Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
The guest columnist this week is Mr. Irving Morton, assist. exec. dir. of the Jewish Community Center. Mrs. Kaufman will resume her column upon her return from Mexico.
When Julia asked me to write something humorous I thought it wouldn’t be too difficult, since many funny situations appear during the course of my work. Now that I have to “put it on the table” I feel like the doctor at the crucial moment of the operation asking the surgeon, “May I cut in?”
Actually, what I consider humorous is touched with matters that are other than funny.
Take, for instance, the lack of knowledge so prevalent regarding our Jewish Community Center. An indignant voice on the phone wants to know why I cannot perform a bris — or why we don’t sell kosher meat … or why we haven’t a lawyer on our staff to handle legal matters. Other calls range from the synagogues in town to free psychiatric treatment.
It is a comic-tragedy to see a distressed mother come in to insist we make her blossoming daughter a Jewess. The family has never identified with Jews in any community, never joined a Synagogue, Center or Jewish organization. The father belongs to one of the “animal” clubs in town. Nothing Jewish in the home. When the daughter is at That Social Age, mama is suddenly and emotionally aware of 2,000 years of history. (Note: We don’t “make people Jews. We work with people as ew find them, so they can find themselves.)
The case is similar to the father dragging his son to the “strange” Rabbi two weeks before his thirteenth birthday and insisting that the son get all the knowledge and information necessary for confirmation. (Julia, the Rabbis in town could write some stories too.)
Every year, at a certain time, there are no normal, ordinary, healthy four year old children. You wouldn’t think so, either, if you were registering children for our day camp. The youngest child accepted in camp is five years of age. every mother insists that her precocious four year old is like a normal five year old — so why don’t we take them? My answer is that the only five year olds we take are the precocious ones. (I don’t know why these mothers don’t like me.)
Then there is the 82 year old codger who was asked to join the Senior Adult group after visiting several of their functions. “Who me? I don’t want to associate with these old people?” What would you have said to that? Folk dancing is the favored activity of this group, and the only tired person sitting one out was — me.
One evening I had a group of young single males ask me, “Where are the girls in this city?” As they left the office, a group of young single females came in with the question, “Where are the fellows in this city?” The evening was a social success.
There are people who ask for a service, but really want something else. I’ll leave the question of “Why?” to you, but it is true. There was a group of parents who wanted programs for their children. “Everything for our children and youth; we will sacrifice and give as long as our children gain; we will volunteer our services, our cars, our home s– nothing is too much for our children,” they said. After six months of the parents having a good time meeting and planning and mostly socializing among themselves, some earthy members of the group finally asked about involving his children. “What children?” was the astonished response from this group, who had completely forgotten their original goal.
Another group of parents said they wanted Center-type activities in their neighborhood. After working with the parents and children we helped them verbalize what they really wanted was a religious program for their children and a social program for themselves, with some help on Jewish holiday preparation for the home. We brought them to the threshold and they stepped over it.
A similar situation developed with a group of single adults, who were not fully comfortable or at ease with being Jewish. They discussed and planned a program dealing with the problem. The program consisted of meetings with Jewish “leaders” in the community. After the program was over their discomfort with being Jewish had not changed and they were awfully confused. Also, the leaders seemed confused and out of their element. A suggestion was made to plan a program to integrate our Jewish leaders so they would fee comfortable!
I am sure a Sholom Aleichem could elicit digestible morals from these tales. I warned you at the beginning of this article that humor is a matter of taste and that tragedy could be its brother. Our literature abounds in the comic-tragic situation.
I am sure of the Jewish nature of my oldest son, Mark, fur years of age–and precocious. He solemnly watched me diaper his younger baby brother one sleepy early morning. I forgot to powder the infant. “Dad you forgot to salt Larry,” was Marks remark. (Koshering meat???) A gezunt off zein kepela.
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Weinberger Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
Hy Hades, District Grand ADL head, will be the guest speaker at the next regular meeting of the Lodge on February 25.
At this same meeting there may be some nominations for delegates and alternates at the San Francisco Convention of B’nai B’rith this summer.
The bowling league is going along at a great pace this year. With only eight meetings left, the Henry Weinberger Lodge bowlers are in first place ininter-lodge competition.
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Letters to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
Dear Mr. Kaufman:
On behalf of the Jewish War Veterans Ladies Auxiliary 185, please accept my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful cooperation and publicity you gave us in regard to our recent membership luncheon and card party.
