Compiled by Gail Umeham
March of Dimes Opens Campaign
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 6
The month of January has been set aside by Gov. Goodwin Knight as March of Dimes Month. The campaign opened January 2 and will continue until Feb. 2. No goal has been set but the local chapter has expended more than $160,000 last year in patients’ aid.
San Diego has just seen one of the worst polio years in decades. The National Infantile Paralysis Foundation will be forced to help the local chapter with funds in ’54.
The new vaccine testing program will cost $26,000,000 this year. The dreaded scourge might see its end if in the next few years support is given this voluntary campaign.
Mrs. Saul Chenkin, chairman of the theatre group has the following on her committee for collection at the movie houses; Spreckels Theatre, Robt. Strauss; Mission, Sidney Wieder; Fox, Ernest Sturm.
Pictorial History of The Jewish People, by Nathan Ausubel
(Crown Publishers, Inc. $5.00)
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 6
by J.K.
Here for the first time, is the full-scale picture-story of the Jews from Biblical times to now. It clearly presents the exciting events of Jewish history, the essence of Jewish ideas and the names and facts about notable Jews of all ages, from all countries of the world. (More than 1,000 illustrations.)
A lifetime of study and years of research went into the preparation of the text and commentaries; Mr. Ausubel has employed the same happy blend of sound scholarship and clear narrative power that proved so effective and popular in ”A Treasury of Jewish Folklore.”
“Who really are the Jews?” Many definitions have been offered—some of the most frequently heard are: that they are a nation, that they are a people, that they are a religious group, that they are a race, that they are a language-culture group, that they are an historic phenomenon which cannot properly be labeled or described.
The Jewish identity may appear a little less involved and baffling as the reader pursues the course of Jewish life and destiny through the ages in “Pictorial History of the Jewish People.” …A book for young and old.
Pioneer Women
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 6
All members and friends are invited to attend Pioneer Women’s Tu B’Shvat Arbor Day celebration on Jan. 14th, Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Jacob Center. Vicky Strier, a recent visitor to Israel, will tell of her experiences there. A fine musical program will be presented by Cantor Cysner and Sonia Weitzman. Rose Domnitz, Rose Weitzman and P. Press will be hostesses for the evening.
Members are invited to an Oneg Shabat at the home of Mrs. B. Segal, 4714 49th St. on Sat. 9th. The week of Jan 25th is being designated as “Pioneer Women’s Week” in many cities as well as San Diego, and special programs emphasizing the worthy projects of this organization will mark the occasion.
Entire Community Mourns Passing of Anna Shelley
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 7
Mrs. Anna Shellley, 70, of 3367 Dale St., a resident here of 42 years, died last week. Anna Shelley was a founder of the City of Hope Chapter in San Diego and for many years was devoted to its cause. She became president of the local group and for more than 16 years raised funds for the non-sectarian hospital in Duarte, Calif.
She was a founder of the B’nai B’rith Girls and charter president of Birdie Stodel B. B. She was long active in Tifereth Israel Synagogue and was the first president of the Daughters of Israel. She became active in Beth Jacob Congregation and helped organize the Beth Jacob Auxiliary and was an honorary member of its Sisterhood.
She served as president of the Pioneer Women and was a long-time member of the Jewish Labor Committee. Her work and devotion to the United Jewish Fund led to her being named as a Key Woman.
Her long devotion to charitable and organization work and the religious life of the community had endeared her to the many who labored with her.
She is survived by her son, Harry Kisskin; four daughters, Mrs. Lee Douglas, Mrs. Claire Kaplan, Mrs. Gertrude Thaler, and Mrs. Jeanne Camiel; and two sisters, Mrs. Milton Rawdin of San Diego, and Mrs. Julius Reisman of Houston, Texas; and ten grandchildren.
Services were conducted by Rabbi Baruch Stern in the Merkley-Austin Mortuary, Monday, January 4, and burial was in the home of Peace Cemetery.
Rabbi Stern’s eulogy echoed in the hearts of all those who could find room in the capacity filled chapel. An overflow crowd of mourners, representing a cross-section of the entire community came to pay tribute to a beloved woman.
Deceased (Morris Niederman)
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 7
Morris Niederman, 69, a long-time resident of San Diego, died Dec. 26. He resided at 1961 Titus St. An ardent community worker, Mr. Niederman, was a director of Temple Beth Israel and a member of Lasker Lodge B’nai B’rith. He was active in Masonic groups and a supporter of many other organizations.
Services were conducted by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn and entombment was in “Cypress View Mausoleum.
He is survived by his widow, Jennette; two sons, Jerome, of San Diego, and Howard, of Pasadena; a sister, Mrs. Molly Simon, of San Diego; and a brother Jack, of New York; and five grandchildren.
Western States Rabbis Hold Conference Here
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 7
Temple Beth Israel and San Diego were hosts to more than 35 Rabbis attending the 9th Annual Conference of the Western Association of Reform Rabbis at the Hotel Del Coronado, Jan. 4 through Jan. 7. Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, in charge of arrangements, greeted the delegates.
The Rabbis represented Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon, and Utah. President of the Rabbinical Organization is Rabbi Adolph H. Fink, spiritual leader of Salt Lake City, Utah Cong. The four day session covered such topics as “Religious Concern for Civil Liberties,” “Recent Developments in Israel,” “Should There Be Uniformity of Practice in Mixed Marriage?” and “Meaningful Prayer in the Modern World.”
