Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, February 18, 1955, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World Staff

Max Rabinowitz To Lead ’55 UJF Drive
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

Max Rabinowitz

Max Rabinowitz, long active in Jewish Community affairs, has accepted the post of General Chairman of the 1955 Combined Jewish Appeal of the United Jewish Fund, Morris Douglas, Fund president, announced.

Goal for the campaign in the amount of $220,000 was agreed upon at the last Fund Board meeting. The 25 percent increase over the amount raised last year is necessary I order to meet 1955 commitments.

Based on $220,000 distribution will be approximately as follows: local agencies, 24 percent; overseas and Israel, 67 percent; national 9 percent.

“I am very happy,” Mr. Douglas said, ”to report to the San Diego community that Max Rabinowitz has agreed to come out of his semi-retirement to once again accept top leadership for our Jewish Community Drive.  This is a very fortunate choice and under his dynamic leadership we may look forward to an enthusiastic and spirited campaign supported by the entire community.”

Mr. Rabinowitz agreed to lead the 1955 effort after a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Fun was presented to him a follows: — “The Jewish Community of San Diego and the Board of Directors of the United Jewish Fund join in urging Max Rabinowitz to honor the Fun by accepting the leadership of the 1955 Combined Jewish Appeal of San Diego: the Fund Board resolves that every member will support him with their finest effort and their best contribution.”

Active in the San Diego Jewish community for many years, Mr. Rabinowitz served as campaign chairman in 1947 and has been a member of the Fund Board for many years. An experienced campaigner, he has held every job from worker to top leadership I Fund drives.  Recently he was a leader in the Food division of the United Success Drive.

In accepting the general chairmanship of the campaign, Mr. Rabinowitz said:

“For nearly a quarter of a century, the Jewish community of San Diego raised funds for Jewish needs everywhere through the Combined All-in-one Drive. This drive is not merely another campaign but  supreme fund raising effort for some fifty agencies and institutions overseas, in Israel, in the United States and in San Diego.”

“Were it not for this United effort, there would be a multitude of campaigns which would quickly demoralize the entire community to the detriment of the many agencies we support through this one drive.”

Because of the incentive plan of pre-campaign allocations, explained further in this edition of the Southwestern Jewish Press, it is anticipated that local organizations having national and overseas affiliations will take much more responsibility for raising money in the 1955 campaign.

*
Famous Jewish Artists Here in Concert March Sixth
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

The Jewish Labor Committee will present a group of artists of the Jewish stage on March 6th, 7:00 p.m., at the Beth Jacob Center.  An evening of Jewish humor, songs and entertainment will reward those who attend.

Dora Kalinova is a famous European actresss-singer; Shmuel Faber, an outstanding character-comedian from Israel, and Pola Kadison, a well known concert pianist.  These talented artists are making every effort to keep alive the great traditions of the Jewish stage for the American Jewish community since the great centers of Jewish life have been wiped out.

For an evening of nostalgic Jewish humor, drama and songs, don’t miss this outstanding event,.

Make your reservations early by calling Ben Feinberg, BE-3-5525 or BE -2-3524; Morris Penn, HU 8-5906; Sandor Goldberger, AT-2-2244.

*
Fashion Show Slated By Council Of Jewish Women March 1st
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

“Through the Looking Glass” into a “Wonderland of Fashion” is the theme for the Fashion Show and Luncheon to be given by National Council of Jewish Women on Tuesday, March 1st, at 12 o’clock, noon, at Mission Valley Country Club.   Assisting will be Mmes. Ray Lieberman, Milton Effron (decoration chairman), Robert Kaplan, Ben Lemson, Hugh Wolfe, Wm. Kenton, L. Richmond and Allen Price; invitation chairman, Mrs. Morton Kantor.  Members of the Glee Club who will participate are Mmes Edward Merkin, chairman; Leo Sarfan, Sidney Silverman, Robert Beitcher.  Lyrics were written by Evie Greich, Dorothy Merkin and Ronda Furgatch.  Molly Morse will be commentator for the Fashion Show. Mrs. Burton Ross is in charge of the models who will be drawn from the Council membership.

