Archive
Poverty rate in Israel higher than in Mexico
Editor’s Note: The following story, “The Threat from Within, is reprinted with permission from The Forward, in which it appears in the August 27 issue.
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In May, when Israel was invited to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, a 31-nation club of the world’s most elite, developed economies, Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz called it “a badge of honor.” Indeed, it is.
Acceptance means that Israel can now access sources of capital investment available only to developed countries, but it means something even more rewarding: It’s a legitimization of the tiny country’s economic strength and innovation capacity, reinforcing the image of the scrappy “start-up nation” — where once early Zionists made the barren deserts bloom, now their 21st-century heirs are driving a high-speed technological revolution.
No surprise that the number of millionaires in Israel soared by 43% in just one year, from 2008 to 2009, a rate bested only by Hong Kong and India.
But the “start-up nation” narrative hides another story: Poverty in Israel is more widespread than in any of the other OECD countries, worse than even Turkey and Mexico. Almost one in five Israelis live in poverty, according to OECD guidelines; for children, the rate is nearly one in three.
This economic inequality, among the highest in the world, poses a serious danger to Israeli society beyond that caused by war or terrorism. Poverty in Israel is a direct result of non-employment, the fact that many Israelis will not or cannot work. The two largest segments of citizens outside the labor force are Haredi men, 67% of whom study full-time, helped by government subsidy, and Arab women, 80% of whom are at home, prevented by culture and discrimination from participating in the workforce. A government report issued in July said that Haredi unemployment alone will cost the Israeli economy $1.55 billion in 2010 — 300% higher than the comparable cost in 2000.
And the consequences are not just economic. Those who don’t work generally don’t serve in the Israel Defense Forces, absenting themselves from a fundamental pillar of Israeli life, sowing resentment among the majority and, given the high birth rate among the poor, threatening military capacity in the future. With nearly half of Israeli primary school students either Haredi or Arab, who will defend the country in 20 years?
‘When this country was very poor, we had our act together,” notes Dan Ben-David, an economist and executive director of the Taub Center for Social Policy Studies in Israel, a think tank and research center supported by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
“Now the percentage of families dependent on government is growing all the time.”
“The fundamental problem is that a large and increasing share of the Israeli population is receiving neither the tools nor the conditions to work in a modern community,” he says. “It harms them personally. It harms us nationally.”
It should be noted that while Ben-David’s data are generally accepted, his interpretation has been disputed. Gidi Grinstein, founder and president of the Reut Institute, another nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank in Israel, believes that the Haredi community has awakened to the challenge and is entering the workforce in ever growing numbers.
“Very few societies drive themselves over the abyss without survival mechanisms kicking in,” Grinstein argues.
Nonetheless, among the Haredim this shift is slow and fraught with resistance. Back in June, ultra-Orthodox protests against a high court ruling on a school segregation case nearly shut down Jerusalem for a day, but another ruling issued earlier that week was arguably more important. The court ordered that, by the end of this year, the government stop paying welfare to an estimated 11,000 married yeshiva students who chose study instead of work.
While Haredi political leaders have vowed to restore those cuts, they must be rebuffed; government action is essential to turn around this dangerous trend. The numbers of Haredi unemployed surely would be even higher had not then-finance minister Benjamin Netanyahu instituted cuts in child allowances and yeshiva subsidies in 2003.
But simply cutting off benefits won’t address the root causes of non-employment, and is hardly the right step for a moral society. Israeli Arabs want to work, but are isolated from employment centers and discriminated against by employers; Arab women face the additional hurdle of living in a culture where female autonomy is suppressed. In far too many Haredi communities, full-time learning is prized above economic self-sufficiency — a relatively new phenomenon. Ben-David points out that 30 years ago, the rate of non-employment for Haredim was 21%. Now it is more than three times that amount.
Clearly what’s needed is a committed investment in education and social programs to provide the wherewithal for these significant minorities to integrate into the high-tech economy of Israel’s future. There truly is no time to lose. Ben-David estimates that if present growth rates continue, by 2040, 78% of Israel’s children will be studying in the Haredi or Arab education systems.
And if the fate of worldwide Jewry is tied to the fate of Israel, as we believe, then this stark situation — generally hidden from most Diaspora Jews — must not be ignored or denied. Ben-David has been amassing and analyzing this worrying economic data for years, but only recently put aside his concerns about going public because of the urgency of the message.
“This country is on an unsustainable long-term trajectory,” he warns. “We’re a very young country — if we educate our youth, the sky’s the limit. But we’re quickly reaching the point of no return. This is the only Jewish country we have. This better concern the Jewish people.”
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Preceding provided by The Forward via the Trylon SMR Agency
Notes from a trip
By David Amos
David Amos
SAN DIEGO –From the title of this article, you may surmise that I will be sharing with you some conducting and/or recording adventure in a far-away land. But this time, it is not the case, but rather, a two-week vacation just completed, which my wife and I survived with our two grandchildren, 6 and 9.
There were many elements of interest, some of which seriously related to classical music and its preservation to future generations.
We toured the four Southwestern states, and without a doubt, visited every possible bathroom facility that exists in California, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona. In between these necessary stops, attitudes, skirmishes, together with hats, sunscreen, sun glasses, delightfully ditsy waitresses, 100-plus degree temperatures, and the obligatory food treats, we were able to sneak in a remarkable number of interesting places.
