Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, August 5, 1955, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Jewish Center Made Part of S.D. Chest
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

The Jewish Community Center was admitted to the Community chest of San Diego for 1956 according to Edward Breitbard, President.

Admission came after a study made by the Community Welfare Council indicated that the Center was serving a community need; and that it was not duplicating the work of any other agency.

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Cash Remittance Can Be Made To Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

With the approaching High Holidays, announcement was made by United Hias Service that persons wishing to transmit cash gifts to residents in Israel may do so through the agency’s Remittance Service in Israel currency, at the rate of IL1.80 for each American dollar.

There is no limitation on the amount which a remitter may send.  United Hias Service makes no charge for its services. A fee of 50 cents Is however collected with each remittance to defray the banking transfer charge made to United Hias Service in Israel.

Remittances, plus fifty cents for each remittance, can be sent to United Hias Service, 435 Lafayette Street, New York 3, N.Y., or any United Hias Service branch office for speedy transfer.

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Institute On World Affairs Set For Aug. 8
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

The Institute on World Affairs opens its second week Monday, August 8 when Avraham Biran, former District Governor of Jerusalem and now Consul General of the State of Israel for the eleven western states will discuss “Israel in the Middle East.” Mr. Biran’s lecture is at 10:15 a.m. in Room 1010 of the Science Building.

Dr. Kurt von Schuschnigg, former Chancellor of Austria will speak on “Austria and Neutralism between East and West” at 8 p.mn. Tuesday in the Music Auditorium.  Von Schushnigg became chancellor after the assassination of Dollfuss and was forced to resign during the Anschluss.

Other speakers during the week will be John S. Rescheter Jr. (“Bases of Soviet Foreign Policy”) at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday in Science 101; Dr. Ned Joy (“Political Parties and American Foreign Policy”) at 10:15 a.m. Thursday in Science 101 and the well known University o Chicago professor, Dr. Hans J. Morganthau, who will lecture on the “Dilemmas of U.S. Foreign Policy” at 8 p.m. Friday in the Music Auditorium.  The public is invited.

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“Your Local Jewish Weekly Is One of Your Biggest Assets”
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

(This Editorial—reprinted from the National Jewish Monthly, July-August 1955 issue, official organ of B’nai B’rith – is worthy of general note)

An event that is worthy of more acclaim than it is getting is the 100th anniversary of the American Israelite, which Rabbi Isaac M. Wise founded to serve the Jewish community of Cincinnati.  It was not the first Jewish publication in America, but it is the oldest one that has survived down to our own times.

But mere age calls for no particular acclaim. B’nai Brith’s approaching 113th birthday is important not because the Order is American Jewry’s oldest organization but because its history has been filled with accomplishment, and so have American Jewry’s 300 years. The American Israelite, too, has ahistory of noteworthy accomplishment and service, and we salute it cordially, both for its past and its present, with best wishes for the future.

The local Jewish press, like too many other services without which we would be poor indeed, is too often taken for granted.  If the standards of some of the papers are not very high, that is not the fault of the editors. We know many of them, and a finer and more devoted group of Jewish public servants would be hard to find. But too many otherwise conscientious Jews fail to support them. The Jewish businessman who could benefit from advertising in his local weekly too often fails to do so. He expects the paper to print a big story and pictures when his son becomes Bar Mitzvah, or his daughter engaged, but he limits his advertising to the local dailies, when even a token ad in the Jewish weekly would help it greatly in raising its standards of appearance and editorial content.

Some Jewish “leaders” too, are so thin-skinned tht they can’t take criticism of their favorite agency, however constructive it may be.  Instead of welcoming it, they sometimes bring pressure on the Jewish weekly editor to “lay off.”

Cincinnati Jews have supported the American Israelite for a century and it is no coincidence that Cincinnati’s Jewish community is widely known as one of the finest in the country. Every community fortunate enough to have a Jewish weekly should do the same – unless, of course, the community is already so perfect that it can’t possibly be improved on. But we can’t think of any in that category.

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Camp Jaycee Enters Final Phase Aug. 8
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

The Jewish Community Center’s Camp Jaycee is reported to be on the way toward having its most popular year yet according to Leonard Zlotoff, Day Camp Chairman.

Camp Jaycee reports that over 260 individual boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 13 have already registered in the first six weeks of the eight week session. Twenty-three counselors have been working with an average of one hundred and forty youngsters each week. Zlotoff’s report states that 2604 camper days have been given to these youngsters by the Jewish community Center of which 385 were full campership days for which the youngsters did not have to pay and 235 were partial campership days.

