Attention Family Historians: If you would like a JPG photo copy from the Southwestern Jewish Press of any “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” article that has been reprinted on the San Diego Jewish World website, simply copy the website address of the article, and send it along with the article’s headline, with a $5 payment per article, to Family History Editor, San Diego Jewish World, PO Box 19363, San Diego, CA 92159. Or go to the Pay Pal Form associated with the Article Index for Family Historians and paste the citation of each article you want photographed.
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Chanukah, Holiday of Religious Freedom
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 3
The victory of a band of fighting Jews who, over 2000 years ago, successfully stood off the efforts of a despot to snuff out religious liberty, is the theme of the eight-day holiday of Chanukah, which this year begins at sunset, December 16.
The struggle recorded in the Books of the Maccabees, lasted some three years. Angered by Antiochus, a Syrian monarch who sought to impose paganism upon them, the Judeans rose up and achieved history’s first triumph in the cause of freedom of religion.
The holiday is celebrated through special services in synagogues, houses and religious schools, with the emphasis being placed on the right of all peoples to worship according to conscience. Hymns, prayers, and sermons touch upon the lesson of the Maccabees, that a minority plus a good cause can achieve success.
On each night of the festival, an additional candle is lit in the special holiday candelabrum or Menorah. The crescendo of light symbolizes the added strength which comes to those engaged in sacred endeavors.
People of many faiths are indebted to the valor of the Maccabees. If it were not for their sacrificial heroism, Judaism would have perished. If Judaism had perished it could not have later given birth to Christianity. Our enthusiasm over brave freedom fighters of old is matched by our admiration for their intrepid counterparts today. They include the battlers against totalitarianism in Iron Curtain countries, the scientists who are exploring the secrets of the universe; the calm protestants against bigotry in Little Rock and Levittown; and the intrepid champions of democracy in Israel whose tenth anniversary the forces of civilization will soon join in celebrating.
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As The Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Pornographic Literature and Pictures.
Recently I was invited to appear before a State Assembly Committee on Pornographic Literature and Pictures. I was asked to discuss the extent of the sale of this material and the effect they have on juveniles. Let me share with you the reasons for this investigation and my comments on the subject.
The problem of pornographic literature and pictures is not unique to California The widespread sale of this material is a source of concern in almost every state in the Union. In these other states as well as in our own legislative bodies, parents groups, and service clubs are making concerted efforts to reduce the sale of books, magazines and pictures which are considered offensive as well as injurious to morals. Yet, the problem pertaining to this crusade is the same everywhere, the difficulty in establishing what is immoral, lewd and sexual. As recently as a year ago the Supreme court ruled that pictures which were considered as falling within this concept were considered pictures of Art.
It is true that we must not infringe upon the freedom of the press for our own personal freedoms. Nor do we wish to be snoopers, seeing bad in everything. We must recognize that what was considered immoral at one point in our history is not so considered today. If we see immorality in everything we might ban our greatest works of art, literature and nature. But it is important to have a sound understanding of the background of these material, the purpose or intent for which they have been published, and the effect they will have on the viewer and reader. We do not ban the consumption of intoxicating liquor but we do set standards of consumption and at what age they should be used.
Our concepts of art and pictures have changed from the early emphasis on male sexuality and virility to the present (and quite American) adoration of the female bosom. Today our newsstands are filled with magazines whose purpose is to exhibit the human body not for art for sexual excitation. These have become our best sellers and the unhappy dealers who shrink from exhibiting and selling them, even though they bring in stupendous profits, are forced to take them or else not get other periodicals. It is a simple task to pick up, on many newsstands, pictures and colored slides that put the Parisian products to shame.
Some localities have not waited for laws to be passed that will ban the sale of this literature and the pictures, either to the general public or to juveniles, but have established committees or parents and organizations to convince publishers, distributors, and newsstands to stop the publishing and sale of this material or else face a boycott. In many cases this has been quite effective. But the problem will not be solved until we change our own concepts, our own lethargy, and our own lack of interest. Perhaps one rule of thumb to determine whether this material is offensive is to ask ourselves whether we would want our children to view them.
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New Books
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 3
Secrets of the Dead Sea Scrolls by Hugh J. Schonfield, $4.50 (Yoseloff)
Reviewed by A.P. Nasatir
As the title of this small book indicates the author, Dr. Schonfield has many “secrets” pertaining to the newly discovered Dead Sea Scrolls. The trouble is, however, Dr. Schonfield doesn’t always seem to recognize the secrets for what they are. He keeps stumbling around here, there, and everywhere, and just when you feel he is about to reveal a “secret,” he leaves you disappointed, as though in a labyrinth.