We visited Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks, Meteor Crater, Petrified Forest and Painted Desert Parks, Sedona, Flagstaff, Walnut Canyon, Montezuma’s Castle, Phoenix, and in the Tucson Area, The Desert Museum, Colossal Caves, Biosphere 2, and an attempt at the Jewish Museum. More on the latter, later.
In Las Vegas, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel, we saw the musical The Lion King. Although the children seemed to enjoy it and the costumes and sets were colorful and spectacular, I found the music to be dreadfully repetitious and lackluster. There was a sameness of style from song to song, and the fine vocal renditions could not save it for me.
The true lifesaver for this trip was the recent acquisition of the XM-Sirius radio. This satellite service offers about 200 channels, which can be heard static-free at the remotest locations. Our favorites were the two classical music channels, the vocal-operatic one, and the one featuring Broadway favorites. For news, the BBC and CNN options were good, but there are many more choices of music, talk, and comedy for practically every taste.
A real disappointment is when we drove past Tuba City. From the highway, we could not hear a sound from this noble instrument, and there was no mention of even sousaphones or trombones in the tour guide. Nothing, nada, shum davar. Maybe its local chamber of commerce can correct this omission sometime in the future. Here is a good challenge for Professor Harold Hill.
From the highways, we saw synagogue signs in Henderson and Sedona. Always a pleasure.
Also, in our many stops, we delighted in hearing so many foreign languages from other tourists. There were too many to mention, but my wife and I exchange smiles when we hear Hebrew from animated Israeli tourists.
In the train ride from Williams, to visit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we were entertained by Country and Western singers. It was certainly the right place and time for this music, and the performances sounded authentic to us. But, I wonder what all this guitar strumming and songs of the West communicated to the many Asian and European tourists, who would not know from Frankie Lane to Franco Corelli.
We were also aware of the obvious absence of Mexican tourists. Could this be because of Mexico’s latest challenges, and/or the boycott of Arizona locations and attractions?
We did not succeed in visiting the Jewish Museum in Tucson, which is advertised as being one of the most interesting ones of its kind in the U.S. The hours listed in the brochure information failed to mention that during the summer, the museum is open for only the morning hours until 1:00 p.m.
But, one of our greatest pleasures was the opportunity to introduce our grandchildren to great classical music during the long drives between destinations. After all, they were a captive audience, and gratefully, ready to lean, absorb, and enjoy the music we presented to them. We heard and discussed Prokoffiev’s Peter and the Wolf, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, Ferde Grofé’s Grand Canyon Suite, Copland’s Billy The Kid, and the complete Broadway musicals, Oklahoma, and Annie Get Your Gun.
As I have said many times, only through a positive exposure to the classics, we will develop the next generations of serious music lovers. Otherwise, we will soon be relegated to being the caretakers of a dead art form, more suited to a museum and dusty archives. It is our duty to reverse the present trends.
A humorous finale to our trip, and as an exclamation point to my previous paragraph, was when we reached our home to conclude this grand journey. Our six year old discovered our Yamaha grand piano, opened the lid, looked at it for a few moments, and asked her brother, “How do you turn this on?”
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Amos is conductor of Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and has guest conducted professional orchestras around the world.
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, December 10, 1954, Part 1
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Jewish Center Plans Big Invitation Dinner
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
“You can help make a dream come true” will be the theme of the invitation on behalf of the Building Fund of the Jewish Community Center on Saturday, January 8, 1955, in the Don Room of the El Cortez Hotel. In announcing the meeting, Harry Wax, campaign chairman, also stated that Rodin Horrow has accepted the chairmanship of the event.
Sidney Rose
Mr. Horrow is an active member of the Center board of directors. He is also a director of the United Jewish Fund, the Federation of Jewish Agencies; the Hebrew Home for the Aged; and Beth Israel Temple.
An outstanding program is planned with Mr. Robert Levison of San Francisco, national vice president of the National Jewish Welfare Board, and former president of the San Francisco Community Center, as the principal speaker. Assisting Horrow in planning of the dinner are Leonard Zlotoff and Al Solomon.
John Ruskin
Horrow and his committee anticipate that by the time of the dinner meeting, more than $100,000 will have been secured in pledges for the building fund.
“The members of the board of the Community Center,” Horrow said, “have done an outstanding job I giving. They have demonstrated to the community that they are willing to back up their belief and their faith in the fact that San Diego Jewry can have a community building by giving generously. The only way that there will be a community building in which our children and ourselves can actively participate under Jewish auspices is that interested members of the Jewish Community participate in making it possible by giving.
William Schwartz
While money is being raised for the center, the building committee is continuing its work with center architect, George Lykos. William Schwartz, Sidney Rose, John Ruskin and Maury Novak as well as all key people in the building committee have been meeting regularly in order to implement the needs as expressed by the various committees that met during the community Center survey.
A thorough and complete report both of the population study and center survey will be release to the community in the very near future. It will contain a complete outline of the facilities that will be needed in the Jewish Community Center.
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City-Wide Observance of Tercentenary Set for Dec. 12
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
The American Jewish Tercentenary will be observed in San Diego by the entire Jewish community in conjunction with the 21st annual meeting of the United Jewish Fund this Sunday evening, Dec. 12, 6:00 p.m. diner at the House of Hospitality, Casa del Rey Moro restaurant in Balboa Park, Fund President Louis Moorsteen and Doctor A.P. Nasatir, Chairman of the San Diego Tercentenary Committee announced.
The joint program was approved by the fund board and has been planned under the direction of Milton Roberts who has been designated as the chairman of the annual meeting. Morris Douglas, First Vice President, will serve as Chairman of the evening.
