The Jewish Literary Annual. (A. M. Hyamson. ls. net.)— This
Annual is the organ of the "Union of Jewish Literary Societies," which are some forty in number. To the non- Jewish reader the most striking paper is "The Jew—a Psycho- logical Study," by Miss Buena Pool, B.Sc., a very plain-spoken exposition of Jewish character, which speaks well for the candid and philosophical temper of the lecturer and her audience. (It was read before the North London Jewish. Literary Union.) There is an interesting account of the Beni-Israel of India by Mr. Samuel R. Samuel. To them, at least, British rule has been an unmixed benefit. The Beth-Israel stood firmly by the British in the Mutiny. But now, it is explained, they have ceased to enlist. " A soldier, however meritorious his services, has, never- theless, small chance of promotion, unless at the same time the men of his caste form a considerable portion of the regiment." Mr. Samuel explains that the Black Jews of Goa are half-castes. They attend the Synagogues and, share the feasts, but do not eat at the same table with the BenirIsrael. They are not really black, but are so called from their mixed descent. The Beth-Israel are fair in complexion, the women especially, who, " unlike other women of India, sometimes show colouring in the cheeks and lips."
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