254 FAMOUS LIVING AMERICANS Jew still rests the obligation of carrying the ark of truth and righteousness into the camps of all peoples." Another incident which reveals the man's courage and breadth of mind referred to women adopting the profession of rabbi. It was at the time when women were beginning to en- ter the professions. Law, medicine, architecture, engineer- ing — professions that had formerly been the prerogative of men — were opening to women. Why not a woman rabbi, too t Caroline Bartlett Crane and Anna Howard Shaw — to mention only the most eminent women preachers — were adorning the Christian pulpit. Why not a woman in the Jewish pulpit f Jewish women favored it Women's clubs and literary soci- eties were advocating such a step.
- There is no objection to a woman occupying the Jewish
pulpit, ' ' said Dr. Hirsch, * ' but if a woman adopts the career of rabbi, she must also adopt the obUgations of men in scholar- ship and earnestness. Maudlin emotionalism, faithful imita- tion of clericaUsm will not be accepted as a substitute for sound scholarship and a thorough familiarity with the Utera- ture and philosophy of the Jews. ' ' His position with reference to women in the pulpit is char- acteristic of his entire attitude towards the pulpit. To him religion is not an unnatural function, superimposed and taken on and discarded as whim dictates. Beligion is a natural function. It is the expression of man 's relation to his fellows. It interprets his place in the world and outlines his path of duty. It fortifies him with a purpose and gives him the ele- ments whereby to dedicate himself to a noble life. It dignifies life and allies him with the noble band whose service is the bet- terment of humanity. Having this thoroughly manly and Jewish view of religion, he never countenances emotionalism or hysteria in the pulpit. The religious way, he teaches, is the natural way. A house of worship does not require low, mournful voices, or sepulchral tones. * ' David sang and danced before the Lord. ' ' In God 's house men can laugh and speak as they do in their stores or homes. In the house of assembly they dedicate themselves