Mr. Roberts announced tha an original narration in prose and music dramatically telling the story of the 300 years has been written by Mrs. A.P. Nasatir and will provide the main entertainment of the evening. Appearing in “Roots in This Land” are Mrs. Nasatir, Mr. Alan Soule, Mr. Roberts and Albert A. Hutler. Music will be by Cantors Julian Miller and Joseph Cysner, and Bruce Dennis.
Greetings on the observance of 300 years of Jewish settlement in America will be brought to the meeting form leading religious, political and civic leaders of the San Diego community. They include Honorable John Butler, Mayor of the City of San Diego, the Honorable James Robbins, Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, Most Reverend Charles F. Buddy, Bishop of San Diego, Dr. Leland Cook, President of the San Diego Council of Churches, Gerald A. Mokma, Consul General of the United States, and Rear Admiral T.C. Miller, District Chaplain, 11th Naval District, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Beth Israel Temple and Rabbi Baruch Stern, Beth Jacob Synagogue, will participate in the program.
The nominating committee chaired by Mr. Carl M. Esenoff and consisting of Morris Douglas, M.D. Goodrich, Eli H. Levenson, Sol Price, Victor Schulman and Ruben Umansky will present the following names in nomination for the board of directors for a period of two years, 1955-56. David Block, Mrs. Ted Brav, Zel Camiel, Mack Esterson, Manuel S. Fisher, Mrs. Dora Friedman, Irving Friedman, Arthur Goodman, Ben Harris, Harry Mallen, Jerome Niederman, Maury Novak, Dr. Walter Ornstein, Sol Price, Seymour Rabin, Mrs. Abe Ratner, Dr. Joshua Rittoff, David Sapp, Harry Sugarman, and Harry Wax.
Awards from the United Jewish Fund and the local community will be presented to outstanding community leaders for their services in 1954.
An award will also be presented to O.W. Todd Jr., business and civic leader, for his leadership of the Christian committee in the 1954 combined Jewish Appeal.
Business of the meeting will be kept at the minimum and will include election of the Board of Directors, voting on an amendment to the by-laws and whatever reports are necessary.
“We urge every member of the community to plan to attend the important community dinner and assembly,” Mr. Moorsteen said. “This will be one of the only citywide obsrvances of the significant anniversary of the 300 years of Jewish settlement in America to be held in San Diego and we sincerely hope that every member of the Jewish community will participate.”
Members are urged to attend the dinner if they possibly can at 6:00 p.m., but if they cannot, they are cordially invited to attend the meeting which will start at 7:45 p.m. sharp. Reservations for the dinner, which will cost $3.50 per plate, may still be made by calling BE 2-5172 or AC-3-8223.
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B’nai B’rith Asks Bus Card Comments
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
The Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith has placed 100 car cards in the San Diego Transit vehicles in this area. The cards have been produced by the Institute for American democracy.
Comments on this project are wanted by the B’nai B’rith. It is also suggested that viewers write complimentary letters to the Transit System encouraging such cards.
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University Gets Gift From Local Resident
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
Irving Salomon has made a gift to California Western Univeristy which will enable the fast growing campus on Pt. Loma to remodel its Little Theatre. The theatre will be called the Irving Salomon Hall and will be dedicated later this month.
Irving Salomon, a member of Temple Beth Israel, resides at Rancho Lilac in Escondido. Currently, a representative of the Ford Foundation, he is a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Educational Television in California.
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Fund Appeals For Cash
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 8
A reminder that pledges to the Combined Jewish Appeal made in 1953 are now overdue, and a plea for payment of 1954 pledges was sounded by Harry Snyder, Treasurer of the United Jewish Fund.
“Not only are the funds desperately needed so that our community can pay the allocations which have been promised to the various agencies included in the campaign, but also,” Snyder said, “everyone should take advantage of the provisions of our income tax law which makes charitable contributions up to 30 percent under certain circumstances by individuals deductible for purposes of computing income taxes.” This rate applies to individuals filing tax returns.
Snyder also pointed out that payments must be received this year if they are to be deducted from income taxes for the year 1954.
It was emphasized that the United Jewish Fund has been unable to make any payments recently to the many national agencies included in the annual campaign, because of lack of cash.
In March, the Fund borrowed $75,000 as an advance to the UJA as part of the refunding loan of $75,000,000 undertaken by the Jewish communities on behalf of Israel and thus far has not been able to make any repayment on this loan to the bank. Payments must be met semi-annually for a period of five years.
“The United Jewish Fund,” Snyder continued, “will also be expected to make payments shortly to the various national, overseas and local agencies that depend on these grants for continued operations. They can only be paid if pledges are paid so that funds are available.”
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Takes Helm
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 1
Max Zemen has been elected president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, it was announced today. He succeeds Edward Breitbard who served during the past year. Mr. Zemen has been active in the Synagogue for many years and has pledge to continue to develop the programs and activities of the Synagogue and its affiliated groups.
Other officers elected are Irving Goodman, 1st Vice President; Robert Cheron, 2nd V.P.; Moss Addleson, Rec. Sec.; Joseph Finkleman, Fin. Sec., and Joe Kader, Treas.
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Morris W. Douglas Named New USO-JWB Chairman
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Pages 1, 6
Morris W. Douglas , outstanding community leader, was elected Chairman of the San Diego armed Services Committee of the National Jewish Welfare Board in a meeting of that group at Temple Center this week. Henry Weinberger, who has been chairman for the past seven years, was elected Honorary Chairman, in which he joins Mrs. Rose Neumann and Judge Jacob Weinberger.
