County Library checks out over ten million items in fiscal year

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–On June 10 San Diego County Library reached a national library milestone of checking out over ten million items in one fiscal year.  This statistic includes check outs and renewals of book, movies, music, and other library materials.  This increase is a jump from the 2008-2009 fiscal year circulation statistics of eight million items. 

This increase in circulation puts San Diego County Library as one of the top busiest libraries in the nation, despite limited funding opportunities.  Library Director José Aponte attributes the accomplishment to the staff’s ability to do more with less.  Aponte sees the increase in library usage as a direct result of the economy and the community’s need for affordable educational resources and entertainment, saying that, “When the economy is bad, when people lose work and money is short, the library’s value is incalculable to people… We like to think of us as the most valuable card in your wallet.” 

The increase in library usage has also been seen with an increase in the number of customers visiting the library, the amount of time being spent using free Internet stations, and the number of new library card holders.  San Diego County Library expects to see another round of increases for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.  For more information on San Diego County Library, visit www.sdcl.org.

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Preceding provided by San Diego County Library

Israel’s Security: What the Media has Underreported

By U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman

WASHINGTON, D.C. –There are six hugely important developments that have happened in the last month that will provide extraordinary help to protect Israel’s security. Unfortunately, these events have been underreported in the media:

1.     On June 9, 2010,  the U.N. Security Council passed a set of new sanctions against Iran with Russia, China, the U.S. and nine others voting in favor, with Brazil and Turkey voting no, and Lebanon abstaining.  While these sanctions will have some additional effects, and are expected to result in even greater sanctions from the Europeans and the U.S., the most immediate, as well as long term benefit of the sanctions is that Russia has agreed not to sell its S-300 anti-aircraft system to Iran!  The S-300 system is extremely difficult to overcome, according to all knowledgeable military experts.  If delivered to Iran, it would be a game-changer in Iran’s military position vis-a-vis Israel.

2.     On June 12, 2010, Saudi Arabia agreed to permit Israel to over fly a portion of its territory, should Israel feel it necessary to undertake military actions against Iran.

 
3.     On June 10, 2010, the Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas, publically stated that Israel should not be forced to end its blockade of Gaza.

4.     On June 9, 2010, Palestinian Authority President, Mahmoud Abbas publically declared in Washington, D.C. that he and the Palestinians were ready to recognize that the Jewish people have a right to some portion of Israel and the territories.
 
5.      On May 10, 2010, Israel was admitted, unanimously, to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). This enables Israel to join the world’s fellow economic powers as a co-equal, first class citizen for the first time.

 
6.      On May 13, 2010, President Barack Obama announced his intention to give the state of Israel $205 million so that Israel might purchase additional Iron Dome anti-missile defense batteries for deployment throughout the State of Israel.On May 20, 2010, the House of Representatives voted 410 – 4 to affirm President Obama’s decision. The Iron Dome Short Range Artillery Rocket Defense System is designed to intercept short-range rockets, missiles, and mortars launched by terrorists in Gaza and southern Lebanon. It can protect Israel from rockets within a range of 2.5 – 45 miles.
 
All these six items have a major, positive impact on the security of the State of Israel!

Each of these six accomplishments was only made possible with the direct, powerful, and demanding insistence of President Barack Obama. In my opinion, the big picture for Israel’s security has improved!

There is, obviously, a long way to go, but progress such as this is important not to overlook, ignore, or belittle.

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Congressman Steve Rothman (Democrat-New Jersey) is in his seventh term in the U.S. House of Representatives.  He serves on the House Appropriations Subcommittees of Defense; and State and Foreign Operations, which appropriate all spending for the United States military, and all foreign aid, respectively.

$60 million contribution to Palestinian refugees brings U.S. 2010 total to $225 million

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)–Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton announced today that the United States will be making an additional contribution of $60.3 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to support UNRWA’s core budget and special projects in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.

The $60.3 million contribution will provide critical services, including health, to 4.7 million Palestinian refugees. Of this contribution, $5.7 million will support nine special projects, including reconstruction and rehabilitation of schools in Jordan, Syria, and the West Bank, an afterschool program for refugee children in Lebanon, and a referral system to help refugees facing gender-based violence.

UNRWA currently faces a shortfall of $161 million, including $91 million for core expenses such as salaries for teachers educating nearly 500,000 Palestinian refugee children across the region.

