Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, July 23, 1954, Part 3

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

Station KFMB Increases Watts
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 5

Radio Station KFMB this week will move from 550 on your radio dial to 540 on your radio dial and increase its power to 5,000 watts starting Thursday, July 22.

Marking the first time in San Diego broadcasting history that a radio station has moved its facilities to better serve the people of the county, the dial change was necessary to gain the extra power which makes KFMB the most powerful station in the county.

Radio Station KFMB officials point out that now such great Columbia Broadcasting System shows and stars as Jack Benny, Our Miss Brooks, Arthur Godfrey, Art Linkletter’s “House Party,” Edward R. Murrow, Lowell Thomas, Bing Crosby Show and many, many others will be heard over KFMB 540 on your radio dial.

Favorite local shows and stars such as Harold Keen, Molly Morse and Ray Wilson and the News will now be heard throughout San Diego County at their usual times.

*
City of Hope Aux
 Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 5

Our sincerest thanks to all those who helped make our picnic last Sunday such a grand success!

Wish all of you could have attended the dedication of the new Children’s Leukemia Wing at the City of Hope.  After seeing those sick little children we are more determined than ever to do everything within our power to help raise funds which will help eradicate the catastrophic diseases—cancer, leukemia tuberculosis, Hodgkin’s disease and heart ailments amenable to surgery.

*
Pioneer Women
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 5

A Family Picnic and Social afternoon will be sponsored by 16 Hostesses, members of Pioneer Women, Negba Club.  Home cooked delicious food will be served all afternoon starting at noon. Members are urged to attend and bring their family and friends to Pepper Grove, Balboa Park, on Sunday, August 1.

There will be no regular meeting in August. The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, Sept. 2.  Another rummage sale is being planned in the very near future and a call to Pres. Jeanette Abrams at AT-1-6736 will be appreciated and pick-up will be arranged.

*
As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 6

By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant

What Is Success? – In the United States we find many things that are singularly ours and for which we can take much credit. Because ours is a competitive society, we find the need for mastery is something which can be debated for a long time.

The high premium which we place upon success creates this emphasis on competition. From the time the child is very small, he learns that he must not only do well but he must excel. The striving for power and prestige for himself becomes as important as goodness, cleanliness and kindness.  We set up a form of caste system and then do everything to break it down by trying to rise above the standards we have established.

The desire for achievement is seen in many ways, economically, socially, educationally, and the satisfaction of that desire is essential to the maintenance of sound mental health. Success is found in the goals which the individual sets for himself or which often are established for him by others. When success is attainable, when goals can be realized, then satisfaction results; when they are not realizable, frustration results.

Often the individual does not have the capacity to achieve success because his goals are too high and he soon experiences a lack of self-respect because of repeated failures. Without reality, he keeps striving and each time develops more fears and less efficiency.

Too often the individual does not realize that he has attained success or becomes dissatisfied with it because he needs even greater attainment.  He does not recognize success when it is in his grasp or does not enjoy his accomplishment because of the guilt he feels as a result of the cost in attaining it.

Success can be achieved and enjoyed only when he and others about his do not suffer in the mastery process.

Success is not synonymous with wealth and prestige.  If it were, the only happy persons would be rich and the influential.  The happiest individuals are found among those who are doing what they enjoy doing, are accomplishing what they are able to do, and who command the respect of others for their achievements.  They find satisfaction in their activity and not because they bested someone else. Glory can come to the loser as well as to the victor.  Success can come to the one who does for others and not only for himself. Too often people do for others only because it means added prestige and power for themselves. Finally, success does not come to one who has gained prestige, power and wealth by reaping the accomplishments of another.

*
Sisterhood Plans ‘Summer Tea’ Aug 4.
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 6

One of the early organizational affairs will be the “Summer Tea” to be given by the Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood on Wednesday, August 4, in the beautiful home and garden of Mrs. Leo Greenbaum, at 4290 Altamarino Way.  At this time, new and prospective members will be greeted by Mrs. Mack Esterson, President.  Mrs. Dora Friedman, former president of (sic, and) one of Sisterhood’s members of long standing, will give a brief resume of its activities.

The membership committee, headed by Mrs. Louis Bickman, includes  Mrs. Morton J. Cohn, Mrs. Dora Friedman, Mrs. George Katz, Mrs. Nathan Schiller, Mrs. Charles Silverman, Mrs. Joseph Silverman, Mrs. George Starr and Mrs. Victor Schulman.

