Compiled by San Diego Jewish World Staff
JCRC Offers Explanation of Bible Controversy
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 1
Harry Wax, Chairman of the Jewish Community Relations Council, yesterday explained the position of the Council with reference to the distribution of the Bible in the public schools by the Gideon Society, which was declared illegal in an opinion rendered by District Attorney Don Keller.
Section No. 8237 of the California Education Code reads as follows: “No publication of any sectarian, partisan or denominational character shall be used, or distributed, in any school, or be made a part of any school library, nor shall any sectarian or denominational doctrine be taught in any school.” (Penalties are prescribed to follow this section.)
In his statement Wax explained that in December the Community Relations Council had called to the attention of the Board of Education a New Jersey Supreme Court decision holding the distribution of the Bible in the public schools as illegal and unconstitutional. This decision was refused review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
In its letter, the Council asked that it be notified of any board meetings at which the question of the distribution of the Bible through the public schools would be discussed.
Following this letter the Gideons of San Diego requested a meeting with the committee of the Community Relations Council. Mr. Victor Schulman, Mr. Elliott Cushman and Albert Hutler met with a committee of the Gideon Society. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the Council was not objecting to distribution of the Bible nor was this a religious question. The objection was purely legal on the grounds that the California State Education Code and the Constitution of the United States forbid the distribution of religious material through the public schools. Council’s Committee suggested that the Gideons use the list of graduating seniors and mail Bibles to all of the graduates or that announcements be made in schools that Bibles could be secured at some point off the school ground.
At the request of the Board of Education, Mr. Albert Hutler and Mr. Milton Fredman appeared at a meeting of the Board, as representatives of the Jewish Community Relations Council and the southwest region of the anti-Defamation League.
In their statement at this meeting based purely on the legal aspect, Mr. Hutler and Mr. Fredman objected “to the distribution of the Bible on school premises because of its violation of the Education Code; the ruling of the New Jersey Supreme Court; and because of two local district attorneys’ opinions. They also stated there was no objection to Bibles being distributed off the school grounds.”
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Fund Campaign Success Depends on ‘400’
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Pages 1, 7
The United Jewish Fund shot past the $150,000 mark this week in contributions from over 1,600 individuals, according to an announcement by Campaign Chairman Max Rabinowitz.
The campaign, according to Rabinowitz, received a boost from the second one-day residential drive on Sunday, May 22, which did an excellent “cleanup” under the direction of Bernard Arenson and Mrs. Harry Wax. Again members of the Labor Zionist Organization and the Jewish Labor Committee led the way in the number of workers furnished. Mrs. Louis Steinman, Mrs. Robert Gordon and Mrs. Maxwell Kaufman of the Jolly Sixteen, prepared the breakfast snack.
“”Though we are running 9 percent ahead of last year on the basis of comparing all cards, all workers must intensify their effort to clean up their cards with all of the speed possible. There are still well over 400 families who contributed in 1954 from which no pledge has been received in 1955. These are the people on whose shoulders rest the responsibility of a success or a failure in the 1955 drive.”
Outstanding in the 1955 campaign, according to Chairman Rabinowitz, is the response of the Women’s Division under the leadership of Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Chairman, Mrs. Milton Roberts, Mrs. William Carter, Mrs. Bernard Arenson, Co-Chairmen. Women of the San Diego Jewish community have raised over $31,000 toward their $35,000 goal. The job being done in this division is testified to by the fact that in the entire year of 1954 $33,500 was raised by the Women’s Division.
The Christian Division, led by Anderson Borthwick, recorded $8,662 at this time as against $9,038 in 1954.
Rabinowitz stated that all Jewish families who have not as yet contributed to the United Jewish Fund would continue to be called upon and be asked to contribute both in person and in the mail. It is hoped that the response will be immediate so that the campaign may be closed as early as possible.
Contributions may be sent to the office of the United Jewish Fund, 333 Plaza, San Diego 1, California.
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Joint B’nai B’rith Card Party To Be Held June 4th
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 1
Saturday night, June 4th at Temple Center, all four B’nai B’rith Chapters and Lodges will hold a card party to help raise funds to help this Summer’s district convention progress. The affair will begin at 8 p.m. and there will be games that will appeal to all. Refreshments will be served. The entire Jewish community is urged to attend. A grand prize of an electric waxer will be given away to purchasers of tickets now being distributed by most BB members. The winner need not be present. There will also be several door prizes given away to those attending. Do plan on coming … you will have a wonderful time.
