Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, October 14, 1955, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Pledge Payments Needed Now To Help Save North African Jews
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 1

$12,500 was forwarded to the United Jewish Appeal this week. The United Jewish Fund Board of Directors issues an urgent appeal for contributors to pay their pledges immediately so that funds can be used to rescue imperiled North African Jews.  At the same time the Board disclosed that the Fund will embark on an intensive cash collection campaign and an intensive effort to secure contributions from those who have not yet pledged in 1955.  The collections campaign will be led by David Stotsky and Ben Harris with the hope that further cash can be sent to the United Jewish Appeal.

Fund leadership, led by Morris W. Douglas, President and Max Rabinowitz, General Campaign Chairman, are making every effort to secure cash for the United Jewish Appeal.  Simultaneously the Fund’s Allocation Committee has been studying the distribution of the money raised in the 1955 campaign.  Ten national and oversea organizations were represented at the open hearing of the committee at which they requested their allocation from the Fund.

Seymour Rabin, chairman, announced that the Allocations Committee would meet this week in order to prepare its report and recommendations for approval by the United Jewish Fund Board.  These will be announced through the Southwest Jewish Press at a later date so that everyone may know how the money raised in the 1955 campaign was distributed.

Mr. Rabin also announced that San Diego local Jewish agency deficits had been met during the course of the year. The Jewish Social Service Agency has received $4,500 for its operation to date; Hebrew Home for the Aged, $4,0-74;l Jewish Community Center, $10,460; Jewish Community Relations Council, $2,500; and the Émigré Funds, $2,000.

Leaders of the Fund urge everyone to pay their pledges now and especially ask those who have not yet made a contribution to do so immediately so their additional cash may be sent to the United Jewish Appeal.  Checks and pledges may be sent to the office of the United Jewish Fund, 333 Plaza, San Diego, California.

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$15,000 A Day for 10- Days will Build Center in 1956” – Breitbard
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 1

Ten days to raise $150,000 to build a Jewish Community Center in san Diego in 1956 is the goal of the Building Fund Campaign as announced by the Community Center Board of Direcgtors, according to Edward Breitbard, Center President.

With approximately $150,000 already secured from the first phase of the Building Fund Campaign, the second phase of the drive will run from November 9 through Sunday, November 20 in an all out intensive effort to make it possible to break ground early in 1956.  Breitbard will lead the drive for the new Center building aided by Al Solomon, Leonard Zlotoff, Morrie Kraus and William Schwartz.

George Lykos, San Diego architect, has been commissioned to draw plans for the new community building to be submitted to the Board of Directors of the Center. On the drawing board is a modern community building which not only will house the recreation, cultural and leisure time activities of the Jewish community, but will also be the office building for all of the Jewish activities including the Federation of Jewish Agencies, the United Jewish Fund, the Jewish Social Service Agency and the Jewish Welfare Board.

To be built on the 2 ½ acre site in front of the Hebrew Home for the Aged, it will give to the Jewish community a central location for all community buildings, and a site on which all Jews may well be proud. Added to the newly completed Hebrew Home for the Aged, the Jewish Community building planned by the Center will complete the blueprint and the goal outlined by the Board of the United Jewish Fund in1 947.

Contemplated plans for the building call for offices, gymnasium, locker and shower rooms, lounges, craft rooms, reading rooms, library, game room, swimming pool, nursery school, and an outside area for activities.

A workers buffet dinner will be held the night before the campaign opens. Anyone interested in helping to build the Jewish Community Center by working on this campaign should call the Jewish Community Center, AT-1-7744, or the Federation, BE-2-5172.

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Shrine Charity Football Game This Saturday
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 1

A modern day donnybrook is promised at 7:30 p.m. Oct 15 in Balboa Stadium Bowl when San Diego State College tangles with the Arizona State Sun Devils in the 18th annual Shrine Charity football game to benefit crippled children.

San Diego Hebrew Home, 54th Street, October 1955

 

 

Women's Auxiliary leader, Mrs. William Moss, and Auxiliary members prepare Home for the Aged kitchen for opening

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New Home for Aged Dedication Sunday

Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Pages 1, 5

San Diego’s Jewish Community blueprint comes alive this Sunday, October 16, at 2:00 p.m. with the dedication ceremnonies for the new Hebrew Home for the Aged.

First of the two contemplated community buildings to be erected on the five acre site located on 54th St just north of University Ave., the new 14,000 square foot edifice will be opened with both a religious and regular program.

Charles C. Dail, Mayor of San Diego; Frank Gibson, chairman of the Board of Supervisors; Judge Jacob Weinberger of the District Court of the United States, and Victor Schulman, president of the Hebrew Home for the Aged, will participate in cutting the ribbon which will open the doors to the Home.