Pouring at the tea tables will be Mrs. Joseph Alweis and Mrs. Edgar Levi.  Musical entertainment will be the high note of the afternoon, which promises to be an enjoyable affair.

The new officers of sisterhood are Mrs. Mack Esterson, Pres; Mrs. Richard Lustig, 1^st V-Pres; Mrs. Herbert Eber, 2^nd V-Pres; Mrs. Louise Bickman, 3^rd V-Pres; Mrs. Mortimer Rosenbaum, 4^th V-Pres; MRs. Rob’t Miller, Rec. Sec.; Mrs. Chas. Silverman, Fin. Sec; Mrs. Harold Rosenbaum, Corr. Sec.; Mrs. Nathan Smollar, Treas,; and Mrs. Henry Weinberger, Parliamentarian.

*
(Practice)
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 6

It is true that practice makes perfect in most cases, but does not applyu to people who talk too much.

*
United Success Drive Names Carl Esenoff
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 6

Carl Esenoff has been named as chairman of a special Campaign Potential Committee for the Second United Success Drive of the San Diego Area Community Chest, according to George A. Scott, Chairman.

Esenoff’s committee will be comprised of six Campaign Cabinet members who will discuss funds raised in last year’s campaign as a basis for estimating the 1955 campaign potential.

Among the major prominent executives serving on the Budget Committee of the Community Chest are Alan Soule and Eli Levenson.

*
Always Figures
Southwestern Jewish Press, July 23, 1953, Page 6

Pleasure from most vacation trips may not exceed expectations, but expenses always do.
*
“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. 

StandWithUs demands stricter protections against anti-Semitism on UC campuses

LOS ANGELES (Press Release) – Disturbed by the rise of the “new anti-Semitism” directed at Israel and its supporters and Jewish students on UC campuses, StandWithUs joined eleven other organizations to deliver a letter on June 28 to UC Regents President Mark Yudof asking him to take firm action to protect Jewish students from bigotry and intolerance. 

The letter asks President Yudof to adopt the US State Department definition of anti-Semitism, which includes demonization of Israel and its supporters, and to have UC chancellors publicly condemn its manifestations and impose penalties for those who indulge in it.

“We have worked closely with UC pro-Israel students for the past nine years to help them counter the systematic lies and vilification of Israel and often of Jews that occurs on too many UC campuses.  Administrations tend to respond only weakly, claiming free speech protects this bigotry.  Yet when offensive symbols or actions are used against other minority groups, such as the recent incident with a noose at UCSD, the UC Regents quickly and unequivocally denounced the offense and were extremely sensitive to the pain the targeted African-American group must have felt. Jewish students simply don’t get the same kind of sympathy or response.  That has to change,” said Roz Rothstein, StandWithUs CEO.

The groups who signed the letter believe that the Regents and administrations’ current efforts to improve the campus environment fall short.  They do not recognize the unique nature of anti-Semitism or the specific situations confronting Jewish students.

“It is a shame that we face anti-Semitism in this day and age, but it is there.  If its presence and pernicious effects are swept under the rug, the problem will only get worse.  Historically, we have seen how anti-Semitism at universities can ultimately lead to the destruction of our most cherished values,” said Rothstein. 

*
Preceding provided by StandWithUs

Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s historic preservation requires community assistance

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The earth is moving at Third Avenue and Laurel Street. Not as a result of seismic activity, but of cranes digging and dirt being lifted away for the much-anticipated renovation of the Ohr Shalom Synagogue’s historic building in the Park West neighborhood of San Diego.

Probably very few citizens realize the importance of this San Diego landmark sitting just a few blocks from Balboa Park. The building, designed by renowned San Diego architect William Wheeler, is one of the foremost examples of Mediterranean Revival, an American architectural style popular around the mid-1920s.

But the 85-year-old building has been showing its wrinkles for quite some time now, and renovation was long overdue. After lengthy input from congregants, Ohr Shalom’s leaders were ready to restore this San Diego architectural jewel to its original beauty. After extensive planning, Ohr Shalom’s Renovation Committee started tackling the $4.2 million project at the beginning of this year. The work was funded largely by congregation members, and a few neighbors who have recognized the importance of preserving the landmark for generations to come.

