Mormons and Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
The 125th anniversary of the Mormon Church in America must stir in many Americans of all faiths renewed admiration for the profound sense of religious and civic dedication which has characterized the founders and disciples of the Mormon Church. For American Jews, and especially Zionists, this occasion has added significance. It presents an opportunity to recall with deep appreciation and gratitude the encouragement given by the Mormon Church from its inception to the ideal of Zion’ restoration.
Since 1830, the Mormon Church in the U.S. has included among its article of faith the belief in the literal restoration of Israel to the Holy Land, though, to be sure, it regarded this as a necessary prelude to the second coming of Christ . Indeed, the commitment of this article of faith is so strong as to lead Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, to regard the restoration of Israel as imminent. He exhorted his disciple, Orson Hyde, to undertake a trip to Jerusalem to facilitate the consummation of this event.
In 1840, a conference of the Mormon Church authorized Hyde to proceed to Jerusalem and while en route, to consult with Christian and Jewish leaders, here and abroad, about this ideal. Bearing letters of recommendation from distinguished Americans, among them the U.S. Secretary of State and the Governor of Illinois, he zealously pursued conversations with a wide variety of people throughout the world. He spoke with fervor and displayed a serene confidence in the inevitable realization of this vision of Zion’s restoration. In Jerusalem he told a missionary: “It was by political power and influence that the Jewish nation was broken down and her subjects dispersed abroad; and I will hazard the opinion that by political power and influence, they will be gathered and built up.” With remarkable foresight, he predicted tht England was destined for a leading role in the realization of this aim.
Orson Hyde devoutly prayed for the attainment of this ideal. With touching piety this American Mormon erected an altar of stones in Jerusalem, in the manner of the ancient patriarchs, and prayed for the return of the Jewish dispersion to the land of their faith, the restoration of the kingdom of Israel, and the establishment of Jerusalem as its capital.
A little more than a century after Orson Hyde uttered this prayer the biblical prophecy of the establishment of the State of Israel came to fulfillment. The Jewish people will remain profoundly grateful for the great part played by the American Government and people in this moving chapter of Jewish history, and particularly to the Mormon Church for its unflagging faith and efforts in behalf of the cause of Israel.
On the 125th anniversary of the Mormon Church, American Jews are proud to join Americans of all faiths in wishing the Mormon Church continued progress and growth – Reprinted from the Congress Weekly.
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“Round and Round We Go”
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
History seems to teach us nothing form past events, for this year the U.S. again began to arm the Germans and give them their independence. What make American feel that the Germans can be trusted now? The French do not, and the English are helpless. They know that Hitler youth of yesterday are the men of Germany today. Are we arming Germany as an ally against the Russians? Such an ally—if we have learned anything from two world wars – is never to be trusted.
The Germans are now being wooed by us! How ridiculous can we get? Is that the only way we can fight Communism?
We are even arming the Japanese, whose cruelty and cunning were drummed into us by radio, television and news stories. May of our soldiers still walk around with the marks of Japanese torture on their minds and bodies. Have we forgotten so quickly? Are they our friends now? Imagine what this turnabout does to our subconscious – ten years ago we were taught to hate and kill. Now we must forgive and forget—Why? Yesterday’s villains are today’s heroes, today’s heroes are tomorrow’s enemies… Round and round we go…Is there no way off the merry-go-round?
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Your Assemblyman Reports
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
By Sheridan Hegland
Member, California Legislature
For what it’ worth I’d like to write an “Emily Post for Voters.” Here are a few suggestions.
1. When you write, be sure to give your home address. A letter to a public official from a voter in his district is worth a dozen letters from voters outside his district.
2 Use your own words. Nothing is more irritating than to get a hundred postcards or telegrams or letters the same day saying the same thing.
3. Try to tell why you want your representative to vote a certain way. When you’re writing your city councilman or your congressman, he wants to know “why” and not just “what.” After all, he might be a reasonable person.
4. Try to find out how he did vote. If he voted the way you wanted him to, you might drop a line saying “Thank you.” This lets him know you’re watching him. Besides honey can be more effective than vinegar.
(Personally I’ve received literally hundreds of telegrams, postcards, letters, etc., asking for a vote
“Yes” or “No. Not once have I received a letter saying, “Sorry you didn’t vote the way I wanted you to. I hope next time you will.
(As the most I’ve received a dozen or so letters saying, “Glad you voted the way you did.”)
5. Try to treat your school board official or your U.S. Senator like he was a human being. After all you might be elected someday yourself.
6. Remember there are amendments. Suppose you are violently opposed, let’s say, to AB 6984. By the time this bill gets on the floor it might have been changed entirely. Maybe you’d be for the bill now, if you knew.
