Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
(Editor’s Note: Part 2 for November 11, 1955, consisting of Pages 3 and 4 of the Southwestern Jewish Press, is missing from the archives.)
People of the Book (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 5
Jewish Book Month has been observed nationally for the past thirty years during the period of November to December. It may be of some interest to the readers of this paper to learn something of the origin of Jewish Book Month.
Miss Fannie Goldstein, Librarian of the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, in 1925 came in contact with many children and young people. She became concerned over the fact that young Jewish boys and girls read very little, if anything, in the field of Jewish history, Jewish literature or Jewish thought. She consulted the Chief Librarian of the Boston Public Library and suggested to him that it would be of interest to the people in her area if an exhibit of books dealing with Jewish thought were on display, and also that such books be circulated in her library. The Chief Librarian responded to the suggestion of Miss Goldstein, and thus the first effort in the direction of Jewish Book Month was effected.
For years, only the Boston Public Library conducted Jewish Book Month until the National Jewish Welfare Board introduced the project on a nationwide scale. Many persons are interested in Jewish Book Month and Jewish educators are thinking of extending this one month project to one year, on the basis that the Jewish Book, as well as all worthwhile books, ought to be read not only during a given week or month, but at all times.
In connection with the Jewish Book Month, the following story is exceedingly interesting. Sometime in 1945, not long after the allied armies had begun their occupation of Germany, an American soldier literally stumbled upon a pile of books in a Frankfurt cellar. The soldier’s discovery was the first trace of the more than three million volumes which have since been dug up in various caches in Germany.
Early in 1946, the American authorities decided to collect all books, which had turned up in the American Zone, and store them in the City of Offenbach, in a five-story building assigned for this purpose. A few months later, the allied authorities began to return books to the institutions which had survived the war. This operation involved a million books from European Institutions and 700,000 volumes from German institutions. After distribution, there remained 200,000 volumes bearing no mark of ownership and 100,000 volumes belonging to institutions no longer in existence or to private owners who were to claim their property from the proper authorities.
Many of these books were sent to America, and about 1,000 of them are in the Pater M. Kahn Memorial Library, recently dedicated by the Jewish Community Council in Los Angeles.
Philip L. Seman, Chairman
L.A. Jewish Community Council Library
Editor’s Note: many books of interest to the san Diego Jewish community may be found at any of the three Synagogues. Catalogues of new books may also be obtained. Special discount offers are available during Jewish Book Month period. As your Rabbi for further information.
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With The Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 5
By Morrie Pomeranz
Highlights of the November 3rd Meeting: The first meeting under the guidance of Sammy Addleson was a vote of confidence to his earlier promise to revive the Guardians as a working organization in this community – Mission Valley Country Club seems the perfect spot—the food was good enough to placate even the most chronic complainers – the turnout exceeded reservations – a funny thing about a long line waiting to help themselves at a buffet – one minute Abe Ratner is behind you – you turn around to sneeze and Abe had hedgehopped six people – little Yale Kahn started at the end of the line and somehow bypassed 18 hungry members–
When the president announced that amongst the group was a young man who had served the cause of the Guardians unselfishly since its inception – that he asked for no recognition other than the opportunity to serve a group which has dedicated itself to a great mitzvah—that he never shirked an assignment – some members secretly felt that the flattering description fit them perfectly – and not a single Guardian was surprised to find the evening appropriately designated as “Dave Stotsky Night” – we can only add that a more deserving Guardian could not have been selected for this honor (if only he were a better gin player)–
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The bedraggled individual shuffled up alongside Sam Rassin—the neatly-patched trousers were indicative of much better days—hestitatingly the down and outer put the bite on Rassin for twenty-five cents. “If I give you the quarter, you’ll blow it on some wine,”—but the seedy character promptly assured Sam that such was not the case. “OK—so you’ll get a reefer,” countered Mr. R. and again the pour soul denied any such possibility. “Awright, so you’ll give it to the bookies,” but the mendicant shook his head slowly. Sam then took the unfortunate man by the arm and led him into his counter at Grand’s and said very determinedly: “See, Bertha, what happens to a guy that doesn’t drink, smoke or gamble!”
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The quartet of Guardians was seated at the Bohemian Bakery. Three had already given their orders to the very pleasant Ciel Brett –the fourth studied the menu and made this classic request. “I’ll have a lox and salami on an onion roll.” There was god hearted laughter by all with Ciel calmly adding: “I’ll serve it—if that’s what you want.” There was an immediate re-order: “Of course – ha ! ha!—make it salami and cream cheese on a strudel.” – and this is why Bunny Jacobson when last seen at the table was munching contentedly on a plain bagel.
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The hitherto unknown talents of several Guardians were limelighted into prominence during the Follies’ Production – Mickey Fredman particularly convincing as a reporter – Murray Goodrich’s fine (though not surprising) performance as a romantic lead –George Starr as the nimble-footed policeman – Dave Stotsky (without glasses) leaped about the sstage like Nashua – Sam Berger as the “captured man” dragged in from the wilds of Lake Park – Al Steinbaum and Sol Brown both gave creditable performances.
