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The Fund Raising Dilemma
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 3
The dilemma which confronts American Jewry in its necessary and urgent efforts to provide sufficient funds for the manifold national and overseas needs of the Jewish People was brought into focus by a recent statement by A.B. Polinsky, general chairman of the combined for American Reform Judaism. He indicated that of the more than $130 million that had been contributed in recent years by American Jews for Jewish Health, welfare, refugee and overseas programs “considerably less than five million is being made available for institutions that have as their goal the preservation, strengthening and advancement of Judaism.” Mr. Polinsky chided American Jews for their “general failure” to give greater financial support to their national religious institutions, adding that “the continuity of their faith was being placed in danger” because they have not extended to religious bodies the same generous assistance given to other Jewish causes.
The problem posed by Mr. Polinsky is serious and real: it is all too true that institutions and movements given to the promotion of ideological matters are hampered in their activities by lack of sufficient funds. At the same time, we regard the antithesis Mr. Polinsky established between religious and other Jewish institutions as ill-advised. The truth is that all Jewish activities which foster the well-being of the Jewish people—Zionism, among them – are religious. The very notion of Jewish peoplehood is a profoundly religious concept through which the sanctification of human life attains fulfillment.
From time immemorial, the commitment of the Jewish people to its spiritual ideals, which found their expression in the concerns of daily life, has been an essential part of Jewish religion. In recent years, the establishment of the State of Israel has provided a firmer ground for the concretization of these ideals. Unless the possibility of creative survival for our people is placed in an all-embracing framework, one that includes health and welfare as well as Israel, overseas needs and our religious institutions, we can have no Jewish religion, whether Reform, Orthodox or Conservative.
It is for this reason that we see in Jewish fund-raising activities a potential source for Jewish unity, which might well point the way to the realization of Jewish peoplehood – From The Reconstructionist.
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Israel Bonds Build
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 3
The San Diego Jewish Community has recently completed the most successful United Jewish Fund Campaign we have ever had. A major portion of the Fund money was used to speed the immigration of newcomers into Israel. We are justifiably proud of the part we have played in giving new life to many of our brothers all over the world who had reached the depths of despair.
But now that these newcomers have arrived in Israel, what is to become of them? How are they to be housed? How are they to become productive citizens of Israel? We in San Diego can provide part of the answer to these questions during the Israel Bond Campaign that is now in progress.
Israel Bonds build homes in Israel. Israel Bonds build roads, factories, pipe-lines and settlements. Israel Bonds provide jobs.
It takes $3,000 to build a housing unit in Israel that will give a permanent home to a new family. A new denomination of Israel Bonds called “Housing Bonds” has been instituted. A “Housing Bond” is a $3,000 Bond that pays 4 percent interest and the purchaser is designated a Builder of Israel.
Climaxing the campaign on December 1, will be a city-wide dinner at the El Cortez at which Drew Pearson will be the guest speaker. He will be joined by Dr. Avraham Biran, the Consul-General of Israel who brought us an inspiring message last year.
It becomes almost unnecessary to add that we should all be present at the dinner and that we should strive to finish the job we have started through the United Jewish Fund.
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New Books
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 3
Cain: Son of the Serpent, A midrash. By David Max Eichhorn, D.D., D.H.I, (160 pp, Whittier Books, inc, $3.00)
In his book, “Cain, Son of the Serpent,” Dr. Eichhorn employs the format of the classical Midrash by using both a text and a commentary. The various legends and teachings concerning Cain and his family have been woven together to form a connected and coherent narrative. For the first time in modern literature the language barrier is removed and bits of an ancient story found in literally hundreds of places in Hebrew literature are brought together and fused into a dramatic and philosophical presentation.
From the Introduction which explains the Midrash, throughout the entire book, the reader is intrigued by the highly imaginative interpretations.
Rabbi Eichhorn has written a book that will delight those who are familiar with the works of the Midrash and interest those who come upon it for the first time.
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The Gutenheim Way, A Novel, by B.A. Henry (189 pp., Thos. Yoseloff. Inc., $3.50)
Mr. Henry, a native New Yorker, tells the story of an upper-middle-class German-Jewish family just before the holocaust in Europe and how they reacted to the changing times brought about by World War II. “The Gutenheim Way’ of life is gone but what has taken its place promises no change for the better, according to Mr. Henry. The family’s assimilation was almost complete when Hitler shook them back to their Jewishness.
Mr. Henry (a pen-name) is a successful businessman who has devoted a great deal of his time aiding his fellow man. In this, his second novel, he portrays with understanding the struggle of the Gutenheims to retain their “exclusiveness” in a changing world.
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The Kremlin, the Jews and the Middle East, by Judd L. Teller (202 pp. Thos. Yoseloff, Inc., $3.75.)
The full story of the Soviet campaign to destroy Jewish life in Russia is well documented by a qualified correspondent. Judd L. Teller, the author, tells of Jewish resistance to this effort and predicts that the Kremlin will fail.
Aside from examining the ever broadening pattern of anti-Semitism in the Soviet Union, this book deals with the communist intrigue against the State of Israel throughout the Middle East.
