Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Happy New Year (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
It seems to us that the spirit of the High Holy Days – the sense of solemnity and awe with which we approach the beginning of the New Year – is one of the most constructive and enlightening facets of our tradition. At no other season are we so keenly aware of our responsibilities to others, and of the necessity of rising, proudly, to the challenges of being human.
We examine what has gone before, so that we may find guidance for our actions in coming days. There is humility and a sincere desire for atonement as we recount our errors, but there is no despair. Throughout the Ten Days of Penitence, we stand ready to accept judgment, knowing that we have tried, at least, to fulfill our duties toward God and our fellow man.
This concern for the welfare of our fellow man is perhaps an outstanding characteristic of our people—certainly it has contributed greatly to our unbroken history over the centuries. It has been exhibited time and again in times of stress, when the community has rallied to the aid of its members who needed help. It continues to be exhibited in our day to day living, when we—less dramatically but no less feelingly-unite to provide beneficial services and activities which no one person can secure by himself.
This is a wonderful thing, this being part of a vast community of people dedicated to service. We daresay that only in America could this sort of association develop—a union of forces whose goal is the enrichment of life for those who are not in want, not in danger, not in distress. Deep understanding there must be, to recognize that among the vast numbers of Americans there is need for more than the food, clothing, shelter and the amenities which are not difficult today to come by. This, too, demands a feeling for one’s responsibilities to others which is truly in the Jewish tradition.
When we exchange the greeting, “L’Shono Tovah Tikosevu!” — M<ay you be inscribed for a good year! – we imply a more profound sort of happiness for the coming year than the superficial gaiety of a “Happy New Year.” To us, a good year is one that bears promise of increased understanding among men, of further gains in the search for peace, of new advances in the science of healing. It is a year in which man can find greater opportunities to serve man. It is this kind of year which we earnestly hope that we will enjoy together in 5716.
*
Some Statistics on Aging
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
Dr. Philip L. Seman
University of Judaism
We are no longer a youthful country but rather one composed of adults and particularly senior adults as well.
We know that some individuals at 65 are physiologically younger than others at 50. Many of us, if we look into our own experience with people with whom we come in contact, can not help but feel that many at 65 and older are psychologically younger than many we know.
At the time of the Roman Empire, the average life span was 23 years. In 1900 it was only 47 years, in 1940 the average had attained 63 years and in 19052 it had attained 68 years. It is estimated that in the next less than ten years, the average life expectancy should reach 75 years.
As far as numbers of older peoples in our population, students of the subject estimate that within less than thirty years there will be 25,000,000 people who will be 65 years and older. This increase becomes a matter of great importance as a proportion of our population. For example, in 190-0 only 4 percent were 65 or over, as against 8 in 1950. Between 1940 and 1950 the total population of the United States increased 14.5 percent while the number of those 65 years and older grew 36 percent. This presents a problem to all of us and particularly to the Jewish group, for little variation the percentages hold true in the 5,000,000 as it does in the total population of our country of over 160,000,000 and certain needs seem to stand out as essential to the welfare of those among us who are over 65, and our Jewish community as well as the country at large in order to meet its growing responsibilities; among these one student of the subject tells us is good medical and psychiatric services.
Adequate living arrangements, opportunities for emotional security and social usefulness, opportunities to work and earn commensurate with ability to do the job and for continuation of creative activities or guidance in the positive use of leisure time – all of these because the happiness of any person depends not only on food, shelter and clothing, for as much if not more so on creative activity and companionship and the employment of leisure in a socially useful manner. All this will require Jewish social agencies to provide the necessary leadership particularly for creative group activity. This is a responsibility that our colleges and universities are beginning to realize and to provide the necessary department for such training.
In Chicago, Minneapolis and many of the other large communities, the Jewish Community Centers, and in a few instances, the Council of Jewish Women, have developed fine programs in day centers, and even in summer camps, exclusively for our older population.
Ed Note: San Diego has long been aware of the problem of its aged and will next month dedicate the new Home, situated at 54th and University; built at a cost of $200,000.
*
United Jewish Appeal Film To Be Seen
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
The United Jewish Fund, an affiliate of the nationwide United Jewish Appeal, in cooperation with KFSD-TV, Channel 10, will present a public service TV program to mark the Jewish New Year, 5716, and the holiday appeal of the United Jewish Fund on behalf of the United Jewish Appeal.
The telecast to be seen on Monday, September 19, at 7:00 p.m. will feature an half hour film entitled “Man on a Bus.” A special prologue keyed to the Jewish New Year, 5617, introduces the film. Moshe Oysher, world renowned Cantor, is featured in the prologue. At the close of the telecast a special message will be delivered by Morris W. Douglas, President of the United Jewish Fund.
“Man on A Bus” was especially produced for the United Jewish Appeal at MGM Studios in Hollywood and features a host of stars including Broderick Crawford, Ruth Roman, J. Carroll Nash and Walter Brennen.
The film tells the story of a group of Israeli immigrants and settlers who are stranded in the Negev Desert when their bus breaks down. During tense hours of delay each immigrant tells a poignant story of how he came to Israel to begin a new life.
