Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Community Census Gets Under Way This Week
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
Over 400 San Diego Jewish families were being interviewed this week by 40 trained census enumerators in the first Jewish population census ever attempted in our community.
Participating in the census are Marshall Zucker, chief supervisor and Abe Friedman, staff members. Supervisors for the enumerators are Mrs. Ruth Brav, Mrs. Reva Garvin, Mort Goldberg, Mrs. Martha Kellner, Allan Lame, Mrs. Dee Lasher, Mrs. Jeri Starr and Mrs. Dorothy Tucker.
Enumerators who will be contacting Jewish families are Phil Abrams, Mrs. Doroth Belkin, Mrs. Bea Berner, Bob Cohn, Mrs. Ruth Colt, Dr. David Edelson, Carl Friend, Harold Garvin, Norman Gelman, Mrs. William Goldfarb, Mrs. Muriel Goldhammer, Anne Greene, Maury Gross, Rhoda Jaffe, Mrs. Ruth Janowsky, Mrs. Ruth Kwint, Mrs. Laura Naiman, Charlotte Pearl, Mr. and Mrs. Al Pechman, Sam Rassin, Mrs. Edith Reder, Sidney Rose, Mrs. Audrey Sack, Mrs. Jean Schiller, Mrs. Ann Schloss, William Schwartz, Dr. and Mrs. Milton Schwartz, Martin Starr, Mrs. Evelyn Stolarsky, Mrs. Frances Strauss, Joseph Vure and Joe Weiss.
Undertaken by the San Diego Federation of Jewish Agencies in order to secure basic information to better serve the Jewish community, Jewish youth, the aged, and to better build our future communal life, the study will include material for the Jewish Social Service Agency, Hebrew Home for the Aged, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Community Relations Council, all constituent agencies of the Federation.
Questions on temple synagogue affiliation and Jewish education will be of great assistance to future planning for those institutions, while questions on membership in various Jewish organizations will be of assistance to those groups in planning their programs.
According to the chairmen, it is planned to finish the first phase of the study by August 30, tabulate and analyze the material, and then begin the second phase through the formation of committees to cary on the study using the material gathered in the census.
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(Town and County Club discrimination)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
The following resolution was passed at the last meeting held by the Jewish Community Relations Council:
“We recognize and are gravely concerned with the discriminatory practices of the Town and Country Club, and recommend that a committee be appointed to consider a course of action.
Secondly, that this committee investigate the membership practices of all social clubs in the City and County of San Diego.
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Annual Meeting of Hebrew Home Set For Sunday, Aug. 29
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
Victor Schulman, president of the Hebrew Home for the Aged, announced that Sam Addleson and Mrs. William Moss are in charge of the Annual Meeting to be held Sunday, Aug. 29, at 2:00 p.m. at the Home.
Bids for construction of the new edifice will be discussed and authorized at this meeting. Max Maisel, chairman of the Building Committee will give a progress report and answer questions concerning the new structure. Plans and pictures will be on display.
The new Home for the Aged will be located on 54th St. between El Cajon Blvd and University Ave. It will be designed according to the best advice obtainable from state and local welfare agencies concerned with problems of the aged. The new institution will contain a large up-to-date kitchen, fully equipped with the latest facilities. The food served, of course, will be strictly Kosher and under constant supervision by the proper authorities.
The grounds, covering 2 ½ acres will be beautifully landscaped with trees and walks to form pleasant surroundings. The climate in that area is considered to be the most healthful. Large recreation rooms and proper medical equipment and facilities will make this Home for the Aged one of the most outstanding institutions in all of California.
The entire community is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served by the Ladies’ Auxiliary.
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Lasker Lodge Offers Great Talen and Variety Show August 23rd
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
Monday night, August 23, at 9 p.m., at Temple Center, Lasker Lodge No. 370 B’nai B’rith will present Rick Ford, popular young San Diego MC and a top flight talent show. Rick, who has appeared on TV and the screen, claims tht this will be one of the finest collections of San Diego tlent shows ever to appear under one roof at one time. He will present an hour long show, and some of the acts scheduled to appear are “Smokey” Rogers; Mike (Bill’s son) Schwartz, Don Jacks, the Rick Ford dancers, the Cotton Pickers, the Hamilton Sisters and others.
The High Twelve Civic Luncheon (Masonic Order) have been extended a personal invitation to attend, and they will be the guests of honor for the evening.
The show is open to the public, and all B’nai B’rith lodges and chapters are particularly invited. There will be no charge for admission, and the program begins promptly at 9 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the show.
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Great Lady To Visit San Diego in Nov.
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, pages 1, 8
Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt will speak in San Diego on the evening of November 11 at the Russ Auditorium under the auspices of the Jewish Community Center, according to Maury Novak and Henry Price, Co-Chairmen of the Program Committee
Mr. Jack Rittoff, chairman of the committee in charge of the event, announced that invitations for patrons and sponsors will go on sale during the month of September.
As former United States member of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and American delegate to the UN General Assembly, Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt has enjoyed rare opportunities to study the basic quarrels barring the way to the ultimate cooperation between the nations of Western Europe and America and the UISSR.