Other well known community leaders who will take part in the ceremonies are A.J. Sutherland, president, Security Trust and Savings Bank; Harold J. Logan, chairman of the Committee eon Aging of the Community Welfare Council; Elsie B. Wiley, Department of Public Welfare; Edgar Brown, director of the Community Welfare Council; Miss Gladys Johns, State Department of Social Welfare; and Mrs. Laura Hill, State Department of Social Welfare.

The ceremonies will be opened with an invocation by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn of Temple Beth Israel, followed by presentation of colors by the Jewish War Veterans, Post 185.  Ben Snyder, commander of the post, will present an historic American flag as a gift to the home.

The cornerstone ceremony will be participated in by Cantor Joseph Cysner and chairmen of the building committee, Max Maisel and Milo Berenson.

The affixing of the Mezuzah on the doorpost of the entrance will be performed by Rabbi Baruch Stern of Beth Jacob Synagogue and Murray D. Goodrich.

Louis Steinman, chairman of the dedication services, will conduct the Torah ceremony aided by Cantor Julian Miller. M.S. Berlin, chairman of the house committee; Sam Addleson, president of the Guardians: Jack Dembo, formerly of San Diego; Ike Jacobson, Mayer Al Shuler, and Harry Fink, a resident of the Home.

The Eternal Light will be dedicated and lighted by Max Maisel and Alex Newman.

Aiding Mr. Steinman with the ceremonies inside the building will be Mr. and Mrs. Saul Chenkin, Henry Weinberger, and Mrs. William Moss, president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Home. Also assisting are Mary Kantor, president of the Jolly Sixteen; and Mrs. Jenny Moss, the oldest guest in length of residence in the Home.  Cantor Dubner of Beth Jacob Synagogue will sing a concluding psalm and Rabbi Monroe Levens will recite the benediction.

Among those to be honored at the dedication ceremonies will be Mr. and Mrs. Harry Epsten, whose gift of land in honor of Becky Weinberger made possible the securing of the site on which the Home is built.

At the conclusion of the dedication ceremonies the Women’s Auxiliary of the Home will serve refreshments and conduct tours through the Home for all those who wish to remain and see the new building.

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Visits Here
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 1

Mr. Benjamin Sternberg, Director of the Armed Services Division of the National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) addressed a joint luncheon meeting of the San Diego Armed Services Committee and the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community center, at the San Diego Hotel on Wednesday, October 12th.  He also met with the Commandant of the 11th Naval District and the Commanding General of the Marine Corps recruit depot.

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Women Ring Doorbells For Success Drive
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 1

The United Success Drive doorbell campaign got underway in earnest this week.

Monday morning 9,500 campaigners throughout the entire San Diego area gathered at several hundred meetings of zone workers for final instructions by television. The program was carried by Channel 8 and 10.

At 9:45 a.m. the women stepped out in force to begin their block by block campaign. Some hired baby-sitters to watch their children while they made their rounds. Others took their youngsters along with them.

By nightfall Monday they had brought in $22,228.80 toward their goal of $120,500 in the city alone. The women hoped to complete their doorbell campaign in two days.

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Balsam-Phillips Wed in Los Angeles

Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Richard H. Balsam, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman H. Balsam of San Diego, and Irma Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Ms. Sam Phillips, of Los Angeles, were wed on October 14th.  The wedding was performed by Rabbi I. Dubin in Los Angeles. 

Richard and his bride will reside in this city after their honeymoon in Las Vegas.

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Marriage Announced
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

On Saturday evening, Sept. 24th, Dr. I Edward Markowitz, son of Louis Markowitz of this city, as wed to Wanda D. “Sandy” Wagner, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fullbright of Oklahoma.

The ceremony was held at the home of the groom’s sister, Mrs. Bill Rubin.  Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated.

After honeymooning in Mexico City and Acapulco, the couple are residing at 3123 Clairemont Drive. Dr. Markowtiz has optometry offices in Linda Vista and Clairemont.

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Bas Mitzvah
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hess wish to extend an invitation to their friends to join them on the happy occasion of their daughter Linda Beth’s Bas Mitzvah.

The services will be held on Friday, Oct. 21st, at 8:15 p.m. in Tifereth Israel Synagogue. A reception will follow.

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Personals

Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Mr. and Mrs. Max Podell, of Great Neck, N.Y., are trying to make up for lost time with their three-year old grandson Conrad Gleich. They expect to remain in San Diego until January.

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Jolly 16 members took time out from their meeting to congratulate Frieda Nestor, Rose Neumann, Sally Ratner and Julia Steinman, all of whom had wedding anniversaries in September.

