“The Quiz Shows: They Give More Than Money”
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 3
(Reprinted from the March 1958 issue of the ADL Bulletin, official organ of the Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith)
By Barrie Simmons
Television quiz shows have tickled the American fancy for the past few years. I happen to be one of several score of persons who have achieved a kind of national fame—and a great deal of money – in the space of a few short, sometimes agonizing weeks. I am indebted to TV quiz shows for the fame and money. We are all indebted to them for something else far more important.
Social scientists have made it clear, in a multitude of studies, that all ranges of intelligence are to be found among all races and religions – and in abut equal proportions. Their findings, unfortunately, are usually broadcast to a very few.
TV quiz shows make the same point, vividly and quickly, for millions of Americans to understand and appreciate. They prove that brains are not the monopoly of any one group. They shatter stereotypes about Irishmen, farmers, Italian shoe repaimen. They show that people are – well, people.
For example: Gloria Lockerman, a 13-year-old Negro girl, won $16,000 and a wealth of opportunity as an early champion on spelling. Also on the $64,000 Question, Negro letter carrier Roscoe Wright showed his expertness on poetry, and later, on the Challenge, competed with an elevator operator, another authority on verse.
Dr. Alexander Sas-Kowrsky, a high-spirited, heavily-accented Ukrinian, won $64,000 on American history. Attractive Giovanni Ferrara came from Italy and although unable to speak English, won in American history too.
Twenty-One champion Hank Bloomgarden, is Jewish as I am. My rivals on the $64,000 Challenge, personable Norman Fruman and plain-spoken Teddy Nadler, both helped upset anti-Semitic stereotypes. Young Robert Strom, who became the idol of the nation’s school children, overcame by graciousness any preconception of a New York Jewish prodigy. Jews as different as mustached David Mayer and tiny Lennie Ross, were put in plain focus before millions, revealed as interesting capable human beings.
More complex in its significance was the appearance on the $64,000 Question of Kama Mansur, an Israeli Arab. A Druse by religion, Mansour competed in knowledge of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, making clear along the way the freedom of belief and commitment to democracy which characterize his country.
A memorable contestant was the Reverend James Robinson, a New York Negro minister and author of a recent ADL Bulleting article on the subject of “What Negroes Think About Jews.” Reverend Robinson won $32,000 on Julius Caesar. His dignity was as impressive as his classical scholarship. Very different, equally striking, was brash, gum-chewing Dominic Koo, $16,000 winner in American slang who came from Florida and China. A Chinese woman from New York, expert on baseball, was another example of stereotype-shattering.
Occupational prejudice, a quiet but persistent blight, must have been shaken in many minds when Irlish policeman Redmond O’Hanion won fame and fortune as a Shakespeare scholar. Similarly, farmer Harold Craig smashed a common misconception by betraying, behind his rustic manner, a quick encyclopedic alertness.
Each of these men and women, colorful and likeable, entered millions of homes via television and – give a chance to prove their merit – struck a vigorous blow at one form of prejudice or another.
For this reason, if for not other, these shows seem an important achievement of our mass communication and advertising industries. They teach our ideology convincingly. In the free play of the contest, the offspring of a purely private enterprise, a valuable public image is formed, strengthening our way of life. I have personally witnessed the enthusiasm and loyalty of quiz show viewers and I know how effectively the lesson is taught. The method has tremendous power for, after all, a man must believe his own eyes.
It is true that the determined racist is not likely to shed his emotional illness after seeing a TV quiz show. But the average American, who may be vaguely prejudiced but knows little of the group he dislikes, cannot help reacting. Television with particular intensity, engraves a new and meaningful image on the mind.
There is still another significance in the workings of television quiz shows. The contestants are average, unknown persons, previously unrewarded for their extraordinary knowledge. One is forced to wonder how many more anonymous Americans, privately pursuing their concerns, have a similar breadth and depth of culture. America may discover, in the clue these programs give, a new human resource, an unexpected strength at a time when the survival of our nation depends on its intellectual qualities.
(Barrie Simmons was a University of Chicago graduate at age 14, a husband at 18, a father and winner of $32,000 on the $64,000 Challenge at 20. Now at 21, he has retired to the Island of Sicily with his family.).
