Edgar Cayce Readings, 429-3

(Bodies and enquiring minds, of [429] and wife, who seek guidance as to their approach to a larger field of endeavor. They request a plan in detail as to proper procedure and success in obtaining the more important position or ministry in Pittsburgh or N.Y., with advice as to which is the better for their mental, spiritual and material development.)

TEXT

EC: Yes, we have the bodies, the enquiring minds, [429] and [wife], and their desires, with the conditions that we find respecting their advancement in larger fields of activity. These we have had before. And, as we find, the Pittsburgh field would offer for each in their own activities a greater field for service, and be less hampering in the abilities of each in that service.
Then, as the conditions exist, as we find, these would be the ways and manners for the steps to be taken:
First there should be a meeting of [429] with the President of the Board of the Congregation in Pittsburgh, and then the social meeting with the two elder members of the Board with those that are in a less officious capacity. And, as we find, application should be presented; or the qualifications of the body, and associations and connections. And, as we find, it will have due and proper consideration, with the call to service in that field.
To be sure, there are conditions that might hinder; yet if the abilities are presented in the proper way and manner, we find that there will be no trouble. Not only the abilities of self, but of companion - and the work, the activities of the companion; for in this field the companion may be of an ideal help and aid in the carrying on of the ideals of this particular congregation.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Should we write the President of the Pittsburgh congregation?
(A) Yes, and make an appointment.
(Q) Or should we attempt to reach him through other persons?
(A) Write and make an appointment, and then all the other persons that may aid in influencing or writing letters; or any influence or aid. Don't leave any of 'em out! The more the better. But go directly.
(Q) Should this be done immediately?
(A) The sooner this is set in motion the better, diplomatically; for of course the appointment is not to be made until the earlier portion of the year.
(Q) If we write shall we go into details as to our Sunday School department?
(A) Rather these should be gone into detail in the conversation, than in the first writing, or first application. Should be more in the social meeting first; then the presenting of the situations, as it were, going over the situations with the President and others that he will direct - which will be of the older ones. And then these may be presented the better.
(Q) Should any reference be made in the first letter to our honors at the Hebrew Union College?
(A) This may be made reference to, if it is not made the greater point. See?
(Q) Shall we refer to Albany and what persons shall we mention there?
(A) These had best be referred to after the fist application, or the first presenting of self, as we would find, would be the better.
(Q) What features of the [..., N.Y.] Synagog project shall we emphasize?
(A) Practically all of this should be emphasized, especially the forum and the activities that are of the greater educational features, using much of that which has been prepared or presented by self in those forms of activities and in the teaching services of the congregation.
(Q) What was meant in the reading Wednesday by "organizations and individuals in the Pittsburgh congregation who have grown cold in the service", and how can we obtain specific information on these matters?
(A) These of necessity require a great deal of "on the ground" activity. As in many congregations, through the various conditions that arise in such organizations, there are those things that have made for a coldness to the services and the activities; as the times, the conditions, have certainly augmented. There are those who have moved to the vicinity, the environs of the congregation, that have not become identified as yet with the activities of the congregation in Pittsburgh. These are not unusual in numbers, but there will be found some unusual individuals to be able to be developed by or through the activities of [429] in this particular field of service.
Then, in seeking these out, they will be best found by the regular channels; though it should be stressed that there would be - there is - the particular activity on the part of the body to augment activities in the direction of gathering these together and assisting them to find their services and their activities, their relations to be established in such a way and manner as to be a helpful influence in the activities of the congregation. On the ground these will be found the better.
(Q) When we get this information, how can we direct their thoughts to us?
(A) Being directed to the very activities that are necessary for arousing their interest creates that influence that will make for - not an easy, but - a much more practical way of the approach to the various individuals.
(Q) What was meant in Wednesday reading by the phrase "recruiting phases of the work"?
(A) Those of the younger generation that have grown cold since they have passed through those periods of being set aside or confirmed in the service, and have not been given the practical side or practicality of the religious service as it applies to individuals under the stress of the present time.
