SDSU’s Jewish Studies Program looks ahead to expanded offerings
By Donald H. Harrison
Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO—It has been four years since Lawrence Baron was succeeded by Risa Levitt Kohn as head of the Jewish Studies Program at San Diego State University, but he’ll be back at the helm—temporarily—this upcoming academic year while Kohn takes a sabbatical in Israel where she’ll work with that nation’s antiquities department. Kohn, many people will recall, had served as the curator of the successful six-month long Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.
Lawrence Baron
Baron, in addition to being a professor of Jewish history, serves as the SDSU history department’s advisor to graduate students—a role he’ll continue even as he serves as interim director of the Jewish Studies program.
Coincidentally, this academic year will also mark the 40th anniversary of Jewish studies becoming an official academic “minor” at San Diego State University, and the 25th anniversary of the inception of a formal Jewish studies program on the campus. These two anniversaries will be commemorated with a series of lectures by Baron and two other members of the program: June Cummins, who specializes in American Jewish literature, and Yale Strom, a klezmer musician and documentary film maker. The dates for the lecture series are still being decided.
San Diego State University officials report that the campus serves the largest Jewish population south of Los Angeles and the 28th largest Jewish population in the country. The Jewish Studies Program offers a major in Modern Jewish Studies or a minor in Jewish Studies stretching from the biblical period to the present day.
In November, the Jewish Studies Program will sponsor a talk at the San Diego Jewish Book Festival at the Lawrence Family JCC by author Roger Kamenetz, a religious scholar best known for his book The Jew in the Lotus. Kamenetz’s topic at the festival will deal with two “troubled and beloved” Jewish figures – Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav and Franz Kafka, “both of whom left strict instructions that their unpublished works be burnt after their deaths,” according to Baron.
A Jewish community professional whose name formerly had been all but synonymous with the Jewish Book Festival and other cultural programming of the JCC — Jackie S. Gmach—has been hired by SDSU to direct its new outreach and fundraising program “Friends of Jewish Studies. ”
Another addition to the Jewish Studies Program is this year’s visiting Israeli professor – Oren Meyers of the Department of Communications of the University of Haifa. His academic specialty is the Israeli media, with one of his more recent publications being “Prime Time Commemoration: An Analysis of Television Broadcasts on Israel’s Memorial Day for the Holocaust and the Heroism.” Besides teaching at San Diego State, Meyers will be giving talks about Israel and its media around the community.
Baron said that he hopes to bring outside speakers on Jewish topics regularly to the campus next year – a .practice that he said had been the impetus for the creation of the Western Jewish Studies Association, an organization of academics that will hold its convention next April 10-11 in San Diego. Baron currently serves as president of that organization.
Other planned lecture series in the county include “Israel in the 21st Century” which under a grant from the Leichtag Family Foundation will be conducted at two libraries in North County, those in Vista and in Encinitas. Baron said it is now being explored whether the same lecture series also could be presented at Cal State San Marcos.
“Israel in the 21st Century” additionally will be presented at Congregation Beth Israel in the spring, and will include lectures by Meyers, Steven Spiegel of UCLA and Samuel Edelman, the executive director of Scholars for Peace in the Middle East.
Faculty members in SDSU’s Jewish Studies Program include Baron, Cummins, Meyers, Strom, and Veronica Shapovalov, who under the auspices of the Russian department teaches a course in 20th Century Russian and Eastern European Culture. In the language department are Zev Bar-Lev, who created an imaginative syllabus for teaching Hebrew, and Ilana Schuster, who uses that methodology to teach conversational Hebrew.
Some of Kohn’s teaching duties during her sabbatical are being taken over by Dr. Yehuda Shabatay, a professor at Palomar College and former director of San Diego’s Bureau of Jewish Education (prior to the time the Bureau became the Agency). Additionally, Rabbi Scott Meltzer of Ohr Shalom Synagogue will be teaching a course in Hebrew Scriptures.
Saying that it will be “a busy year,” Baron noted that Strom, the Jewish Studies Program’s “Musician in Residence” plans to appear in a concert entitled “Common Chords 3” with Pakistani musician Salman Ahmad to explore common roots of Jewish and Islamic music.