With this contribution, the U.S. will have provided more than $225 million to UNRWA in 2010, including $120 million to its General Fund, $75 million to its West Bank/Gaza emergency programs, $20 million to emergency programs in Lebanon, and $10 million for the construction of five new schools in Gaza.

The U.S. commitment to the welfare of the Palestinian people was further underscored by the President’s June 9 announcement that the United States will move forward with $400 million to increase access to clean drinking water, create jobs, build schools, and address critical housing and infrastructure needs in the West Bank and Gaza. As UNRWA’s largest bilateral donor, the U.S. recognizes the critical role UNRWA plays in assisting Palestinian refugees and maintaining regional stability and calls upon other donors to enhance their support for UNRWA.

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Preceding provided by U.S. State Department

SDJA’s Sara Frank wins a first at state science fair

California Science Fair winner Sara Frank

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)– San Diego Jewish Academy student Sara Frank and 960 other students from across California, gathered to compete at the California State Science Fair on May 17.

Frank received an invitation to the competition after receiving four professional society awards, first place in the Medicine category and the Sweepstakes Award at the Greater San Diego Science Fair. At the end of the state competition, Frank was awarded first place in the Human Biology category for her project “Do You See What I See,” which is a truly impressive accomplishment for the eighth grader.

Frank’s project hypothesized that individuals see colors differently based on their age and gender.  Frank used an LED light box that employed varying degrees of color to test her hypothesis and found that it was true, especially in men. Frank’s findings have everyday applications in clothing, signage and medicine, especially in pills which often use color for differentiation.

“I have an interest in both biology and engineering, so with this project I was able to combine these two topics,” stated Frank. Next year, Frank will enter ninth grade at SDJA and plans to continue exploring her interests in science.

 “I look to forward to participating in more science research projects in the near future,” concluded Frank. 

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Preceding provided by San Diego Jewish Academy

Bone marrow testing at JCC may save CBI congregant’s life

SAN DIEGO (Staff Report)– Congregation Beth Israel in conjunction with the Lawrence Family JCC is organizing a drive to find a donor for Penny Spector, who recently was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and is in need of a bone marrow transplant.

Medical technicians will be on hand from noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 29, at the Lawrence Family JCC, 4126 Executive Drive, to take swabs from the cheeks of potential donors.   “If a match is found, the donor will only have stem cells filtered from the blood; no bone samples or other tissues are taken,” reports the current issue of Tidings, the newsletter of Congregation Beth Israel.

Requirements for donors are that be between the ages of 18 and 60, and that they complete a short medical questionnaire.   The fee for the test has been covered by a grant. 

Spoector worked for 30 years as a hygienist in the dental practice of her husband, Sid Spector.  She is a devoted fans of the San Diego Chargers and likes classic movies.

More information about the drive to save her life may be obtained from Betsy Wilinsky, CBI’s director of caring community service, by calling (858) 535-1111, Ext. 3113, or emailing her at bwilinsky@cbisd.org.
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Preceding based on a report in Tidings, newsletter of Congregation Beth Israel

A hug from Dvir

By Rabbi Baruch Lederman

Rabbi Baruch Lederman

SAN DIEGO–“Zos Chukas HaTorah…”  “This is the decree of the Torah…” Num. (19:2)

Chukas HaTorah refers to the decrees of the Torah that are beyond our understanding. Indeed, the Torah is infinite. How can we expect to fully comprehend it in all its depth and breadth. We cannot even fathom how G-d runs the finite world, as the following true story illustrates:

Dvir Aminolav was the first Israeli soldier killed in the 2008 Gaza War. His mother Dalya missed Dvir, terribly. One night before she went to bed, she said in a loud voice: “G-d, give me a sign, give me a hug from Dvir so that I will know that his death had some meaning.”

That week her daughter asked her to accompany her to a musical performance at The International Crafts Festival in Jerusalem. Dalya, feeling quite depressed, did not want to go to the concert, but she didn’t want to disappoint her daughter either, and agreed to go halfheartedly. The concert was a bit delayed. A two-year-old boy began wandering through the stands. He walked up to Dalya’s seat and touched her on the shoulder. A preschool teacher, Dalya turned around, saw the boy and smiled warmly.

“What’s your name?” Dalya asked.

“Eshel,” the boy replied.

“That’s a nice name. Do you want to be my friend, Eshel?” The boy nodded in reply and sat down next to Dalya.

