Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 4
By Irving R. Stone
More Travel Observations
It took but a few minutes after leaving the Tokyo Airport to give further evidence that this was to be a broadening and enlightening experience for me. The driver of the car which took me to the Navy airbase about 30 miles from Tokyo, and which was formerly a leading Kamakazie airport, drove in typical Japanese motorist fashion; to drive as fast as you can, to come as close to pedestrians and bicycle riders (of which there are endless numbers) without putting on the brakes, and to keep the horn sounding almost constantly. Driving is on the left side of the road but that does not mean tht the rule is followed religiously. One passes another vehicle even though another is approaching in just as much of a hurry.
One constantly sees crowded, untidy looking homes and shops which serve as silent proof that there are far too many people for the small space and the poverty of the country leaves little opportunity for most of the inhabitants to have the pleasant-looking homes, with delightful gardens that one seeks when considering Japan. The average Japanese is far too poor for such luxuries as garden spots and well-spaced dwellings.
The one remaining indication of the war are the many caves which were dug in the sides of the hills, or, if one knows where to look, hidden underground caves and tunnels. Tokyo, itself, and the surrounding area show no other signs of bombings.
Japan can well be proud of its railroad system as it is possibly the best in the world. Almost entirely electrified, the trains run on a very rigid schedule and are never late. True, one could set his watch by them. Even though they run very frequently, they are usually crowded for the Japanese always seem to be going somewhere. In the local, interurban trains the conductor is in the last car and as the train starts to move, after every stop, tells about the next stop and because of the length of his discourse and my lack of knowledge of the language might recite the weather reports, time of day, and the latest news. The same condition exists at each stop over the public address system.
On my first Saturday night in Japan, I attended a concert by the Tokyo Symphony orchestra, held outdoors in an amphitheatre that resembles the Ford Bowl {in San Diego}. Concerts all start at 6:30 p.m. and are over two hours later. Even more interesting was that it cost but 80 Yen, or about 25 cents. The place was filled to overflowing with spectators sitting and standing in the aisles. The audience consisted almost entirely of teen agers – a far cry from our American audiences. The program was standard and universal, consisting of selections by Weber, Verdi, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Grieg, Strauss and Schubert.
Prices are no longer at the low level of former years. Hotel rooms and meals are almost on a par with those in America and many articles, especially those in which the commodity is scarce, are fairly costly. Photographic equipment, toys and woven articles, however, are quite reasonable.
In the next issue I should like to give my impressions of the people of Japan.
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Deceased
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 4
Blanche Davis, 58 years of age, passed away in a San Diego hospital August 6. She resided at 4356 Pomona in La Mesa and had lived in La Mesa 12 years.
Mrs. Davis is survived by her husband, William Davis of La Mesa, three sisters in Illinois, a brother in Wisconsin and a brother in Ohio.
Her remains were forwarded by the Lewis Colonial Mortuary to Chicago, Illinois for services and interment.
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Mollie Brody, 62 years of age, passed away in a local hospital August 6. She resided at 5250 Canterbury Rd. and had lived in San Diego since 1915.
Mrs. Brody is survived by her husband, Max Brody of San Diego, two daughters, Mrs. Max Press and Mrs. Phillip R. Gerson both of San Diego, a sister, Mrs. Edith Naiman of San Diego, and a brother, Sam Tepper of San Diego, also six brothers, all of Denver, Colorado. Also 4 grandchildren.
She was a member of Tifereth Israel – a Past Matron of the Eastern Star of Coronado—active member of Counsel (sic) of Jewish Women – Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood—Tifereth Israel Sisterhood. Her favorite charities were Hadassah and the Home for the Aged.
Funeral services were held at the Lewis Colonial Mortuary on Monday, August 8. Rabbi Morton Cohn and Cantor Joseph Cysner officiated. Interment was in Greenwood Mausoleum (Sholom).
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Moritz Lichtenstein, 69 years of age, passed away August 1 at a local hospital. He resided at 3676 Polk Avenue and had lived in San Diego for 16 years. He was the owner of a shoe repair shop at 34th and University Avenue.
Mr. Lichtenstein is survived by his wife, Anna Lichtenstein of San Diego and a sister, Mrs. Rae Zamok of Los Angeles.
Funeral services were held at the Lewis Colonial Mortuary, August 3 at 1:00 p.m. with Cantor Joseph Cysner officiating and burial in Home of Peace Cemetery.
