin Eichen
Morton Lloyd
Werner Vorsheimer
Charles Avnet
William Eidelsberg
Nison Mael
Rabbi Joel Wadler
Bjorn Bamberger
Leon Eisenberg
Rabbi Abraham Mann
David Wassner
Nathan Baruch
Leo Ettinger
Sidney Marcus
Joe Wassner
Samuel Baruch
Rabbi Dr. Armin Friedman
Nathan Marinowitz
William Webber
Dov Berko
Allan Fries
Moses Marx
Marcel Weber
Marvin Bienenfeld
I.J. Furst
Herbert Mehl
Mortimer Williams
Myron Bienenfeld
Rabbi Moshe Gottesman
Bernard Merling
Willem Wolf
Nathan Borlam
Irving Goldberg
Sheril Metz
Rabbi Walter Wurzburger
Rabbi Irvin Borvick
Louis Greenwald
Hillel Meyers
Rabbi Dr. Philip Zimmerman
QUICK 4,4,NCY W COM
MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH
D"nn YY 777 ЛК news
TO a
"...to keep the way to the Tree of Life."
GENESIS 3:24
The history of Man is the search for "the way
to the Tree of Life," a pattern of living that will
assure eternal happiness. In the beginning,
Man - for the most part - had to discover it
for himself. Since Sinai, however, we have had
a Divinely-revealed "way of life" - the
Torah - which, if followed, would bring to
all Mankind the ultimate Good, in this world
and in the next.
Since Sinai, however, many people - as
nations and as individuals - have refused to
accept the Torah way of life, and have sought
life patterns more congenial to their natural
instincts. Their lack of success is evident in
the world around us - wars, genocide, hatred,
gross immorality, a self-indulgent, rebellious,
drug-addicted youth that threatens the
dissolution of human society.
The Jewish people have long ago discovered
that the most effective guarantee for
adherence to the Good Life is the study of and
dedication to the Torah. Deep understanding
of and profound commitment to the teachings
of our Prophets and Sages are the
indispensable ingredients for "keeping the
way to the Tree of Life".
To help young boys
achieve this understanding, to make
meaningful this sense of commitment, is the
goal and purpose of the Mesivta of Long Beach.
PREPARING FOR THE WAY
The Mesivta of Long Beach is dedicated to the
must also gain a solid grasp of contemporary
proposition that during his high-school and
secular knowledge - mathematics, science,
post-high-school years, a boy enters the final
literature, history, the various disciplines that
and most crucial stage of preparing himself
have shaped the world we live in. All the
for the road of life that faces him. It is during
while remembering, of course, that "a boy is a
these years that he must gird himself with the
boy" - and that he has his needs: healthy food
armor of Torah, arm himself with the lance
to grow on, proper rest, adequate recreation
of scholarship and the shield of devotion, in
and exercise, and wholesome friends.
order to meet the challenges of a secular,
harsh, materialistic world.
In this manner, whatever course he follows
when he sets out on the road - whether it be
He must be given a thorough grounding in
a continuation of his Torah studies or training
Torah
study
breadth of knowledge, depth
for a secular career- - he will remain a loyal
of understanding, techniques of self-study,
member of the Torah fraternity, prepared to
sensitivity to Jewish moral values, character
preserve and transmit the moral heritage of
building based on a foundation of Torah
our people.
hashkafa (world view). At the same time, he
DAVE
THE SITE
Both faculties have been attracted by the
Ideally situated in a quiet, residential suburb
opportunity to teach and motivate a bright
of New York, Mesivta of Long Beach affords
and respectful student body, thus converting
the student an atmosphere conducive to
their teaching into a challenge and joy.
serious study, combined with proximity to one
of the Torah educational and cultural centers
THE SCHOOL
of the world.
In September of 1965, Mesivta of Long Beach
began with 20 students and a faculty of 7. Its
THE SYSTEM
growth up to the present has been
Very careful screening of candidates makes it,
phenomenal; its reputation enviable and far-
indeed, an honor and distinction to be
reaching. A complete New York State-
accepted as a student. Classes are small,
accredited general studies high-school
encouraging a warm, personal, close
program is offered. Existing facilities include
relationship between faculty and students.
biology, chemistry and physics labs, two
The high-school curriculum is stimulating,
reference libraries, and residence and dining
varied and innovative both in the secular and
halls. Courses in physical education,
religious departments. A post-graduate
swimming and driver education are included
program of Bais Hamedrash study is also
in the program. Counselling and testing
offered. A total environment exists, including
services are available.
supervision at meals, sports, in the dormitories
and during study periods.
THE STAFF
Each of the Roshei Yeshiva at Mesivta of Long
Beach is carefully chosen for his scholarly and
human qualities. Likewise, the secular faculty
is comprised of highly experienced and
superbly trained specialists - many with
doctorates and advanced degrees.
THE SITE
THE FUTURE
$1800 ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP PATRO
Ideally situated in a quiet, residential suburb
During the next five years the budget of
Provides complete cost of tuition and
of New York, Mesivta of Long Beach affords
Mesivta of Long Beach will exceed one million
residence for one year,
the student an atmosphere conducive to
dollars. Urgently needed, as expansion takes
serious study, combined with proximity to one
place, will be additional classrooms, larger
$1000 PILLAR OF TORAH
of the Torah educational and cultural centers
library and laboratory facilities, and new
Resident Scholarship, provides resident cos
of the world.
residence and dining halls.
for one student for one year.
Contributions to further the aims of Mesivta
THE SYSTEM
of Long Beach are welcome and will be
$500 LIBRARY PATRON-TORAH PIONE
accorded appropriate commemorative
Provides funds for additional section for th
Very careful screening of candidates makes it,
recognition.
Mesivta Library.
indeed, an honor and distinction to be
accepted as a student. Classes are small,
$360 LABORATORY PATRON
encouraging a warm, personal, close
Provides funds for newly furnished aborate
relationship between faculty and students.
for science.
The high-school curriculum is stimulating,
varied and innovative both in the secular and
$250 TORAH PATRON
religious departments. A post-graduate
program of Bais Hamedrash study is also
$150 TORAH SPONSOR
offered. A total environment exists, including
supervision at meals, sports, in the dormitories
$100 CHARTER MEMBER
and during study periods.
THE STAFF
Each of the Roshei Yeshiva at Mesivta of Long
Beach is carefully chosen for his scholarly and
human qualities. Likewise, the secular faculty
is comprised of highly experienced and
superbly trained specialists - - many with
doctorates and advanced degrees.
E
we'll млило
MESIVTA OF LONG BEACH
205 WEST BEECH STREET/LONG BEACH, N.Y., 11561/PHONE (516) 431-7414
Mr. Harry Walker
Mesivta of Long Beach
205 West Beech Street
Long Beach, N.Y. 11561
T"01
Dear Mr. Walker:
I shall be pleased to attend the Seventh Annual
Dinner of the Mesivta of Long Beach in honor of
Mr. Pincus Rothstein, to be held Sunday evening,
April 1, 1973, at Temple Beth El, 570 West Walnut
Street, Long Beach, N.Y. Please make
reservation(s) at $150 per couple.
Name
Address
(Please list additional reservations on the reverse side.)