Characteristically, she has amassed a priceless fund of information untainted by preconceived notions and free of the mounting prejudice against people and forces still dedicated to the cause of world peace.
The widow of the great war President is far from convinced that there is no remaining basis for understanding between East and West. Having faced the discouraging and continuing conflict as it unfolded at UN meetings, she still believes that war is not inevitable, that wiser and calmer heads on both sides may yet resolve their differences and avert the catastrophe that is the only alternative of reconciliation.
Proceeds of the lecture will go towards community Center operation and building fund. Mr. Edward Breitbard is president of the Jewish Community Center of San Diego.
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Polio Drive On
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
Spreckels Theatre chain will conduct an Emergency March of Dimes solicitation in all their theatres August 34 through 31.
Mrs. Saul Chenkin has been appointed chairman of this committee which will both make appeals from the stage and solicit funds from the audience during the evening showing.
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Las Vegas Publisher Seriously Injured
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 1
BARSTOW, Calif. – Herman M. Greenspun, publisher of the Las Vegas Sun, was reported in serious condition in a traffic accident near Barstow Aug. 15.
Greenspun, under federal indictment for tending to incite the assassination of Sen. McCarthy (R-Wis.), suffered multiple fractures of the pelvis bone, internal injuries and cuts.
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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4
Jewish Press
Dear Mack:
I wonder how much cultural equipment it really takes to be able to sit through and enjoy such “artistic” vilification as one is treated to in the lines uttered in that most “gratifying” of plays: “The Merchant of Venice” by the great Shakespeare, currently performed at the Globe Theatre.
I am now quoting Bernice Soule’s column, “To See or Not To See”: “One of the most gratifying reactions to viewing Shakespeare is often the feeling of personal discovery, a very private, intimate emotion that Shakespeare is writing just for YOU; you find truths in his words that never existed until you unlocked their meanings.”
It seems hard to discover TRUTH in his words and unlock hidden MEANINGS. It’s pure and simple anti-Semitism and it reeks of hate and no amount of “handling” and “interpretation” can change its popular concept.
Again I quote Bernice: “If I were sure that everyone would see it, I would say nothing so that the full force of the most pleasurable Globe experience of the year could come as a surprise.”
I can appreciate a live and let live attitude, particularly for the sake of “culture and art”, but if Shakespeare really “wrote for popular consumption in his day as do movie and television writers of today”, then we will agree that he was most successful in planting poisonous prejudices. Well then, should one “await with most interest and trepidation” this great masterpiece of a prejudiced mind, I am sure that very few people will disagree that his portrayal of the Jew is false and an outright lie. Can one really be elated at the prospect of rehashing this ancient of prejudices and should one recommend it to attention.
“The Merchant of Venice” has not been very popular lately and is seldom shown in other communities, because it offends not only the Jew but also the fair minded and liberal non-Jew. Caricatures of Shylock were used to very good advantage in Hitler Germany and, I am sure, those pictures were executed by the finest of German artists. Yet, only the confirmed anti-Semite could view and enjoy them. The fair minded person, be he Jew or Non-Jew, certainly didn’t admire their artistic and cultural qualities.
Apparently, Berenice doesn’t feel that all that Shakespeare wrote is holy for “The Twelfth Night” didn’t seem to move her at all. In fact, she thinks it “silly, dull” and “would like to pretend that Shakespeare never wrote it” and “Let’s just ignore this one.” Ah, but “The Merchant of Venice,’ there is masterpiece that moves you to “private and intimate emotions” and is written just for YOU.
Well, I hope next season, when another Shakespeare Festival rolls around that the Globe Theatre will relegate that part of Shakespeare to oblivion.
Sincerely yours,
William B. Schwartz
Editor’s Note: For an answer to Bill’s letter read “To See or Not To See”
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To See or not To See
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 2
By Berenice Soule
(See “Letters to the Editor” on Editorial Page)
Dear Bill
While your letter was not addressed to me, I feel it is my responsibility o set the record straight. But first, my sincere thanks for taking the trouble to express your point of view.
Last week’s “To See or Not To See” was obviously misunderstood. At no time did I refer to “The Merchant of Venice” as “that most ‘gratifying’ of plays.” Read in context the reader will find that the sentence beginning “one of the most gratifying” etc. referred to Shakespeare’s plays in general. Unquestionably, at this late date Shakespeare needs no champion; and surely, Bill, you do not wish to convey the impression that all his artistry must be condemned because we object to one character or one play.
As concerns his “planting poisonous prejudices” (quoting you, Bill) as he “wrote for popular consumption,” I quote George Morris Cohen Brandes (1842-1927), critic and historian—“From 1290 until the middle of the 17th century the Jews were entirely excluded from England. Every prejudice against them was free to flourish unchecked. … Had he (Shakespeare) made a more undisguised effort to place himself at Shylock’s standpoint, the censorship, on the one hand, would have intervened, while, on the other hand, the public would have been bewildered and alienated.” So actually Shakespeare was not “planting” anything; he held views and opinions considered normal for that era.