Mr. Teller ends this volume with this thought-provoking prediction: “It is the peculiar tragedy of the Jew that, much as he has suffered under Communism, he can look forward only with trepidation to the dawn that might follow the routing of Communist rule in Eastern Europe. For him, that dawn might be a still darker night, red with the blood of Jewish martyrdom.” The book has an index which is helpful.
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Community Currents
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 3
By Albert Hutler
This is a reality–To those who many years ago had a dream of building a Jewish Community Center in San Diego, one of the few major cities in America without a central gathering place for the Jewish community, it must come as a tremendous thrill to know that by April 1, 1958 one of the most beautiful and functional Jewish Community Centers in a medium-sized community will be opened and operating. If Bill Starr, one of the original founders of the community center movement in San Diego, and his first board of directors back in 1945 would walk through the building now in its half-way completed state, they would feel as I did the other day when I took my brother-in-law through the building,.
The new Jewish Community Center building, with its many magnificent facilities becomes the first contribution of the Jewish community to the community as a whole. It becomes the first gathering place and meeting place for all Jews in San Diego regardless of their religious beliefs, political beliefs, their wealth, their social standing or their Zionist or non-Zionist feelings. This is a building that truly belongs to the Jewish community.
Much of the credit for the erection of the building at this time must be given to three people: Bill Schwartz, President of the Jewish Community Center during the last year at which time the go-ahead signal was given; Maury Novak, a Vice-President of the Center and co-chairman of the Building Committee without whose drive and energy and giving of himself the building could not have been achieved; and Sidney Rose, co-chairman of the Building Committee, who stubbornly insisted on going ahead, and whose constant prodding of all the Building Committee members, and especially of the professional staff, paid dividends.
Determination Pays – The other day Joyce Masters, the very efficient Jewish Social Service Agency secretary, proudly placed the “Bethelegram” of Clairemont’s knew Bethel Temple on my desk. It’s amazing what results have been achieved by a small group of determined individuals who would not believe it was impossible to establish a synagogue in their community within San Diego. I must confess that I was one who painted an extremely black picture of the chances for their success at this time, and I advised that they wait until there were Jewish people in the Clairemont area. In a way I’m glad that they did not follow my advice because it demonstrates, as is the case of the Jewish Community Center, what determined individuals can really do.
What They Have Done – As I looked through the official paper at Bethel Synagogue I saw a number of activities that would make any well-established Temple or Synagogue proud. They have acquired a Temple building for their 58 family members; lay services are planned with guest officiators and speakers every two weeks; special Chanukah services are already in the planning stage for December 20; an adult study group in Jewish customs and ceremonies is under way; a Hebrew School is contemplated by their Education Committee for boys and girls 8 through 13 years of age; a Building Fund is under way, and they have received in the last few weeks over $1,800 in pledges from their membership; there is a gift shop operated by the women of the Synagogue.
What most impressed me in their Bulletin was the fact that the members did a great deal towards making the building that they have acquired a Synagogue; one of their members built the Ark; several of their members carried on the holiday services; another member made the necessary signs for the Temple and religious school; other members worked on the remodeling of the building; another member donated a typewriter; and the wives of all these members cleaned up the building after the remodeling.
Sounds like “pioneering days” and it’s wonderful. Our hat is off to Max Vicker, the Temple President, for what he has been able to accomplish with the membership of Bethel. Knowing Max, I know that it is his drive and especially his determination that have helped to carry this project through.
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B.F. Lustig says:
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 3
“Our community is to be signally honored by the visit of Mr. Drew Pearson on December 1, 1957. He speaks at a dinner at the El Cortez. Call BE-4-6681 for your reservation now.”
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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page e
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Communication.
One of the most misused words is that which appears at the head of the column. We use it to express many things but the basic factor that explains it is often lacking. It implies the use of words but even this is not necessary. Let’s explore what I mean a little more.
Communication is usually thought of as involving the use of words in verbal conversation, by letter, or by telegraph. However, this is not communication by itself unless the meaning of the words is understood. The dictionary states that there must be an interchange of thoughts and ideas with the meaning understood. When a message is sent by telegraph or radio, with a signal form such as the Morse or International code used, there is not communication until the receiver is able to transfer the message into a meaningful thought. Even then, unless it is a language understood by the receiver which allows him to grasp the intent of the receiver (sic, sender), it is not communication.
To often we say things which are not understood by the one with whom we are speaking. If we talk to an infant it is not communication because he does not understand us. Too often we say things to another adult and because of the confusion of our own thoughts we are not communicating. It is important therefore that we make our meaning clear.
Difficulties between nations go beyond the use of words and develop a confused state because our thoughts and ideas are shaded by their intent and purpose. Our philosophy affects the meaning we place on the words so that we may have one thought when delivering them but the receiver gets a different interpretation because of his own philosophy. Thus, communication bogs down.
Emotion plays an important part in lack of communication. We say things that we do not mean and the one to whom we express the words gets a different meaning because of his own emotional state. If we wish to express what we really mean we should reduce the emotional impact or else not say anything until the force of our emotional state has been reduced.