Props used in the decoration were furnished through the courtesy of American Housing Guild; manikin was furnished through the courtesy of Chenkin’s Children’s Shop.

The luncheon will feature exotic Polynesian dishes. Make reservations now with Mrs. Fritz Lavendar, BE 9-6712.  Admission will be $2.00, with a bundle for the Thrift Shop, and $2.50 without a bundle.

Council has designated March as “Thrift Shop Month” and all proceeds from this event will be turned over to this project.  Chairman in charge of “Thrift” is Mrs. Alex Wise.

*
Overflow Attendance At Levenon Funeral
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

The Jewish Community mourned the passing of Morey S. Levenson, attorney, former city official and civic leader.  Services were held Sunday, Feb. 13, at Temple Beth Israel, conducted by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, assisted by Cantor Julian Miller.

In addition to his many civic interest, Morey Levenson was chairman of the Jewish Community Relations Council; a member of the board of the United Jewish Fund; the Home for the Aged; the Federation of Jewish agencies and a past president of Lasker Lodge B.B.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys, his son Barry, his brother and law partner, Eli, and an uncle, Its Penter.

*
New Subscribers
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

Marvin Baranov
Ralph Cohen
Dr. Daniel Harris
John F. Kurbitz
Dr. Philip Rand
Roslyn Steffel

*
Labor Zionist Organizations To Meet With West Coast Regional Director
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 1

Rabbi Yosef Miller, western regional director of the Poale Zion Organization will be a guest in San Diego, from Feb. 17th to 20 inclusive.  His visit is being made in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Labor Zionist movement in the United States, the month of February having been designated as “Membership Month.”

The following program has been scheduled:

Friday, Feb. 18th—Beth Jacob Synagogue at 8 p.m. Rabbi Miller will conduct the services to be followed by an Oneg Shabbot planned by the Pioneer Women Organization in his name.

Saturday, Feb. 19th –Open meeting at the home of Mr. and MRs. George Alpert , 4044 Illinois St. at 8 p.m.  This meeting is being sponsored by the Ben Zvi Poale Zion.

Sunday, Feb. 20th – Chaim Weizmann Labor Zionist Branch will hold a cultural meeting at the Tifereth Israel Center at 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Miller will be guest speaker, the latest Israeli moving picture will be shown after which a social and refreshments will follow. There will be no admission charge.

*
Betrothal Announced
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

Shirley Mae Sarfan

Mr. and Mrs. Herman Sarfan of 4660 E., Talmadge Dr. announce the betrothal of their daughter, Shirley Mae, to Jordan Norman Lansky, son of Mrs., Rose Domnitz and Sam Lansky.  The young couple plan a summer wedding.

Shirley was graduated from Hoover High and studied at Woodbury College, L.A.  Jordan was graduates from san Diego High and State College where affiliated with Kappa Alpha Fraternity.

*
Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

Dr. and Mrs. Louis Applebaum of Sharon, Penna, were houseguests of Rabbi and Mrs. Morton J. Cohn.  Dr Appelbaum admitted that he was flattered when two former patients from the East, whom he hasn’t seen for over 15 years, recognized him in downtown San Diego.  Mrs. Applebaum, sister of MRs. Cohn, attended the National Sisterhood Convention, in Los Angeles, as a delegate from Sharon.

*
The Maxell Kaufmans unearthed a heap of old memories when they were packing to move recently.  One of these issuers there will be a “ten years ago today” column. The Kaufmans’ new address is 5715 Montezuma Rd., Apt. 1.
*

Visitors Feted – Mrs. Kate Silverglade, aunt of Gertrude Harris, spent three weeks with her niece in San Diego on a merry round of luncheons and dinners. Hostesses were Mesdames Harry Townes, Harry Rose, Geo. Solomon, David Millsberg, Joe Goldhammer, Ben Rothman, Wm. Gordon, L. Levitt, Harry Stone, Sam Solomon, Jane Drexler and Essie Ehrlich.

