Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, January 24, 1958, Part 2

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No One In Need
Southwestern Jewish Press,
January 24, 1958, Page 3

The Joint Distribution Committee, major American agency aiding distressed Jews abroad, must continue to provide help to at least 200,000 young men, women and children in more than 25 countries during 1958.

For the vast majority of these, JDC must continue to carry out its normal programs – feeding, medical aid, vocational training, rehabilitation aid and other types of welfare assistance in Moslem lands, Europe and Israel.  But, in addition, this year JDC must provide emergency aid to tens of thousands of helpless refugees from Hungary, Egypt and North Africa, as well as thousands of Jews repatriated to Poland from Russia.

In the fall of 1957, JDC accepted the invitation of the Polish Government to resume its humanitarian activities in that country, this time on behalf of some 10,000 recently repatriated Jews, most of them in dire need. By the beginning of 1958 it was clear that between 10,000 and 15,000 more, equally destitute, were expected to arrive during the coming twelve months.

The agreement reached by JDC and the Polish government covers such activities as child feeding, support for kindergartens, aid for religious activities, provision of medicines, special grants for repatriates, aid for newcomers to attain self-support, and social welfare assistance to the needy such as the aged, invalids, orphans and widows.

Funds to finance the overseas relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation programs of JDC will continue to come chiefly from the campaigns of the United Jewish Appeal.  JDC’s 1958 requirements are a minimum of $28,591,000 for its operations on three continents.

The sum which the Joint Distribution Committee requires in 1958 will provide only for those 200,000 Jews who are already known to be in need.  It does not, nor can it, provide for tens of thousands of others—those who may, through disaster or the hostility of their neighbors, or through a simple desire to live as free men in a free land, turn to JDC as their last and only hope.

Never in 43 years has the American Jewish community failed to respond to the cries of the helpless.  Through the United Jewish Appeal, American Jewry has continued to furnish JDC with the weapons and the ammunition it must have for the battle against need.  And in 1958, as before, JDC will continue to carry out its mandate – that no Jew in need be turned empty-handed from the door.

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A Klug Zu Columbus’n
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 3

The most famous expression among the immigrants on the East Side of New York was “A klug zu Columbus’n” which, freely translated, meant that Columbus should have broken his head before he discovered it (America).  The expression was always used in good humor and often as a term of endearment, as we shall see.

The Jewish immigrants associated America with Columbus, its founder, which seems logical enough.  Perhaps it was a sort of mass inspiration to right an injustice inflicted upon the Genoese explorer by the interloper Amerigo Vespucci.  Even the Italians, who had a big parade on Columbus Day, did not have the same feeling about the matter. They thought of the famous explorer solely in terms of a national hero of Italy.  They did not make the words “America” and “Columbus” interchangeable as did the Jewish immigrants.

To the Jews, Columbus was a contemporary. And why not?  What’s 1492 to a people who have been contemporaneous with all of recorded history?  “Yesterday” – that’s what it is. Thus when we came to American in 1899, or thereabouts, we had one basic fact clearly established in our minds – that we had been preceded to America by –Christopher Columbus, that’s all.  And so Columbus became part of our day-to-day living and crept into our folklore well into the second generation when we suddenly got fancy and began to talk about Stonewall Jackson, Hayam Solomon, Judah P. Benjamin, may he rest in peace, and Jeb Stuart.

And, of course, everybody said, “A klg zu Columbus’n.”  If the kid got into a fight and came home with a bloody nose, his mother said, “A klug zu Columbus’n,” or if the steam wasn’t hot enough in the Turkish baths the old gents were sure to say, “A klug zu Columbus’n.”

My mother would be walking home with her basket from the market and she would tell of the promises made to her by Jehovah about somebody living under his vine and fig tree in the land of Canaan, and then she would look up to our top floor tenement-flat at 171 Eldridge Street, opposite the Wallers horse stables, and she would say “A klug zu Columbus’n.”

The immigrants were suspicious of everything, especially the kosher meat.  My mother traded in a butcher shop that had a rabbi stationed at the door to certify to the ritual perfection of the meat, but my mother was not impressed.  “Ehe, an Amerikaner Rebbe” (What can you expect of an American rabbi?) “A klug zu Columbus’n.”

But, of course, it was a wonderful term of endearment all along. When the first child was born on American soil, the same immigrant mother who had said “A klug zu Columbus’n” a hundred times a day referred to her new child as “Mein Columbus’l” (my little Colubus).  This child was special.  And interestingly enough, the young brothers and sisters who had been born in Europe felt no resentment about this at all.  It was their Columbus’l too.  And so complete was this Columbus identification that the entire East Side sang a popular song from one of the successful Yiddish musicals, and it was called “Leben Zul Columbus” (Long Live Columbus) and I do not recall the lyrics except for the closing line: “And so a toast to Columbus for this our new land of freedom.”  — Harry Golden, the Carolina Israelite.