Eshel’s parents were sitting two rows above. Concerned their little boy was bothering Dalya, they asked him to come back up. But Dalya insisted that everything was fine.

“I have a brother named Dvir,” two-year-old Eshel chimed in, as only little children can. Dalya was shocked to hear the unusual name of her beloved son, and walked up the two rows to where Eshel’s parents were sitting. She saw a baby in his carriage, and apologizing, she asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, how old is your baby and when was he born?”

The baby’s mother replied, “He was born right after the war in Gaza.”

Dalya swallowed hard. “Please tell me, why did you choose to name him Dvir?”

Baby Dvir’s mother began to explain. “When I was at the end of my pregnancy, the doctors suspected the fetus may have a very serious birth defect. Since it was the end of the pregnancy, there was little the doctors could do and I just had to wait and see how things would turn out.

When I went home that night, the news reported that the first casualty in the war was a soldier named Dvir. I was so saddened by this news that I decided to make a deal with G-d. ‘If  you give me a healthy son,’ I said in my prayer, ‘I promise to name him Dvir, in memory of the soldier that was killed.'”

Dalya, the mother of Dvir, stood with her mouth open. She tried to speak but she couldn’t. After a long silence, she said quietly, “I am Dvir’s mother.”

The young parents didn’t believe her. She repeated, “Yes, it’s true. I am Dvir’s mother. My name is Dalya Aminalov, from Pisgat Zeev.”

With a sudden inspiration, Baby Dvir’s mother handed Dalya the baby and said, “Dvir wants to give you a hug.”

Dalya held the little baby boy in her arms and looked into his angelic face. The emotion she felt at that moment was overwhelming. She had asked for a hug from Dvir – and she could truly feel his warm and loving embrace from the World of Truth.

Dedicated by Aryeh & Rena Greenberg and Avraham & Basha Perkal; in honor of all the graduates in the Perkal/Greenberg family: Esther Sarah Greenberg, Shlomo Greenberg, Sarah Bracha Perkal, Zev Perkal, Shlomo Perkal, Dovie Perkal, and in honor of Bryna Greenberg’s birthday, and in celebration of Srulie & Miriam Perkal’s 18th Anniversary. We are thankful to Hashem for all our simchas, B’H, B”AH.

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Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah

The making and testing of leaders

By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal

Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal

SAN DIEGO–It is not easy to be the leader of a club or organization. Some people like you, others dislike you, and you need to develop a thick skin.

No one knew this better than Moses. No matter how hard he tried, the Israelites criticized and judged him and at times, even rebelled. If that wasn’t bad enough, even God held him to an impossible standard.

Parashat Chukat contains the well-known story of Moses striking, instead of speaking to the rock. The Israelites were doing what they did best: kvetching. They complained to Moses that they were thirsty and they would have been better off if they had remained in Egypt. God told Moses to assemble the people and to command a nearby rock to gush forth water. What did Moses do? Instead of speaking to the rock and commanding the water to flow, he struck the rock with his staff . . . and not once, but twice.

God was not happy. He told Moses: “Because you did not trust Me enough to affirm My sanctity in the sight of the Israelite people, therefore you shall not lead this congregation into the land that I have given them.” (Num. 20:12).

God said to speak to the rock, but Moses hit it instead. That’s pretty harsh punishment for such a minor infraction. But our sages tell us Moses’ punishment was amplified because he was such an important leader and role model. If God did not punish Moses for this minor infraction, the Israelites might come to believe that they, too, could disobey God with impunity.

I am not sure that all of us would agree that Moses’ punishment fit the crime, but we would agree that leaders live under microscopes and are subject to scrutiny. However, leadership also provides great opportunities for doing good. Sometimes the results they work for are not immediately apparent but take time to become reality.

The same is true for our own good deeds. Sometimes it takes years or even generations for the holy seeds we plant today to flower, grow, and bear fruit.

Have you ever heard of an Illinois school teacher named Mentor Graham? Probably not. He wasn’t particularly famous or well-known but his small acts had a tremendous effect on this country’s destiny.

One day a tall and unschooled teenager walked into his classroom for the first time. He was tall – 6’4″ and muscular. He couldn’t read or write and even though he had just recently moved to town – he already had a reputation for getting into nasty fights.

Mentor Graham looked the boy up and down and instead of chastising or threatening him, quietly offered to help him learn to read and lent him some books.