Other officers elected included Mrs. Sidney Newman, Vice Chairman; Milton Fredman, Representative to the National Jewish Welfare Board Council; and Messrs. Henry Weinberger, Fredman and Mrs. Rose Neumann, JWB Representatives to the San Diego USO Advisory Council.
Mr. Douglas immediately appointed the following sub-committee chairmen for the year 1955: Senior Host and Hostess, Mrs. Rose Neumann and Mrs. Samuel Friedman; Home Hospitality, Mrs. Sidney Newman; Religious, all rabbis plus Joseph Spatz; Junior Hostess-Senior Sponsor, Mrs. Joseph Kaplan; Military Relations, Alex J. Newman; Program, Julie Abraham and Mrs. Tom Turner; Community Liaison, Harry Mallen; War Records, Mrs. David Frank.
Elected to the Armed Services Committes were Mrs. Marcy Berwin, Mrs. George Katz, Mrs. Joseph Kaplan, Alex J. Newman and Chaplain E. H. Rickel.
With the advent of the new administration, the Amred Services Committee voted a special commendation to its executive Abraham Friedman, for his work since his arrival two years ago.
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To See or not To See
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
By Berenice Soule
Death on an Island – Anyone interested in building a mountain lodge, a summer home off the coast of Devon, or rustic house near a stone quarry, should contact Robert Jillson. Jillson, set designer-technical director for the Globe’s Ten Little Indians, has dressed up a beamed ceiling living room featuring a raised-hearth “natural stone” fireplace so attractive that through all the blood and gore of the Agatha Christie mystery it remains charming and inviting.
Eight corpses are stackled neatly (at least the audience assumes that the 2 remaining “Indians” treated death with respect and stacked them neatly) in the den (the glimpse of book-line walls off-stage rt, seemed attractive, too) in the last scene. By this time many kinds of murder have been done, screams have torn the darkness and, in the words of an 11 year old friend who viewed it opening night, “It’s better’n Dragnet!”The “Ten Little Indians” refer to the ceramic Indian figurines on the mantel and the ten guests called together by a mysterious host in a house on Indian Island, off the coast of Devon. The guests are all accused of some form of murder and then are knocked off, one at a time. It wouldn’t be cricket to divulge which cast members were “done in” early in the play, but we lost some of our best actors that way.
Most fascinating is Ava Carmichael, new-comer to the Globe – almost the makings of a young Katherine Cornell—that awkward gracefulness and mobility of expression. The cast as a whole is exceptionally well
balanced and capable. Due for particular mention are Mickey Kohut, Herb Cherin, Bernis Kennedy, John Murphy and Charles Turley. Also doing well are Burt Miller, Velma Jones, Jack White, James Howell and Fred Welch.
Because of the holidays, the show will run only through December 18.
Talk Pays Off—Our “Adventure in Living” man – John Robert Clarke—had been placed under the management of Edna Stewart, considered one of the top booking agents of New York and Beverly Hills. Clarke, in his fifth San Diego series of lectures, said he was “not expecting this to happen.”
He’ll be travelling among some of the best Miss Stewarts “Celebrity Management” handles, among others, Jose Greco, Lowell Thomas, Senator Paul Douglas, Drew Pearson and Eva le Gallienne.
This new sponsorship will not affect his current local series of lectures; engagements this winter will be limited to the southern California area. He expects to soon start a Hollywood “Adventures in Living” series but it will not interfere with his Tuesday night talks here.
This personable young man found himself in San Diego completely by accident, but it has been a fortunate accident. Three years ago John’s yacht with himself and three friends sailed out of San Francisco headed for Ensenada. Due to slight miscalculations—just something trivial like losing a day or two—they entered San Diego harbor. John has stayed ever since, living on his yacht, tied up at Pot. Loma landing.
Whether people know how to communicate with one another, will be his subject on December 14th when he speaks on “Finding Friends in Babel’s Towar” at the House of Hospitality, 8:00 p.m.
Talent and Red Hair –Don’t know if a raise in “pay” went with this promotion –but Eifi Schwitkis, who has been the Globe’s make-up artist, has now been made head of their art department. We’re not sure what the art department does, but doesn’t it sound good? Maybe it’s because of all that gorgeous copper and enamel jewelry she’s been making.—Theodor Uppman, baritone, due here in concert January 26, is a native Californian. He won a scholarship to Curtis Institute and was a winner of the Atwater Kent auditions. Before entering the Army, he studied music and drama at Stanford and after the war he appeared in operettas and operas in Los Angeles and with the San Francisco Opera Company. He has been called “mellow voiced,” “a resplendent signer” and “a fine figure of a man, withu a personality that matches his vocal prowess.”
And He’s Pretty Too
According to reports, no build-up is too big.
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Famed Marionettes Here From Salzburg
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
Famed as a feature part of the Austrian village of Salzburg Music Festival, the Salzburg Marionette Theatre comes to San Diego to present three performances on Saturday, January 15, 1955, at Roosevelt Auditorium, Park Blvd at Upas Street. Two matinees at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. will show “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the evening show at 8:30 p.m. will play the complete opera in English “The Fiedermaus” and “the Blue Danube” pantomime ballet.
Tickets are reserved for the evening performances only with prices of $2.76, $2.21 and $1.66. All tickets for the matinees are available at $1.66. It is suggested that patrons mail their orders immediately as Roosevelt Auditorium has a limited seating capacity. Mail orders are accepted now by the deLannoy & Howarth box office, Room 230, U.S. Grant Hotel. It is thought that tickets to this interesting and exciting entertainment can very well serve as Christmas gifts for both adults and children.