Additionally, Baron said, the Leichtag Family Foundation has donated start-up funds to the Jewish Studies program and the Religious Studies Department for an interdisciplinary Institute of Moral Courage, to “encourage the examination and study of a range of issues related to the study of moral courage under the broader rubric of contemporary global ethics.”
Is Baron busy enough? Known as one of the world’s leading scholars on films dealing with the Holocaust (he was called to Yad Vashem to lecture on his book, Projecting the Holocaust Into the Present), Baron said he has another book soon to be published by Brandeis University: The Wandering View: Modern Jewish Experiences in World Cinema.
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Harrison is editor of San Diego Jewish World
Commentary: American ‘liberals’ supporting Palestine miss the point
By Ira Sharkansky
Ira Sharkansky
JERUSALEM –Two items came to my mailbox this morning. One is another demand from a well-intentioned innocent in Olympia that I butt out of the issue about the Food Coop’s boycott of Israel. This friend is a political maven who seems to be operating according to the Introduction to Political Science he learned many years ago. He thinks that concession and compromise are the routes to conflict resolution.
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Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University
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.
ADL ‘saddened, stunned’ by Zakaria returning first amendment freedom prize in Ground Zero mosque dispute
NEW YORK (Press Release)– In response to Fareed Zakaria returning an award that was presented to him in 2005, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) said it was “saddened, stunned and somewhat speechless” by his decision.
Zakaria, the host of Fareed Zakaria GPS on CNN and a Newsweek columnist, was presented the League’s Hubert H. Humphrey First Amendment Freedoms Prize in 2005 for his journalism and championing the values of the First Amendment. In a letter received today, Mr. Zakaria indicated that while he was “delighted” to receive the award then, he could not “in good conscience hold onto the award” after learning of the League’s decision to urge the relocation of the planned Islamic Center near Ground Zero.
“I am not only saddened but stunned and somewhat speechless by your decision to return the ADL Hubert H. Humphrey First Amendment Freedoms Prize you accepted in 2005,” Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, wrote in a letter responding to Mr. Zakaria.
“As someone I greatly respect for engaging in discussion and dialogue with an open mind, I would have expected you to reach out to me before coming to judgment,” Mr. Foxman added.
Mr. Foxman said he hoped that Mr. Zakaria “will come to see that ADL acted appropriately” and would reclaim the award bestowed upon him.
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Preceding provided by Anti-Defamation League
Why this rabbi opposes a mosque near Ground Zero
By Rabbi Ben Kamin
Rabbi Ben Kamin
SAN DIEGO –The case for or against the building of the Cordoba Center (named after one of the largest and most murderous conquests in Muslim history—the 8th century establishment of the Cordoba Caliphate and the attendant genocide of Christians and Jews) roils New Yorkers and Americans alike.
Left-righteous voices such as The New York Times and Mayor Michael Bloomberg and sundry cloying rabbis have practically broken their editorial and political backs in remonstration against those who are unhappy with the prospect—systemically accusing them of bigotry, Islam-phobia, and really bad manners.
It’s not about building a mosque in New York City—there are innumerable Muslim worship centers, aid societies, academies, recruiting stations, and libraries in the city. It’s about this mosque.
I have prayed in mosques, been moved by the beauty and sanctity of such houses of God, from California to Europe to the defining Mosque of Omar in Jerusalem. I am horrified by the small, fractious, lunatic element of Israeli religious society that dares to suggest the razing of the centerpiece, golden Dome of the Rock in that city in favor of building the “Third Temple” along the blueprints of biblical hysteria.
It’s not about building a mosque in New York City—there are innumerable Muslim worship centers, aid societies, academies, recruiting stations, and libraries in the city. It’s about this mosque.
As Abigail R. Esman has astutely opined: What would be the reaction, say, of people in Beirut if a group of Jews proposed a synagogue on the camps of Shabra and Shatila, where Israeli forces more or less stood by and overlooked the massacre of hundreds in 1982? Ms. Esman, of Forbes, has also eloquently expressed:
“Everyone who was in New York at the time remembers what happened that day, when 19 Muslim men stopped the world, when ash and dust and human remains coated the streets of downtown Manhattan, when New York became something we never imagined it could be.”
