Attention Family Historians: If you would like a JPG photo copy from the Southwestern Jewish Press of any “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” article that has been reprinted on the San Diego Jewish World website, simply copy the website address of the article, and send it along with the article’s headline, with a $5 payment per article, to Family History Editor, San Diego Jewish World, PO Box 19363, San Diego, CA 92159. Or go to the Pay Pal Form associated with the Article Index for Family Historians and paste the citation of each article you want photographed.
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Polish Jewry Today
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
The Poland in which the Joint Distribution Committee has just re-inaugurated its welfare program is far different from the Poland in which JDC initiated its first European program 40 years ago. Jewish Poland in particular, as compared with what it was in 1918, is now absolutely unrecognizable.
In 1918 JDC came into Poland to serve the largest Jewish community in the world. Today that community has shrunk to 40,000-50,000 persons, only about one percent of the original population.
The JDC program of that day centered around the crowded centers of Jewish life such as Bialystok, Lomza, Lublin and Vilna. In the new programs none of these cities is listed. Bialystok has 17 Jewish families, Lomza has two, Lublin has 24 00 and Vilna is no longer part of Poland.
Today the largest single JDC program is centered in the city of Legnica. Forty years ago Legnica was Liegnitz, a city in the German province of Lower Silesia. Today Legnica has the largest Jewish population in Poland, larger even that such traditional Jewish centers as Warsaw and Lodz. The capital of Poland is still Warsaw, but the city of Wroclaw (formerly Breslau and the capital of Lower Silesia) is now the geographical center of Jewish life in Poland.
To understand how all this has come about, one must bear in mind that the Nazi program to rid Europe of Jews was almost realized in Poland. When the war ended in 1945 there were only a handful of Jews left in the country, hiding out in a few of the cities or in the forests. Then they began to drift back, the majority of the returnees being survivors of the concentration camps.
They came back to bear walls, to towns and cities devoid of friends and relatives, empty of Jews. Life was made somewhat easier for them by the fact that JDC moved right in with them, setting up feeding, medical and clothing programs, gave them loans to help them re-establish themselves and set up credit cooperatives in which they could work.
JDC helped, but much of the Jewish population no longer felt at home or at ease in its native country. There was a great wave of migration of Jews out of Poland following the pogroms and disturbances of 1946. Most of these migrants went to Israel. Then the borders closed and they could no longer leave. At the end of 1949 JDC was asked to leave the country. Not only did the remaining Jews lose the help and services they were getting from the vast network of welfare and relief agencies that JDC had set up, at the same time they lost contact with the Jews of the rest of the world. As a Jewish community they were isolated.
A little more than a year ago the borders were opened again. Polish Jews were allowed exit visas to join their families in Israel. Thousands poured out of the country in a wave of immigration that is still going on.
At the same time a new wave of migration into Poland started. A pact had been made between Poland and the Soviet Union whereby Polish nationals in the latter country were to be repatriated.
More than 10,000 of the Jews now in Poland entered during the past year under this repatriation pact. They came from the Black Sea areas, from far-off Samarkand, from the depths of Siberia – most of then, however, came from Lithuania and other Baltic areas that had been part of Poland and are now Russia. Before the repatriation pact ends at the close of 1958, another 10,000 to 15,000 Jews are expected in Poland.
These newcomers could not and would not go back to their old homes. Their relatives had been annihilated and all that was left in the towns and cities in which they originally lived were memories of suffering. However, there is space available in the cities of the Polish sections that were once Germany. The Polish government wants them to go there and accommodations that have been vacated by the departing German nationals are available for them. They come, however, into stark rooms devoid of furnishings. Because of lack of training and other causes there is a minimum of employment opportunities open for them. Their future is uncertain and they find it difficult to settle down and grow roots again.