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Dr. Baxter To Give Readings At Globe
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
As part of the extensive project whereby the University of Southern California is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee Year throughout the southland, the Globe Theatre will present Dr. Frank C. Baxter in a program of Christmas readings. There will be no charge for his two performances on December 16, at 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Old Globe Theatre.
Besides having established himself as a leading television personality, Dr Baxter possesses many fascinating vital statistics. He ranks among the eight most popular university professors in the U.S. Specializing not only in Shakespeariana, Dr. Baxter has made a study of the history of humor! Among his reading selections will be the works of such modern humorists as Ogden Nash.
The Old Globe Theatre takes pleasure in offering Baxter’s programs as a Christmas gift to its audiences. Free tickets may be reserved by calling the Globe Box Office (BE-9-9139) throughout the week of December 6-11.
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(Immigration Laws)
Southwestern Jewish Press, December 10, 1954, Page 2
“My ancestors,” boasted the blueblood society woman to Groucho Marx at a party, “came over on the Mayflower.”
Groucho nodded, “It’s a lucky thing they did,” he said quietly. “The immigration laws are so much stricter now.”
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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.
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, November 28, 1954, Part 2
Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Ida Urbach Wed to Julio Liberman In Candlelight Ceremony
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Ida Urbach, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Urbach, was wed to Julio David Liberman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Adolfo LIberman of Van Nuys, in a candlelight ceremony November 21 in Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens, assisted by Cantor Joseph Cysner, performed the marriage rites. The canopy, altar and aisles were decorated with spider chrysanthemums, pompom mums and gladioli.
The bride’s gown of ivory satin and lace featured a two-foot train and scoop scalloped neckline. Her finger-tip length veil fell from a tiny bonnet and she carried a bouquet of ivory mums, white orchids and stephanotis.
Mrs. Gabe Bloch of Albuquerque served as matron of honor for her niece and Barbara Shames acted as maid of honor. Mrs. Sadie Urbach of Houston, Mrs. Arlene Silverman of Los Angeles and Esther Szmul of Los Angeles, cousin of the groom were bridesmaids. Marilyn Eldex, cousin of the bride, was junior bridesmaid. The attendants wore full-skirted, ankle length gowns of crystalette in coral, deep aqua and pale aqua.
Linda Neumann, daughter of MR. and Mrs. Sidney Neumann, was flower girl in ruffled coral and Michael Urbach, the bride’s nephew, was ringbearer.
Jose Liberman of Los Angeles acted as his brother’s best man with brother, Elias, as usher. Other ushers were Max Maisel, great uncle of the bride, Henry Silver, uncle of the bride, Henry Rose and Bernie Nizinsky, both of Los Angeles and cousins of the groom.
A five-tiered colonnaded wedding cake with centerpieces of white pom-poms and candles were the table décor for the dinner and reception for 300 guests at the House of Hospitality.
Mrs. Urbach received in grey lace over pink taffeta and Mrs. Liberman wore powder blue and navy lace.
Following a ten-day honeymoon in Mexico City and Acapulco the newlyweds will make their homes in Los Angeles.
Out of town guests, other than those in the wedding party, were Mrs. Joseph Nizinsky, Mexico City; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Weinryb, Albuquerque; Mrs. Leah Bloch, and Gabe Bloch, Albuquerque, and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Urbach, Houston.
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Couple Honored At Silver Anniversary
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Silver invitations inviting members and friends of the Shoshona Group, Pioneer Women to join them in honoring Mr. and Mrs. Si Rich on their 25th anniversary are in the mail.
A special anniversary dinner is planned for December 12 at 7:00 p.m. in La Sala of the House of Hospitality by chairman, MRs. Samuel Brown, assisted by Mrs. Herman Dromen and Mrs. Arthur Lavine.
For invitations or reservations call Mrs. Brown, JU 2-9545 or Mrs. Lavine, HO 9-6426 before December 7.
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Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Honoring Ida Urbach and Julio Liberman prior to their marriage on Nov. 21, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Shapiro entertained at a dinner in their Coronado home on Thursday, Nov. 18. The families of the engaged couple and out of town visitors, here for the wedding, were guests.
Mr. and Mrs. Max Maisel and Mr. and MRs. Henry Silver were hosts for the wedding rehearsal dinner party on Saturday, Nov. 20.
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Mr. and Mrs. Meir Bleiberg will spend many nights staying up late and talking with Mrs. Bleiberg’s sister, Tova Goldwasser, whom they haven’t seen in 12 years. Mrs. Goldwasser has lived in Israel for the past eight years, but now ill make her home here.
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Mr. and Mrs. Harry Snyder are back in town after a two month visit back east. Their trip to Boston and New York included Broadway shows and parties with their many friends in both cities.
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Preceding the annual Temple Beth Israel Men’s Club dinner, November 27 at the Admiral Kidd Club, board members and their wives will gather at President Richard Lustig’s home for cocktails.
Those preent will be Messrs. And Mesdames Charles Silverman, Hebert Blakesman, Harley Babbitz, Ben Carnot, Al Brooks, Morrie Douglas, Hubert Wolff, Mack Esterson, Don Pogrell, Richard Silberman, Sam Goldberg, and Lester Apfelbaum. Present as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Lustig will be Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Steinberger and Mr. and Mrs. Hebert Bachrach.