This project, a blot on American memory, is scheduled to climb 13 stories above the collective graveyard of 9/11 and cost $100 million dollars. History, context, and plain sensibility all cry out against it.
Why do we remain so naïve? Why aren’t we angry enough at what was done to our people, our land, our integrity to say—not at the expense of religious democracy, but in favor of self-respect—NO, not this mosque, not this time.
Look, I’m embarrassed enough for all of us that nine years of political wrangling, economic jostling, real estate bickering, and just plain greed and indolence amongst the government agencies of New York, New Jersey, Washington, the Port Authority, and so many other small-minded agencies and people have resulted in no real evidence of a replacement tower or towers at the site of the worst terrorist attack in history.
There will be no Freedom Tower shining above New York on September 11, 2011. And it isn’t bigotry that suggests that there should not be a high-rise Islamic shrine there instead.
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Rabbi Kamin is a freelance writer and author based in San Diego. His column also appears on examiner.com
How to forgive, how to pray subjects of pre-High Holiday classes
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)–The Center For Lifelong Jewish Learning (CLJL) at Congregation Beth Am is presenting two one-night classes to make your High Holiday experience more meaningful.
High Holidays 101: How do I Forgive? will take place Thursday August 19 at 6:15pm. This class will focus on stories and teachings meant to open your heart to true repentance.
High Holidays 101: Prayer Survival Guide will take place Thursday, August 26 at 6:15pm. In this class you will learn the top twenty ways to have a positive and meaningful experience during High Holiday services.
Both classes will be taught by Rabbi Matthew Earne and take place at the synagogue located at 5050 Del Mar Heights Road, San Diego 92130. The cost of the classes is $5 each for Beth Am members and $10 for non-members.
Please check our website for a complete listing of CLJL classes and High Holiday information.
To register for this class please contact Bonnie at 858-481-8454 or Bonnie@betham.com.
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Preceding provided by Congregation Beth Am
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, November 26, 1954, Part 1
Jewish Center Drive For Funds in Full Swing
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Pages 1, 5
Almost $80,000.00 has been raised by various directors of the Jewish Community Center in the drive for building funds just opened, according to Edward Breitbard, President of the Center.
At the same time Breitbard announced that Maury Novak, Henry Price and William Schwartz have accepted chairmanships in the campaign which completes the leadership for the first building fund drive of the San Diego Community Center.
Price will head the young people’s division while Novak will lead the community division soliciting pledges from the entire community.
Center brochure “A dream is coming true,” which pictures the recreational and leisure time needs of the community; memorial gifts that may be made, and other pertinent material has just been completed and will be mailed in the very near future.
At the same time the study of the needs of the Jewish Community has continued. Meetings of the committee on health and physical education; community relationships of the Jewish Community Center; facilities; internal administration; membership and budgets; and personnel have been held during the past two weeks under the direction of Dr. Myron Blanchard.
The preliminary report of the self study that has been made will be completed within the next two weeks, and then will be studied very carefully by the Study Committee before its issuance.
Leo Beck
A preliminary recommendation of the Building and Facilities Committee has recommended a cooperative nursery for 60 children, an auditorium seating 600; an adult and youth lounge, a game room; kitchen; gymnasium; library; swimming pool; health club; handball courts; seven meeting rooms of varying sizes; crafts room and offices for Jewish Community agencies.
Outdoor facilities will include parking lot nursery play area, basketball, volley ball, dance and skating areas, handball courts, patio with barbecue, outdoor stage and an outdoor camping area.
Invitations will be mailed for the Community Center Building dinner in the very near future. Rodin Horrow, co-chairman of the campaign, will chair the dinner meeting. Other chairmen are Leo Beck and Louis Steinman.
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United Jewish Fund Shows Allocation of Funds Raised
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 1
Funds raised in the 1954 United Jewish Fund Campaign will be distributed to over 36 National, Overseas and Israel organizations according to the report of the Allocations committee returned yesterday.
William Colt, chairman of the committee and his co-chairman, Leonard Drogin stated that though there was not enough money raised in 1954 to take care of the needs of beneficiary agencies, the committee felt that an equitable distribution had been effected after careful study.
In their recommendations to the Directors of the United Jewish Fund, the committee pointed out that the only new agency to be included in the 1954 report was the American Jewish Tercentenary Committee in New York.