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Lasker Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 4
Our first annual golf tournament day is coming near, and all those interested will please get in touch with Brother Ed Herman. It will be held on Monday, September 12, and the total cost is nl $5. Everyone is invited. You do not have to be a member of the lodge to join the tournament. Those who do not wish to play golf may attend the dinner at the Mission Valley Country Club in the evening. Another sorts item of importance is tht the bowling season is about to begin. The first games will be played on Sepotember 8th. All men who are desirous of joining the league will please get in touch with Bert Schloss at Juniper 2-2745. The final date for entering your name is August 25th.
At the next regular meeting of the Lodge, on August 22, there will be a lively panel discussion on the Jewish responsibility in Society. Plan to be there. Don’t forget to try to sell tickets to the Harvest Ball to be held in Los Angeles, when 2 cars will be given away.
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Bay City Chapter Plans Dinner Dance
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 4
A surprise presentation by Mrs. Seymour Buschbaum of Los Angeles, Past Grand President of District Grand Lodge No. 4, was a highlight of the recent membership luncheon held by the Bay City Chapter. For the second time, the Chapter was awarded a Membership Cup for the highest net gain of members during the fiscal year ending April, 1955. Having also signed up approximately 30 members at this last affair, the goal is to attain and retain members for a third cup at the next Convention in 1956.
The next meeting, Monday, September 12th at 8:00 p.m. at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue at 30th and Howard Streets, will feature an Oneg Shabbat with a program based on the forthcoming High Holy Days. Mrs. Max Felsman, president, announced that Mrs. Seema Caminer , assisted by Mrs. Sam Laevin, will be in charge.
Flash! Mrs. David Schloss has been appointed chairman of the Annual Dinner Dance to be held Saturday, November 12th, and which will again feature home made specialties by the superlative cooks of the Chapter.
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A Hospital Renamed (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
After more than fifty years of distinguished public service one of the country’s finest tuberculosis hospitals has changed its name. Henceforth it will be “The American Medical Center at Denver.” The change indicates a broadening of the field of service. After a year of pilot study the Denver hospital, operated by the Jewish Consumptive Relief Society, will devote a substantial part of its facilities to caring for patients who have cancer.
This change has been made possible by advances in the fight against tuberculosis. These advances involve not only the great gains in chemotherapy that have been publicized widely but also improvements in diagnosis, higher standards of nutrition and of living generally, and better out-patient techniques. The death rate from tuberculosis has dropped dramatically, but the incidence of the disease is still far too widespread to invite any complacency.
Nevertheless the Denver group feels that it can now turn some of its devoted skills into a field that still awaits more dramatic gains. Tuberculosis is no longer the medical Public Enemy Number One. In our society, now, the degenerative diseases have replaced the infective group as the major menace. What this organization is doing is to give scientific as well as humanitarian recognition to this change.
The Denver organization has for years served as a model for free hospitalization. It has kept itself above restrictions and discriminations. It has been progressive. It is now being farsighted.
This changeover is similar to the one made by the City of Hope Hospital at Duarte, California. These two institutions should be congratulated for their tireless service, their generosity and their imaginations.
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A Welcome Visit
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
From all reports, the short visit to San Diego of Avraham Biran, the Israeli Consul General in Los Angeles, was a gratifying one. Mr. Biran, who spoke at the State College World Affairs Institute and later met with community leaders at a luncheon, impressed us with his charm and frankness, as well as his knowledge of the Middle East.
A short, active young man with an infectious smile and alert eyes, Biran lucidly explained some of Israel’s major problems.
The water shortage was being met by the construction of the Yarkon pipeline, carrying water to the Negev area; the Jordan River Development, designed to supply Israel with precious sweet water, is in the planning stage.
He interpreted the political shifts, in the recent elections, from the center to the extreme left and right as the expression of dissatisfaction of the middle of the road policy. The conservative government had failed to live up to many of its campaign problems (sic, promises). Vital issues such as commerce with Eastern Europe, settlement with the Arabs and a military pact with the United States were listed as failures of the coalition government.
Biran was quite adamant in supporting Israel’s position regarding the thousands of Arab refugees who are encamped on the nation’s borders. In 1948 Israel promised to accept almost 50% of the Arab population if such a promise would help clear the way for independence. Having fled prior to the war, the Arabs now seek to re-enter, and the crowded little state cannot absorb them.
Avraham Biran is quite representative of the energetic spirit which we like to think characterizes the new Israeli and we hope he returns to San Diego again.
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Yo-Ma-Co Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
An outstanding program highlighted a recent meeting of Yo-Ma-Co with Mrs. Dennis Allen, president of the San Diego Inter-Racial Society as featured speaker. Miss Jean Wesson and J. H. Taylor, piano virtuosos, completed the program with very entertaining musical selections.