The last two weeks of activities at Camp Jaycee will begin Monday August 8th and will feature a trip to Disneyland for an all day excursion.  Running second to this exciting news for campers is another “Parent and Campers Pow-Wow” scheduled for August 18th at the Indian Village on 54th Street near University.

Though there is the possibility of a two-week post season camp, the last two weeks of Camp Jaycee will again feature horseback riding, swimming and roller skating as well as increased emphasis in dancing, singing and crafts.

“Though there is the possibility of a two-week post season camp, the last two weeks of camp Jaycee will again feature horseback riding, swimming and roller skating, as well as increased emphasis in dancing, singing and crafts.

“Though for the first time Camp Jaycee has its own site, it has pointed up the difficulty of working under the conditions in which the Camp finds itself,” Zlotoff said.  “If the Indian Village points up nothing else, it shows the importance of getting our Jeish Community Center built in San Diego where our camp for our children will have its own pool and facilities and be able to handle even more youngsters.”

Camp Jaycee is scheduled to close its eight weeks of activities on Friday August 19th. Registrations are being taken for the last two weeks of Camp Jaycee at the Jewish Community Center, 3227 El Cajon Blvd., AT-1-7744.

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Fund Named In Will
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

The opening of a safety box belonging to the late Iser Goldberg led to the discovery of a will leaving the entire estate amounting to approximately $13,000 to the United Jewish Fund, according to Morris Douglas, president of the Fund.

Mr. Goldberg, 90 year old recluse, died two weeks ago in the County Hosptial.  He was born in Russia in 1865, was a naturalized American citizen, who came to the United States in 1899 and San Diego in 1901.

The will names Albert A. Hutler, executive director of the Fund as executor.

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Our Community Organizations: This Is Bnai B’rith
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Pages 1, 6

The oldest and largest Jewish service organization in the world, it has more than 360,000 members in 34 countries.  Founded in 1843, its flexible program has encompassed the needs of the times so that its program is greatly varied and constantly expanding.

There are four B’nai B’rith units in San Diego of close to 1,000 men and women, and two-youth groups as well as  a Hillel Councilorship at San Diego State College. The oldest of these units is the San Deigo Lasker Lodge which was organized some 67 years ago.  The incumbent president is Milton Fredman. The Birdie Stodel Chapter is entering its 27th year of existence under the presidential guidance of Mrs. Martin (Doris) Borenstein. Then comes the Samuel I. Fox Lodge whjich is approximately 8 years “old” with David Schloss as its president for the second term. The newest addition was in 1950 when the Bay City Chapter was instituted.  Mrs. Max (Rose) Felsman heads the Chapter for the coming year. There is the AZA boys’ groups sponsored by the two Lodges and the B’nai B’rith girls sponsored by the Birdie Stodel Chapter.

These four units, several years ago, formed the San Diego B’nai B’rith Co-ordinating Council which has as its present chairman Mrs. Harold (Reva) Garvin.  It is the purpose of this Council to co-ordinate local activities so that there is no overlapping and at the same time infringe in no way upon the autonomous activities of the individual units. Some of these co-ordinated activities are the annual Christmas-Chanukah parties at the Naval Hospital at Balboa Park, at which time they service (with food, games, prizes, etc) from 200 to 250 boys., This year it is planning to include the hospital at Camp Pendleton.  The Anti-Defamation League has its annual Youth of the Year award which is an award based on outstanding service to either the school r the community by a graduating boy and girl from each of the city High Schools and the Parochial schools, with presentation made at the Award Assembly prior to graduation. The two Chapters have for many years worked jointly on the Essay Contest in the Primary grades. The past two years participants have been 5th and 6th graders from 10 schools selected by the Board of Education. The recent testimonial dinner given for Carl Esenoff was a Council venture in conjunction with the United Jewish Fund.  It is interesting to note that the formation of a United Jewish Fund was spearheaded by B’nai B’rith in San Diego in or about 1937.   Many of its leading “citizens” are past presidents of B’nai B’rith.

The Women’s Chapters host, individually, the USO parties in cooperation with the USO-JeWB.  Ward parties are held at the Naval Hospital.  Man and woman power is furnished on all local drives such as the United Jewish Fund, Freedom Scroll, March of Dimes, Community Chest, etc.  The Birdie Stodel Chapter  has for many years furnished a “campership” to Camp Jaycee while the Bay City Chapter has donated funds to the Crippled Children’s Home.  Presentation of films and other ADL literature has been made to the City Schools and  just recently, with the aid of Ruth Brav, a Film Depository was established at San Diego State College.  Representation and active participation in the Commnity Relations Council is another local activity.

