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The Orthodox Union Story Preface The idea for this book came with the nearing one hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. The approaching milestone could be seen as bearing promise of bringing a fresh perspective, among Jews in North America and beyond, on what has transpired throughout this era in the life and world of the Jewish people. The upcoming anniversary, I felt, patently warranted the composition of a comprehensive presentation of the century-long course of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, never before undertaken. Through Rabbi Pinchas Stolper, then executive vice president and now senior executive of UOJCA, I suggested to the Union's officers that a qualified historical scholar or historian-writer be engaged to undertake the preparation of such work. The officers collectively approved the idea, but mindful of my long immersion in the fife of the Orthodox Union passed the ball back to me with the charge: "No one could handle this project so knowledgeably as yourself" Being much engaged with other commitments, I was hesitant. The work involved, I knew, would be formidable; finally, however, I agreed to undertake the project. Once proceeding with the task, I found that the original intent-to compose a more limited treatment of the topic-was impractical. It was impossible to adequately treat the subject without the most painstaking thoroughness, depth, and scope. The preparation of The Orthodox Union Story: A Centenary Portrayal has presented difficulties beyond the purely literary. Throughout its existence, the Orthodox Union has been too busy with its many activities to concern itself with archives or the systematized retention of records. The research entailed, in the absence of a reference base, much pursuing of obscure trails and remote possibilities. And because the Union's work has been so wide and diverse in scope, much perplexity attended the selection of what, in view of an integrated presentation, should be included and what developments warranted particular emphasis. The product of this process is now before you. I trust that the book's merits outweigh its shortcomings. Saul Bernstein |