Not a big deal, you might think. It’s a small act, one any teacher would do. But this small act was not forgotten. In fact it was an inspiration. And even if history books don’t recall this quiet and unassuming man who helped a local tough learn to read, his student never forgot him; a student by the name of Abraham Lincoln. (Speakers Source Book)

Even though we all encounter criticism, frustration, and obstacles in our lives, let us not allow them to overwhelm or overcome us. Let us continue to do good and plant holy seeds and sparks in those around us.  May we sustain ourselves with the faith that the seeds and sparks we plant today will bear holy fruit in the years to come.

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Rabbi Rosenthal is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue

Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, June 25, 1954, Part 1

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 25, 1954, page 1

Jewish Women Honored for Aid to Hospital

In 1946, a group of Jewish women in san Diego conceived the idea  of aiding in the dream of building a new hospital for crippled children. They offered their services to Mrs. Mort Boyette, chairman of the women’s division for the hospital drive, and they were gratefully accepted as a team in that campaign.

Over $6,000 was raised by Jewish women of our community through direct contributions, affairs and a tremendous rummage sale and given to the crippled children’s hospital for their building fund as part of the contribution of Jewish citizens of our community.

This month, the dream comes true.  The Crippled Children’s Hospital, which has risen on Kearny Mesa, will dedicate its new and beautiful building. At the ceremonies Jewish women of San Diego will be honored by a dedicatory plaque over one of the rooms stating “Presented by the Women’s Division of the San Diego Federation of Jewish Agencies.”

Those, who in 1946 had a vision and faith in that vision and helped it to become a reality, include Mrs. Rose Neumann, who was chairman of that drive, and Mrs. Rose Gordon and Mrs. David Block, who were he co-chairmen.

*Southwestern Jewish Press, June 25, 1954, page 1

J.C.C. ‘Lucky Nite’ Set for Sunday

The Jewish Community Center ‘Lucky Nite’ takes place this Sunday, June 27, at 7:30 p.m. in the Beth Jacob Center, 4473 30^th St.

This is the affair you will not want to miss, because it will be an evening of fun and frolic and offer you a chance to break the bank.  Admission is free and open to all. A new and exciting game will be introduced “over and under,” and big prizes for bingo, cards and all kinds of games will be provided.

Food and drink will be available and as an innovation there will be a tremendous sale of specialty cakes.

Proceeds of this event will go towards Camp Jaycee scholarships for some needy youngsters, all kinds of equipment needed for the teenagers to keep them busy and happy at the Center, records, games and more funds for special parties for all the kids which are not provided for in the regular budget.

Come and bring your friends to ‘Lucky Nite’ Sunday where you will meet old and new friends, have a good time, and help the Jewish Community Center’s programming for the youth of our city.

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USO-JWB Honors Rose Neumann for Fourteen Years of Service
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 25, 1954, pages 1,8

In ceremonies honoring organizational and individual volunteers for morale services to the armed forces of the United States, Mrs. Rose Neumann, veteran San Diego community volunteer, was accorded highest honors from the National Jewish Welfare Board for fourteen years of unstinting and tireless effort last Wednesday evening at Temple Beth Israel.

Mrs. Neumann  was called to the platform by George A. Scott, campaign chairman of the United Success Drive of 1954, who read telegrams and letters from national JWB officials and presented her with the JWB Gold Pin and Gold Ribbon Certificate.  Scott, too, was honored as Dr. Frank Lowe, USO Advisory Council chairman, presented him with the highest USO-JWB award for fourteen years of service as head of USO in San Diego.

The Gold Ribbon Award was presented to the Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary for the second successive year, while B’nai B’rith women’s chapters, Birdie Stodel and Bay City, received Silver Ribbon Certificates.  Nancy Weitzen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weitzen, was recipient of the Jr. Hostess of the Year Award.

Awards were also presented to military officials, including Rear Adm. George C. Dyer, Commandant of the 11^th Naval District; Rear Adm. Thornton C. Miller, District Chaplain; Capt. Harris W. Howe, Center Chaplain of Naval Training Center; Commander E. Richard Barnes, Force Chaplain, Amphibious Pacific Forces, and others.