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Book Review: “Sound The Great Trumpet” by M.Z. Frank, Whittier Books, Inc., $5.00
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 5
By Dr. A.P. Nasatir
“Next Year in Jerusalem” has been the theme of Jewish fasting, lamenting and praying for thousands of years. This is known to every Jew. Also known is the creation of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. But how that State came about is far less known. Most Jews think the modern state had its beginnings with the Balfour Declaration; a few are aware of the work of Herzl and the Zionist movement.
One hundred years ago Palestine was one of the most primitive portions of the backward Turkish Empire, with travel limited to donkey and camel. Then the modern Jewish state was a far-way dream. Fifty years later some slight progress had been made with horse drawn vehicles and a crude railroad between Jaffa and Jerusalem, making stops in the middle of fields. The first and second “aliyahs” took place chiefly of Jews from Russia and Roumania. It was a Galician Jew who wrote “Hatikvah.” Palestine then numbered some 30,000 pious and conservative Jews. Later, with Palestine as a mandate of Great Britain, an impetus was given. What happened after World War I, the Balfour Declaration, etc., is much better known.
To make the story of the development of the State of Israel into a modern, progressive, democratic state, better known to the English speaking world, Mr. M.Z. Frank has recently translated, compiled and edited a book called Sound the Great Trumpet. The trumpet blasts are the words and stories of the pioneers—giving a graphic picture story in words of the life in Israel during the past five or six decades which saw the evolution from wilderness to a modern state, and the establishment of the State of Israel.
Mr. Frank, a well known journalist, columnist and publicist educated in Canada, for many years a resident in Haifa and Israel, has compiled this needed story as a labor of love. He has selected from the records of the men and women who participated in the story. He has drawn from sources closed to non-Hebrew and Yiddish readers; he has translated, digested, condensed and brought to the attention of the English speaking world, writers heretofore obscure. Frank’s purpose is not to illustrate how Israelis write, but to show how Jews—Palestinian and Israeli—lived at various periods in modern times. His emphasis is on life, events and a broad canvas of specious people.
Thus names such as Moshe Smilansky, Sholomo Zemach, S. F. Agnon, Asher Barash, and many others are made prominent by giving selections from their works. And how pleasuresome these selections are! Some are outstanding – Who cannot be thrilled with the anonymously written “Bevin Blackade?” Mr. Frank has supplied a kind of continuing narrative the episodic selections. The reviewer must admit that these short, sometimes too short introductions are the least valuable in the book, and do not measure up to the well known writing ability of Frank. They pale before his short introductory chapter. However, Mr. Frank has aided the novice reader by giving short biographical sketches of the authors of the forty selections in an appendix.
All in all, Mr. Frank’s Sound The Great Trumpet gives a clear picture of life in its varied aspects in Palestine and the State of Israel since the 1870’s. It is stimulating and good to read how Israel developed—as seen through the eyes of those who did the pioneering. Mr. Frank disclaims it, but in a sense this is a documentary history, to be sure not a complete one, of Israel’s development. The earlier selections are quite naturally the least known. But reading Sound The Great Trumpet will give heart to Jews and after reading it Jews can understand perhaps more clearly the difficulties through which the new nation is now passing. At least they may better understand the development of the Socialist ideal and how it evolved, and what happens when good theory meets up with the practicalities of reality. The reviewer can only give high praise to Mr. Frank for bringing out Sound The Great Trumpet, something which has long begged to be written.
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Lasker Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 5
By Lou Levitt
At the next meeting November 14, Lasker Lodge will hold a Past President’s Night. All past presidents from the Lodge present will be honored with a program dedicated to them. Chairman for the affair will be Ed Herman. Ed Breitbard and Morrie Kraus will assist.
The Dinner Dance will be held this year at the Mission Valley Country Club on Sunday evening, November 27. The complete charge for the evening is only $8.00 per couple including both dinner and dancing. Call Harry Wax or Lou Levitt now and make your reservation. The dance is planned to coincide with the Harvest Ball being held in Los Angeles by B’nai B’rith at which affair the many prizes will be awarded, including two new cars. Marshall Zucker is having a great deal of success in the ticket sales for this affair, and is urging all members to sell what few tickets they may have and turn in the money at the next meeting. Remember the lodge gets back nearly 90 percent of all money sent to this affair, and this will help our budget considerably.
New members recently signed up by the lodge are: Abe Eidex, Charles Salik, Milton Milkes, Martin Freedman, Louis Kipperman, Yale Kahn, Fred Fishman, Arnold Fischer, Dr. Albert Klug, William Carter, and Samuel Foster.
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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 5
Dear Mr. Kaufman:
The enclosed speaks for itself. I would appreciate having this appear in the next issue of the Jewish Press. I wish to add my thanks to those of my husband. Most gratefully, Nixie Kern.
“I am profoundly grateful for the many kindly thoughtful messages and personal calls accorded me by my friends of the Jewish community during my recent hospitalization. I wish that more Gentile people could know and appreciate the great kindly and generous heart of the Jewish people, as I have known it since boyhood. Again thank you my friends and God Bless You … Roy W.G. Kern.