Milton Kossy has been appointed chairman of the Yom Kippur Dance Committee. Sidney Steckel and Max Cricksman are in charge of ticket sales which are now available at $1.50 a person.
Anyone having rummage to contgribute for the coming rummage sale is asked to contact Tully Kitaen, AT 1-4140.
The next meeting will be held August 24th—guests are always welcome.
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Phone Booklets Free For Asking
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
Fresh supplies of personal number booklets were received in the local telephone company business office this week as an aid in improving the incorrect dialing situation.
The booklets, which are available for the asking at the telephone business office, are particularly appropriate for frequently called numbers.
The booklets are alphabetically indexed. The larger size is designed for home or office use, and a smaller size can be carried in a wallet or purse.
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Local telephone operators at PBX switchboards are doing their share to beat the current incorrect dialing problem.
Statistics show residents in the San Diego metropolitan area still are making a higher percentage of dialing mistakes than any other community in the country.
Four specially trained telephone company service advisors make periodic visits to PBX boards to check the operators’ habits. They also stress the importance of letter-perfect dialing as part of an eight hour training course for new operators.
Some of the larger boards have two and three hundred private extensions. Upon request of the individual firm, the telephone company will present a dialing good usage program to large groups of employees.
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(Foreign cars)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
Danny Kaye says he saw a foreign car that was obviously made for export. The name on the radiator had an English subtitle.
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(Reason for Living)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
A man should live if only to satisfy his curiosity.
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Skycoach Agency Offers Air Service
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
Skycoach Air Travel Agency located at the Plaza in downtown San Diego in the Western Union Office offers the most complete coach service to any port of the United States.
Jack Berman, local manager of the agency, is a member of Tifereth Israel Synagogue and his wife is active in B’nai B’rith circles. They come from New York and have made quite a niche for themselves in the community during the past two years.
Skycoach represents several airlines, including North American, Pacific Southwest, California Central, and Transocean to Hawaii. Flying to every port of the United States, they have an enviable record of safety and economy. Jack invites you to drop in to see him the next time you plan to fly and let him advise you on your travel plans. Give him a call at BE-2-2591 and he will be “your TravelHost from Coast to Coast” and save you money.
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Cottage of Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
Cottage of Israel of the House of Pacific Relations extends a cordial invitation to all their affiliated members as well as friends to attend the Fifth Annual Open Meeting on Sunday afternoon, August 28, at 2:00 p.m. on the Cottage lawns in balboa Park.
The program will include Israeli folk songs sung by Maedelle Richlin and Cantor Jos. Cysner, Israeli folk dance by the Balboa Park Folk Dancers directed by Mrs. Vivian Woll and other features.
Following the program, balloting for the election of new officers will take place in the Cottage of Israel where refreshments also will be served. Additional nominations may be made by any members before the voting on August 28th by submitting such names to the nomination committee, Bess Borushek and Fred Yaruss. Any member in good standing is eligible for office and may be nominated for a write-in ballot.
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Jacob Novak Bar Mitzvah
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
The Bar Mitzvah Services of Jacob Mordecai Novak, son of Mr. and Mrs. Maury Novak, will be held on Saturday morning, August 27th, at 9:30 a.m. at Tifereth israel Synagogue.
Kiddush and luncheon will follow the services.
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With The Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 5
By Morrie Pomeranz
An employee of the Santa Fe Railway, in answer to a credit inquiry relative to his occupation, replied, “I’m a caulker.” “So,” countered George Burnett, “what do you do for a living?”
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Contacting a guest with the thought of his becoming a member of the Guardians requires tact and timing. Occasionally, the direct and forward approach is the most productive one. M. Larry Lawrence, a dinner guest at the ugust 4th meeting, seemingly enjoyed his prime ribs when veteran member Sammy Addleson eased up alongside and said: “Nice group here – food’s O.K—wanna join?—that’ll be six bucks.” And thus we welcome Larry Lawrence to the Guardians.
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A group of Guardians, jammed into a back booth at Vallin’s (seating by Lou Lipton) were amiably discussing the evils of crime – technical legal problems were disposed with ease—the need for more stringent parole controls—the phony switches that are employed—the gullible merchant, etc—when Jay Levine said: “I don’t want to mention this fellow’s name—some of you probably know him—so…” and Jay proceeded to enumerate some of the more recent accomplishments of this confidence man. When Jay completed his narration (excellently told in the style of Jack Webb), his audience of seven in unison mentioned the “con” operator’s name in one choral voice.