Chairman for the evening was Milton Fredman, vice chairman of the 6^th Army Area JWB Armed Services Division.  Henry Weinberger, San Diego USO-JWB Armed Services Committee chairman, delivered the welcome address.  Also participating in the program were Rabbis Morton J. Cohn, Monroe Levens and Baruch Stern, and Harry Mallen and Mrs. Sidney Newman.

Following the ceremonies, a fast moving show of top Hollywood talent, calling itself the USO-JWB Troupers, presented “New Faces of 1954.”  Dancing and refreshments ensued to top off a thoroughly enjoyable evening. 

Organizations receiving awards were: Beth Jacob Sisterhood, Beth Israel Sisterhood, Beth Jacob Ladies Aux., Council of Jewish Women, Daughters of Israel, Hadassah, Home for the Aged, Jewish War Vets, Lasker Ldge, B’nai B’rith Men, Pioneer Women Negba, Pioneer Women Shoshana, Tifereth Israel Sisterhood, Tifereth Israel Men’s Club, Yo-Ma-Co,, Jolly Sixteen, United Jewish Fund, Temple Beth Israel, Tifereth Isral Cong., Cong. Beth Jacob, Southwestern Jewish Press, Pi Alpha Lambda Sorority, 7-Seas Locker Clubs, Federal Clothiers, 101 Locker Club and 4.0 Locker Club.

A special award was presented to Dr. Joseph Kwint.  Individuals who received awards included: Miss Julie Abraham, Mrs. Philip Abrams, Mrs. Jennie Bloomfield, Mrs. Alfred Brooks, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Mrs. O.E. Ehrlich, Mr. and Mrs. David Frank, Mr. Milton Fredman, Mrs. Max Felsman,  Mrs. Theodore Hermann, Mr. Albert Hutler, Mrs. Arthur King, Mrs. Fred Leeds, Rabbi Monroe Levens, Mr. Harry Mallen, Mrs. Sidney Newman, MRs. Benjamin Ornstein, MRs. Max Rabinowitz, Mrs. Joseph Schulach, Mr. Joseph Spatz, Rabbi Baruch Stern, MRs. Bernard Urbach, and Henry Weinberger.   Extra Indiidual Awards were given to Mr. and MRs. Harry Aronoff, MR. Alex Newman, MR. and Mrs. Al Steinbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Milton Gellens, MR. and Mrs. Zel Greenberg, Col. An Mrs. Irving Salomon.

Other military awards included Lt. Cmdr. Eugene J. Kapalczyski, Commander DeWitt Wright, and Commander Howard M. Day.

Junior Hostess receiving awards for their many hours of service were: Judy Cohen, Selma Cohen, Sandra Flax, Pauline Frankel, Maxine Gerson, Roberta Glickman, Lenore Goldtein, Bunny Goodman, Ethel Hochman, Barbara Mallen, Ada Picaisen, Sally Polak, Rose Rimland, Gloria Rose, Frances Samuels, Shirley Sarfan, Sandra Schissel, Ethel Schwartz, Barbara Shames, Carol Simmons, Norma Simmons, Ida Urback, Jackie Wasserman and Barbara Kahn.

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Mrs. Roosevelt to Report on Russia
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 25, 1954, page 1

Flash! Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt will lecture in San Diego on November 11, 1954 under the auspices of the Jewish Community Center.

According to an announcement by Edward Breitbard, president of the Center, contracts have been signed by Center which will bring Mrs. Roosevelt to San DSiego on her return from a visit to Russia as a reporter for Look magazine.

Plans will be made for the use of the Russ Auditorium for Mrs. Roosevelt’s lecture and for a reception honoring her by the Jewish community.

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Thank You Dinner Honors Adm. Baker
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 25, 1954, page 1

Among the honored guests at a Community Thank You dinner will be VADM Wilder B. Baker, USN., Ret., who led the first United Success Drive of the Community Chest last fall. The dinner will be held in the Don Room of El Cortez Hotel at 7:00 p.m., Friday, June 25, according tto RADM George F. Neal, USN, Ret., chairman of Thank You Week.

Thank You Week, which is planned to highlight community benefits from fall’s campaign, ends tonight. Climaxing the week, the dinner will present a stewardship report of funds now supporting Red Feather services.  Leadership for the Second United Success Drive will also be introduced.

Chairman for the meeting is La Motte T. Cohu, who has announced that Vincent Price, taking time out from rehearsals of “The Winslow Boy” for La Jolla Playhouse, will be one of the guest speakers.

“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.