Overseas and Israel Agencies with the exception of the United Jewish Appeal will receive the same amount as they did in 1953 when approximately 10 percent more was raised in the San Diego campaign, according to the chairman.
National agencies with the exception of Religious agencies and those which received $100.00 or less in 1953 were decreased by 10 percent I keeping with the decrease in fund income.
The United Jewish Appeal, Mr. Colt stated will again receive approximately 77 percent of the amount set aside for non-local distribution.
Overseas and Israel Agencies including the United Jewish Appeal will receive about 50 percent of the gross monies raised in the drive.
Jewish Telegraphic Agencie .. $100.00
Hebrew University …460.00
Weizmann Institute of Science … 280.00
Technion … 260,00
United Jewish Appeal … 78,755.00
(United Jewish Appeal)
(Joint Distribution Committee)
(United Service for New Americans)
American Jewish Congress…450,00
Jewish Labor Committee …540.00
Jewish War Veterans … 360.00
Joint Defense Appeal … 2,700.00
(American Jewish Committee)
(Bnai Brith ADL)
City of Hope Operating … 783.00
City of Hope building … 2,500
Jewish Com. For Per. Serv. ..360.00
Leo N. Levi Memorial Hosp. … 148.00
Hebrew Theological College … 849.00
(Union of Amer. Hebrew Congregations)
(Jewish Institute of Religion)
Jewish Theo. Sem and Eternal Light Properties …667.00
Union of Orthodox Cong … 100.00
Yeshiva University … 300.00
American Jewish Historical Society … 25.00
B’nai B’rith Youth Service ..720.00
Jewish Publication Society …50,00
Yiddish Scientific Institute … 100.00
Amer. Assoc. For Jewish Educ…. 180.00
Nat. Jewish Welfare Board … 2,250.00
Synagogue Council … 30.00
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Attorneys-General of Nation Protest Meeting at Resort
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Pages 1, 6
The Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith has protested to U.S. Attorney General Herbert Brownell, Jr., against the plan of the National Association of Attorneys General to hold its annual convention at Camelback Inn in Phoenix, Arizona, according to a report received from Milton A. Senn, Director of the League’s Pacific Southwest Regional Office.
The League charged that the hotel maintains a restrictive policy which, with very few exceptions, bars accommodations to Jewish guests. Mr. Brownell is scheduled to be the parincipal speaker at the convention which opens on December 8.
“Because the membership of the National Association of Attorneys General is composed of the chief law enforcement officers of the nation and because we are convinced that the association would not want to give any sanction to religious bigotry, we consider it necessary to point out that Camelback Inn does violence to American principles of equality,” Henry Edward Schultz, the League’s national chairman declared in a letter to Brownell.
At the same time, New York’s Attorney general, Nathaniel L. Goldstein, advised the association that he will not accept accommodations at the Camelback because “I could not retain my self-respect as an American and as an individual if I condoned this hypocritical policy.”
The office of California’s Attorney General, Edmund G. Brown, also advised the League that he would not stay at Camelback because of its restrictive policy. “Mr. Brown,” the statement said, “is opposed to any type of religious and racial discrimination in American life. There should be no local option on citizenship. Clinging to ancient prejudice can only provide comfort to the enemies of our democracy.”
Massachusetts’ Attorney General, George Fingold, likewise informed ADL that he will stay elsewhere. And Oregon’s Attorney General, Robert Y. Thornton, said he was “not at all in favor of the holding of a meeting at an establishment which practices racial or religious discrimination.” He promised to “make appropriate protest” at the convention and would “endeavor to make arrangements to stay in another “nearby establishment.”
Meanwhile the Travel Agents Committee to Combat Discrimination in the travel industry, a New York group representing 125 resort and hotel booking agents, also protested to Brownell to do “all in your power” to have the association cancel out of Camelback Inn. At the same time it wired Attorney General Eugene Cook of Georgia, President of the association, urging a change in site. “This hotel is notorious for its anti-Jewish policy,” the travel agents said. Both messages were signed by the group’s co-chairmen, Alfred F. Schmeiss, James L. Sullivan and Karl Tausig.