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Hadassah Dinner-Dance Set
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Pages , 71
The San Diego Chapter of Hadassah has much to celebrate at their Donor Dinner Dance to be held on Wednesday evening, June 1st, in the El Cortez Ballroom. Not only have they fulfilled all their quotas which are in excess of $10,000 but they have made final payments on the “San Diego Youth Aliyah House” in Israel, a permanent structure housing thirteen children. For leadership and devotion, Mrs. Harry Felson was unanimously re-elected as President of the Chapter.
Past Presidents will be on hand to greet guests for the “Shower of Stars” evening. The decoration chairmen and their capable committee will run the gamut of rainbow hues and have planned a surprise décor which promises to excel even the beautiful decorations of the past Hadassah events.
The purpose of this glamorous evening is primarily fund and frolics. After dinner an impressive “Festival of Lights” has been planned for the installation of incoming officers and the coveted honor of “Woman of the Year” will be given.
Mr. Alex Berner, Exec Dir. Of the American Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, will install the new officers.
The culmination of the evening’s festivities will be the disclosure of the recipient of Hadassah’s gift of a trip to Hawaii.
Assisting Co-Chairmen Mrs. Leonard Zlotoff and Mrs. Elmer Wohl are Mesdames John Ruskin, Ray Lieberman, David Block, David Miller, Edward Kitaen, Herbert Reder, Hy Kitaen, Wm. Podoloff, Charles Marks, Robert Strauss, Rudolph Hess, Gabriel Berg, Ray Smith, Lewis Solomon, Harold Elden, Leon Solomon, Norman Gelman, Al Slayen and Alfred Solomon.
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Camp Jaycee Outlines Activities Starting June 27
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 1
Registration for the 1955 season of Camp Jacyee, the summer Day-Camp sponsored by the San Diego Jewish Community Center, is more than double the number received at this time last year, it was announced by Leonard Zlotoff, Chairman of the Center Program Committee. The 8 week camping period will begin Monday, June 27 ad run through Friday, August 19.
With over 75 registrations already made, the 1955 Camp Jaycee season is expected to be one of the most successful in number of youngsters served and in program and staff. Led by David Anfanger, city school teacher, as Head Counselor.
Registration will be limited to a maximum of 7 children per Counselor. In order to insure that the children will be placed in age groups for which they are suited a Senior and Junior Camp will again be established with the Senior Camp directed by (Sonny) Demberg for boys and girls from 8 to 12. The Junior Camp will have all campers under 8 years of age.
Each camper’s program will be for that special age group. As in previous years camp activities will center around a central point with park and community facilities being used for special activities and trips.
Campers will bring their own lunch four days a week but will receive milk and desserts, according to present plans. One day a week will be cook out day in which campers will cook their own lunch over an open fire.
Bus routes for pick-up and delivery service are now being planned and as soon as possible will be announced to all parents. Anfanger announced that a program especially geared for the teen age youngster is planned by the camping staff under direction of Morry Frankston. Besides all other camping activities it is planned to have some extensive trips for the teen-agers.
Registration is continuing and parents are urged to register their children prior to June 10 in view of the limited number of children who will be accepted into camp. Children may be accepted o the basis of early application.
A meeting of all parents of children attending camp is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21. A two-day Counselors Institute is to be held on June 22 and 23.
For a summer of fun enroll your youngster immediately in Camp Jaycee. Don’t wait – it may be too late.
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Good Time Promised At Jolly 16 Dance
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 1
Circle the date June 5th … wrap up the ingredients of a “good time” and open at Caspers Ranch Club. The Jolly Club will do the rest … soft drinks, hard drinks, sandwich snacks, a band famous for their pep and rhythm and good company. Tickets are available from all members or at the door at $1.10 including tax. An opportunity for oldtimers to bring newcomers to meet their friends. Suggestion…precocktain and inner parties are already being arranged as a prelude to the evening of fun and dancing. Co-chairmen for the dance are Mrs. Ronald Gordon and Mrs. Abe Bard.
At a recent meeting of the Jolly 16 a Campership was donated to the scholarship fund of the Jewish Center Day Camp Program.
The new officers for the coming year will be Mrs. Carl Esenoff, President; Mrs. Maxwell Kaufman, Vice Pres., Mrs. Arthur Glickman, Treas.; Mrs. Harry Klaskin, Rec. Sec.; Mrs Paul Nestor, Corr. Sec. and Mrs. Robert Gordon, Social Sec. President, Mrs. Louis Steinman, will turn over the gavel at the next scheduled meeting.
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Hebrew University Forms S.D. Chapter
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 1
The San Diego Chapter of the Friends of the Hebrew University was formed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Colt on Tuesday, May 24th.