In the meantime, however, they must live. They need beds to sleep in, tables to eat from. Their children need schooling, their invalids need care. Work opportunities must be found for them and many need employment training. They have to stay and prepare themselves for a new life either in Poland or in any other country that may be eventually open for them. It is largely because of them that the Polish government invited JDC to come back into Poland and a part of the new JDC program and the funds the JDC receives from the United Jewish Appeal is devoted to them.
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Letter To the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
Dear Editor: In the Feb 21 edition, under “Letter to the Editor,” I noticed that there is a mention of a Rubin Tannenbaum in the Jewish Home. Can you tell me who this man is that spells his name just like mine? Thanking you, I remain
A subscriber and Jewish farmer, Rubin Tannenbaum
Ed Note… You! But it was all a mistake.
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Care Packages May Be Sent To Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
Orders for CARE food packages for delivery in Israel by Passover, starting April 5, will be accepted through March 15, Edward J. Flynn, western director, said today.
Available are various sized packages costing $10, $12 and $18.25 which may be sent as gifts to specified persons, families or institutions in Israel, the CARE representative said. CARE also has 25-pound $1.00 surplus food packages for distribution to persons in need of charity in Israel. Meats, fruits, sweets and vegetable shortening or olive oil are in the parcels for designated persons.
Orders or contributions may be sent to any local CARE office or to CARE, 215 w. 5TH St., Los Angeles 13
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AZA News
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
On Sunday, March 2, Bartley Doctor, Frank Millman, Mike Brown, Mike Bennett, Mel Brav, Marty Friedman and advisor, Dr. Milton Millman, attended an AZA officers’ meeting in Los Angeles.
Frank Millman will go to the University of Judaism at Mount Vista Lodge in Los Angeles.
An interesting program is promised at the meeting, Sunday, March 9, 1 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center, 4056 University Ave. Anyone interested is invited to attend.
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Gift-Giving To Officials
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
Silence with regard to culpability of donors noted.
To the Editor of The New York Times:
Once more our culture is going into one of those confused rampages involving a prevalent pattern of business behavior which at odd moments is dramatized by mink coats, deep freezers, colored television sets and trips to conventions.
In travels throughout the world I do not evaluate various types of corruptions. It is sufficient to compare them. But surely in our culture the most important people can get theatre tickets, airplane seats and hotel rooms when I cannot.
The practice of giving presents is deep in our business folkway. The world series baseball games are probably the greatest single tax-deductible item ever practiced in the history of man. Corporations invite guests, supply tickets, transportation, hotel rooms and, as rumor has it, even entertainment of the “flesh.”
Several observations occur to me: I am as bewildered by the present investigation of members of the executive department as I was during similar attacks in the Truman Administration. Without meaning that I prefer a society of condoned gifts by applicants to their “judges,” isn’t it possible that our mores will not shift until the accent of blame, if any, is put on the giver rather than the receiver?
When do we distinguish between intended bribery and proposed extortion? Should we remain silent with respect to the culpability of donors? Aren’t the donors usually in a position of greater financial security and don’t we know that in the present inquiry the media of communication have an understandable reluctance to mention donors by name?
Then again, isn’t it time that some enterprising reporter should try to win a Pulitzer Prize by a study of “donations” to, and conflict of interest in, the legislative branches of our Government? Who does investigate the investigators?
One word of caution: the newspaper or network which goes into such an inquiry should first look at its own practices and books of account to see how its stream of generosity to Government officials will appear if publicly known. In a collateral field – labor relations – bribery laws bear down practically exclusively on the receiver of the bribe rather than the giver. I wonder if the way to change our ethics, which sorely need changing, is to review our present condonation of “giving” as compared to “receiving” a potentially corruptive gift.
Am I right in thinking that the “givers,” by and large, have more financial security and more education than the ordinary run of financial, hard-driven “receivers” – hence might be tested by a somewhat higher standard?—Morris L. Ernst, from the New York Times
The writer of the above letter will speak at the San Diego Open Forum this Sunday evening at the Unitarian Church, 6th and Date.