Senn also stated that the League had received another letter from Camelback’s manager to which he refused “to define or interpret our policy to others.” The letter asserted that “because of the nature of our business, it seems to us that the matter of selection of our guests must be a personal one … we feel it is best not to attempt to define or interpet our policy to others.”
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Board of Education Hold(s) Dinner Meeting
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 1
The City Board of Education trying to get better acquainted with the community it serves, will hold the second of its series of after-dinner business meetings Tuesday, Nov.30, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Education Center at Park Blvd at El Cajon.
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U.J.F. Annual Meeting To Mark Tercentenary of Jews in America
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Pages 1,5
“You are invited to share in 300 years of American History, at the 21st Annual Meeting of the United Jewish Fund of San Diego, Sunday, December 12, 6:00 p.m. at the House of Hospitality, Casa del Rey Moro Restaurant, in Balboa Park.”
So stated the invitation, extended to members of the Jewish Community, to help in San Diego’s opening celebration of the Tercentenary of 300 years of Jewish settlement in America to which the annual meeting will be dedicated.
Joining in the celebration according to Mr. Milton Roberts, chairman of the meeting, will be many civic, religious, political and military leaders of San Diego. Acceptances have already been received from Mayor John Butler; Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors, James Robbins; Bishop Charles Francis Buddy of the Catholic Diocese; Dr. Leland Cook, President of the San Diego Council of Churches; Admiral T.C. Miller, District Chaplain, 11th Naval District; Gen. James McQueen, Commandant of the Marine Recruit Depot; O.W. Todd, Jr.; A.J. Sutherland; Jesse Haugh; Charles Davies; Eward Goodwin and George Scott.
The short business meeting of the United Jewish Fund will include election of twenty members to the Board of Directors to serve a term of two years, 1955-56. Those recommended by the nominating committee are 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.
An amendment to the by-laws will be voted upon in order to secure county tax exemption on real estate and personal property according to a law passed last year. During the business meeting awards for outstanding service to the community will be made.
The story of the 300 years of Jewish settlement in America will be presented in a dramatic narration by a quartet consisting of Mrs. A.P. Nasatir, Mrs. Alan Soule, Milton Roberts and Albert A. Hutler. The musical background for the narration will be furnished by Cantor Joseph Cysner and Cantor Julian Miller.
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Jewish Community Begins Plans for 300th Year Observance
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 1
Joining other communities throughout the nation in observance of the three-hundredth anniversary of Jewish settlement in America, San Diego is going ahead with plans for a mammoth Tercentenary Celebration under the leadership of Dr. A.P. Nasatir, noted historian and professor at State College. The first observance announced by the committee will be the Annual Dinner meeting of the United Jewish Fund on Sunday, December 12.
Plans are also included for a community wide affair in the spring; projects with the Council of Churches and the City Schools; and work with all of the Jewish organizations in helping to develop programs within each individual organization.
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“Thank You America” Says Local Woman
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 1
San Diego State College was the recipient of a $5,000.00 scholarship from Mrs. Anna Silverman, 73, a Jewish resident of El Cajon.
The scholarship which provides for two men students at San Diego State College regardless of race, creed or nationality, was presented to the student council last wek “to repay in a small way what America has meant to me and my late husband.,”
Known as the David and Anna Silverman scholarship Fund, each scholarship will be worth approximately $125.00 per year. The only prerequisite set up in the fund is “integrity, character, need, and scholarship of the student.”
Three trustees of the fund are Dr. A.P. Nasatir, Dr. Harold Elden and Albert A. Hutler.
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To See or not To See
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 2
By Berenice Soule
Channel 10 Gets Van—Lionel Van Deerlin, ex-city editor of the ex-San Diego Journal and newscaster for Channel 6 for the past two years, has moved over to Channel 10.
His nightly news show at 11 p.m. will follow an NBC network program … a good spot in spite of the lateness of the hour. As before, and to quiet the fears of his fans (he’s had a consistently high rating) he’s been promised complete freedom on subject matter.
His “San Diego Exclusive” at 6:45 p.m. on Fridays should be a fun job. It’s “an expose type thing.” He’ll take a topic and “explore it from all angles.” As subject matter—some have suggested “Call girls and Abortions,” other, “”Smog”—“but I hope it’ll lie somewhere in between.”