Speaker for the evening was Alex Berner, Executive Director of the American Friends for the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
He told a large group who attended of the thirty years struggle of the University and how, in spite of the fact that its original buildings were claimed by war, the school has carried on and grown. Through the research of its scientists land that was once considered wasteland is producing essential material for every type of commodity. Their libraries, through bequests, are becoming the finest in the world and their schools of learning are attracting students from all over the world.
Officers elected at Tuesday’s meeting were President, William Colt; Vice Pres., Dr. David Miller; Vice Pres., Ida Nasatir; Treas., Mrs. Walter Ornstein; Sec., Mrs. J. Aronoff; Board of Directors, Honorary, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn and Rabbi Baruch Stern; Harvey Berger, Mrs. Lou Moorsteen, Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Mrs. Morton Thaler, Mrs. Alex Weiss and Mrs. Jack Binderman Jr.
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Wedding Announced
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Goldstein announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Lenora Sandra, to Jerome H. Roth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Roth.
The wedding has been set for August 14th, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
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Betrothal Told
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Mr. and Mrs. Philip Mollick of 4629 Esther St., San Diego, announce the engagement of their daughter, Phyllis, to Gerald Schissell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schissell, former San Diegans, now residing in Bakersfield.
Both young people are graduates of Hebert Hoover High School. Miss Mollick is studying at San Diego State College where she is active in speech activities. She has worked for the Jewish community as a Sunday School teacher and a Camp Jaycee counselor. Mr. Schissell will receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, in June, from University of California at Los Angeles, where he is a member of Pi Lamda Phi fraternity. He is a past president of the local A.Z.A. chapter. The wedding will take place on August 28th in Beth Jacob Synagogue.
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Confirmants Honored
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
The 1955 Confirmation Class of Temple Beth Israel were kept busy with pre-confirmation parties given by the parents of various members of the class.
Mr. and Mrs. H. Mendell held a luncheon honoring the class on May 22nd. Following lunch the teenagers went to the Spreckles Theatre where they enjoyed a theatre party as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Strauss.
Saturday night, May 28th, the class will attend a coke-tail party given by Mr. and Mrs. Sam Cohen. They will then hold a dinner dance at the U.S. Marine Recruit Depot hostessed by the parents of the Confirmation Class.
Consecration services for the confirmants was held on May 26th and the Confirmation will be held this evening, May 27th.
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Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Dr. and Mrs. Harold S. Rothblatt of El Cajon, recent newcomers to San Diego, will celebrate their second wedding anniversary on June 7th.
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David Zwanziger, of Pt. Loma, left for New York on May 25th on his first trip back East since coming to California in 1951. The occasion—to attend the graduation from Columbia University of his son, Daniel, a Ford Foundation scholar. They will return to San Diego together and Daniel will spend the summer with his parents and sister, Eve.
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Mr. and Mrs. Irving Schneider spent a week at Murietta Hot Springs, popular health resort. While there they took trips to Lake Elsinore and Los Angeles.
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Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schwartz will have a family dinner on May 27th, at the El Cortez, preceding the Confirmation of their son, Ronald. Out of town guests will be grandfather Michael Schwartz; Dr. and Mrs. S.M. Schwartz; Dr. A.E. Schwartz; Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Ravitch; Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Ravitch; Mr. and Mrs. George Cohen, all of Los Angeles.
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A dinner party was given Bob and Rose Gordon by the Jolly 16 in honor of their Silver Anniversary at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Steinman.
Rose felt her 25 years with Bob was so lucky that she decided to place a $2.00 bet on 2 and 5 for the daily double at Caliente on Derby Day. Her friends “in the know” advised against such foolishness and no one played her hunch. You know the answer… She won $71.00. Encouraged, she repeated the procedure at Jai Alai, winning $38.00. Who said lucky in love, etc., etc?
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You can now check your bridge moves while checking your gas … bridge expert Leo Zwiebel has taken over the operation of the Douglas Self-Service Gasoline Station on the Northeast corner of 10th and Market Sts.
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David and Rose Fischbein sent regards through the Jewish Press to their San Diego friends from the S..S. Lurline, heading for Honolulu.
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Council of Jewish Women Go All Out For Thrift Shop
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Mrs. David Sapp has been appointed Chairman of the Council Thrift Shop for the coming year by Mrs. Jack Stern, newly elected President of the Council of Jewish Women.
The Thrift Shop, 2205 Logan Ave., is the sole fund raising project of the Council and provides the members with the opportunity of serving the community. Through the operation of Thrift Shop, Council does not need to tax its membership or solicit the community at large with a variety of constant fund raising activities. The merchandise for sale is both new and discarded articles of clothing, household goods, bric-a-brac, books, etc.