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As The Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Common Frustrations
The era of the so-called Progressive Education has passed, altho we still like to think that our educational methods are progressive. We no longer believe that an occasional spanking will wreak irreparable harm on the child or that he must get everything he wishes and when he wishes. Rather than to say that the child must not be frustrated, we now say that one must learn to adjust to frustrations for life is filled with many frustrations.
Some of the Common Frustrations are familiar to us but bear mentioning at this time. The one which faces us daily is the need to suppress our enthusiasm and haste while driving, stopping at signs and lights, and controlling the speed in the face of the threat that any violation might throw us into the toils of the law. Not so strangely, we have learned to circumvent this frustration without damage to our personalities.
Most of us experience a degree of frustration because we do not have as much money as we’d like but here again there seems to be little hardship to our emotional adjustment unless our expenses greatly exceed our income. We are aware that others do not have all the money they’d like and we make the adjustment by either cutting down on expenses or else seek other means of supplementing our incomes. Because others are in a similar situation to ours, we find the adjustment a little easier.
There are many other social, economic and physical frustrations but the important factor is not that we have them but rather that we learn to adjust to them. When adjustment is not possible, e are faced with anxiety, tension and unhappiness. We are thrown into panic and our daily responsibilities suffer. Usually, instead of taking steps to compensate for our frustrations, we become immobilized. How much better it would be for us to recognize our frustrations and their causes and take positive steps to reduce their impact.
No one advocates that we should throw frustrating situations into the paths of children. Instead, we believe that when a frustrating condition occurs, the child should be taught how to overcome them by an acceptable adjustment.
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Stars Appear Here Mar. 11
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
The first in the series of concerts, sponsored by the Jewish Community Center, will be “Portraits of Jewish Life” on Tuesday March 11, 8 p.m. at Beth Jacob Auditorium, 4473 30th St. The performance in English is a musical drama based on Jewish folklore and humor and stars Minna Bern and Ben Bonus (shown above). Also in the cast are Ben Witler, Shifra Lehrer, Max Bozyk and Reizl Bozyk and Sam Blumstein at the piano.
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Tickets for the entire series, which includes “Hill 24 Doesn’t Answer,” the first major English language film from Israel; Harry Golden, Editor of the Carolina Israelite and the Kadimah Dancers of Tucson, are $4 for members and $5 for non-members. Individual tickets at the door are $1.50, students 50c. They can be obtained at the Jewish Community Center, 4056 University Ave., AT-1-7744.
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In The Home
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
At the Hebrew Home for the Aged on March 8, at 2:30 p.m., the birthdays of Mrs. Chaya Cysner, Mrs. Mollie Rosenblatt, Mrs. Dina Pollak and Mrs,. Connie Perez, nurse-in-charge, will be celebrated. Cantor Joseph Cysner will sing a song dedicated to his mother as well as Purim songs.
Rosh Chodesh services will be held on Saturday, March 15, at 9 a.m. with Mr. Harry Goodwin conducting.
Kaddish will be said for Faye Naliboff. Members of the family and many friends will be present.
An invitation to join these celebrations and services is extended to all in the community.
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(Outstanding Public Figure)
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
America’s most outstanding public figure as 1958 is ushered in can only be its national debt.
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Bakery Makes Offer
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4””The Vienna Bake Shop is making an unusual offer this month it was announced by Mr. Egon Pollak, owner of the popular Vista La Mesa bakery.
Mr. Pollak states that any customer who purchases $25 or more of bakery goods will receive a magnificent birthday or anniversary cake worth $25 absolutely free. The customer to receive this gift must be the high purchaser for the month. Announcement of the winner will be made in the April issue of the Jewish press.
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(Zionism, individualism)
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
Zionism shamed the sophisticated Jew out of the motto: “Be a human being publicly and a Jew privately.”
However, what is recommended to Americans today is “Be a conformist publicly and an individual privately.”
