Magyar Egyház, 1963 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1963-02-01 / 2. szám
10 MAGYAR EGYHÁZ NEW BIBLE TRANSLATION CHANGES STANDARD VERSION OF TEXT (New York) — A new translation, by a committee of Jewish scholars, of the Masoretic text of the Torah, or Pentateuch — the first five books of the Bible — includes some interpretations of that text different from those commonly accepted. Publisher of the new translation is the Jewish Publication Society of America in Philadelphia. Among the views put forward by the translators are conclusions that the Israelites, in fleeing from bondage in Egypt, crossed not the Red Sea but a marsh in the neighborhood of what is now the Suez Canal; that the Commandment against taking the name of the Lord in vain was not an injunction against profanity but against swearing falsely by the name of God; and that the first words of the Bible should properly have been translated not “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” but “When God began to create the heaven and the earth.” Discussing the changes, the editor-in-chief of the new translation, Dr. H.M. Orlinsky, Professor of the Bible at Hebrew Union College-Je wish Institute of Religion, New York, said the translators’ intention was to produce a “sense-for-sense rendering rather than a word-for-word translation.” EPS, Geneva YOUTH NEWS EASTERN AREA YOUTH Holds Successful Quarterly Conference, Elects New Officers The once postponed quarterly conference of the Eastern area youth groups was successfully held Sunday, February 3, at Trenton, N. J., with fruitful discussions relative to catechetical study, inauguration of new officers for the 1963-64 year, and an evening of fellowship. Roger Bodnar, of Staten Island, newly elected President, will head the administration of the youth groups during the forthcoming year with Linda Jensen of Carteret as Vice-President, Kathy Niemiera of Perth Amboy as Secretary, Walt Katona of Trenton as Treasurer and Ed Stefan of Roebling as Chaplain. The elected officers will have the experience of Roger and Linda, both officers last year, and the new fresh thoughts of Kathy, Walt and Ed, serving at the Classis level for the first time as officers. Roger moved quickly with his plans for the year by appointment of Albert Beke, Trenton, Frank Kosa, Staten Island, Ron Ture, Trenton, and Bob De Csipkés of Perth Amboy to the newly created Executive Advisory Board. Recognizing immediate needs to bring forth a sports program. Roger asked Chaplain Ed Stefan to serve as Sports Chairman. Frank Baka of Perth Amboy will work on a new constitution. While grateful for the fine work of the past administration, the conference attendees acknowledged areas for possible additional service and hoped to realize a more comprehensive program by combining the talents and experiences of the officers and the Advisory Board who will meet between the quarterly conferences. Trenton’s host Youth Fellowship adopted a slightly different format for the religious discussions of the theme What Catechism Means To Me by use of an introduction to the theme and then the four discussion groups. Reports from each of these groups were reflective of the obvious serious attention given by the eighty young people representing the churches of Carteret, Perth Amboy, Roebling, Staten Island and host Trenton. Conclusions of the individual groups were in harmony with all agreeing that rote memorization of catechism was desirable, but all thought that efforts should be made to secure more explanation of the questions and answers. Among the recommendations for improvement were suggestions to include more information about the Hungarian Reformed Church history and worship service division of time between specific answers and questions and explanations, and that memorization should take place outside of class leaving period of study for discussion. The willingness of the youth to face their responsibility was evidenced by not only the thoughtful discussions, but such recommendations for consideration as tests, and particularly a better preparation of the young people prior to entry into the catechism. Tihs preparation to emphasize the importance of catechism and the need to relate it to the life of the young person. The heavy registration led to a highly unusual circumstance of a shortage of chicken, with the hardworking cooks left to munching on cakes and drinking coffee while the young people had their fellowship. The hosts departed from their usual custom of preparation of food by the youth club members and asked the Women’s Guild of Trenton to prepare a hot meal and allow all the young people to participate in the discussion groups. TRENTON Trenton’s Youth Fellowship main activity for January was the preparation for the quarterly Eastern Classis Conference. The Youth Fellowship also held its annual election and now has the following officers for 1963: Susan Horacsak, President, Robert Danch, Vice-President, Margaret Miller, Secretary, Judith Radvany, Treasurer, and Linda Parrey, Corresponding Secretary. Trenton is looking forward to the visit of the basketball teams of Carteret and Perth Amboy. Special arrangements have been made for the use of gyms by Jules Borcsik, Trenton’s coach. Unfortunately, due to school restrictions and limited locker facilities, the girls will be unable to play a preliminary game. Religious activities of February will find the morning Bible class studying the Gospel according to Mark, Young Peoples Society concentrating on the sacrament of Baptism, and the Youth Fellowship on the Reformation period. PERTH AMBOY The Christian Youth Fellowship participated at the quarterly youth conference which was held on February 3rd in Trenton, N. J. 16 persons represented our church; much more could have taken part, for the conference was a successful affair. The meetings of the Christian Youth Fellowship are held every Sunday from 7 to 9 P.M. All teenagers are welcome!