Mrs. Silverglade, who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a member of theBoard of Directors for the City of Hope and will visit that institution before returning home.

*

Thank You – Mrs. Robert Miller wishes to thank her many friends for their kindness during her recent illness.
*
Mr. Victor Weiss wishes to thank his many friends for their thoughtfulness during his recent hospitalization.
*
Mr. and Mrs. S. Gotkin, Mr. and MRs. J.N. Medak and Mr. and Mrs. L. Backman wish to thank all the organizations and friends for their thoughtfulness during their recent bereavement over the deth of Mrs. Gotkin’s mother, Ida Sklar, at Ocean Park, Calif., on Jan. 28th.

*
Sought – Esther Grunbaum, Haifa, Israel born 1928 in Bacau, Roumania; daughter of Israel an Malka Grunberg; seeks a friend, Itsi9g Pinetzki, born in Radau, Poland. Believed to reside in California.  In 1947, Esther Grunbaum was in a camp in Italy with the person sought.

*
Stan Camiel brought three fraternity brothers home at the recent semester break, to meet his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Zel Camiel, and enjoy some San Diego hospitality.

*
Mrs. Libbie Braverman, eminent author, lecturer and authority on Jewish Education, who flew West to attend the Convention of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, took time out to speak to and inspire the members of the Beth Israel Sisterhood at their last meeting.

*
Friends of Paul Kaufman will be glad to know that he has been accepted by Reed College, in Portland. He began his studies there on Feb. 1st, majoring in political science and journalism.
*
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Mandell plan to tour fifteen countries including Israel, during their six months’ trip.  They will sail on the SS “America” on March 25th.

*
Dr. and MRs Seymour Kuntz will attend the 50th Annual Convention of the Californioa Optometric Association, being held in Fresno on February 18th.

*
Hostess of the Month Chosen by USO-JWB
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

Dorothy Hess, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hess of La Mesa, was chosen “Junor Hostess of the Month” for February, it was announced by Mrs. Joseph Kaplan, Chairman of the Senior Sponsor-Junior Hostess Sub-Committee of USO-Jewish Welfare Board.

Presentation was made by AK An Kenneth Weiss, the serviceman who has attended USO-JWB affairs for the longest period of time. Miss Hess will further be honored by having her picture on a poster in the Temple lobby for the entire month.

Each month a Junior Hostess will be so honored. Junior Hostess service is open to young ladies in the age group 17 to 25.  Further information can be had by contacting the USO-JWB office at Belmont 9-3712, or Mrs. Kaplan at Atwater 2-5136.

*
Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

Wanted – Middle-aged woman to share nice apartment for companionship – North Park. Call AT 4-2798,

*
Calendar
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

February
21st – Mon., 8 p.m. – National JWVA Prexy, speaker at Meeting – War Memorial Bldg.

March
1st –Tues—Council of Jewish Women Luncheon – Fashion Show – Mission C.C.

5th—Sat, 7:30 p.m. – Pioneer Purim Ball – Beth Jacob Center.

6th—Sun, 7:30 p.m. – Jewish Artists – Jewish Labor Committee- Beth Jacob Center/

13th – Sun., 5:30 p.m. – Daughters of Israel Purim Dinner and Package Party – Tifereth Center.

27th – Sun, 6 p.m. – Annual Dance of Bay City B.B. Women – Mission C.C.

*
City of Hope Needs Your Discards
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 18, 1955, Page 2

Why don’t you rummage around through your drawers and throw those old things away that you have been saving and hoping to use perhaps on a rainy day.

“’Cause we got it right from the weather man’s mouth “it ain’t gonna rain no more!” .. and you’ll have more room for those other new things that you’re planning to buy at the store

We’ll pick up anything that others will buy … from Aardvarks to Syzzles –it’s true’  Just give us a buzz and we’ll be delighted to send someone to call upon you!

Phone Jeanne, CY-502566 or Sally, CO-4-0972.

*

“Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history.  To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.