THE PRACTICAL IDEALIST 161 



a beacon, lighting the way. But Sabsovich did not stop 

 here. 



He developed a plan by which the real merit of the 

 Jew as a citizen might be demonstrated. It was just at 

 this time that public opinion was stirred against the im- 

 migrant by accusations that he was degrading American 

 politics. The corruption brought about by political rings 

 was blamed upon the Jewish newcomer. It is not true, 

 Professor Sabsovich claimed, that the Jew betrays his 

 privileges. Whatever weakness he may show is due to 

 his surroundings, to influences working in spite of him 

 and against him. Give him a chance to participate in his 

 government ; explain to him, in terms that he can under- 

 stand, his high privileges and responsibilities. Then will 

 the Jew serve as a model of good citizenship. Here again 

 a practical demonstration was needed to prove the claim. 



At once he gave himself to this new idea. A separate 

 borough charter was obtained for Woodbine; it became 

 a political unit conducted solely by Jews. It showed 

 splendid signs of wholesome communal development. 

 Citizenship was no more a perfunctory obligation. It 

 became rooted in the very lives of the inhabitants of 

 the little village. A city hall was established; a civic 

 club sprang into being and flourished; a modern health 

 movement was launched ; a systematic educational regime 

 was established. The school system in Woodbine today 

 is still the best in the County. 



So Woodbine grew. Here the Jews, left to themselves, 

 developed a sound social body, busying themselves with 

 agriculture, industry and trade. Here, close to nature, 

 their children flourished safe from the negative forces 

 of the city streets. Here every home was a temple and 

 the temple was the heart of the community. 



Twenty-five years of pioneer work bore fruit. The 