Communications is a new interest in philosophic and psychological thought. Perhaps the time will come when we can all communicate with each other instead of just uttering words.
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Egypt Topic Of Next Open Forum
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
Thomas B.W. Allen, veteran news correspondent, will address the San Diego Open forum Sunday, November 17 at 8 p.m. on the subject, “Egypt—Key to Peace in the Near East.”
During World War II, he was ordered to the Middle East under the joint Chiefs of Staff as an observer with the British in Egypt and North Africa. Mr. Allen speaks with real authority on a very timely subject of world wide interest.
The lecture will be held in the First Unitarian Church, 6th and Cedear Streets. Questions from the audience will be answered following the address. The public is admitted free at 7:45 p.m. after subscription members have been seated.
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Mr. and Mrs. Hadassah
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
Mr. and Mrs. Hadassah, “San Diego’s “young marrieds” club invites all old members and welcomes all newcomers to “roar” into our second year with “Roarin’ Twenties” night, Saturday, November 16 at the New Palace Hotel’s “Club Speakeasy,” 490 Elm Street from 9 till ?
Come dressed in your favorite flapper garb, drag out the old raccoon coat, hip flask and uke and join us for lots of fun and free food.
Our new officers are: Bernard and Teddi Lewis, president; Jordan and Shirley Lansky, secretary; Lou and Edith Packer, treasurer. The permanent program committee is: Dan and Les Abramson, Max and Marlene Gendelman, Glenn and Evelyn Gendeloff.
For any information about the club call Les Abramson at JU-2-3376.
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Memorial Gifts Available In New Center
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
There are 62 memorial gifts available to contributors to the new Jewish Community Center building, according to Seymour Rabin, Center Completion Campaign Chairman.
These range from furnishings for a room or office to the $35,000 necessary for the swimming pool.
Furnishings and equipment needs for the new Jewish Community Center building are being studied by a special committee headed by Sidney Posin.
At the same time the Building Committee has been in consultation on colors for the inerior with the architect. Colors will be used according to Maury Novak and Sidney Rose, Building Chairmen, to give a Jewish motif as well as warmth to the building.
All basic structures of the $600,000 building have been completed including the excavation necessary for future building of gymnasium and health club.
Construction of the swimming pool and children’s wading pool is two months ahead of schedule, according to the committee.
It is anticipated that the schedule of construction will be continue with dedication of the building taking place about January 5, and the opening of actual operation on April 1, 1958.
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M.D. Goodrich says:
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
“You’ll be missing the event of the year if you miss the Drew Pearson dinner on December 1, 1957. Four reservations call BE-4-6681.”
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Hadassah’s Luncheon Meeting To Hear Mrs. Leo Hirsh Report
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
The November 29th luncheon will highlight Hadassah Medical Organization, Mrs. Milton Roberts, HMO General Chairman for the afternoon event, assisted by Mrs. Herbert Bartel as Co-Chairman, has issued a cordial invitation to all Hadassah members and friends to attend this festive luncheon to commence at noon in the Lafayette Hotel.
Guest Speaker for the meeting will be Hadassah’s Southern Pacific Coast Regional President, Mrs. Leo Hirsh. Mrs. Hirsh has just returned from the National Convention of the Organization in Philadelphia.
Table décor will be arranged by the following Project’s Chairmen. Mrs. Edward Binder, Jewish National Fund; Mmes. Lewis Solomon, Edward Schwartz and Veida Eisen, Youth Aliyah; Mrs. Sam Cohen, Blue Boxes; Mmes. Julius Levin and Arthur Gardner, Rummage Sale; Mrs. Max Okin, Telephone Committee; Mmes. Fred Leeds and David Starr, Eye Saving Banks; and Mmes Stanley Foster and Frank Goldberg, Hadassah Supplies.
Assisting the Chairman with other arrangements are Mmes. Joseph Kaplan, David Block and Harry Felson, along with Vice President, Mrs. Sammy Sein.
Mrs. Morton Thaler, President, announced the appointment of Mrs. Vailia Dennis as General Chairman for Hadassah’s Presentation Ball to be held Saturday evening, February 22nd.
Mrs. Leonard Zlotoff, Mrs Hyman Kitaen and MRs. Sammy Stein, Vice Presidents, will compliment the Chairman at a Committee Tea on November 18th.
Reservations are requested for all Hadassah luncheon meetings and those for the November 29th event may be made with Mrs. Ben Roberts, AT-2-8855 or Mrs. Berlin, JU-2-2702.
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J.C.C. Couples Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 15, 1957, Page 4
The Couples Club of the Jewish Community Center will have a “Bowery Night” on Saturday, November 30, at 8:30 p.m. at the Community Center. The setting will be the 1890’s and decorations and refreshments will be consistent with the times. Guests are requested to wear some article in their apparel from 1890, ie., mustache, bow tie or big hair ribbon. Cost will be $1.50 per couple. Reservations are to be made by November 25. Please call JU-2-6632 or JU-2-9399.
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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.
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