It may be that the author is writing above and beyond the heads of the lay reader, it may also be that despite the author’s wide area of learning and impressive display of erudition, his presentation of the “secrets” is much too mystic and muddy, and the reader is left in a confused state. Surely the discovery of the tremendously exciting and vastly important Dead Sea scrolls awaits a better discussion of their secrets.
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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 3
Dear Max:
As the Chairman of a Committee, chosen to select a Citizen of San Diego County (regardless of occupation, race, color or religion) as the “Man of the Year for 1958,” I find this a job that has become difficult for a small group to decide. I am therefore offering your readers a chance to earn a $25.00 U.S. Savings Bond for their efforts. All that is required is that they write on a postal card the following:
Name and address of the candidate and sign their own name and address on one side and on the other side write this address:
Harry Apelman, chairman
Man of the Year Award Committee
J.W.V.
c/o /Southwestern Jewish Press
333 Plaza, San Diego 1, Calif.
The only rules are: That if more than one person has the same choice, then the earliest “post mark” will be the winner. Deadline is midnight, December 30th, 1957. They must explain why they made this choice in 25 words or less. All decisions of the Committee are final.
Hoping that you will cooperate with us in this endeavor, I am
Cordially yours,
Harry Apelman (etc.)
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Community Currents
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 3
By Albert A. Hutler
Nasatir at UJA — Dr. A.P. Nasatir, State College Professor and active Jewish Community worker is off to New York as San Diego’s delegate to the National Meeting of the United Jewish Appeal in New York at the Waldorf.
Dr. Nasatir will bring $20,000 from San Diego’s United Jewish Fund as part of the $30,000,000 cash drive of the UJA. This brings the Fund’s total payment to date to UJA up to $124,000 for 1957.
Nasatir will bring back the UJA award to the local Fund for having one of America’s outstanding 1957 campaigns.
United Fund–The United Fund Campaign, led by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, is moving ahead towards its goal. The contributions that have come in are way ahead of last year, but the coverage has not been completed as yet. The Rabbi has really done a tremendous job as Chairman of the first united drive.
JWS Armed Services–The local Armed Services Committee, headed by Morris Douglas, Chairman, and Mrs. Dorie Kellner, Secretary, is doing a good job in filling the gap left by the withdrawal of the designation from the USO-JWB. A recent contribution from the father of one of the boys stationed in San Diego, plus a letter from a mother thanking the community for its kindness to her son, best attests to the value of the program. One of the letters said “I am a mother of three sons and know that in time all of them will be in service. Many thanks and may God bless you and give you all health and strength to continue the good work you are doing for the Jewish boys and girls in the service.”
Fund-Federation Merger–Merger of the Fund and the Federation is close to accomplishment and ought to be achieved during 1958. It will mean one central community organization to raise and distribute funds for overseas, national and local agencies; plan and coordinate local welfare agencies, and study the needs of the local community. The committee, led by Eli H. Levenson, has held twelve meetings.
Home For Aged Grows –Population of the Home for the Aged is increasing as the search goes on for a director. Jerry Niederman heads the Personnel Committee and has an outstanding individual as a possibility.
At the same time the Building Committee, chaired by Max Maisel, is working on plans for the infirmary for chronic ill aged.
Hundreds Work For Center
Hundreds of individuals — young and old – men and women –are now working on the Center. They are raising funds for the building; getting the program off the planning board; planning the furnishings and equipment; making plans for the nursery school developing a physical education and swimming activity. Then there are those volunteers who are helping develop forms and systems. It’s a beehive of activity and it’s going to continue for a long time.
Brandeis Camp Institute — For anyone who wants a tremendous spiritual and moral experience the Western Regional UJA Leadership Institute at Camp Brandeis at Santa Susana, California will give it to them. It will be held February 7, 8 and 9. Last year Max Rabinowitz and Abraham Sklar attended, and besides being stimulated it provided an opportunity to get away from the cares and pressures of daily work and relax in beautiful surroundings, while at the same time sharing and reaffirming the beliefs we live by.
Israel –Israel is seeking to offset the Arab boycott by attempting to develop atomic power for peactime use.
Jordanians attacked an Israel settlement using hand grenades in the first organized attack by armed Jordanians in many months.
Bill of Rights Day — Sunday, December 15, is “Bill of Rights Day.” On that day in 1791 the first ten amendments of the Constitution became the law of the land.
It’s the kind of day that Americans ought to celebrate every day. But Sunday, December 15, emphasizes that this year it ought to be celebrated more than ever before.
Our civil rights have become headline news. The Clintons, Levittowns, Little Rocks — the bad news.
