Rabbi Jacob Rothschild, spiritual leader of the Hebrew Benevolent Congregation (The Temple), was praised by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan and Father Noel C. Burtenshaw, chancellor, at a banquet honoring him as Atlanta’s clergymen of the year.

Archbishop Donnellan, who spoke on ecumenism, said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to join in the tribute to Rabbi Rothschild, a clergyman who has demonstrated so practically and so consistently his dedication to the welfare of our whole community.”

The archbishop pointed out the Second Vatican Council said no one can call upon God if he refuses to act in a brotherly way toward all men. “A man’s relationship with God, the Father, and his relationship with his brother are so linked together that the scripture says: ‘He who does not love, does not know God.’”

“Few things are more treasured in life than association in friendship and community. In His mercy, God has joined us together in such a way that we share not only our lives but His life as well. Striving toward a better ecumenical spirit is an obligation, not an option for all of us. The goal of our effort is fellowship and partnership between Jews and Christians and indeed, between all the sons of God.”

Father Burtenshaw said that Rabbi Rothschild is one of the leading religious leaders in Atlanta. “His name is the proverbial byword among men of all faiths. The Judeo-Christian virtues of justice, righteousness and peace are embodied in his approach to the concept of service to his fellowman.”

“Rabbi Rothschild has clearly outlined the meaning and the value of religious leadership,” Father Burtenshaw said. “Let those of us who think that our place is solely in the sanctuary, watch him at work in the halls of our political leaders.” “Let those of us who think that our words must be uttered solely in pulpits, listen to him in committee. And, especially, let those of us who think that to bend the knee is sufficient, watch him in action.”

Rabbi Rothschild was honored last week by the National Conference of Christian and Jews and received the 1968 Herman L. Turner Clergyman’s Award. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, first recipient of the award, made the presentation.