Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
The New Secularism (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
There has been much discussion during the past month about Will Herberg’s new book “Protestant-Catholic-Jew.” Mr. Herberg’s thesis is that religion in this country has become synonymous with Americanism, and not to be a member of one of the three great faiths is considered slightly un-American. He further points that the increase in membership in church and synagogues does not reflect a resurgence of religious (or Biblical) feeling but is the answer to the American social need to belong.” It is considered a “good thing,” like belonging to a country club, the Rotary, Elks, etc., etc.
Americans believe in faith – not any particular one –but faith in religion. And it expects a return on the belief –such as “peace of mind.” They have also developed a sort of coziness with God who is now envisioned as a “Friendly Neighbor,” “The Man Upstairs” o0r a “livin’ doll” as a Hollywoodian recently expressed herself.
According to Reinhold Niebur, Americans are at one and the same time among the most religious and most secular of nations. They fill the houses of worship but their standards and values bear no relationship to the teachings that their particular religion stands for. Religion is thought of in terms of the well being of the individual and society.
Herberg also finds that the gap between the religionist and secularist is steadily narrowing, and furthermore that they both cherish the same basic values, mostly defined as the “American Way of Life.” American Jews have, in the past twenty years, expressed their religious needs in doing community welfare work, helping their stricken brethren overseas and aiding Israel. At the same time, the membership of their Synagogues grows from year to year, and the last decade has seen a phenomenal growth in buildings for the three segments of American Judaism.
The secular and religious leaders have both entered in an American socio-cultural partnership which stresses the same needs for Jews as for other Americans. The Jews have always known that it is their duty to support religion. However, the secularist thought that there were a great many other needs not being met by the synagogue and put his emphasis upon community welfare, fundraising, Jewish Centers, etc. The religious leaders extended their duties of the pulpit to compete in the fields of recreational, cultural and social activities. In this way, they secularized their religion, while the secularist found in religion the validity of his work.
The new secularism as described in Will Herberg’s book will provide many long hours of discussion and thought among leaders who are anxious to preserve the particularistic nature of any of the three faiths.
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With the Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
By Morrie Pomeranz
The largest and what must accurately be designated the most enthusiastic Board of Directors meeting to assemble in many months , met at Murray Goodrich’s home on September 15th. The nominating committee, headed by Art Glickman, presented a slate of candidates to be considered by the Board. The following members were elected to guide the Guardians for the coming year.
President: Sam Addleson
Vice President: Al DeSure
2nd Vice President: Morrie Pomeranz
Secretary: Irving Alexander
Treasurer: Abe Sklar
Our new President has long been genuinely affiliated with the Guardian movement in San Diego. All members join in sincerely wishing Sammy the best of Mozzel and assure him that he will have the strong support so necessary to fulfill his assignment. The battery of Addleson and de Sure should effectively restore the Guardians to its proper niche in the community. The officers will be installed at the next regular meeting scheduled at the Manor Hotel for October 6th, at 6:3- p.m. An excellent turnout is anticipated to welcome the newly-elected officers.
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Golfers Lou Karp and Julius Penn have been victimized b y the most brutal blow that can befall the parent – for in both instances the pupil has surpassed the teacher. Lou’s young daughter and Julius’s teen-age son are both accomplished tourney players – the fathers?—still duffers.
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It was Monday afternoon-downtown San Diego—Northwest corner—gathered together was an array of excavation equipment—graders—pick up trucks – power plants—jack hammers-and the usual miscellany of modern earth movers. The dust resulting from all this reminded one of mid-day in Barstow. The ringing of the phone was barely audible against the cacophonous symphony created by mechanical monsters. Al De Sure blanched as a feminine voice inquired; “Do you sell top soil?”
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During a recent gin game, the host offered his guests a refreshing drink especially prepared or the little foursome. The first thirsty Guardian took a king-size mouthful from the chilled glass and with popping eyes, gaspingly asked: “What in god’s name is this?” “Wadda you mean what is it!” retorted the insulted host, “It’s just a little drink I put together.” The ingredients of this home-made concoction – a mixture of 7 Up, Coca Cola, Vermouth, lime juice and sucaryl.
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Slenderella Int’l Opens First Salon
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
Miss Eloise English, a former Lt. Cmdr in the WAVES, said in san Deigo that being in the service not only teaches a woman self discipline, self reliance and how to get along with eople, but it teacher hewr how to be well groomed.
“A woman in the service always looks trim,” she said. “She knows how to keep her body trim, her clothes and herself well groomed.”
Miss English was in San Diego Wednesday checking on the final plans for the opening of San Diego’s first Slenderella International Salon at 1152 Seventh Ave. Miss English is the National Supervisor of this slandering system, the largest in the United States.
The chain which operates in Paris, London, New York and all of the major American cities to Beverly Hills uses a unique highly successful and top fashion method for figure proportioning. For a fee of $2.00 per treatment, patrons of the system recline, fully clothed, for forty-five minutes on a patented table which undulates and vibrates them. They also get dietary guidance and tablets which reduce the appetite.
Miss English was accompanied to San Diego by Larry Mack, Darien, Connecticut, founder and president of Slenderella. Mack started the organization five years ago and in the interim has built it to a business which is doing a volume of twelve million dollars annually.
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Jewish Center News
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
The parents of Junior High students of the 7th and 8th grades only (12 to 14 years) will meet to discuss the 1955-56 program of the “Teen Age” group. This important planning meeting will take place at the Center building on Wednesday, October 5, at 8:00 p.m. All parents who want their youngsters to participate in a wholesome and valuable program are urged to attend.