As may be understood, and as IS understood by [Mrs.] and [Rabbi [429]], while Pittsburgh in its very activity is not as broad nor as congested an area as New York activities might be in the particular organization in which there have been considered thoughts of activity; yet there are those conditions there in the educational field where personal service, personal activity is necessary - which in part is needed by [429] for fitting himself better for a greater service and to meet the needs of the character of associations; not only will lend for a field of activity that will be a growth for those who serve, as well as a lesson - and a BEAUTIFUL demonstration of the power of that which is presented through such organizations and congregations of the service. Hence these fields make for a peculiar significance in the activities of these individuals who seek to broaden their fields of service. And, as known by the body, as the promises have been given as of old: "As ye walk day by day in my service, there is given that which will enable thee to be of the greater service in thine field of activity."
(Q) Did Wednesday's reading mean that an appointment at Temple Emanu-El would not be so satisfactory?
(A) As just given and indicated from that above, the field of service is greater for the individuals, and they would not be so cramped in their efficiency campaigns that may be augmented in many directions, as to the ideals and purposes that have been started in the activities. Hence we find that New York would not make for as pleasant associations, nor would it mean an advancement in the ABILITIES of the bodies to serve in their greater capacities.
(Q) Shall we ask Mr. Ludwig Vogelstein to write Pittsburgh for us?
(A) We would.
(Q) Will you give suggestions as to how to see Mr. Vogelstein, when and where, etc.?
(A) These are not just matters of routine, but are matters of making preparations for a greater service; yet they should be done on the business basis of making the appointment, making the wants and desires known, and we will see that there will be wholehearted cooperation. [GD's note: Rabbi [429] came in later that day, said he had seen Mr. V. and found him VERY cooperative.]
(Q) To what extent should we be guided in our plans by Millie Morris?
(A) This shall be determined most within self as to that which is augmenting the guiding influences that are given to the body.
(Q) In what ways can Mr. [257] help us to secure the appointment to Pittsburgh?
(A) By getting the word, or a kind word spoken here and there by those not only locally but in Pittsburgh and environs. And by such being spoken first by those even in the environs will make for a much better preparation for that which would follow through the regular channels.
(Q) Shall we ask Dr. Nathan Krass to help us at Pittsburgh?
(A) Very excellent.
(Q) Shall we write Dr. Goldenson of Pittsburgh applying for the Sunday School Assistantship at Emanu-El or shall we ask Dr. Goldenson to help us in Pittsburgh?
(A) In Pittsburgh.
(Q) Is Nathan Spear a member of the Pittsburgh congregation board?
(A) No, we don't find it so; though he has been active; though is not as active in the affairs of the Board in the present as he has been some time in the past. But these will be very good channels for their connections in New York and in the environs are very close to some of those in the active service there.
(Q) Where can we obtain the names of the Pittsburgh board?
(A) These may be obtained through the regular rosters that are given of such congregation in their activities.
(Q) Is this the proper time to make a change in pulpits?
(A) It's what we have been trying to give all the time! For, as given, these are the reasons: Then look at 'em for self!
In the present surroundings, while satisfactory in many ways and manners, there is ever a drawing of comparisons in those of the services and activities of others in larger congregations; or general or activities of certain natures or manners are drawn. These make for a dissenting influence (not active) in the minds of Rabbi [429] and his companion Mrs. [...]. Now, in the activities in the same fields, while (in Pittsburgh) it would require even the metal, as it were, in the preparation of all activities that the comparisons would be from others to HIM, rather that from him to others - as in the present surroundings. Then the financial conditions or obligations are such that they do not lend the ease and aptitude of the general service; and while the body-mind, the body-physical in its best may expand in broader fields, if there is the greater opportunity for same. And, as suggested, the congregation's activities in Pittsburgh NEEDS such a body. And the BODY needs that as environment to make itself GROW.
(Q) Should we say anything to our present membership or allow them to find out our interest in making a change in the normal way?
(A) In the normal way.
(Q) Referring to [[429]'s wife], should she prevent promotion to the Presidency of the Sisterhood in [..., N.J.]?
(A) These are rather delicate situations to be handled, yet through those very channels where the better interests of the congregation are considered as in the matter of the association with those in the sisterhood in its activity would make a consideration for the greater interest, and through those channels - without causing or producing entanglements, but that the better service may be carried on, would be the channel and the manner and the way to prevent that which is not for the better conditions of the whole congregation.
(Q) Please give any specific advice as to a good successor to the President, Mrs. [N...].
(A) There should be considered first the activities of those that are in line for the promotion, as it may be termed, in this particular field. And then as these meet, there should be that seeking for the guidance through the influences of His power, in His name, for those that would meet the needs, the requirements, in this office. Setting out at such times, such periods, the requirements that should be for each to serve in such a capacity.
(Q) Does the presence of [[429]'s wife] modify answer given [429] in previous reading to have a second child in eighteen months from present time?
(A) If the conditions are considered from the whole, as well as from the general outlook and activities and service, and aid in every condition. As a whole.
We are through.
Copy to Self (2, 1 for Mr. [257])
Copy to File

BACKGROUND

See 429-2 on 11/01/33.

REPORTS

See subsequent notations under 429-1 Reports.