When asked if he felt he’d have competition from L.A. channel newscasters, Van came up with one of those lovely tidbits of statistics that’s nice to have handy—Quote: “Competition is really no factor. San Diego has the fattest audience. 85 % or more of the San Diego audience is always tuned to the three local stations.”
Van was vocal on the contrast between newswork for TV and for newspapers. “The essential outstanding difference lies in the fact that thre is no reaction – no rapport between even the byline writer and the reader. In TV, the relationship is a much more personal thing. It must be because you, as a personality, come into their homes.” His letters and phone calls have been 10-1 favorable – none of the “Dear Sir, You cur!” variety generally received by newspapers. (Merchant of Venice revisited)… Now excuse me—off to become a TV newscaster.
As sure reaction-getters, Van lists in order: children (preferably mistreated or under-privileged), Navy dependents, pay, commissaries, medical care. Navy wives are a tremendous source of mail. But never a murmur or response on national or political issues.
But it isn’t all eulogy. The last heavy rain and wet car wires combined made him late for a broadcast and forced the announcers to stall for 12 minutes. In desperation they showed a short subject of a whip expert flicking a cigarette from between the lips of a pretty girl. It was cut short with Van’s appearance. Once home, he was greeted by son, Jimmie. “Why did you have to get there so soon. That picture was a lot better than you.” Oh well.
He’s had his share of awkward moments too. During a Convention of Private Detectives here, he got a good-looking gal private eye for an interview. During the TV-cast she showed a recording device that can record a two hour conversation. Impressed Van remarked, “My heavens, it’s small enough to fit in your purse.” With that, our girl tucked it in “here,” patted it, and replied, “Or here, and it kinda helps if you’re flat chested.” And there Van sat with his cameras wide open.
Christie Mystery—Ten Little Indians, the Agatha Christie murder mystery that kills them off in wholesale lots, opens at The Globe Monday, Nov. 29. If you haven’t seen it before we bet you don’t guess the murderer; but even if you do, it’s an entertaining show.
Players Present Comedy –Edith and Murray Schwartz are cast in Good Housekeeping, the University Players first production of the season. Murray is last remembered as the German speaking Geneva-man in Globe’s
The University Players, a college-public dramatic group, is sponsored by the California Western University and will have its showing at Lomaland Hall on the campus Dec. 3 and 4. A former USC and UCLA drama instructor, Bud Coffin, is director of the domestic comedy.
Tercentenary Play—The third of four telecasts devoted to the Tercentenary Celebration will be presented on KFSD, Channel 0 this Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Trapdoor, an original television play, is the story of the secret tunnel under the Touro Synagogue in Newport, R.I.
This is presented as part of the religious series, “Frontiers of Faith,” that can be seen every Sunday at that time and is a public service of NBC.
No Cigar Boxes, These—The combined value of the instruments played by the Griller String Quartet could make someone a nice little nest egg… although some prefer a bank account. The three violins, a Guarnerius, a Dtradivarius and a Guadagnini, and the viola, an Amati, together are worth $150,000.
They will be seen and heard by members of the Civic Music Association this Sunday.
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Guest Soloist to Open L.A. Philharmonic Concert Dec. 2nd
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 2
A young American pianist, who has been termed “one of the sensational finds of the generation” will be a guest soloist when the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra opens its current local season of 4 concerts Thursday evening , Dec. 2, in Russ Auditorium.
He is 25 year old Gary Graffman, winner of many distinguished awards, soloist with many of the country’s top orchestras and already a recognized master of his art. His recent debut with the orchestra in Los Angeles brought him ovations from critics and music-lovers.
This year marks the 30th consecutive season for the famed 100 piece orchestra to play a concert series here, under auspices of San Diego Women’s Philharmonic Committee.
Alfred Wallenstein, marking his 12th season as musical director and conductor, will be on the podium for the opening concert.
Program for the Dec. 2 concert will open with Beethoven’s overture to “Fidelio.” Young Graffman will be heard in Prokofieff’s “Concerto No. 5” and the concluding portion of the program will be Brahm’s “Symphony No. 1 in C Minor.”
Both series and single tickets are available at Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway.