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The Teen Age group will start its fall program on Thursday, October 6. Ping Pong, Billiards and other games will be available from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Record Dance will follow. Plans of special events will be announced and discussed during the evening.
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New programs are being developed by the Young Adult group at the Jewish Community Center. Plans for a home and home program with Young Adult groups of nearby cities are in the making. On Tuesday evening a congenial group gets together for social and recreational activities. Discussion groups, special interest groups, and holiday socials are being planned. A group of Young Adults from Tia Juana have become regular attenders at the Tuesday evening affairs. The Young Adult group extend invitations to other young adults in the community to join them on the next Tuesday.
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A Giant Jamboree will take place on Sunday, October 9, at 2:00 p.m.
Heading the program will be the Moppets, a professional marionette and puppet group. A community sing will follow. Later all children attending will have the opportunity of signing up for one or more of a diversified activity program. Mr. Maury Novak, Chairman of the Center’s Program Committee announced that the children’s program will include such activities as Arts and Crafts, dramatics, Creative Dance and Ballet, Photography, Playgrounds, Friendship Groups, Gym, Lounge and Game Room and many others.
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Letters to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
Dear Mr. Kaufman:
Happy New Year! I wish to tell you that the report about the “Milestone in Legal History” in the current issue of the Jewish Press was indeed healing to my sick heart. And I thank you. I have seen so much of that horrible scurrilous sheet “Common Sense” that it makes me sic and nauseous. And I am so happy with the outcome of this libel suit. We can still be happy and grateful that we live in this country.
Sincerely, Lillian G. Buck
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Yo-Ma-Co Club
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 3
The last meeting of this month will be a closed one at which time a full report of the Yom Kippur Dance Committee will be made by Milton Kossy.
The Rummage Sale for the Jewish Community Center is the next big project for the Yomacos. This must be a success and it is hoped that the entire community will participate. If you have rummage please either drop it at the Jewish Community Center, 3227 El Cajon Blvd., or phone Tully Kitaen, AT 1-4140, and she will arrange for a pick-up.
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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 4
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Study Habits of Children—Among the many questions and answers which pass between parents and their children, there is one which frequently evokes a storm of disapproval and criticism. Children try to think up new answers to an old question, “Do you have any studying to do?”
Study habits of children have been considered by educators or many years and while they have been able to come up with some pretty good methods of studying they have not been able to convince pupils of the value of study. Because study requires energy, it is often regarded as distasteful. Most children have poor study habits and it is not unfamiliar to have them say that they can study best with the radio on, or they study best late in the evening, or early in the morning just before school, or they do all their studying in school.
Students should be taught that studying involves something more than merely reading the material. In addition, it should be made clear to them that good health and sufficient sleep and recreation are essential to the achievement of good study results. Studying just before an examination in orer to make up for all the studying that was neglected during the year is never satisfactory.
Children should be encouraged not to attempt to study on a bus or in a car. The motion will make reading difficult and the many distractions will make it impossible. Study should not be limited to school but needs the quiet of one’s own room. Even though many pupils may protest, the radio does distract and the television makes concentration impossible.
Some children ask parents for permission to study with another child. This may or may not be satisfactory, depending upon the material to b covered and the methods of studying the children use. If one child recites to another and then takes his turn in checking on the recitation of his partner, there can be favorable results. But the period should not be devoted to individual study broken at frequent intervals by conversation over non-scholastic matters.
It is highly desirable that a regular schedule of study be arranged for the term, to be modified only by unusual and important happenings. Routine, even in study habits, is important for children. The schedule should take into account free play time, meal time, study time and even TV time. However, study should not be postponed until the very last activity of the day, when the child is so tired that he gets little benefit out of the effort.
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Supervisors Needed
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 4
Supervisors are needed for the various programs operated by the Jewish Community Center. People with social work, sociology, psychology and teaching backgrounds who are interested in part time work should contact the J.C.C. at AT-1-7744. For information and appointment call Mr. Irving Mortin at the Center.
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Birdie Stodel B.B.
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 4
Please Note that the “Aid to Israel Nite” scheduled for Oct. 8th will be held instead on Saturday, October 22nd, at the Beth Jacob Center, 8 p.m.
The donor prize will be two round-trip tickets to New York via Trans Continental Airways.
The next regular meeting will be held at Beth Jacob Center at 12 noon, Monday, October 10th.
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Lasker Lodge News
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 4
By Lou Levitt
The annual dinner dance for paid up members date has been set for Sunday evening, November 27. This is the one affair of the year that everyone looks forward to. Chairmen for the affair are Harry Wax and Lou Levitt.
The golf tournament was such a huge success that there is talk about making it a semi-annual affair. Brother Ed Herman is to be commended for such a successful undertaking. He was ably assisted by President Mickey Fredman who gave the affair the final finishing touches.
Jack Spatz, retention chairman, is urging all members who have not as yet paid their 1955 dues to do so at once. There are only a comparative handful who have not as yet paid.
Don’t forget to sell the tickets for the Harvest Ball, and the two cars.
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Chaim Weizman Branch, Poale Zion
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 30, 1955, Page 4
The annual fundraising dinner will be held at the House of Hospitality on Sunday, October 30 at 6 p.m. Those who attended last year’s dinner will remember with pleasure the excellent dinner that was served and since this is the only fund raising affair that our branch sponsors during the year, all members and friends are cordially invited to attend.
A speaker of interest will feature the program following dinner. Reservations can be made by calling AT 2-7886 or AT 4-3028
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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.