Funds raised by the United Jewish Fund support local, national. And overseas causes with the United Jewish Appeal as one of the principal beneficiaries. The humanitarian program of the United Jewish Appeal as one of the principal beneficiaries. The humanitarian program of the United Jewish Appeal is carried on by the United Israel Appeal is carried on by the United Israel Appeal, and the Joint Distribution Committee.
*
Contract Bridge
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
By Leon Zweibel
Since my new vocation offers m the opportunity to meet personally with more. Southwest Jewish Press readers, I find one particular question asked of me from time to time should a husband and wife play bridge as partners and risk the ire of each other?
I will digress from the routine bridge lessons to answer this and instead, resent a picture of a good bridge player.
1) Respect his partner’s intelligence.
2) Does not give unsolicited bridge lessons at the table.
3) Is pleasant to partner as to opponent.
4) Is gracious in defeat as well as in victory.
5) Is aware that pleasure is also a purpose of the game.
6) Observes the ethics of the game.
7) Refrains from making bids with special emphasis.
8) Does not make his bid or play with undue delay or haste which may result in conveying improper information to partner.
9) Makes no remarks or gestures from which an inference may be drawn.
10) has an elementary knowledge of the game.
Believing that a husband or wife is entitled to the same courtesy as any other player, I say, by all means, play bridge with your spouse as partners.
From my own personal experience, I can say that the partner I enjoy having most in bridge is my own wife, Ruth.
*
(That’s cooking)
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
A New York attorney representing Charles J. Larkin, a wealthy real estate operator charged by his wife in a law suit with living with Miss Esther Kessler:
“The only reason Mr. Larkin lives in Miss Kessler’s house is that he likes the kind of knishes she makes.”
*
With the Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 13-14
Highlights of the Sept. 1st meeting – the attendance was exceptionally good—it may have been 100 degrees on the outside but Guardian Room (Manor Hotel) was adequately air conditioned. A new group of directors was elected for a two-year stint – the political chicanery at one of the tables to write in the name of dark horse Bernard Jacobson – the running back and forth by Murray Goodrich as we had “action” going to a gin game and in a poker game – Brother in law Allie Ferer successfully extricated Murray from a bad gin enterprise.
*
One of our sports-minded Guardians, to escape the blistering heat in his patio, came into the house last Sunday to watch the pro football game. The contest see-sawed until in one tremendous burst, Y.A. Tittle, of the ‘49ers, passed 47 yards to Harry Babcock who had slipped by two towering defenders to make a most sensational catch. The husband turned to his wife offering this explanation: “Reason this guy got away so fast is that in college he was a nine-five man.” The wife sent her husband back to the patio with “That tall?”
*
A hard working Guardian who has steadily maintained an unexcelled attendance record, pointed out the noticeable absence of many of our original member. The point is definitely well taken. In view of the opening of the newly-constructed Home (Hebrew Home for the Aged), it becomes doubly important that there be a revival in attendance by those who certainly must appreciate the forward progress demonstrated by the Guardians. We would enjoy seeing the following members at the next meeting –October 6th—6:30 p.m., at the Manor Hotel – air conditioned room. (Incidentally, this sincere desire to visit with old friends is not to be construed as an invitation – still Dutch treat!) Nate Ratner, Oscar Ravin, Henry Price, Milt Gellens, Leo Beck, Doyle Kahn, Julius Brown, Joe Kwint, Sol. Bloom, Morrie Douglas, Nate Rosenberg, Eddie Breitbard, Lew Solomon, Lee Sarfan and a host of others. Gentlemen, your support of the Guardians was always valuable, but now it has become vital.
*
The Guardians join in extending Mozzel Tov to Mr. and Mrs. Sol Price on the joyous occasion of their son’s Bar Mitzvah (Sept. 9th). We sincerely hope that when Robert is ready to become a member of the Guardians (Der Lebben), he will be a more active member than his old man.
*
AZA News
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 16, 1955, Page 15-16
This coming Tuesday, September 20, at Temple Beth Israel, the AZA religious committee will present the first of a group of seminars on Jewish Life Today. Guest speaker, Mr. Alex Burner, will give his “Impressions of Israel Today.” Mr. Burner, born and educated in Canada, is well qualified to speak on this subject as he has spent many years in Israel. During the British mandate, he served in the Haganah, and during World War II he was given an important civil post in the British administration of the Middle East. He then received a commission in the Royal Army and became the only Jewish officer to serve on Field Marshal Montgomery’s personal staff. In this period, Mr. Burner served in every country in th Middle East and became well acquainted with each. Today, our guest speaker is the Pacific Coast representative for the world-famous Hebrew University at Jerusalem.
Members, parents, and other interested residents of the Jewish Community are requested to be at the Temple at 7:00 P.M.
With the start of school, talk of A.Z.A. Regional Convention is being heard. Rumors from the tom-tom is that this fabulous event will be held at a big Palm Springs resort (swimming pool and all the frills). Plan for this weekend of A.Z.A. larnin’ , tradition, and fund… now!
*
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.