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To Be Bas Mitzvah
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Deanna Steckel
Mr. and Mrs. Harold D. Steckel have the delightful pleasure of announcing the Bas Mitz ah of their daughter, Deanna Rene, on Friday, December 3rd. Services, conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens and Cantor Joseph Cysner will be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue at 8:15 p.m. followed by a reception for family and friends.
A party for Deanna and her close friends is planned for the following evening at Mission Valley Country Club.
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Engagement Announced
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred H. Goodman announce the engagement of their daughter, Margie “Bunny” to Mr. Herbert Hyman, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Sam B. Hyman of Los Angeles. An early summer wedding is planned. Miss Goodman graduated from Hoover High School and attended San Diego State College where she affiliated with Pi Alpha Lambda Sorority. Chocolates were passed at the last meeting of the sorority announcing the engagement, in absentia. She is presently attending the University of California at Los Angeles where she is an English major. Mr. Hyman who is a Zeta Beta Tau affiliate at the same college, was president of the Yeomans and the Kelps, both of men’s honorary associations. He will graduate in June.
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Mr. and Mrs. Louis Altman Golden Wedding
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
The daughters, Mrs. Max Selkin, Mrs. Joseph Leeb of New York City, and MRs. Harry H. Schwartz of San Diego, announce the celebration of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Altman, Golden Wedding Anniversary, Sunday, December 5.
A reception for fifty guests will be give in the home of Mrs. Harry H. Schwartz, 4068 Centre St., and friends of the feted couple are invited.
The couple were married in 1904 in New York city but have been California residents for twenty years. They now reside in Elsinore, California.
Mrs. Selkin and Mrs. Leeb flew in from New York to be with their parents on this joyous occasion.
The couple has 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
Ronald Craig, weighting 8 lbs, 1 oz, arrived o Veterans Day, Nov. 11 to join 5-year-old sister Randey Lee, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Horn.
Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hornstein of Portland, Ore and maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Mathieu Levy of San Diego.
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Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Baumgarten (Marian Feinberg) announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Deborah Susan, born November 3rd, 5:02 p.m. and weighing 9 lbs, 5 oz.
The young lady’s grandfather is Nathan Fineberg and her great-grandmothers are Mrs. H. Flaschbinder of Los Angeles and Mrs. Bertha Fineberg.
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Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Ratner announce the birth of a daughter, Ann Marline, born Oct. 13, weighing 6 lbs, 9 oz. Ronna, 20 and Richard, 8, are delighted with their new baby sister, as are grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Marco Ratner.
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Classified
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
ROOM FOR RENT – Private bedroom in fine home near transp. North Park. Call AT 2-6274, JU-2-0944.
WANTED – Couple or lady to share very nice home. Near bus. Call before 11:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. JU 2-7332.
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Calendar
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 3
November
26th – Joint Tercentenary and Thanksgiving Services – Temple Beth Israel – 8:15 p.m.
27th – Beth Israel Men’s Club Annual Dinner – Admiral Kidd Club
December
5th – Beth Jacob Ladies Aux Roast Beef Dinner – Beth Jacob Center – 6:00 p.m.
11th – Birdie Stodel Oneg Shabbat Tea – Alice Birney School – 1:00 p.m.
12th – U.J.F. 21st Annual Meeting and Tercentenary Celebration San Diego Hotel – 6:30 po.m.
18th – Couples ?Club Chanukah Party – Tifereth Israel Cente r—8:00 p.m.
19th—Hebrew Home for the Aged – Chanukah Party – 2:00 p.m.
21st – City of Hope Aux. “Break the Bank Luncheon.”
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Double Talk
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
Hi Gang!
Our Kosher Kids are really turning to the Political world. This week we send congratulations to Andy Beck who recently was elected to the office of President of Benjamin Franklin Grammar School. Keep it up Andy.
This week was really one for surprises. Gail Kahn got the surprise of her life when she walked into Bev Kitaen’s home to see all her friends singing Happy Birthday to her. Trying to sing in tune were: Adrienne Sacknoff, Lois Liff, Faygie Krasner, Donna Godes, Dorothy Hess, Sharlene Stone, Joan Breitbard, Natalie Veitzer, Jane Cohn, Lucy Recht, Arlene Garey, Deanna Brown, Janet Solof and hostesses Sherry Newman and Bev Kitaen. Pizzas were the specialty on the menu ending the supper with a beautiful cake. Many happy surprise, Gail.
If only Sheldon Golden had known what was going on behind his back, he would have been awed. But – since he didn’t, what a surprised boy he was as he walked in the door and saw Al Leener ‘n Donna Godes, Bob Beck ‘n Andy Leeds, Herb Sevel ‘n Mary Gasser, Jim Recht ‘n Barabara Stein, Ernie Addleson ‘n Faygie Krasner, Donna Kobernick ‘n Susan Solof, Dan Weinberg ‘n Natalize Veitzer, and Sheldon’s date, Janet Solof. Dancing and refreshments were the Hi-light for the evening and a good time was had by everyone. Do you feel a year older Sheldon?
Attention all post confirmants: A post confirmation class has begun at Temple Beth Israel. They have discussion groups on your own topics, from 11 to 12 on Sundays. Try and go, there’s oodles of fun and I’m sure you’d like them.
That’s all for now – CY-5-0679.
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Campus Doings
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
By Ed Rosenthal
Hillel, a college group for Jewish students, has started off the semester with approximately 35 members.
The organization’s social calendar has so far included a pizza party at Ettie Mallinger’s home and a bagel and lox breakfast at the Jewish Community Center In the cultural line, Hillel members are learning Jewish folk songs and dance.