7. But the most important advice of all is: Write! Keep on writing. Your elected officials want to represent you. But don’t expect them to agree with you 100 percent. Not even your wife does…
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Lasker Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
By Lou Levitt
The date of the Big Card Party originally planned for Sunday, May 29th, has been changed to Saturday, June 4th, so that the Memorial weekend will not be interfered with. The card party will be a coordinated
B’nai B’rith affair with any monies made being used to further the forthcoming B’nai B’rith convention progress.
The lodge had one of the most successful Father and Child’s nights in recent years. A large crowd attended and a great time was had by all. Danny Bramer was superb with his fine entertainment groupo and all the kids there had a wonderful time.
At the next regular meeting, May 23rd, Dr. Milton Millman will present the Freedom Scroll funds to Admiral Pownall, Chief of the Crusade for Freedom in the San Diego area. Bay City Chapter, who also played an important part in this successful campaign will also be represented. Members are earnestly urged to attend this affair, as it is one that B’nai B’rith can well be proud of.
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“The Women” Opens At Strand Playhouse
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
Opening a three weeks’ run of the production “The Women,” The Coronado Players will be seen on a Wednesday through Saturday schedule at the Strand Playhouse.
None of the hilarious feline dialogue, which characterizes the play, will be deleted by Director Martin. The principals will be allowed to sharpen their claws as well. Using twelve scenes and eight sets, “The Women” will please most men in the amusing play on the “weaker” sex.
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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
“See your dentist twice a year. An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Take Alka Seltzer for upset stomach. Have plenty of light to conserve your sight. Brush your teeth after each meal. You owe it to your family to have health and accident insurance.”
These are but some of the many admonition which we hear daily. Their purpose is to ask each of us this questions, “How’s Your Health?” Because of the constant dinning of these suggestions, it is difficult for us to overlook the importance of health care. On the other hand, perhaps we become too familiar with specific health problems but overlook general factors. It is only within recent years that early cancer signs, Polio considerations and Tuberculosis examinations have gained the attention they deserve, and only because of concerted educational programs.
As yet, we are not fully aware of the need for the conservation of health. We are told of the need for proper rest, for a balanced diet, and for exercise in steady but rationed doses. Too often, however, we forget these suggestions as though we say to ourselves, “That’s all right for the next fellow, but I don’t need it.”
Added to the consideration of physical health, we now must add Mental Health. Mental Health is our number one health problem because of the great many persons affected. Fifty-two percent of all hospital beds are occupied by mental patients. One in twenty persons will someday be confined to a mental hospital and one in ten will need some help with a mental problem. These are staggering figures and show how important it is to take heed of our mental as well as our physical condition.
With both physical and mental health the factor of prevention is of prime importance. We must lead well-rounded balanced lives, getting the proper rest, exercise and nourishment in order that we can stand the threats to our physical and mental health. We cannot divorce one health condition from the other, for mental health and physical condition go together, each affecting the other.
One need not have a constant preoccupation with health factors but one should insure good health only through satisfactory measures of prevention and care. It is far easier to treat a health condition that is in its early stages than after it has progressed.
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More About Three Hundred Years In America: Jewish Contributions to American History
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 5
By Dr. Philip L. Seman, University of Judaism
We must be grateful as your columnist has so often said in this series to Morris O. Schappes for his very careful documentation to his History of the Jews in the United States and for his bring to us data and valuable notes from 1654 to 1875 which latter year winds up his study particularly with reference to Roumanian Jews and their trials and tribulations and which was again responsible for the Industrial Removal office to take on additional burdens in 1902 which culminated in the Roumanian atrocities to the extent that thousands of Jews effected came to the United States. In the United States Proceedings, June 3, 1870, we learned that American newspapers published a cable announcing the cold blooded massacre of thousands of Jewish men, women and children in Roumania. The original source of this information was the Paris office of the Alliance Israelite Universalle. We learned further that among those who attempted with only superficial success to aid the Jews was the then American Consul at Bucharest – Benjamin Franklin Peixotto.
Following the progress reported, Peixotto had been appointed as Consul which the government wanted him to execute in the form of a special mission to ameliorating the condition of the Jews in Roumania. A fact not too well known is that our Government did not remunerate Peixotto but he was sustained and financed for his work by wealthy American Jews and among them was Jesse Seligman, the New York banker, who helped provide the funds for the Peixotto mission and who publicly declared that he was glad to aid such an emissary who unfortunately saw only one way out, namely emigration, as a solution which began on a large scale not until the year 1902.