The congregation has raised more than $3.6 million to date, a sizable amount considering there are only 350 members. Now, more than half way through the renovation process, Ohr Shalom is turning to neighboring businesses, individuals and the community for financial support to complete construction. Through the “Make it your Business to Make History” support campaign, Ohr Shalom is looking to raise the final $600,000 needed to complete the project. While the campaign is aimed at businesses or corporations and will reward supporters with marketing and advertising opportunities, individuals and families are encouraged to give as well.

It was the Beth Israel congregation that initially commissioned architect William H. Wheeler with the construction of this building. The result was a synagogue with a classic Moorish-style dome suspended high above a majestic sanctuary and stained glass windows with medieval, Islamic and Jewish motifs. The building was occupied by Beth Israel for 75 years.

Ohr Shalom took possession in 2002, after the J. Block Companies – the developer that bought the property from Beth Israel — relinquished the sanctuary, school building and social hall. Thus, the historical place’s future was secured with a commitment made by Ohr Shalom to preserve the landmark.

The scope of the renovation includes a complete repair of the façade, structural seismic upgrades to comply with today´s codes, and removing the wood paneling lining the halls to reveal the original stucco. The ceiling dome has been refinished, the old water marks are gone. Swinerton Builders, commissioned by the Ohr Shalom congregation, even devised a way to prevent water intrusion while complying with the demand for historical fidelity.

All work was approved by the Historical Resources Board at the City Planning Department and is in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The stained-glass windows were shipped to Iowa for specialized renovation and replicas of the raised-paneled doors are being custom-made by hand in California. Zagrodnik + Thomas Architects LLP and Swinerton Builders are in charge of the restoration project.

When completed, the social hall is expected to provide a large attractive space to hold community lectures and concerts, celebrations, with meeting space available to the entire community for activities designed to support the neighboring organizations in Banker’s Hill, Hillcrest and Park West.

For more information on the “Make it your Business to Make History” campaign, contact Melissa Costa-Manion at (619) 379-4579. For more information on Ohr Shalom, visit http://www.ohrshalom.org.

*
Preceding provided by Ohr Shalom Synagogue

Erdogan demands Israeli apology for Gaza blockade and flotilla raid

(WJC)–Speaking on American television, Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded that Israel apologize for its blockade of the Gaza Strip and the raid of a Turkish ship four weeks in which nine people were killed. Erdogan said in an interview that such an apology would be a condition to continued Turkish mediation in any future peace talks between Israel and Syria. “Israel should issue an apology because of what has happened with the more recent events and compensate for the people and Gaza, which is like an open-air prison, must not remain so, and the blockades must be lifted. As long as these happen, this takes place, then we are ready for any sort of responsibility that we are asked to take upon ourselves,” Erdogan said on the ‘Charlie Rose Show’.

Referring to the aftermath of the flotilla incident, Erdogan told Rose that Israel had attacked “from the sea and from the air and there were plastic bullets used, guns used…The US administration should take ownership of the situation because there was an American citizen involved. The Turkish government would “do the same because families have a right to ask their government what has happened.”

“They ask us why, why what has happened? What about my husband or my son? They have a right to ask this question. And the same thing is true for all countries. And we will act within international law taking into consideration the forensic medical reports,” Erdogan said.

The prime minister also alleged that the Israeli government impeded Middle East peace attempts, saying that “at the moment, the problem in Israel is the coalition government. The coalition government is the biggest barrier to peace.”

“Israel hasn’t really accepted a two-state solution,” Erdogan added, saying that while Israel’s governments spoke about it, they in fact did nothing to advance it. On the other hand, Erdogan said, Turkey has “worked for the security and we worked for the security of the Israeli people and we have worked to convince Hamas, as well,” saying that Ankara had “convinced [Hamas] up to a certain extent.”

Referring to the plan drafted by Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad to precede the unilateral declaration of a Palestinian state by establishing national institutions, Erdogan said that he didn’t find that plan “very credible.”

“Building efforts from the grassroots, ground up is a requirement of democracy, and to do that, you have to have an election. Elections were held, and Hamas won the election,” he said.

*

Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress.

Poizner lauds California’s ‘drive less, pay less’ insurance program

SACRAMENTO (Press Release) –Insurance Commissioner Poizner announced on Tuesday  that the Automobile Club of Southern California has submitted an application to offer an innovative program that rewards California drivers who voluntarily drive fewer miles with lower auto insurance rates.