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Announcement
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 3
To avoid misunderstanding, I would like to clarify that my position, in support of Edmund “Pat” Brown for Governor of California, is a personal one, and in no way involves Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Tifereth Israel takes no part in political campaigns, and does not endorse candidates for office.
— Rabbi Monroe Levens
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71
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 3
Somewhere among the 71 groups and activities there is something interesting for you. Come to your Jewish Community Center; observe our program in action, talk with our Program Staff, then choose the one or more groups among the 71 now in progress-for all interests—for all ages—for you and your family. Your best investment is in the Jewish Community Center, 4079 54th Street, JU-3-3300.
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As The Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Teaching Children
We hear a great deal these days about the shortage of teachers, of new schools being erected and of the growing cost of education. However, as great as this cost may be, there are no complaints for we consider this as one of the prime needs of our nation. Now we are engaged in an evaluation of the teaching program to see whether it should be modified.
Teaching children is a serious problem with all of us but often we overlook the fact that too much emphasis is placed upon the teaching by the schools and not enough on the teaching in the home. We forget that the prime responsibility for the training of children rests with the parents. In fact, until the age of five, when the youngster is in his most formative stage, the school is not in the picture at all.
Not all teaching is done in a formalized manner. Children learn through observation, imitation and experimentation. They watch their parents, older brothers and sisters, other relatives, friends and others in their environment. Notice how they play house, playing the roles of father and mother. They even reflect and imitate the mannerisms and speech of their parents. Often, when grown, they attempt to improve upon the behavior and personalities of their parents yet repeat the same factors which they disliked. Without being shown, young children will even copy the procedure they see in the stores.
In our daily lives, it is important that we set good examples for our children. Too often we hear children swearing and wonder where they learned the words, forgetting that we, ourselves, often use not the best language when angry. We reflect our own fears, frustrations, and hostility, so that eager ears and eyes can absorb that which we’d love to hide.
Even when the child attends school we overlook the fact that our responsibilities do not cease. We must take an active and sincere interest in the progress of our children and not leave all the burden on the school. If we do, children will get the feeling that school cannot be very important because even their parents are disinterested.
While it is true that we can learn much from our children, we must not forget that children learn much from us. Let’s make what they learn from us good.
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Sports Night For Men’s Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 3
The Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club will hold their third annual Sports Night and Dinner on Tuesday, April 29, at the San Diego Hotel.
Happy Hour cocktails will be served from 6:30 to 7:30
Reservations are necessary and may be made through Mr. J.L. Feldman.
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Dedication of Center Postponed; Weather Halts Work on Paving and Pool
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
Though the Jewish Community Center is now operating in the new building at 4079 54th Street, the Directors decided to postpone the dedicatory services and formal opening until such time as the paving is in and the swimming pool completed.
This decision was made due to inclement weather, according to Morris W. Douglas and Bernard Arenson, Committee Chairman, which has put the Center 45 days behind schedule.
Working on the swimming pool and paving will be renewed as soon as the weather permits and the ground dries.
In the meantime a full program of activities is being carried out in the Center including the Nursery school, Arts and Crafts, Group meetings, Senior Citizens, lectures and concerts and many others.
“Activities for all age groups are in progress,” Maury Novakj, Program Chairman, reported.
Furniture and equipment continued to be brought into the Center as money becomes available.
Teenage activities are being carried out in the Youth Lounge, which has been completely furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Spiegel.
The Adult Lounge is now also completely furnished through the generosity of Mrs. Harry Sugarman.
Completion of the library furnishing has been achieved thru the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Perlmutter and books of Jewish content are beginning to pour in.
First library gift to be in the shelves is the donation of the complete works of the Jewish Publication Society by Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Hutler in memory of Mrs. Hutler’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ehrlich.
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Senior Adults To Hear Professor
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
On Tuesday, April 22nd, at 1 p.m., the Senior Adults will have their first meeting in the new Jewish Community Center, 54th Street and University Avenue, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women and the Community Center. Dr. Joseph Pennepacker, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at California Western University will discuss “The Amazing Story of the Dead Sea Scrolls.” Slides will illustrate the talk.