The Industrial Removal Office was then responsible for many Roumanian Jews in the middle West as well as on the Pacific Coast. Many of these who were settled made a fine adjustment and became in time some of the leaders in the areas where they found a home. The writer knows many of these persons and it is of interest that these persons recognize the service rendered them by the Industrial Removal Office and are grateful to it. Incidentally, Peixotto organized in 1892 the B’nai B’rith Lodge No. 42 in Los Angeles, and it was named after him. Peixotto was a New York lawyer, diplomat and communal leader. When Grant became president in 1869, the malevolent oppression of Jews in Roumania referred to in this chapter was the nightmare of their co-religionists the world over. Simon Wolf, whose friendship with President Grant was a matter of record, pursued the President to call a special Cabinet Meeting to consider the news of the expulsion of Jews from Russian Bessarabia. President Grant then appointed Benjamin Franklin Peixotto to the important though unremunerated position of U.S. Consul to Roumania. In 1863 Peixotto took a major step in the direction of affiliating with his religionists. He joined the B’nai B’rith and became the President of the Supreme Lodge of the Fraternal Organization, the “Sons of the Covenant,” or as B’nai B’rith was then known.
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Hadassah Will Open Heavens For “Shower of Stars” Dinner Dance
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 6
The “Heavens” will prevail on Wednesday evening, June 1st, according to Mrs. Harry Felson, President of Hadassah. On that evening the Chapter will present their premier Donor Dinner Dance, “A Shower of Stars” in the new ballroom of the El Cortez Hotel.
Donor time is the climax of the Hadasah year when the new slate of officers are installed and various honors are highlighted, among them the “Women of the Year” award. Dinner Chairman, Mrs. Leonard Zlotoff and their co-chairman, Mrs. Elmer Wohl, are pleased to announce that they have made spectacular plans for a dinner-dance where the husbands can also enjoy the reaping of a Hadassah harvest year. Outstanding decorations are being planned by MRs. George Wixen and her co-chairman, Mrs. Alfred Bobrof.
Mrs. Morton Thaler, Program Chairman, is planning an entertainment packed evening which among other surprises will include the appearance of a Hollywood personality. The memorable evening will include dancing to a popular local orchestra.
The proceeds of the Donor Dinner-Dance will enable Hadassah to continue her progress in the fields of medicine, educational and vocational aid to the people of Israel.
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Couples Club To Elect Officers
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 6
At the regular monthly meeting of the Couples Club the Nominating Committee presented the following slate of officers for the 1955-56 Club Year:
Pres., Mr. and Mrs. Irving Yates; V.P. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Epstein; Corr. Sec., Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Garber; Rec. Sec., Mr. and MRs. Abe Sandler; Treas., Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Kress; Directors, Messrs and Mesdames Sanford Alters, Jules Raddings and Robert Grossmans.
On Saturday, May 21st, at 8:00 p.m. in the Tifereth Israel Center the election of officers will be held. Members are urged not to miss this important meeting., It will be followed by “Members Choice Games Night,” Mahjong, Scrabbles, Poke, etc., and refreshments. The community is cordially invited to attend.
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La Jolla Play House Tells of Plans
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 6
La Jolla Playhouse announces that it will begin its ninth season of professional theatre entertainment in the La Jolla High School Auditorium Tuesday night, June 28th.
Producers Dorothy McGuire, Gregory Peck and Mel Ferrer state that in accordance with the successful policy initiated last summer they will present five plays, each running two weeks, and the last closing Sunday night, September 4.
Season tickets will be placed on sale at a ten percent discount May 15th, by mail order only. Information and ticket application blanks may be obtained by writing La Jolla Playhouse, Box 112, La Jolla, California.
Tickets to the first play of the summer, to be announced, will go on sale June 18th at which time the San Diego and La Jolla box offices will open.
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Bay City B.B
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 6
Swinging into high with activities for the new year, Mrs. Rose Schwartz, Program Chairman, announces that a most unusual program has been planned for the May 23rd meeting of the San Diego Bay City B’nai B’rith.
MRs. Rose Felsman, President, urges all members and friends to attend.
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The “Eyes” Have It
Southwestern Jewish Press, May 13, 1955, Page 6
SAN DIEGO, May 9 –The mystery eyes over which 5,000 San Diegans attempted to identify on the 17-hour Multiple Sclerosis Telethon which took place April 23 and 24th, have been identified as belonging to actor J. Corrol Naish, it was announced today by Mrs. Don A. Vincent, Telethon chairman.
The clues given on the show were … he walks-he talks … Bird Song – Ride. “Bird” referred to “Jay” or “J” -0- Song mean “Carol,” or “Carrol,” and “Ride referred to “Nash” or “Naish.”
Winner of the first prize a 13.5 cu. Ft Norge refrigerator was Roy L. Upshaw, 4649 32nd St., San Diego. Second prize, a 21” Motorola TV set was won by Mrs. Lillian Pratt, 222 6th Street, Ramona, California.
Don S. Stone, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the local MS Chapter, urged the people of San Diego city and county to support the fight against crippling M.S., as it has become a serious community health problem.
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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.