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Pearl Shulack wishes to thank all her friends for their kindness shown during her illness.

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Sarah Rosenbaum wants to keep up with home town news so we are forwarding her Press to Baltimore, where she expects to spend three months visiting friends and relatives.

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Hope the Irving Friedmans have room for all of son, Marc’s trophies.  He won first place in the Sept. 25th swimming meet and Town & Country Club.

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Heard from Libby & Al Krasnow, now residing in Connecticut, who keep up with San Diego news through the Jewish Press. They send their best wishes to all their friends.

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Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Snyder invited a group of Harry’s friends (male only) to a buffet dinner on Monday evening, Oct. 10th. The men were gathered to discuss a future event planned for Hadassah. Result—spontaneous and generous contributions from the individual present, the tabling of the event and a pleasant evening playing cards.

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Mrs. Adolph Brodman wishes to thank her friends for their thoughtfulness, flowers and notes of cheer during her recent illness.

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Speech
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

All the world’s a stage; and some people are only brayers.

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Hadassah To Mark United Nations Day With Colorful Program
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

On Wednesday, October 19th, at 11:30 a.m., in the Ballroom of the El Cortez Hotel, Hadassah will present an “International Festival” luncheon meeting.

Participating in this program will be many members of the Cottage of Pacific Relations in Balboa Park.

A contingency from south of the border will be on hand to lend their colorful talents as well as other nations who are members of the United Nations.

The entire meeting, with Mrs. Irving Alexander serving as General Chairman, will be in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the United Nations.

Hadassah, nationally and locally, stresses the inspiring work of the Unite Nations in all its facets and the local Chapter will honor this organization and its local Chairman, Mrs. Henry W. Shelton, at the meeting as part of its American Affairs program.

Serving as Luncheon Coordinator is Mrs. Alfred Solomon with Mrs. Sam Stein as Decorations Chairman. Program Chairman is Mrs. Gabriel Berg.

An Italian street singer (Mrs. Sidney Gerstler) will entertain guests prior to the serving of lunch.

The piece de resistance will be the dessert feature when gaily costumed representatives of various countries will serve their own home baked delicacies to all guests.

Vice President {Mrs} Leonard Zlotoff, who will preside, issues a cordial invitation to all friends of Hadassah to attend. Reservations may be made with the Luncheon Chairman, Mrs. Alfred Solomon, or Mrs. John Ruskin.

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Sisterhood Busy With Follies’ Rehearsals

Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood will present its “Follies of ‘55” on Saturday and Sunday, November 5th and 6th at the Hoover Auditorium.

A major fund raising effort of the Sisterhood, the cast of 125 will be made up of local talent with professional guidance. Mrs. Samuel Friedman, General Chairman , assisted by Mesdames Mack Esterson,  Carl Esenoff, and Rodin Horrow.

Tickets for the show may be obtained at the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.

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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Midge and Arthur Levy, now residing in San Diego, announce the birth of a daughter, Rennata, born September 18th.  She joins brother Harland, age 11 ½ years.

Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Ernest C. Nathan of San  Diego.  Paternal grandparents are Col. And Mrs. Edward A. Levy of Passaic, N.J.

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“And now there are three,” Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hecht announce the birth of their third daughter, Arlene Janice, born Sept. 28th; weight 6 lbs.  Her sisters are Sharon, aged 9, and Sandra, aged 6.

Maternal grandmother is Mrs. Ida Starr; great grandmother, Mrs. Anna Benson of San Diego. 

Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hecht of Elizabeth, N.J.

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Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

Wanted to Rent – Unfurnished 2 or 3 bedroom house, Loma Portal section – Will take good care –take 2 yr. lease.  Phone BE 9-1251; day or AC-2-9094 night.

To Share – Couple or single woman to share “nice 2 room apt.” East S.D…all privileges…Near bus line.  Mrs. E. Schotte, 3536 College Ave.

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Calendar
Southwestern Jewish Press, October 14, 1955, Page 2

October
15th—Sat Eve—City of Hope, “Night at a Nite Club” – Beth Jacob Center.
16th—Sun, 2 p.m. – Dedication –Home for Aged
19th—Weds, 11:30 a.m. – Hadassah Luncheon Meeting – International Festival –El Cortez
22nd–=Sat., 8 p.m.—“Aid to Israel Nite” – Birdie Stodel B.B. –Beth Jacob Center.
23rd—Sun, 7 p.m. – Council Dance – Mission Valley Contry Club.,
26th – 8 p.m. – “Aid to Israel Nite” – Birdie Stodel—Beth Jacob Center
28th—8:30 p.m. –Couples Club—Halloween Party – Beth Israel Center
30th—6 p.m. – Paole Zion Annual Dinner – House of Hospitality.

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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.