Following Dr. Pennepacker’s lecture, Cantor Joseph Cysner of Tifereth Israel Synagogue will present a program of Israeli songs. According to Mrs. Herbert Malley, Senior Adult Chairman, this program has especially been repeated for this group because of its tremendous popularity when presented at a general meeting in February.
Mrs. Fritz Lavender is general chairman of the meeting. She is being assisted by Mrs. Lester Tokars. Mrs. Herbert Reder is Vice President in charge.
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Benefit Dinner for Spanish Sailors
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
SAN DIEGO – a benefit dinner for the five Spanish sailors who lfet their ship here July 6 rather than return to Franco’s Spain, will be held April 19, 1958 at 6:30 p.m. at Craftsmen Hall, 3909 Centre Street.
Sponsor is the American Civil Liberties Union. Al Wirin, legal counsel for the ACLU and attorney for the five seamen, will speak.
Tickets may be obtained by calling Harvey Furgatch at Juniper 2-6656 or Hopkins 6-9191. A Spanish-style meal will be served.
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Chamber Group To Play Sunday
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
On Sunday, April 20 at 3:00 p.m. the last in the series of Chamber Music Concerts will be presented in the Fine Arts Gallery by the members of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra Association. Selections will include works by Brahms and Beethoven. Tickets will be available at the door.
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Charter Center Memberships Open To Community
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
Charter memberships in the new Jewish Community Center are now available to the general community, according to Norman Gelman and Bernard Arenson, Membership Chairmen.
“Without a drive of any kind and only thru a letter to those who had been members in the past, the Center has already secured over 450 family memberships,” the chairmen said.
Charter memberships will remain open until the dedication services are completed, they announced.
Letters are going to every Jewish family inviting them to memberships at a cost of $48 per family. Memberships will be closed when the Center reaches a figure which the directors feel is the number can best be served.
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Superintendent of Schools To Speak To Young Leaders
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
A joint meeting of husbands and wives of the Community Service Organization will hear Dr. Ralph Dailard, Superintendent of City Schools, at the May meeting on Tuesday, May 13.
The Young Leadership Group had as their guest for April, Dr. Sholomo Bardin, Director of Brrandeis Camp Institute, who discussed the philosophy of the Brandeis Youth Foundation as a form of positive Judaism.
Dr. Dailard will discuss many of the educators problems, including Religion in the Public Schools; intergration in the City Schools and the changing curriculum.
President Robert Shapiro pointed out that several of the 1958 campaign leaders have been drafted from the group of young executives. Martin Gleich is Vice Chairman of the drive; Larry Lawrence is Pace-Setters Co-Chairman, and Herbert Solomon leads the Young Men’s Division. Shapiro and Allan Raffe are working in the Pace Setters Division.
Mr. Shapiro stated that the Community Service Organization is open to young men. Membership is by invitation only.
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Fredman Attends UJA and JWB Conferences
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
San Diego will be represented at two national meetings by Milton Fredman who left for New York last week.
Fredman, prominent attorney and civic leader, attended a special UJA meeting on April 14, which was called to discuss the possibility of community loans to the United Jewish Appeal.
He will also attend the biennial of the National Jewish Welfare Board in Washington, D.C as Vice-Chairman of the 8th Army District JWB-USO.
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City of Hope
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
Sunday, April 20th, is the date of the Southern California Roll Call of Auxiliaries of the City of Hope at the Ambassador Hotel. Those representing the local Auxiliary are President Gladys Tappan and Ann Rivers, Betty Cohan, Clara Schecter, Ann Kolkey, and Elaine Seigel.
Volunteers for the United Jewish Fund Campaign are reminded to be at the San Diego Hotel – Continental Room at 10:00 a.m. on April 20.
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(Visiting San Diego)
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kravitz from Toronto, Ontario, are visiting with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Irving Mortin. They spend the days with three grandsons and evenings at the Jewish Community Center.
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Eileen Farrell To Sing Here Monday
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
Eileen Farrell, the noted American soprano, will sing here Monday night at 8:30 in Russ Auditorium.
Miss Farrell’s Monday night recital is the final event in the Famous Artist Series, sponsored by Lucille J. Palmer.