Indeed our Jewish Community is extremely fortunate in having a publication like the “Press” with a fine person as yourself at the helm.
We are positive that your publicity added much towards the success we achieved at this affair, which, in spite of the unusually “heavy California dew” we had that day, brought about such a desired result.
Yours loyally,
Sophie Silberman, Sr. V-Pres, Mem bership Chairman
Jennie Turner, Pres.
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Dear Mr. Kaufman:
Appreciation and commendation are difficult items to convey, at least to their full intent, when the only means available is this letter to you.
Recently the San Diego County Branch of the American Cancer Society was granted “full” district status by the California Division of the Cancer Society. To us this means that San Diego County has been recognized by the Cancer Society as something larger and more worthy than mere “chapter” status.
Our efforts to achieve this goal are in no small measure due to the fine cooperation we have received from you during the past years in outlining and emphasizing the needs of the Cancer Society and its continuing crusade.
The Executive Committee of the San Diego Chapter wishes to commend you and voice its appreciation for your many efforts in helping them continue to bring the cancer society — its achievements and needs — before an ever-growing San Diego County.
Yours sincerely,
H. Henry Roloff, Chairman
Public Relations Com.
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Dear Friends:
Please accept our thanks for your kind cooperation in connection with our Presentation ball.
Your efforts in our behalf are greatly appreciated.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. John Ruskin, Pres.
S.D. Chapter, Hadassah.
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Hadassah Asks For Rummage
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
Mrs. Pauline Segal and Mrs. Leonard Pearl, chairmen of the Hadassah rummage sale, announce the opening of a gigantic sale to be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 26th and 27th, at the American Legion Hall, 2691 B ST. from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This is an excellent way for members to earn credit toward their donor plate–by working on rummage, either collecting, sorting or selling at the sale. The success of this important undertaking depends entirely on its workers.
For pick-ups or information please contact Mrs. Segal, JU 2-6775 or Mrs. Pearl, JU-2-9182.
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With The Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
By Morrie Pomeranz
Hi-Lites of the Feb. 14th meeting — First gathering under the new schedule of second Thursday of each month–an excellent if noisy turnout — the door prize consisted of two excellent gifts — an electric deep fryer and an electric fry pan, donated by Vic Schulman — won by last Guardian to purchase a ticket–Sam Rassin. Guests included Amnon Barness from Israel, hosted by Sol Price — Benny Sanders (old time San Diegan) brought by his nephew Dave Stotsky — Philip Marshall of Los Angeles, a guest of Julius Kahn–Lou Bercuff, of Milwaukee, hosted by Abe Sklar — the two Mallen brothers, Izzy and Harry, dropped in from Seattle — Al Hutler delivered an inspiring address relative to the needs of the UJF for the coming year.
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In keeping with the spirit of Valentine’s Day, the management of the Club came up with an unusual dinner for the meeting — some of the comments by members regarding the culinary achievement are worth recording:
Its Penter: “I’ve never eaten anything like it.”
Laury Cantor: “Sheer ecstasy.”
Leo Beck: “Ida couldn’t have done better.”
Julius Penn: ” A delight for the epicurean.”
Dave Sapp: “Tried to get a second helping.”
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For the next regular meeting to be held on March 14th, Dr. Earl Brodie will present an interesting lecture on hypnotism — in its practical application in the field of medicine. At the same time, Dr. Brodie will offer to hypnotize one of our cooperative Guardians who will volunteer to be placed under the doctor’s capable control. The potentialities are unlimited–we urge all members to attend and witness a truly stimulating program.
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Passover Food Can Be Sent Thru CARE
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 3
Special Passover food packages for delivery in Israel by the holiday April 15 contain 15 pounds of food and are available for $12.00, Edward J. Flynn, western director of CARE, announced today.
Orders for these and for other $10, $15 and $18.25 food parcels may be placed now, Flynn said. Contents of the $10 package include meat, sugar, dried fruit, sweets, shortening, nuts and other items. CARE packages go with a guarantee of delivery. Call the Jeish Social Service Agency for information. BE 2-5172.
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Fox Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
The first social meeting of the Samuel I. Fox Lodge B’nai B’rith will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 8:30 p.m. at Beth Jacob Center.
At this meeting we will have the pleasure of hearing Mr. Hyman H. Haves, with information on how the Anti-Defamation League serves B’nai B’rith and the Jewish community at large.
Reserve the date of March 30th for our Annual Card Party.