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“Ten Little Indians” Next At Globe
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 2
When Director Craig Noel began to set up publicity shots for “Ten Little Indians,” baffling mystery comedy opening Monday, November 29, at the Old Globe Theatre, he ran into an unusual problem. The play moves so quickly, the unknown murderer strikes so often, that it was difficult to pose scenes in which all of the cast members were seen alive!
Among the bewildered victims trapped on the lonely isle are a gentleman-adventurer (James Howell) and an attractive secretary (Ava Carmichael). A strong attraction exists between them till each begins to suspect the other of the murders. Among the striking character types sharing this terrifying adventure are a doctor (Charles Turley), a private investigator (Mickey Kohut), a narrow-minded spinster (Bernis Kennedy), a dignified judge (Fred Welch), a sports-car lover (Herb Cherin) and an aging general of the Army (John Murphy). Also in the cast are Jack White, Bert Miller and Velma Jones.
Playing every night but Sunday, this popular thriller will be limited by the Christmas holidays to a run of only eighteen performances.
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World-Famous String Quartet to Play At Russ Auditorium
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 26, 1954, Page 2
Now on its ninth American tour, the world-famous Griller String Quartet will appear Sunday, November 28, at 8:30 p.m. at the Russ Auditorium in San Diego. This is the third concert in the winter series presented by San Diego Civic Music Association.
This concert will be open to members of Civic Music Association only.
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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.
Globe’s ‘Robin and the 7 Hoods’ readies for a transplant to White Way
Walkin' Happy production number in 'Robin and the 7 Hoods' at Old Globe (Photo: Craig Schwartz)
By Carol Davis
Carol Davis
SAN DIEGO—It’s hard to wrong with the likes of Sammy Cahn’s lyrics, Jimmy Van Heusen’s music with book by Rupert Holmes when they come up with the idea of writing a brand, spanking new musical based loosely on a theme, kinda like Robin Hood but using gangstah’s from the 60’s (Rat Pack film) in place of the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest, and placing them in Chicago. (“My Kind of Town Chicago is). I don’t know about you, but I love gangstah movies and stories especially when the good guys come out on top. Well?
Billed as a “Broadway-bound-musical”, Robin and the 7 Hoods is based on the 1964 film of the same name that highlighted Sinatra, Davis and Martin in the leads. The show is lively; it’s theatrical and it works. The production at The Old Globe bounces with rhythm and soul from the pit, under the baton of Mark Hummell and his twelve (no, not merry men) plus or minus musicians that it actually sounds like a full complement thanks to Bill Elliott’s orchestrations, to the entire ensemble as it weaves its way through a convoluted series of all the Chicago gangstah stories you’ve seen in the past minus the bloodshed.
The twenty-five (give or take) musical numbers that drive the capers of our protagonist Robbo Ortona (Eric Schneider) are aided by a very leggy bevy of six talented gals and nine good looking guys whose job it is to make choreographer (he directed as well) Casey Nicholaw’s dance numbers, including the whole ensemble tapping its way through “Walkin’ Happy”, look easy while the audience has all it can do but be satisfied with just knee slapping and toe tapping.
The book be that as it may, is the weakest link in this otherwise blockbuster of a show. Our main character Robbo Ortona wants to leave his checkered past behind and go legit with his string of nightclubs. Trouble comes in the form of mean gangstah P.J. Sullivan (Rick Holmes) who wants protection money from Robbo to keep his businesses up and running.
Robbo refuses even though P.J.’s in his pocket cop, Lieutenant Nottingham, (Adam Heller is great but don’t get him mixed up with the Sheriff of Nottingham) keeps finding reasons to shut down Robbo’s nightclubs. The put upon charges are enough to roll your eyes into the back of their sockets but in Chicago politics, money talks and Robbo walks.
Finding that all the closures are killing his business, he gathers his (merry) men all seven of them with Will Chase as Little John Dante his confidant, (The Dean Martin not so look a like) and takes a step backward by going back to what he knows best, safecracking. They break into P.J.’s club, clear out the safe and give the money away. Sound familiar?
John’s squeeze is Alana O’Dell (the feisty Amy Springer). Their big number is “Come Fly With Me.” It’s a cute segue when he finally realizes he has to get out of Dodge in order to avoid being arrested for the break ins. They take off to Acapulco on a short-lived honeymoon, but the musical number serves its purpose.