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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 3

Dear Julie

Thought you might like another “off beat” story.

You know how the Jewish people have always been maligned for not being productive workers of the soil. The fact is overlooked that for centuries Jews could own no land in spite of their history as an agricultural people.

At the recent installation of officers of the Weitzman Labor Zionist Organization, some interesting facts came to light.  Joe Olsher, who farmed for many years in South Haven, Michigan, introduced his guest, Mr. Jacob Levin, a friend of long standing, who still owns the farm across the road from where the Olshers had their farm. Both men not only were considered the most progressive farmers in the country by their non-Jewish neighbors, as well as the State Experimental Agricultural College, but also shared a warm interest and concern for the Zionist movement from its earliest times.

Mr. Levin made a quiet and fervent speech in Yiddish which in my humble opinion rated accolades. His comparison of a neighbor’s neglected farm and trees with the neglected land of Israel (of the past) was expressive of deep insight.  The revival of this farm by means of hard labor and modern agricultural methods was analogous to the revival and flourishing State of Israel.

As a climax, Mr. Max Leopold, a long time farmer from Wisconsin, rose and told of knowing Mr. Levin 40 years ago when both were homesteading in Nebraska territory and his great surprise at meeting him this evening.

The point of this story is that here were 3 intelligent Jewish men, who had been engaged in farming most of their lives. All were imbued with the Zionist ideal and hope that the soil of Palestine might be revived and the land offer a home to its dispersed children.

Cordially, Bess Borushek

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Stress Separation of Church, State
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 3

The executive board of the American Jewish Congress last week went on record opposing the placing of religious symbols such as creches, menorahs, crosses or Stars of David on public school property.

“Our opposition to this practice in no way derives from hostility to religious belief; rather, on the contrary, it flows from the same consistent lessons of history that motivated the founding fathers to have staked the very existence of our country on the faith that complete separation, between state and religion is best for state and best for religion,” the resolution declared.

The resolution also said that the injury the community sustains from such display of religious symbols is greater than any benefit it likely to receive.  “Such displays can only induce dissension, devaluate the significance of religious symbols and impair the neutrality of the state institutions,” according to the AJ Congress statement.

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Community Currents
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 3

By Albert A. Hutler

National Affairs, Jewish Learning Respected – Jewish respect for learning is beginning to be received as a national asset since Sputnik hit the skies.  Recently a leading Catholic educator, Rev. John J. Cavanaugh, Director of the University of Notre Dame Foundation, pointed out that American Jews are “an immigrant people who must fight bigotry, but they are producing leaders far out of proportion to their number in practically every field.”  He asked “Where are the Catholic Salks, Oppenheimers and Einsteins?”

An Unusual Philanthropist – My late mother-in-law Ossie went to a dermatologist in Chicago many years ago.  The other day the Beilenson Hospital in Israel named the Dermatology Department wing after him – the Dr. T.K. Lawless wing.”  Through his efforts $44,000 was contributed for this hospital in Israel.  What makes this real news is that the 65 year old doctor and philanthropist who contributed to Jewish causes in a negro.

Less Immigration in 1957 –Immigrants admitted to the United States in 1957 as permanent residents dropped 24 percent in number after having increased in each of the five previous years.  262,000 were admitted last year compared to 347,000 in 1956.

Israel Dances in U.S. – The famous Yemenite Dancers of Israel are now in New York and will show their artistry in the larger eastern cities. Unfortunately they will not come west of Chicago.  I saw the Inbal Dancers in Israel and they are superb.  See them if you can when you are east.

Defector From Poland
– Anti-Semitism is rampant in Communist Hungary according to Budapest newspapers. At the same time Professor Jerry Nowinski who defected from Communist Poland and sought asylum in the United States is reported to have done so because “he was a Jew”; anti-Semitism is running high there also. However, he has stated he is a Catholic who disapproves of the religious condition in Poland.

Local Items: No Absent-Minded Professor Is Ruja
Dr. Harry Ruja besides being a professor at State College has been elected president of Samuel I. Fox B’nai B’rith Lodge.  He is also president of the San Diego Chapter Civil Liberties Union; advisor of Hillel Counselorship at the College; teacher in the University of California extension courses; and teaches in the religious school at Beth Israel. This is no absent-minded professor. Congratulations Harry!

Bennett New President Weinberger Lodge

Henry Weinberger Lodge of B’nai B’rith honored a loyal and ardent worker by electing Sam Bennett to the presidency for 1958.  Congratulations and best wishes.

San Diego Leaders Do Well At Conference

Hit of the Western Region Conference of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds was our own Dr. A.P. Nasatir who read a paper on Jewish education of tremendous importance.