Special emphasis was devoted to the Jewish Youth Conference Report of the camping program at Saratoga, Calif.
The Rabbis praised the climate of San Diego and Mrs. Morton J. Cohn arranged sight-seeing tour for the Rabbis’ wives.
Tifereth Israel Sisterhood Birthday Party
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 7
“Happy Birthday Especially for You” will be the theme of the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood regular monthly luncheon meeting to be held at the Synagogue on Tuesday, January 12 at 12 noon. All Sisterhood members (and their friends) whose birthdays fall during the month of January will be honored with special “birthday” activities.
In Keeping with the birthday program, Mrs. Bonnie Scoles, head of the Home Economics Dept. of the San Diego Gas and Electric Co., assisted by Mrs. Mary Burton, will present an interesting demonstration of unusual party menus, favors, and decorations for all occasions.
Mrs. Lester Tokars, Captain of Circle 5, and her group are preparing a delectable Birthday luncheon. Make your reservations early by calling Mr. Tokars at J-2-1633 or Mrs. Newman, W-8-1685 or the Synagogue office, T-1-5529. Mrs. Warren Ogelsby, President, will preside.
Mrs. Elias Berwin, chairman of the Family Dinner Party to be give by Sisterhood on Sunday, January 31 at the Synagogue will report on final plans. A delicious menu has been planned and arrangements are being made so that card games may be played after dinner. Special arrangements are being made to cater to children so plan to make this a real “Family Night.”
Make reservations early by calling Mrs. Berwin or the Synagogue office.
Anna Shelley—A Tribute
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 8
By Adek F. Firestone
Anna Shelley is gone, Yes, her extraordinary personality and the amazing influence she wielded in our community remains as enigmatic as ever. One is tempted to ask “What was her source of power?”
She was not an orator. Yet few spell-binders have succeeded in swaying the hearts and minds of their fellows to the extent that Mrs. Shelley has. I have watched her in action at committee meetings; she did not just dominate, she hypnotized. I have known her to bend individuals, by no means lacking in strength of character themselves, to her will and purpose like a magnet drawing steel. She was not an academician. Yet I have heard university trained professionals; men of talent and general ability, submit to her wishes as clay in the hands of a potter. The future historian who will seek to analyze the motivating factors which were primarily responsible for the course taken by our community in its internal development will, I am convinced, attribute to Mrs. Shelley a directing and formative influence of vaster importance than even her intimate friends may realize today.
She never sought “Kavod” (honor). Consistently, she evinced an almost pathological antipathy towards any attempt to show her honor. On the one occasion when a few misguided friends dared to organize a presentation to her, I believe—the contributions had to be returned to the donors.
Her association—to cite but a few instances—with the City of Hope, with the Beth Jacob Congregation, with the National Council of Jewish Women, with the Council of Israeli Institutions, with the Jewish Labor Committee and above all with the United Jewish Fund has been of immeasurable benefit to these institutions. To our New Americans she has rendered yeoman service. The debt of gratitude which the community owes Mrs. Shelley in the sphere of newcomers to San Diego is particularly heavy. She was known for her traditional hospitality and sympathy with the needs of those less fortunate co-religionists seeking sanctuary in our city of peace and friendship.
Her conception of Zionism was never limited to the material rebuilding of the State of Israel. Her Jewish ideology was ever broad based; she constantly realized with a profound understanding, that man does not live by bread alone.
What was the riddle of Mrs. Shelley’s personality? Even if we were to list the full sum of her services—and we never shall, for so much that she did is intangible, though of incalculable value—the total would still not explain the secret for herself in our communal life. Others too, have given of their best, though hardly commensurate, services, but have never become, as it were, legendary figures in their lifetime.
To me it seems that it is not Shelley the indefatigable collector of funds, the tireless social worker, the public-spirited communal servant that cast a spell over the community and won the admiration even of those who differ from her views. It is Anna the dreamer, the simple realist, the woman of absolute integrity, whose every word and deed could be weighed in the scale of truth and not be found wanting.
Thus Anna Shelley carved out for herself the well-deserved title of being the Jewish Mother of San Diego and achieved a reputation which many can strive to follow but few emulate. To those of us admirers and friends of Anna Shelley, who had been privileged to be associated with her at close quarters she served as a continuous inspiration and spur to greater effort. Now her passing has left a void in the community. She will be sorely missed.
Birdie Stodel B.B.
Southwestern Jewish Press January 8, 1954 Page 8
Mrs. Sam Weiss, Pres. Of the S.D. Birdie Stodel Chapter of Women’s B’nai B’rith announces most cordial invitation to all to the next Birdie Stodel meeting to be held Jan 11 at 8 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Center. Adele Denton, 3rd vice-president of Women’s Division of B.nai B’rith District No. 4 will bring an important message, and address Bay City and S. D. Birdie Stodel Chapters. Birdie Stodel Chapter is the guest of Bay City Chapter for that evening.
At a recent Board meeting plans were formulated to a Silver Jubilee 25th Anniversary Dinner Dance to be held Sunday evening, February 14th at Tops Restaurant. Mrs. Mel Steffel, chairman and her committee are planning a wonderful evening for all who attend.
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