But let’s think of the good news–and this day gives us the opportunity to set the record straight. Segregation in the military services is at an end; many cities in the South have been transformed from a segregated to an integrated city; more people are being hired on ability not on the basis of color or religion; greater advancement has been made in understanding each other.
This is a day when we should join together in making clear not only the good already done–b ut the good still to be done, as people of good will and courage take the lead throughout our nation.
Religious Festivals in Public Schools — Holiday observances are in full swing in our schools. The issue of religious and joint-religious holiday observances in the public schools is a delicate and sometimes an explosive problem. The Joint Advisory Committee of the Synagogue Council of America and the National Community Relations Advisory Council is opposed to the observances of religious festivals in the public schools even if they are joint observances such as Christmas-Chanukah and Easter-Passover.
The Synagogue Council suggests the following be done before any action is taken by an individual or group:
1. Community councils and Rabbis should caution against the undertaking of any action without consultation in advance with the central community agency.
2. Any public action that is contemplated should be preceded by a thorough program of education on the subject within the Jewish community.
3. Rabbis, community organizations and leaders are urged to consult with the Joint Advisory Committee prior to taking public action in opposition to religious holiday observances in the public schools.
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(Which facts?)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 4
An ignorant individual seeks only the facts that bolster his own prejudices>
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(Successful democracy)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 4
If a democracy is to succeed, the minority must accept the decision of the majority.
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“L.A.Philharmonic Opens Season
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 4
The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra concert season opens Sunday night at 8:30 in Russ Auditorium.
Eduard Van Beinum, the orchestra’s music director and conductor will be on the podium.
Works programmed for the concert are Beethoven’s “Leonore Overture No. 2”; Ravel’s “Valses Nobles et Sentimentales” and Debussy’s “Iberia.”
This is Van Beinum’s second season with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also conductor of the famed Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, which ranks as one of the greatest symphony orchestra in the world.
Ven Beinum returns to San Diego for another concert with the orchestra on January 19 at which time the noted pianist, Rudolf Serkin will be soloist. Other concerts during the local season are set for February 13, with the Viennese conductor Karl Boehm on the podium and Sinclair Lott as horn soloist. Concluding concert is April 17 with Bruno Walter conducting. Tickets, both season and single, are on stale at Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.
A shuttle bus service, available to all concert goers, will be in operation during the concert season. Originating at 7:30 p.m., from west side of Zoo parking lot, buses will shuttle between this point and Russ Auditorium until all patrons have been delivered. At conclusion of concert, patrons will be returned to origination point.
(Authority)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 4
A little authority affects some men more than strong drink.
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Story of Ana Pauker: Once Feared, Now Forgotten
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 13, 1957, Page 5
Ana Pauker, former Foreign Minister and near dictator of Rumania, has sunk into almost total obliion, and few persons know whether she is dead or alive, according to a feature article by Herb Michelson in the Newark Star-Ledger.
Michelson, in a series on “Women You Can’t Forget,” traced the life story of Ana Pauker, who at one time was the feared ruler of a Soviet satellite, and then got caught in the jaws of her own trap.
If she is still alive, he recounted, Ana Pauker would be between 70 and 75. However, the communist world has worked on her its famous disappearing act.
Michelson describes her fate as “A circle of total non-existence created by the trademarked communist method: Rewrite the history books, burn documents, use the scissors on old group photographs, destroy party records, feign ignorance when the question is asked: “Whatever became of Ana Pauker>”
Born Ana Rabinson, daughter of a “schochet,” Ana first wanted to become a doctor. But she became involved in the Communist Party and became one of its most active supporters. Early in the 1920s she married Marcel Pauker. Shortly after her marriage she was jailed for her communist activities and then was shipped to Russia in 1941 as a prisoner.
Once in the USSR, Pauker’s star rose quickly. She began doing propaganda in Moscow for the government and when Russia took Romania, she was sent to head the communist regime there.
In 1947 she became Foreign Minister, forced the abdication of King Michael and came into almost complete dominance of Rumania. Then Stalin charged her husband with having “wrong” ideas on communism and had him executed.
Even this did not shake Ana Pauker’s faith in communism and for five years, until 1952, she kept her high position in the party councils.
Ironically enough, it was one of Pauker’s few kind gestures which set off her eventual downfall. She sent her father to Israel. Moscow was in one of its periodic anti-Semitic moods, and this small acts seems to have reminded the Russians of her Jewish background. She was demoted quickly and then tried.
No announcement was ever made of her sentence. Some reports said she had been executed and others said she was working in a Soviet labor camp. Other news items said she was living in Bucharest. What is unmistakably clear, Michelson concludes, is that “She has taken a one-way ride to oblivion.”
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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.
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