Members sang for Samuel I. Fox B’nai B’rith Lodge Nov. 9. Hillel holds its annual meetings every other week on Tuesday at Beth Jacob Center.
Newly elected Hillel officers are: Herb Gross, president; Martin Weiner, vice president; Reitha Stokes, secretary.
Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity – Zeta Beta Tau Fraternity at San Diego State College has pledged nine Jewish college men this semester. New pledges are Ernest Addleson, Robert Beck, Bruce Fisher, Sheldon Golden, Darrel Kitaen, Robert Meyers, Seymour Pomeranz, Sigmund Urbach and George Roseberger.
Active members of Beta Lambda Chapter total 25. San Diego’s chapter is the 48th and latest chapter of this national fraternity.
Social affairs this semester have include a swim-dinner-dance at the Kona Kai Club, a Halloween party at the El Morocco, and a semi-annual initiation dinner and dance at the Mission Valley Country Club given in honor of new initiates, Havery Levitt and Harry Slayen.
JBTs (sic, ZBTs) are also planning an open bid college dance and a Founder’s Day dinner-dance.
Officers of ZBT are: Alan Mishne, president; Stephen Kirschtel, vice-president; Noel Fishman, secretary; Donald Solomon, treasurer, and Joseph Winicki, historian.
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(Hebrew Home)
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
Application for admission to the Hebrew Home for the Aged may be made through the Jewish Social Service Agency, 333 Plaza, BE 2-5172.
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‘Comic Books’ Subject of Dr. Barbour Talk
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
Director of Child Guidance for the San Diego Schools Dr. Richmond Barbour, whose column, “Parent’s Corner” and “You and Your Problem” are widely read and quoted by San Diegans, is to speak on the subject “Menace of Comic Books” for the National Council of Jewish Women luncheon meeting at Temple Beth Israel on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
The table décor and selections by the Glee Club will have a Chanukah theme and a festive holiday luncheon is planned.
A representative of the San Diego City Schools will be guest of honor with Sidney Posin, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center.
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Couples Club Hold Latka Party
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
Latkas, games, Hanukah scenes and decorations are being brewed for the next social of the Couples Club on Saturday at 8 p.m., December 18th in Tifereth Israel Center. As usual, doors are wide open to visitors. For further information call May Radding, AT 2-8032.
New Years Party—To be held at Michaels, Lemon Grove. Tickets are $10 a couple. It will include a steak dinner, a bottle of champagne, favors and dancing. A special section will be reserved for the Couples Club and its guests. Reservtion deadline December 15. For further details call Jean Finkleman, HO-6-0389.
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‘Discipline’ Subject of Nursery Group
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
Else Hermann of the Jewish Social Service Agency met with the J.C.C. Cooperative Nursery School mothers at the home of Mrs. Marvin Stein this week and led a discussion on “Discipline.”
Mrs. Melvin Karzan is president of the parents’ group and Mrs. Milton Schwartz acts as Educational Director.
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Dorsk House Finds Favor With San Diegans
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
San Diegans have been finding an “oasis” in the desert. Mr. and Mrs. Dan Dorsk, owners of Dorsk House, have been attracting local residents to their Desert Hot Springs Resort. Equipped with hot and cold swimming pools, natural healing mineral water in all units, Dorsk House offers the best sort of vacation during the winter months. Rates are reasonable, starting at $12.50 a day for rooms and $15.00 a day for apartments. All rooms are insulated, air conditioned and equipped with the latest heating units. Telephones in every room.
Reservations can be made by Dorsk House, 705 E. 6th St., Desert Hot Springs, Calif., or phone 4-2755.
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Sisterhood Plans Chanukah Theme
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 18, 1954, Page 4
A Chanukah theme will prevail at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue Sisterhood Luncheon Meeting on Tuesday, December 14, in the Synagogue lounge, 2930 Howard Street, San Diego.
Traditional Chanukah foods will be prepared by the Hostess Circle according to Mrs. Max Zemen and Mrs. Victor Weiss, co-chairmen. The tables will be decorated with the symbols of the coming holiday.
Mrs. Daniel Orlansky announced that the program is to be a “Chanukah Workshop.” Children from the Tifereth Israel nursery school will participate in the program.
For luncheon reservations, please call Mrs. Zemen, AT-4-0274, Mrs. Weiss, AT 1-4571, or the Synagogue office, AT 1-5529.
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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.
San Diego to get its own U.S. Passport Office
“I’m very excited about expanding our presence to the San Diego area,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services Brenda S. Sprague. “As passports are required for cross-border travel to Mexico, the new agency will help us better serve U.S. citizens in the region and create jobs and contribute to the local economy.”
Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the San Diego Passport Agency will be centrally located downtown in Columbia Center at 401 West A Street, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The new agency will be capable of issuing U.S. passport books and passport cards onsite for U.S. citizens who plan to travel within 14 days.
The San Diego Passport Agency’s proximity to San Diego International Airport and the U.S.-Mexico border will help facilitate the travel needs of local residents affected by the border-crossing requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which went into full effect June 2009..
For general passport information, to schedule an appointment at one of our other passport agencies, or to the check the status of a passport application, please contact the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778 or TDD/TTY at 1-888-874-7793. You may also visit the passport agency’s website.
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Preceding provided by the U.S. State Department
Educational and patriotic thoughts about American music
By David Amos
David Amos
SAN DIEGO–Earlier this month we celebrated our Independence Day. My thoughts brought me to the importance of American music, and the shameful neglect we have allowed music education to be. Part of this was stimulated by an article in the editorial section of the San Diego Union-Tribune by John M. Eger, on July 8.