Mrs. Sapp has appointed as her new captains Mesdames Hugh Wolff, Publicity; Fritz Lavender, Telephone; Leo Dietrich, Pickup; Lester Himmel, Leo Dietrich, Ted Mintz; Milton Kifferstein and Stanley Foster for securing volunteer workers; Richard Levi, Finance, and Richard Marsh for acknowledgement of merchandise received from non-Council members.
A dessert luncheon will be held at the home of Mrs. Paul Belkin, Vice Pres., in charge of Thrift Shop, on Tuesday, May 31st at 12:30 p.m., 4823 Baylor Dr., for Council members who will be in charge of picking up merchandise from each geographical division of Council membership.
Council Thrift Shop is operated on a year-round basis under the capable management of Mr. and Mrs. Tolentina, new Americans. Merchandise is needed at all times to operate. For pick-up telephone Mrs. Leo Dietrich, JU 2-3640.
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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Broad shouldered, 8 lbs, 3 oz., Martin R. Mann, arrived just in time to help his parents, Lois and Carl, move to their new home at 5348 Redding St.
Martin was born at the Scripps Hospital on Wednesday, May 11. Little sister, Melinda Lou, aged two and one half years, is more overjoyed than anyone over the new arrival
Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Wieder, Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Umansky, all of San Diego.
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Sidney Winicki Bar Mitzvah
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
On Saturay morning g, June 4th, at 9:30 a.m., Sidney Abe Winicki, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Winicki, will be Bar Mitzvah at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Friends are invited to participate in the Kiddush and Reception following the service.
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Bar Mitzvah
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
On May 20th at Temple Beth Israel, Harold Sims, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Morris Sims, was Bar Mitzvah. A reception followed the service.
On Sunday, May 22nd , the Sims held a garden party and open house in honor of the occasion.
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Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
For Sale — $500, Wedding gown and veil, 5-foot train, Italian imported satin with seed pearls. Sacrifice at $85.00. Call CY-6-9278, Mrs. Lang.
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Calendar
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
June
1st-Wed eve-Hadassah Donor Dance – El Cortez Hotel.
4th-Sat, 8 p.m. – B’nai B’rith Card Party – Temple Center.
5th – Sun, 10 a.m. – Combined Religious Schools Picnic – Balboa Park
5th—Sun, 8 p.m. – Jolly 16 Country Dance – Caspers Ranch.
5th —Sun, 6 p.m. – Pioneer Women’s Donor Dinner and Installation-Manor Hotel
11th—Sat, 8 p.m. – Labor Zionist “Shekal Day” Meeting –Tifereth Israel Center
14th—Tues, noon—Tifereth Israel Sisterhood Fashion Show and Installation Luncheon – Mission Valley Country Club.
28th—Tues, brunch – Beth Jacob Sisterhood Installation – Mission Valley Country Club.
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All Faith Chapel To Be Dedicated
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
SAN DIEGO – Solar Aircraft Company’s All Faith Chapel, a unique spiritual project in American industry, will be dedicated at ceremonies attended by representatives of various religious faiths on Saturday, May 28, at 2:30 p.m. Rabbi Morton Cohn will participate in the ceremonies. The chapel is located on the west side of the Solar San Diego plant area, on Harbor Drive between Hawthorn and Laurel Streets and a special entrance for the ceremonies will be in that area.
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J.C.C. Women’s League
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
Thelma Selten was appointed Chairman of the Booth to be erected at the Community Fair to be held on June 4th at the New Park site at 54th and University Ave. This will be the only booth sponsored by a Jewish organization and will be run by the women of the League and teenagers. The fair will go on from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
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Council Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
The National Council of Jewish Women held a Coffee Hour meeting of the old and new “Story Ladies” on Thursday, May 26th, at the Mission Valley Country Club.
The “Story Ladies” are a group of volunteers, all Council members, who visit the County Hospital periodically to entertain and read to the children in the Pediatrics Ward. Mrs. Martin Ernest is chairman of the group. Speakers were Mrs. Miller, head of Social Services, and Mrs. Lowe, Supt. of Pediatrics Ward at the hospital.
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Jr. Charity League
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
The Junior Charity League met at the home of Gertrude Harris with Sophie Stone as co-hostess. Officers were elected for the coming year, as follows: June Sosna, Pres.; Frances Moss, Vice-Pres.; Esther Moorsteen, Sec. and Publicity; Estelle Rottman, Treas.; Frieda Nestor, Social Sec.
Contributios were voted to be sent to a number of philanthropic agencies. Over $100, collected from members by Esther Moorsteen, was given to UNICEF (the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund).
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(Wives)
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 27-June 9, 1955, Page 2
A wife is a woman who sticks with her husband through all the trouble he wouldn’t have had if he hadn’t married her.
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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.