“The voluntary pay-as-you-drive initiative is a cutting-edge program that will allow insurers to offer plans based on more accurate mileage, so that people who choose to drive less will pay less for auto insurance,” said Commissioner Poizner. “The regulations I finalized last year allow insurers to offer this innovative option without compromising consumer privacy. I’m pleased to see that Auto Club of Southern California plans to offer this kind of coverage to policyholders. I hope other insurers follow suit.”

The Auto Club of Southern California is the second insurer to submit a rating plan in which drivers’ auto insurance rates will depend on actual mileage driven instead of estimated mileage. The new approach to rating has been made possible by the pay-as-you-drive regulations introduced by Commissioner Poizner. The regulations went into effect in October 2009.

Assuming that the Auto Club of Southern California obtains approval from the Department, its customers will have an option to remain under the current estimated mileage program, in which mileage is estimated by the policyholder and self-reported to the insurer, or they may move into one of two new verified mileage plans: “odometer verified” or “telematics verified.”

Customers who opt into the “odometer verified” plan will report their exact mileage to the insurer, as indicated by the odometer. Mileage will be less expensive under the “odometer verified” plan than under the current estimated mileage plan. Customers who opt to participate in the “telematics verified” plan will have their mileage verified through a technological device. Mileage will be less expensive under the “telematics verified” plan than under the “odometer verified” plan.

Additional details on the type of device used in the “telematics verified” plan are not yet available, although CDI regulations explicitly prohibit insurers from using a technological device to gather vehicle location data for rating purposes.

The filing is now under review by the Department of Insurance. This new plan proposed by Auto Club of Southern California must be approved by Commissioner Poizner before being placed on the market for consumers to purchase.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance submitted an application to sell this kind of insurance in May 2010. The filing is currently under review.

 *

Preceding provided by California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner

Venezuela’s Chávez and Syria’s Assad lash out against Israel

(WJC)–The presidents of Venezuela and Syria, Hugo Chávez and Bashar al-Assad, have accused Israel of terrorism. “Terrorism for us in the Middle East is one word which has a single synonym; that is Israel particularly,” a joint statement said. Assad met with Chávez in Caracas to discuss economic cooperation and developments in the Middle East.

Both leaders said they were not interested in war in the Middle East, but when diplomacy failed “resistance is the alternative solution and our duty is to support it.”

Chávez singled out Damascus for taking a leadership role in the region, saying Assad was to be commended for his ability to stand up to Western allies. “Imperialism is desperate,” the Venezuelan president said. “It is now threatening the use of force as it has been doing for years.” Chávez called Israel’s government “genocidal” and also condemned the last round of UN sanctions against Iran. Assad said all nations, including Iran, had a “right to develop nuclear energy.”

US Congressman Eliot Engel, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, swiftly condemned Chávez’ remarks: “Setting aside the falsehoods of his latest diatribe and the presence of the Syrian strongman, Bashar Assad, standing next to him, it’s not difficult to understand why President Chavez would try to distract from his problems at home.”

“If my country had the one of the highest murder rates in the world, the highest inflation rate in Latin America, and an economy which is expected to shrink by more than 6 percent  this year, I, too, would be talking about anything but what’s going on at home. I guess that’s why Mr. Chávez is attacking the Israelis and why Foreign Policy Magazine just ranked him the 17th worst dictator in the world. And, I guess that’s why he’s hanging around Bashar Assad,” Engel said in a statement.

After his visit to Venezuela, Assad met with Cuban leader Raul Castro and later traveled to Brazil, where he met with President Lula da Silva. Assad also plans a visit to Argentina. Both Cuba and Syria are on a list of nations the US considers state sponsors of terrorism.

*

Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress.

Bathsheba, Jezebel and Eve subjects of Rabbi Riemer’s upcoming lecture series

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The Agency for Jewish Education announces a new 3-part lecture series with Rabbi Jack Riemer beginning on July 27^th. The theme of Riemer’s talks is “Some of My Favorite Women.” The individual lecture topics are: “David and Bathsheba…and Woody Allen?”, “Jezebel, the Marie Antoinette of the Bible”, and “All About Eve”.

Rabbi Jack Riemer is the co editor of So That Your Values Live On, a treasury of ethical wills, published by Jewish Lights, and the editor of The World of The High Holy Days, published by the National Rabbinic Network. He is the chair of the National Rabbinic Network, a support system for rabbis across all the denominational lines. He is the former rabbi of Congregation Beth El in La Jolla.