Brandes goes on to say that Shylock “appeared to Shakespeare’s contemporaries a comic personage”, but “in the humane view of a later age, Shylock appears as a scapegoat, a victim.” It was from this “humane view” of the Globe’s Shylock that I derived my pleasurable surprise.”
Perhaps the error I made was in assuming that my readers needed no assurance that I find anti-Semitism in any form objectionable. As a matter of fact, before the festival repertoire was announced, two members of the executive committee asked for y opinion on the possible reaction to the offending play and I strongly advised against producing it. For that reason, I awaited it with “interest and trepidation.” You ask, Bill, if one can “be elated at the prospect of rehashing this ancient of prejudices.” Trepidation was my word, not elation. To further clarify my use of the word, trepidation, and eliminate any further possibilities of misunderstanding, I quote from Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition, “trepidation: a state of alarm, or trembling agitation; fear,” etc.
The Itch—One of the funniest plays to be written in a long time is “The Seven Year Itch” now showing at La Jolla Playhouse. A difficult play to do, a surprisingly good job is done in getting every possible laugh out of it.
Don Taylor in the lead role, as a summer bachelor with an opportunity to roam, is energetic and Kathleen (The Body) Hughes as “the girl”, is gorgeous to look at.
Capable in supporting roles are Willard Waterman, Catherine McLeod, and George Neise. Much of the laughter-derived action is dependent on the cleverly designed set by Bob Corrigan.
Comedy One-Act—The University Players will present “Good Housekeeping” as a center-stage production on Aug. 26 and 28 in Lomaland Hall on the Cal. Western campus in Pt. Loma. Curtain time is 8:15 p.m.
Edith and Murray Schwartz are playing the lead roles of a university president and his not-so-helpful little theatre group formed by Cal-Western under the direction of Dr. Russell W. Lembke.
A main-stage production of “Blythe Spirit” is now in rehearsal.
Movie Series—Cal-Western is also presenting a series of unusual motion pictures for the next four Friday evenings. “Wunder Von Naumberg,” striking camera work of the stone sculptures and “The Italian Straw Hat,” a 19th century farce will be shown Friday, August 20.
“Works of Calder” – Calder’s mobiles in terms of familiar forms with a commentary by Burgess Meredith; and “Theatrical and Social Dancing”, with Vernon and Irene Castle, Valentino, Ann Pavlova, Fred Astaire, Disney (National period dances) will be the attractions for Friday evening, August 27.
“Grass,” Paramount’s picture of nomadic Persian tribes, and “The Window Cleaner,” showing Manhattan and its people as seen by the window cleaner will be presented on Friday, September 3rd.
“Camille” starring Greta Garbo and Robert Taylor, director by George Cukor will conclude the series on September 10th.
The programs will be presented in Lomaland Hall on the University campus at eight o’clock.
Admission tickets for the entire series may be purchased for $1.25 or tickets for a single showing at 35 cents.
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‘The Vacant Lot’ Next at La Jolla Playhouse
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 2
A completely new play with new faces is scheduled for its world premiere and pre-New York showing when “The Vacant Lot” is produced at La Jolla Playhouse next week.
Based upon the activities of a group of teen-agers in one of the larger cities of the Southwestern part of the United States, “The Vacant Lot” is a combination of amusing, touching and exciting drama which producer John Swope thinks destines it for outstanding success.
Co-authored by Paul Streger and Berrilla Kerr, new faces among playwrights, the novel theme is handled with a fresh, deft and human touch.
The five young actors and actresses in the cast have shown great promise in their earlier professional appearances both in New York and in Hollywood. Eliot Englehardt and Cindy Robins, the two girls in the cast, have both stage and TV credits in the East. Brett Halsey is under contract to Universal-International, Jeff Silver is well-known in TV, radio and on the stage, and Alan Dinehart III has been heard on radio and TV and has been in pictures for RKO Radio, 20th Century Fox and Universal-International.
Rehearsals for “The Vacant Lot” started last Sunday, two days earlier than on the usual rehearsal schedule. Norman Lloyd, Playhouse director, is staging this premiere production and Robert Corrigan has designed the set. “The Vacant Lot” opens Tuesday, August 24, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 5, the closing night of the current Playhouse season.
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“Pops” Concert Set For Bowl Aug. 31st
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 2
Entertainment for the entire family –from the youngsters to the oldsters—is to be the theme of a “Pops” concert scheduled Aug. 31 in Balboa Park Bowl.
Popular music at its best, with conductor composer Meredith Willson directing the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and the famed Spanish dancers, the Trianas, will highlight the evening’s performance. There also will be surprise entertainment and gifts for the children.
The event, which will start at 8 p.m., is sponsored in support of the summer symphony series.
Reservations for the “Pops” concert may be made at the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway7.
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New Comedy at Capri
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 2
“Hobson’s Choice” a rollicking comedy starring Charles Laughton, opens at Burton Jones’ ultra modern air conditioned Capri Theatre Friday, August 20. Laughton smirks, pouts, bug-eyes, quivers his wattles and generally golliwoggs as a Lanchashire bootmaker of the nineties, and a widower whose home is cared for by three marriageable daughters. Besieged on all sides by hilarious problems of an amorous nature, he is wicked and funny and pitiful in :Hobson’s Choice.”
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