Into this mix comes Marion Archer (Kelly Sullivan) a TV host, reporter and daytime star whose on the track of P.J. and is ready to expose him as Public Enemy #1. You guessed it, Robbo and Archer hook up (“All The Way”) and work with…well, just imagine that it all turns out OK.
How can a show go wrong with the likes of “High Hopes”, “Come Fly With Me”, “Call Me Irresponsible”, “Come Blow Your Horn” (one of the super dance numbers), “Tender Trap”, “Come Dance With Me” and “Same Old Song and Dance” just to mention a few. Credit music supervisor John McDaniel for the vocal arrangements and a strong cast for putting them across with, what looked like, little effort.
On the star side, Eric Schneider is smooth and suave looking and perfectly believable. He’s not ‘Ol Blue Eyes’ but succeeds on his own good looks, easy delivery in both the singing and dancing department and he’s brings easiness to the part. Kelly Sullivan is no match for him. There’s no chemistry, she’s too hard and too much of what she does/says doesn’t convince or have a sincere ring.
Spanger and Chase are wonderfully suited and do a great job as Robbo’s buddy and his girlfriend. She is as intent on getting married, as he is on staying single. (A la “Guys and Dolls”). Adam Heller’s Nottingham has one of those steal the show moments when he sings “High Hopes”. It brought the house down. Some might remember his outstanding performance in “Dancing in the Dark” at the Globe a few years ago.
Jeffrey Schecter is the Sammy Davis character, Willie Scarlatti, comes across strong especially in the dancing department. The other hoods lend just what talent is needed and the entire ensemble carries most of the dance numbers as well as the show. If you can overlook the corny repartee, the skimpy gangstah gig and the overdone love angle which most will do just because the show is so razzle-dazzle, it spells win/win.
Gregg Barnes, (“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”), who was just named associate artist at the Globe, designed the costumes. The 60’s look especially in the men’s slim style is very fashionable and sleek. There isn’t too much to impress or write home about in the women’s dress department but the dance costumes worked to a good degree.
Robert Brill’s set looks like one giant office building set off in the background three stories high and is a perfect perching place for some to strut or just be, while others are busy on the stage. It could be any big city high rise. Nightclub locations slide in from either side of the stage. Kenneth Posner’s lighting design is captured in neon and colorful overhead lights that adds to the finery of the production.
Overall, you will want to catch this one before it moves to Broadway.
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On another note, we acknowledge with sympathy the passing of Donald Shiley this past weekend. He and his wife, Darlene, contribute to so many of the arts organizations in San Diego. Their generosity and love of the arts is evident in the naming of the stage on which Robin And The 7 Hoods is being performed: The Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage. It’s a wonderful legacy and the city of San Diego is more than grateful for their thoughtful deeds.
See you at the theatre.
Dates: July 30th-Sept.12th
Organization: Old Globe Theatre
Phone: 619- 234-5623
Production Type: Musical Comedy
Where: 1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park 92101
Ticket Prices: $68.00-$89.00
Web: TheOldGlobe.org
Venue: Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage
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Theatre critic Davis is based in San Diego
Senate confirmation of Justice Kagan hailed by NJDC, ADL
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)- National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) Chairman Marc R. Stanley released the following statement in response to today’s Senate confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court of the United States:
“The National Jewish Democratic Council heartily applauds the Senate’s vote to confirm Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. She brings with her unique personal and professional qualifications and a deep commitment to upholding our constitutional values.
As American Jews, we are particularly proud to see a member of our community rise to such an important position. We also take note that her confirmation marks a historic moment; for the first time ever, three women are seated on the Court at the same time. Kagan is a welcome addition to a Court that has become increasingly divided in support of the conservative agenda. We thank President Barack Obama for making this outstanding nomination and we commend the Senate for quickly and clearly voting for confirmation.”
Meanwhile, Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
“We extend our congratulations and best wishes to Solicitor General Elena Kagan on her confirmation as the 112th Supreme Court Justice and the fourth woman to sit on the high court.
“Ms. Kagan is well qualified and we are confident that she will serve with distinction as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. We commend the President and the U.S. Senate for choosing and supporting her.”
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Preceding provided by National Jewish Democratic Council and Anti Defamation League
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