Accompanied by George Trovello, her Monday night program will open with Bach’s “My Heart Ever Faithful” and the aria “Ernani Involami,” from Verdi’s “Ernani.” A Brahm’s group will be followed by an aria from Weber’s “Oberon” and groups of songs by Debussy, Poulenc and a group of American and English composers.
Tickets for the event are available from the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.
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Rembrandt Exhibition Set At Art Gallery
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 4
An exhibition, “The Young Rembrandt and His Times” will be on display in the Fine Arts Gallery from April 12 through May 18. It will be the only West Coast showing of the distinguished exhibit organized by the John Herron Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana. Featured will be 79 paintings by Rembrandt, his teacher, pupils and contemporaries from European American and Canadian Collections. An admission fee to the Rembrandt show will be charged to help cover expenses involved.
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Star-Light To Open Season With ‘Damn Yankees’ July 3
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 5
Star-Light has cast two of its former prima ballerinas in leading singing and acting roles for the first two productions of its 13th summer season of outdoor musicals in Balboa Park Bowl.
Judi Bradshaw will return from Hollywood July 3 to accept the starring role of Lola. Jeannine Fetterolf, last season’s featured dancer, will sing the coveted role of Laurey in “Oklahoma,” which will follow on July 17. Both are known as “triple-threat girls” because in addition to their outstanding dancing they have excellent voices and have proven themselves capable actresses.
Playing opposite Miss Bradshaw will be Mike Bogle, cast as the greatest ball-player of all time, rejuvenated by His Satanic Majesty to lead the Washington Senators over the hated Yankees.
Scenery, props and costumes from the original Broadway production of “Damn Yankees” have been purchased by Star-Light for the season opener.
Supporting Miss Fetterolf in “Oklahoma!” will be most of the cast which made this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic the hit of the 1954 season. Gene Clarke, as Curly will sing again “Oh What a Beautfiul Mornin’” and “The Surrey With the Fringe On Top.” John Powell returns to play the boorish Jud Frye; Charlie Cannon and Martha Gene “A Girl Who Can’t Say No” will be back providing laughs; Ruby Kisman, as Aunt Eller, and Bobby Finch, telling how “Everything’s Up To Date in Kansas City” are also from the original San Diego company. Miss Fetterolf’s big numbers are “Many a New Day,” “Out of My Dreams,” and “People Will Say We’re In Love.”
Third in the series is “The Most Happy Fella.” The Frank Lesser musical won the New York Drama Critics Award as “The Best Musical of the Year,” 1956-57. So recent is its release that rehearsal material will not be available until next month.
“The King and I,” set for opening August 14, will have most of the cast from the 1956 productions. John Powell and Maribel Millard share the title roles again. Irene Valencia will be back as Tuptim who tells the court about “The Small House of Uncle Thomas.” Jeffrey Wong will again play the young Prince of Siam. Leslie Cozens will be seen as the Burmese potentate.
As the season’s climax, September 4 to 14, Star-Light will present the first all-Negro company in the Oscar Hammerstein , II, success “Carmen Jones.” Search for the nine principals and 50 singers and dancers to make up the chorus for the Bizet music is now occupying Star-Light’s staff. Trials which started at Balboa Park last Sunday will be continued April 20, in Memorial Junior High auditorium.
“Evidently San Diegans like the choice of shows for this summer. The box office has been literally swamped with orders for season reservations,” according to Bill Dean, producer. ‘Never in our 13 years of experience have we had anything like this before. I only hope that we can once more prove to our large audience that we have what it takes to give them top-flight shows at moderate prices,” he added, smiling broadly.
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Cottage of Israel To Hold Lawn Program
Southwestern Jewish Press, April 18, 1958, Page 5
Bess Borushek, President of the Cottage of Israel, cordially invites the members of the community to attend the season’s first Lawn Program on Sunday afternoon, April 20, at 2:30 p.m. in Balboa Park (west of the Organ Pavilion).
Program will be under the special direction of Vytes Beliajus and will include Israeli dancing, music and narration. Pupils of Temple Beth Israel will assist the Cottage of Israel Dancers. In case of rain, the program will be held in the Puppet Theatre. Refreshments will follow the program.
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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.