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Several well known Guardians are busily thumping the political drums in behalf of a local barrister for a judicial appointment to be announced soon by Governor Knight. It is not within our scope to evaluate jurisprudential qualifications, but in this particular instance, we feel certain that this man would be a definite asset (he combines judicious temperament with knowledge) to the fast growing bench of San Diego.
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A former Guardian who left San Diego several years ago to establish his niche most firmly in Las Vegas, is presently honeymooning in Europe. Before undertaking facial plastic surgery, this giant in the liquor business had on many occasions been mistaken for the late Louis Wolheim—but after successful surery his John Barrymore profile prevented any such erroneous identity. We all join in extending Mozzel Tov to bridegroom Hymie Friedmash.
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Now Hear This
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 6
By Nadene Feiler
Hey kids, remember the swim party last month? Good news! We’re having another one. It is going to be on August 21, Sunday afternoon, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Feller. The address is 529 Canterbury Dr. The party is being sponsored by the National council of Jewish Women, so be sure to call the USO-JWB office to sign up. That number is BE-9-3712. We meet at the Temple center at 12:15 sharp! Don’t forget your swimming suit and towel. See you all there Sunday!
Flash! Guess what girls? USO-JWB is throwing a party at the Oceanside Jewish Community Center on August 30 for our Junior Hostesses and some of those nice marines up there. It sounds like it is going to be a ball, so sign up real quick because there will be a limited number of girls going. Transportation will be provided both ways.
Farewell and good luck are in order for Ron Shelansky of Camden, New Jersey, and Bernie Silverberg of Tucson, Arizona. These boys are going back to Civilian Life. Lucky, lucky them!
We were very sorry to hear that Junior Hostess Reitha Stokes trip to the east was interrupted by her appendix. She got as far as Cleveland anyway. I’m sure she would like to hear from her friends at the USO, so the address is Doctor’s Hospital, 12345 Cedar Dr., Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Get wll soon, Reitha, USO just wouldn’t be the same without you.
Glad to hear Donna Godes is back from several weeks in Oklahoma. We will be looking forward to seeing here at our dances. Speaking of dances, let’s see if we can’t have a real crowd there next time. I’m counting on you.
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B’nai B’rith Council
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 6
The next meeting fo the B’nai B’rith Coordinating Council will be held Monday, August 29th, 8:00 o’clock p.m. at the home of Mrs. George (Jerri) Starr.
The agenda includes some extremely important items and all nit presidents are urged to notify their representatives so that a full attendance can be had. Due to the High Holy Days in September, there will be no meeting and Mrs. Harold (Reva) Garvin requests that all Veterans Chairmen also be present.
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(Hebrew Home)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 6
Application for admission to the new Hebrew Home for the Aged may be made through the Jewish Social Service Agency, 333 Plaza, BE-2-5172.
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Gay 90’s Party Planned by Birdie Stodel Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 6
Now is the time to “Get In the Swim” with Birdie Stodel B’nai B’rith Women. On Tuesday, Aug. 30th at 1:00 p.m., a membership party, in the Gay 90’s theme, is being held at the pool at the home of Mrs. Max Leichtag, 1201 Trieste Dr., Pt. Loma .
An interesting program is being planned by some of our talented members; with the opportunity to meet one of the outstanding vice presidents of District No. 4, Mrs. Louis Kash. Refreshments will be served at the pool.
Mrs. Milton Fredman, Membership Chairman, assisted by Mmes. Wm Penn, Marcy Berwin, Wm. Fox, D. Orlansky, I. Barad, Z. Camiel, I Dean, L. Himmel, A. Brooks, M. Stokes, J. Penn, B. Epsten, M. Kraus, G. Starr and many others have arranged this entertaining afternoon. Please call Mrs. M. Berwin, BE 3-6909 or Mrs. M. Fredman, AC-30775, for reservations and transportation.
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Nursery School Has Openings For Youngsters
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 19, 1955, Page 6
Mrs. Bernard Arenson, Membership Chairman of the Cooperative Nursery School of the Jewish Community Center has announced that at the present time there are several openings in the school for the new season for boys ages of 2 ½ and 5.
The nursery school is a non-profit non-sectarian organization whose classes are held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 9 to 12 at the Jewish Community Center, 3227 El Cajon Blvd. The school is under the supervision of Mrs. Jean Fry, a qualified nursery school teacher.
Anyone interested in further information regarding the school and applications may contact Mrs. Bernard Arenson, Juniper 2-8938.
A meeting of the Parent’s group will be held Thursday, August 25th in the home of Mrs. Harold Weinberger, 1552 Altadena Street at 8 p.m.
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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.