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Comedy Presented At Old Theatre
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
“Janus,” a farce by Carolyn Green, opened Tuesday at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, as a San Diego Community Theatre offering under the direction of Craig Noel. It will be given nightly, except Mondays, at 8:30 through March 17.
Described as a “frothy, romantic comedy with a charming heroine who believes on can be faithfully unfaithful,” “Janus” enjoyed a successful run on Broadway last year and currently is being well-received on its road tour.
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Executive Position to Fred S. Leeds
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
Fred S. Leeds has been elected vice president of the Cabrillo savings and Loan Association, 4994 Newport Ave., it was announced here this week by Max B. Hargis, executive vice president and manager. Leeds succeeds Keith Carlin, who was elected secretary-treasurer. Newly elected president is Harold J. LaDou, who succeeds Clair W. Burgener. The Cabrillo Savings and Loan Association opened for business last December 17th
In addition to his business interests, Leeds is active in community affairs. He is a member of Temple Beth Israel, B’nai B’rith, and the Mission Valley Country Club.
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Civic Music Assn. Membership Drive
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
The Civic Music Assn. will hold their Membership Kickoff Drive March 4 through March 9 with a dinner to be held March 1 at the Cuyamaca Club at 6:30 p.m.
Leontyne Price, soprano, will appear at a bonus concert Tuesday, March 12. Regular subscribers may bring new members only.
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Birdie Stodel B.B. Celebrates 28th Year
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
The Birdie Stodel Chapter of B’nai B’rith cordially invites all to join with them at the 38th Anniversary Celebration, Sunday, February 24, at the Beth Jacob Center. Chairmen Mmes. Fanny Jacbson and Marie Richards promise a delicious home-cooked full course turkey dinner to be served at 6:00 o’clock, for the very nominal charge of $1.50 per plate. Also many pleasant surprises in store for all who attend.
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Deceased
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
Dr. Harry Kaufman, long-time resident of San Diego, passed away February 15 in Los Angeles, where he had resided for the past few years.
His survivors include his wife, Mrs. Maybel Kaufman; two daughters, Carole Francis and Lois Jean, and two grandchildren; other survivors are his father, Abe Kaufman, a sister, Rose Murray, and a brother, Sidney Kaufman, all of San Diego.
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Graveside services were conducted at Home of Peace Cemetery on February 14 for MRs. Anna Benson, 78, who died February 12 at her home.
Mrs. Benson, a resident of San Diego for the past 12 years, leaves three daughters, Mrs. Ida Starr, Mrs. Joseph Silverman, and Miss Mary Benson, all of San Diego; a son, Mr. Bernard Benson, of St. Louis. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. B. Rosen of St. Louis.
Mrs. Benson was a member of Beth Jacob Synagogue, City of Hope Auxiliary, and PIoneer Women.
Rabbi Baruch Stern officiated at the services, and Lewis Colonial Mortuary handled the funeral arrangements.
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Beth Jacob Sisterhood
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
The next regular meeting of Beth Jacob Sisterhood will be a luncheon, Tuesday, February 26, 12 noon, at Beth Jacob Center. The Sisterhood will welcome back Goldie Schusterman from her annual trip East. Mrs. Schusterman will assume the cooking duties, so a wonderful luncheon is promised, as well as a very interesting program. President, Mrs. Julius Penn, invites all members and friends to attend.
Beth Jacob Sisterhood, in coordination with Beth Jacob Ladies Auxiliary, has scheduled their annual rummage and food sale for March 4, 5, and 6. Everyone is encouraged to bring rummage, canned goods, and, if possible, food for sale. If you need a pick up for rummage, call Mitzie Ornstein at JU-2-1274, or Jennie Bloomfield at AT-2-9517.
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Council Women To Show Film on Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, February 22, 1957, Page 4
On Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m., the Senior Adult Committee of Council will sponsor the second in its monthly series of programs for Senior Adults. The event will take place at the Jewish Community Center, 4056 University Avenue. Through the courtesy of the United Jewish Fund, the film “Report on the Holy Land,” made of drew Pearson’s recent tour of Israel, will be shown. Since his interviews were made after the Suez crisis, the film is particularly timely. Al Hutler, Fund Exec., will comment on the film. Refreshments will be served.
Mrs. Herbert Malley and Mrs. Joseph Winston are co-chairmen of the program, with Mrs. Fritz Lavender heading the telephone committee.
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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, located just above the masthead on the right hand side of the screen.