This class meets at Astor Judaica Library, Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Dr., La Jolla, CA 92037. Tuition is $8 per lecture, presale ($10 at the door); $18, presale ($20 at the door) for the series of 3 lectures. For more information or to register, contact the Agency for Jewish Education, (858) 268-9200 ext.102 or visit www.ajesd.org.

*
Preceding provided by Agency for Jewish Education

New Zealand radio presenter suspended after declaring Jews and gays expendable

(WJC)–New Zealand radio presenter David Fane has been suspended after saying at a media event: “Would you roast an HIV person? You’d roast them because they’re expendable, like the Jews. Hitler had a right, you know.”

Fane’s words have caused outrage amongst members of the Jewish and gay communities in New Zealand. Stephen Goodman, president of the New Zealand Jewish Council, called the comments “very anti-Semitic” and said: “While we wish to preserve the rights of freedom of speech, he went over the line.”

Fane admitted his remarks were “dumb words, said by a dumb man. It was a stupid, stupid mistake.”  In a letter to Goodman, he apologized to the Jewish community for causing offense.  “There are many faces to bigotry and sadly I have added mine, to speak and make light of the plight faced by so many defies belief let alone intelligence, so to the families of those who suffered and to the wider Jewish community I am deeply sorry. I am also aware that I have caused offence to friends and colleagues who are Jewish and though I have apologized personally to some of them this makes me additionally remorseful for the damaging nature of what I said,” Fane wrote.

*

Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress.

Seacrest Village dinner July 11 will be served at home of gourmet chef

ENCINITAS, California (Press Release)– Patrons of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities’ 211 Club will enjoy a special evening Saturday, July 11,  featuring gourmet fare by Jeffrey Strauss, owner and chef, of the acclaimed Solana Beach restaurant Pamplemousse Grille.

To make the event even more extraordinary, Strauss has invited this year’s guests into his home to celebrate their commitment to Seacrest Village.

Members of The 211 Club – an arm of the Milton D. and Madeline L. Goldberg Resident Assistance Fund – are a prestigious group of community leaders who are the cornerstone of a tremendous fundraising effort. Their individual contributions of $1,000 or more annually help to ensure the greatest possible quality of life for the residents of Seacrest Village.

This annual appreciation dinner recognizes patrons for the care and services that are made possible through their generosity. Last year’s elegant event was held at Pamplemousse Grille in Solana Beach where over one hundred of The 211 Club patrons gathered. Strauss and his staff welcomed Seacrest contributors in style, opening the evening with a reception and sushi bar followed by a delicious meal and an incredible dessert. This year’s event promises to be just as memorable.

As a non-profit, charitable organization, Seacrest Village provides housing and healthcare services for the community’s elderly. Offering these services regardless of one’s ability to pay creates an annual shortfall of over $1.3 million that must be met through fundraising. Almost four hundred seniors between the Encinitas and Rancho Bernardo campuses are cared for each year. Members of The 211 Club can take personal pride in knowing that every dollar generated goes directly to meet the needs of the residents.

For more information on The 211 Club or to become a member of this special patron group, please contact Kate Buda at (760) 516-2003 or kbuda@seacrestvillage.org.

*
Preceding provided by Seacrest Village Retirement Communities

Terrorists attack UN children’s camp in Gaza Strip

(WJC)–In the Gaza Strip, masked gunmen have set fire to a United Nations-run summer camp for Palestinian children. The attack was the second in several weeks on a ‘United Nations Relief and Works Agency’ (UNRWA)  children’s camp. About 25 vandals tied up the camp guards and set the building and equipment afire, according to media reports. They were apparently opposed to the camps because girls and boys mix during the programs. Hamas reportedly runs its own gender-separate camps where children study the Koran.

The UNRWA runs around 1,200 summer camps for 250,000 children in Gaza. “This is another example of the growing levels of extremism in Gaza and further evidence, if that were needed, of the urgency to change the circumstances on the ground,” UNRWA Gaza director John Ging said in a statement. He called the attack a “cowardly and despicable act” and vowed to rebuild.

Another UN-run camp was attacked in May.

Meanwhile, the exiled Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal has repeated his group’s refusal to free the captured IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, seized four years ago. Meshaal threatened to capture more Israeli soldiers. “Gilad Shalit will not be alone. We will continue to capture soldiers and officers of the enemy until it frees all our prisoners. This is my message,” Meshaal said in a speech in Damascus.

*

Preceding provided by World Jewish Congress.