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FAIR,  1895.

IFntrobuctor^.

FEW words of explanation relative to the appearance and concerning the
''^                          /%          contents of the present woik would seem to be in order before laying it

^v^                      /    \        before the public, particularly as the Publication Committee cannot forego

^;^                    1.       \.     the  pleasure   of making  its  grateful  acknowledgments  to  the   different

-t^                                          authors who have so kindly contributed to its contents.    When the various

committees began their zealous efforts on behalf of the present Fair, the Publication
Committee determined upon an innovation, as far as the work committed to its care
was concerned, and decided to issue a Souvenir Volume, whose contents would, it
was hoped, ensure for it more permanent preservation than could well fall to the lot
of a daily journal, such as, following the precedents, also appears under its auspices.

It was at once determined to emphasize the marked feature of these periodical
fairs,—of the harmonious and unselfish co-operation of all the different Jewish charit¬
able institutions with each other in actively aiding the institutions in greatest
need,—by bringing together, under one cover, sketches of the history and work of
each of the Jewish charitable and religious institutions of our city participating
in the Fair. Perhaps no better evidence than this book furnishes, can be offered to
attest to the varied and beneficent charitable activity of New York's Jews. Upwards
of 240 years ago what was probably the first official authorization of Jewish settle¬
ment in the New World was promulgated by the authorities governing New
Netherland, and it is suggestive to notice that this permission to settle here was
coupled with one condition, " provided the poor among them should not become a bur¬
den to the Company, or to the community, but be supported by their own nation."
Since those days the rights of the Jews to share in common with their co-citizens of
other creeds all the privileges and rights of American citizen.ship have been placed
upon a more fundamental basis than such an order, and no legal power exists to-day to
enforce any such agreement, made on our behalf by our predecessors. Few, indeed,
among us are aware that any such promise was ever exacted. Yet none the less sacred
have the New York Jews throughout their history regarded this natural obligation de¬
volving upon them. The scope and extent of their charitable activity have far outgrown
the narrow vision of those old days, as witness the varied activity which this book deals
with. The noblest and best principles of Jewish-American citizenship underlie the
foundation and maintenance of these charities. We owe it to ourselves to impart to
our less fortunate co-religionists a proper appreciation of their duties and privileges as
American citizens and as Jews, in order that they may, of their own volition, work
for the best and the noblest in our midst.

The character of the present volume makes it unnecessary to comment on the
objects of the Fair, the purposes and accomplishments of the various sister societies as
well as of the beneficiaries of this Fair being expounded herein. It is our further
privilege to record, we hope even for future generations, the names of those who are lend-

:                        ing their valued aid, be it great or small, as their abilities permit, to the success of the

Fair. We have also endeavored to make the present volume attractive by means of
contents more generally interesting.    With that object in mind original contributions

:;;;                        were solicited from eminent  writers,  whose interest was enlisted in the good work.

::                        How hearty and gratifying the response was, the present volume demonstrates.    Our

heartfelt thanks are extended to each and all who have so kindly and generously con¬
tributed to the literary and financial success of this Souvenir.

^                                                                                                                                     Max T. Kohi^er.
 

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