Lasker Lodge meets the 2ns and 4th Monday evening at Temple Center.  Samuel I. Fox Lodge meets the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening at Beth Jacob Synagogue. Birdie Stodel Chapter meets on the 2nd Monday afternoon (luncheon meeting ) at the Beth Jacob Synagogue and the Bay City Chapter meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday evening at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.  With the two Chapters scheduled to have their Membership events this month and the Lodges always welcoming guests, your attendance will serve to attain a more complete understanding the B’nai B’rith story.

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Membership Party Plus Champagne And New Hats Set By Hadassah
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 1

Hadassah launches its annual membership drive, Thursday afternoon, August 11th at 2 o’clock with a delightful “Pink Champagne” party to be held in the beautiful gardens of Mrs. Arthur Gardner’s home at 5323 Canterbury Drive.  While the party promises an afternoon of pleasure, Mrs. Edward Kitaen announces that its main purpose is to attract new members. Therefore, a warm invitation is extended to newcomers and all others interested in joining Hadassah to attend the party.  The invitation to Hadassah members includes the provision that they bring a prospective member.

Assisting Mrs. Kitaen and her co-chairman, Mrs. Al Slayen and Mrs. Howard Hoffman are the following members of the membership committee:  Mesdames Archie Bushnell, Charles Marks, Sam Kerper, Jonas Feurzeig, Charles Feurzeig, Allen Hoffing, Norman Gelman, Al Young, Ray Lieberman, Nat Mallinger, Manuel Haffner, Sol Price, Burt Ross, John Ruskin and Sammy Stein.

Mrs. Jacob Karp, National Vice President of Hadassah will speak. Adding a note of style and fashion glamor, Neil Harrison, well-known fashion coordinator of San Diego will present a collection of original hats which she is bringing form Los Angeles for the occasion.

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“Flight to Tropics” Theme of Council Party
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

An Airline Stewardess will be on hand Tuesday, August 16, at 1 p.m. to assist Council members and prospective members of the San Diego Section, National Council of Jewish Women, on their “Flight to the Tropics” with destination of the gala Membership Party being the beautiful tropical gardens of Mr. and Mrs. Max Rabinowitz at 2034 Sunset Blvd.

Mrs. Herbert Reder, Membership Chairman, and her committee have planned unusual decorations in the tropical color scheme.

In keeping with the theme, Council’s Glee Club under the direction of Mrs. Harvey Furgatch will sing the story of Council in tropical themes. Also Clark Allen and his wife Margarita will appear in a program of songs and dances of the tropics.

Members of the Board will act as Hostesses at the affair for which reservations are being taken by Mrs. Albert Rosen, JU-2-3456.

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Please Note
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

The memorial service for the unveiling of the plaque on the crypt of the late George Neumann will be held Sunday afternoon, August 8th at 2 o’clock at the Home of Peace Mausoleum, Cypress View.  Rabbi Morton Cohn will conduct the service.  All friends and relatives are invited to attend.

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Betrothal Told
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

Mr.a nd Mrs. Arthur E. Glickman, 4646 49th St, announce the engagement of their daughter, Roberta, to Robert Jeffrey Plesser, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Plesser, Kansas City, Mo.  The bride-elect was graduated from Hoover High School and attended Kelsey Jenney Business College.  Her fiancé attended schools in Kansas City and New York. The date of the wedding will be announced later.

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Snyders Entertain At Country Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

Approximately 180 guests enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Snyder at a dinner dance given at the Mission Valley Country Club last week.  Marking the celebration of their 14th wedding anniversary, the Snyders took this opportunity to honor Mr. and Mrs. Ben Snyder upon their recent marriage and Mr. and Mrs. Its Penter who have just returned from their European tour.  Also sharing honors at this delightful party were Mr. and Mrs. Milton Bernstein, son and daughter-in-law of the hostess.

Many out-of-town guests joined in the festivities including Mr. and Mrs. Morris Kattelman, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Turman, Mr. and Mrs. Morris Gold, Mr. and Mrs. H. Frankel, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Evans, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Berenfeld, Mr. I. Rubin and Mrs. Sally Klein

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Marriage Told
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

Mr. and Mrs. Mack Esterson announce the marriage of their daughter, Elsa Ann to James Gordon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Stremlau of San Diego.  James is a graduate of Point Loma High and is stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville.