But first, let me share with you a sensitive, meaningful poem by an anonymous music teacher, circa, well….anytime:
WHY I TEACH MUSIC:
Not because I expect you to major in music.
Not because I expect you to play or sing all your life.
Not so you can relax or have fun.
But…
So you will be human,
So you will recognize beauty,
So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world, So you will have something to cling to, So you will have more love, compassion, more gentleness,
More good….in short, more life!
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living
Unless you know how to live?
On American and modern music: We have been conditioned to believe that if it is called “modern music”, or if the name of the composer is unknown to us, it is probably ugly and not worth our attention. Yes, there is a natural tendency to dislike the unknown, but in music, sadly, we do not even give it a chance to redeem itself. Even the late Karl Haas (from the enormously popular radio program “Adventures in Good Music”) told me that he sometimes received fan letters which warned him that if he as much as mentions the fact that he was about to play music from the Twentieth Century, the radio would be turned off immediately. This is tragic; it is cultural suicide.
I remember sadly an evening of music played by the San Diego Symphony, maybe fifteen years ago. In the first half was music by Robert Schumann, and after intermission, the conductor programmed the fabulous Concerto for Orchestra by Béla Bartók. The latter is to me one of the greatest compositions ever. Period. You can imagine my disappointment, pain, and frustration to see more than half of the audience trampling its way to Symphony Hall’s exits, just to avoid listening to Bartók in the second half! In retrospect, the program order should have been reversed.
The fact is, that there is a vast amount of modern music, a lot of it composed by Americans, which is accessible, enjoyable, even at a first hearing, and very melodious. In other words, it is what I call “listener friendly”.
After being so involved with the subject of American orchestral music (I gave a lecture on the subject to the music faculty of Hebrew University in Jerusalem), I have had many a talk with musicians, critics, and music lovers. One salient fact stands out: The American public has an inferiority complex about its own music. We tend to believe that if it originated in Europe, it is probably better, and if it is from the U.S., it will be lacking in depth and lasting value. Only history will eventually resolve this, but I have noticed in my various travels and conversations that most natives from other countries support and proudly believe in their own heritage, whether it be historic or contemporary. Audiences and musicians alike enthusiastically program and attend concerts of their own composers in Canada, Poland, Denmark, England, Mexico, and the former Soviet republics. I am sure that it is the same in many other places; but don’t get me started on Israel!
Curiously, when I was invited to guest conduct in Lithuania in 1992, when working out the repertory to be performed at the concerts, I was politely asked to “please not bring any Copland, Gershwin, or Bernstein”. At first, I was surprised and a bit annoyed, already thinking of several hidden implications from that request. But after directly asking the director of the Lithuanian Philharmonic as to “why”, the answer was surprising: “We don’t want you to bring us music from these composers, because we program them too frequently, and they are very popular here. We want you to bring to us some different American music”. So, I brought them Paul Creston, Alan Hovhaness, Norman Dello-Joio, Gian Carlo Menotti, and Ernest Bloch. After the fact, the musicians told me how much they enjoyed playing the music of these composers, and the audiences seemed responsive and enthusiastic, in both Vilnius and Kaunas.
As an aside, I was told by a cellist of the Vilnius orchestra, “We are glad that you brought us the music of Bloch. During the Soviet regime, we were not allowed to perform his music, just because he was Jewish”. He also proudly showed me a printed program for later in the month, where he was performing Bloch’s Schelomo, the Hebraic Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra.
Getting back to our American heritage, it is best to quote the words and spirit of one of our greatest composers, Charles Ives. He not only preached, but practiced the concept of “Wake up, America! The culture and traditions of Europe are fine, but stand up, support, and enjoy your own wonderful music”.
I fully endorse that. Let us strive to discover and enjoy totally unknown and lesser known treasures of our past and present. Be careful, you may enjoy what you hear.
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Amos is conductor of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and a guest conductor of professional orchestras around the world
Israel is not the only country with its pecularities
Ira Sharkansky
JERUSALEM –Israel is a normal country, but is strained to preserve that status against the rest of the world that is even less normal.
Countries of the Third World, where rates of HIV/AIDS range to 260 times those in Western Europe and North America?
Mexico, where the rate of killings over drug smuggling to the US has reached 13,000 per year?
NATO and other countries that have sent troops to Afghanistan and Iraq for tasks able to produce nothing beside the slow drain of outsiders’ lives and the more rapid drain of Afghan and Iraqi lives?
In several places, a posture against Israel is part of anti-Americanism. Political fashion helps to spread a simple assumption that Israel is evil, while Palestinians are innocent victims. Pictures of deaths and destruction due to Israeli concerns for its security are currently more powerful than pictures showing more deaths and destruction due to the personnel of countries not on the current hit list.
What to do? There is no magic button.
There is no shortage of non-Jews who identify with the downtrodden. Among them is former Spanish Prime Minister José María Aznar, who is promoting the theme that Israel’s failure will condemn western civilization. A Christian network in Canada is distributing an hour long discussion of international law that claims a firm basis for Israel’s maintenance of control over Jerusalem, against counter claims from Muslims and Christians. Subscribers of MEMRI see that there are Muslim and Christian Arab intellectuals who ridicule anti-Israel diatribes.
Efforts at explanation generally reinforce those already committed, add to the animosity of those opposed, and otherwise fall on deaf ears. Singing to the choir is useful, but it is important to know the limitations.
Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University
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