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Dear Sir:
Your editorial “Some Misconceptions” interested me very much.
In simple justice, it may be said that the Southwestern Jewish Press is deserving of far better treatment than it is being given. It is my impression that in the Press we have an institution that is a definite asset to our Jewish community and that in the Kaufmans, the publishers, we have two tireless, diligent, workers for our common welfare.
I trust that more readers have read the article in the light that I have and that your efforts in our community will be better appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Simon Rich
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Jewish Center News
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6
A new activity at the Jewish Community center is the Creative dance and ballet class for children 5-12 years of age, held on Wednesdays. Mrs. Irene A. Timen, who had a dance studio in New York for 15 years, will instruct. She is a graduate of the Chalif School, and studied ballet and modern dancing with outstanding artists. Lilo Berger’s popular women’s rhythmic class meets on Thursday at 10 a.m.
The “Gaylarks,” a newly formed, young adult group, will have a two-day jaunt to Los Angeles on Saturday, November 12th. Burt Epstein is President.
The “Tweens” will hold a hayride and barbeque dance on Wednesday, November 23rd.
All “Golden Agers” are invited to the Center on Sunday, Nov. 13th, for a sing and story telling time. The Council of Jewish Women will be hostesses.
Residents of Point Loma are discussing the possibility of an extension program in their area. Parents are asked to get in touch with Mr. Irving Mortin at AT 1-7744.
The Cooperative Nursery School Center now has openings on its waiting list for children ages 2 ½ to 5. The school is under the supervision of Norma Wilson, a trained teacher. Anyone wishing further information should contact Mrs. Bernard Arenson, JU 2-8936.
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Hillel News
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6.
Religious Emphasis Week will be held at State College next week. Those of the Jewish faith who will speak in classrooms, are Rabbi Morton Cohn, Rabbi Monroe Levens, Cantor Joseph Cysner and Abraham Friedman.
The San Diego State College Hillel Counselorship will hold its next meeting on Monday, November 14th, at 8 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, 3rd and Laurel Sts. Rabbi Henry Rabin, Hillel Director at Los Angeles City and State Colleges, will be the guest speaker and will also be the Jewish Seminar speaker for Religious Empohasis Week. He will talk on Basic Judaism, at the Music Auditorium of the College at 1 p.m., November 14th.
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City of Hope Aux.
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6
The Hostesses of the luncheon to be served at 12 noon on Nov. 15th at Beth Jacob Center make the following request:
“Be our guest on Tuesday, the Fifteenth of November – and tell your friends to join us too—Be a loyal member! If you have a bank—you come in free, or pay for lunch at the door. You’ll have the whole day to eat and play – who could ask for anything more?”
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Chicago Scene of Welfare Conference
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6
San Diego Jewish communal leaders who will attend the 24th General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds are Eli H. Levenson, and Albert A. Hutler. The General Assembly will take place November 10-13 at the Conrad Hilton Hotel in Chicago, it was announced this week by Julian Freeman, President.
Intensive assessment of problems of fund raising, suburban development, chronic illness and leadership in American Jewish communities will highlight a series of workshop sessions at the Assembly.
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Now Hear This
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6
By Nadine Feiler
Again the Jewish community of San Diego displayed its magnanimity towards military personnel when more than 200 seats were made available for the Temple Beth Israwel Sisterhood’s “Follies of 1955.” All the servicemen have asked me to say thanks to the Sisterhood, especially to Mrs. Morton J. Cohn and Mrs. George Katz and to the many people who purchased tickets for servicemen.
Our best wishes for a happy and full life together ot Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Benson (nee Arline Mallen). We lose two more USO-JWB Junior Hostesses that way, but isn’t it wonderful! A hearty welcome to our 2 new USO-JWB Junior Hostesses, Carol Roth and Alice Lee. They have now joined the ranks in doing a most worthwhile community service.
Jerry Levens, son of Rabbi Levens, is a civilian again, having served an enlistment with the Navy. Jerry is awaiting schooling in the musical arts and hopes to leave for Europe in January.
We hear the USO-JWB Armed Services Committee will hold its annual elections soon. We’re all rooting for “Auntie” Claire Kaplan to continue as Sr. Sponsor-Jr. Hostesses Chairman…And a hearty farewell and best wishes to Sid Levin (everybody mistakes him for Jordy Biener) who ends his enlistment this week and returns to Philadelphia.
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U.J.F. Adds Staff Member to Aid Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 11, 1955, Page 6
Albert A. Hutler has announced this week that Mrs. Alan Soule has been added to the staff of the United Jewish Fund Mrs. Soule’s primary duties will be to act as Executive Secretary to the Women’s Division and handle some of the public relations work carried on by the Fund.
Long active in communal affairs, Mrs. Soule served as one of the first co-chairmen of the Women’s Divisionb. More recently she was on the staff of the Southwestern Jewish Press for over three years, during which she held the position of Circulation Promotion Director with Point News Weeklhy.
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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