The young couple is presently residing in San Bernardino.  Rabbi Morton J. Cohn performed the ceremony in the home of the bride’s parents, followed by a family dinner at the Kona Kai Club.

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Personals

Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

Mrs. Simon Glaser, her daughter, Mrs. Marshal Naiman and son, Leonard and Eddy are on an extended trip in the East.  They will visit Mrs. Glaser’s sister, Mrs. Esther Bluestone, in Cleveland, Ohio. Before returning to San Diego, they will visit other relatives in Canton and Detroit.

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Mr. and Mrs. Harley Babitz have as their guest for a few weeks his sister, Miss Ilene Babitz of Minneapolis.

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Representing Temple Beth Israel at Saratoga, Calif., is Arthur S. Pogrell, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Pogrell.  He is attending the eighth annual Camp Leadership Institute sponsored by the National Federation of Temple Youth.

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Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Schiller have returned from a week’s vacation motor trip to San Francisco, Carmel, and Santa Cruz.

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Miss Gail Kahn is spending a month in Beverly Hills as a houseguest of her aunt, Miss E. Fanchon.
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The Morris and Harry Wax’s have as their houseguests, Mrs. I. Wax of Salt Lake City; Mrs. H. Diamond and two children, Phyliss and Roslyn of Boston.

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Julia Kaufman, convalescing at home after recent surgery, wishes to thank her friends for their kindnesses and thoughtfulness.

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Pearl Ruskin, who is in traction again, reports that the “Welcome mat” is out for visitors.

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Irwin  Schatzman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Weiss, is spending a month at Brandeis Camp Institute, Santa Susana.  Congratulations, Irwin, for winning a Brandeis scholarship!

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Mrs. Betty Cohen was doubly surprised to receive a visit from her daughters, Silvia and Be Cohen from New York.  In turn, Mrs. Cohen gave a luncheon for each one of her daughters at the Mission Valley Country Club to which many of her friends were invited. Be Cohen, formerly a buyer for many local dress shops here in town, now has her own buying office in New York.

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Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

Now Available – Part time Maternity Nursing Specialist , 15 years experience, New York City.  Phone Mrs. L. Levine, JU-2-6598.

Room for rent in lovely home.  Use of kitchen.  3354 ½ 49th St, AT-4-0847, CO-4-8047.  Woman preferred.

Desk Space Available with telephone answering service. Reasonable monthly rate, typographical and steno work. North Park Secretarial Service, CY-8-6104, 3948 Utah St., across from North Park Club Houe.

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Calendar
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

August 10—Noon, Mission Valley Country Club, Bay City B.B.
August 11 – 2 p.m., Hadassah PinkChampagne Party, home of Mrs. Arthur Gardner.
August 16 – Noon, Pioner Women, pic nic, Pepper Grove, Balboa Park.
August 16 – 1 p.m., Flight of Tropics, Council of Jwsh Women, Home of Mrs. Max Rabinowitz.

(Hebrew Home)
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 2

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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La Jolla Playhouse Presents “Time of The Cuckoo”
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 3

Claire Trevor, one of filmdom’s better actresses will open Tuesday, August 9, in “Time of the Cuckoo,” the Arthur Laurente comedy hit.  Miss Trevor takes over a roll originated by Shirley Booth on Broadway and played by Katherine Hepburn in the movie version of the play,  “Summertime.”

“Time of the Cuckoo” is the story of a prim American girl on her first European tour.  Benay Venuta has been cast as Signora Fioria, the owner of a pension in Venice, where the action of the play takes place.  Other members of the cast have yet to be announced.

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Pianist Composer With Symphony August 9th
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 3

(Story is obscured by an overprint, however it deals with Lukas Foss.

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New Officers Jolly 16 Elects
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 3

(Story is obscured by an overprint, however, such names are discernable as Mrs. Carl Esenoff, Mrs. Maxwell Kaufman, Mrs. Harry Klaskin, Mrs. Paul Nestor, Mrs. Robert S. Gordon Jr., Mrs. Arthur Glickman, Mrs. Saul Chenkin and Mrs. Abe Bard.)

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Musical Comedy Set for Balboa Bowl
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 5, 1955, Page 3


(Story is obscured by an overprint, however the story deals with a production of “Kiss Me Kate” and mentions Irene Cantos and John Powell as performing.)
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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.