Dr. Ornstein chaired the meeting on Fund Raising in 1958 which was considered one of the best meetings of the conference.

Eli H. Levenson chaired the Resolutions Committee in his usual excellent manner.  San Diego did itself proud at the Meeting.

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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 3

By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant

The Good Neighbor Policy – International politics has made full use of the title of this issue but it is important to realize that it is applicable at home, too. In the past we have had many situation in which we have all but neglected to consider our neighbors, such as controversies between states and even one part of a state and another.

Even closer at hand is the need to consider “The Good Neighbor Policy” as it applies to people who live next door to us or on the same street. How many of you know the names of those who live on either side of you or across the street?  Many will be forced to answer in the negative. In large cities, where there are apartment houses, few are friendly with others on the same floor.  It is hoped that those residing in private dwellings are a little more friendly.

A friend of mine invited all the people residing on his street to visit his home on New Year’s Day.  He had discovered that not one person on his block knew his neighbors and so decided to bring them together. It was a grateful group who gathered on that day.  Since then they have all been good friends.

The good neighbor policy means more than having someone from whom you can borrow a cup of sugar.  Too often we wait until the next person shows that he wants to be friendly with us, to accept us.  We forget that the other person is waiting for some sign from us just as we wait for his indication.  The good neighbor breaks down these barriers.

Too often we are on the defensive, fearing that if we become too friendly with our neighbors they will be over all the time, possibly borrowing something, or else prying into our personal lives. Being friendly should be something other than this.  It means the acceptance of the other person as an individual who wishes to share a mutual need of understanding, respect, and acceptance. Recent events have shown that nations cannot maintain a condition of isolation and it is just as evident that we cannot maintain isolationism in our immediate community living.

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Ballet Russe De Monte Carlo
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 4

Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, America’s favorite ballet company, will play here on February 9 and 10, Sunday and Monday at the Russ Auditorium it was announced today by Lucille Palmer.

The stars of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo this season include Nina Novak as Prima Ballerina, Georg Zoritch, Irian Borowska, Gertrude Tyven, Alan Howard Miguel Terekhov, Eugene Slavin, Deni Lamont and Kenneth Gillespie.  The company’s Maitre de Ballet is Michel Katcharoff and its orchestra is under the direction of Ivan Boutnikoff.

Tickets may be obtained from the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway, BE-9-4700.

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“Vienna on Parade” at Russ Aud. Feb 8
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 4

An unusual musical treat is promised by Lucille Palmer when she brings “Vienna on Parade” to the Russ Auditorium on Saturday, February 8.  Featured in this world famous band, directed by Capt. Julius Hermann, Austria’s March King, will be Hedy Fassler, sparkling Viennese soprano and the Singing Boys and Girls of the Vienna Woods. They will be accompanied by the Grinzing Schrammel Ensemble and their virtuoso zither player.

“Vienna on Parade’ includes a company of 65 dancers and musicians and have been touring the country from Coast to Coast.  Their program includes rousing marches, lilting waltzes and stirring folk songs.

Tickets may be obtained from the Palmer Box Office, 640 Broadway, BE 9-4700.

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Professor Speaks on Dead Sea Scrolls
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 4

The amazing story of the Dead Sea Scrolls will be told by Dr. Joseph Pennepacker at the next meeting of the National Council of Jewish Women, Tuesday, Februar 4, at 11:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Hotel.  It will be the sixth program in the current Art of Living series.

Some ten years ago, a lad’s discovery of Biblical scrolls in a cave by the Dead Sea, revealed written historical records older by a thousand years than any previous material.  Since that time, over 40,000 fragments have been unearthed. Scholars from all over the world have studied these documents.

Professor of Philosophy and Religion at California Western Reserve University, Dr. Pennepacker will reveal the results of these studies. In conjunction with his talk, he will show a collection of slides taken not only of the material but of the area in which the scrolls were found.

Commemorating Jewish Music Month, Cantor Joseph Cysner of Congregation Tifereth Israel will present a selection of Israeli songs. He will be accompanied by Mrs. Hebert Malley.  Mrs. Edwin Harris, Contemporary Jewish Affairs Chairman, will introduce the program.

Decorations have been designed by Mrs. Martin Green.  Mrs. Lee Bartell is Reservations Chairman.

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(Rock n’ Roll)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 24, 1958, Page 4

The more we hear this rock and roll music, the more convinced we are that it’s simply bad grammar set to horrible sounds.

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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history. To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box, located just above the masthead on the right hand side of the screen. … San Diego Jewish World seeks sponsorships to be placed, as this notice is, just below articles that appear on our site.  To inquire, call editor Donald H. Harrison at (619) 265-0808 or contact him via donald.harrison@sdjewishworld.com

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