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Jewish Center Dedication Set for Opening March 30
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
The dedication and opening ceremonies for the new Jewish Community Center at 54th and University Avenue are officially set for Sunday morning, March 30, at 2:00 p.m., according to Morris W. Douglas and Bernard Arenson, Co-Chairmen of Dedication Day activities.
“Though another $60,000 is needed to adequately open the Center; meet all the construction bills, and complete the swimming pool and the children’s wading pool,” William B Schwartz, Center President said, “The Center would open its doors to the community on Sunday, March 30, with the operation of a complete program for all ages.”
Ceremonies planned for the opening include the religious ceremony of Hanukas Habayas (Dedication of the House) and presentation of the flagpole and an American Flag by the San Diego Post of the Jewish War Veterans. The ribbon-cutting formally opening the doors of the Jewish Community Center, will be participated in by City and County officials.
Acceptances to participate have already been received from Admiral C.C. Hartman, Commandant 11th Naval District; Frank Gibson and DeGraff Austin, County Board of Supervisors; Dr. Ralph Dailard, Superintendent of City Schools; George A Scott, San Diego’s outstanding citizen, and many others.
Principal speaker will be Sanford Solender of New York, Director of the Jewish Community Center’s Division of the National Jewish Welfare Board.
Also participating in the ceremonies will be a Navy Band. A swimming and diving exhibition will be a major attraction in the celebration of the new Center. Under the direction of the Aquatics Director, Stanley Kistler, many prominent swimmers will participate.
President Schwartz said “Sunday, March 30, will be a great occasion in the over 100 years history of San Diego Jewry. The opening of the Jewish Community Center, has been looked forward to for the last ten years. Widely acclaimed as one of the outstanding buildings of its type in the country, it is a forward step in the progress of the Jewish community in San Diego. But what is even more important,” he continued, “the opening of the Jewish Community Center will be a rededication of ourselves to community service for all people regardless of their age, their race or creed. Under Jewish auspices with a program of fine Jewish content the Center will service the entire community.”
The entire community is invited to attend the Dedication, tour the building and to join the Jewish Community Center of San Diego.
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Economist To Talk To Study Group
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
“Where Is Our Economy Leading Us?” will be discussed by Dr. Roy E. Cameron at the next meeting of the International Relations Study Group of the National Council of Jewish Women. On Monday, March 10, at 1 p.m., the group will meet at the home of Mrs. Benjamin Kolkey, 3828 Shirlene Place.
Professor of Economics and Chairman of Investments at San Diego State College, Dr. Cameron will treat various aspects of the present economic picture, according to Chairman Mrs. Stanley Leonard. He will touch on investments, the possibility of a depression, the unemployment outlook and many others.
Reservations for the study group are open to the general public alnd may be made with either Mrs. Leonard, JU-3-2986 or Mrs. Kolkey, HO-9-0351. One o’clock coffee will be served.
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(Home vs. Synagogue)
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
There is something to home Jewishness that renders it preferable to synagogue Jewishness as there is something to home cooking that renders it preferable to hotel cooking –o provided that the home Jewishness is not confined to home cooking.
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Jewish Center Plans Sunday Public Previews
Southwestern Jewish Press, March 7, 1958, Page 4
The Jewish Community Center, 54th Street and University Ave., will be open for public viewing each Sunday afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m. during Mach, it was announced by William B. Schwartz, Center President.
“We are arranging guided tours for individuals and families for a personal preview of the new $600 ,000 structure,” Schwartz said. “Several thousand San Diegans have already seen the beautiful community development and were favorably impressed.
Over 150 persons attended Sunday’s event at which $16,000 was contributed toward the Building Completion Fund to furnish and equip the building and swimming pool area, it was reported by Seymour Rabin, campaign chairman.
Rabin pointed out that seven individuals donated the children’s wading pool, furnishings for the library, the teen-age lounge and several club rooms. Other donations of a similar nature are expected.
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The program planned for the Center will get under way after the opening on April 1. It will include activities for people of all ages and from all walks of life to fulfill the social, cultural and recreational needs of the community.
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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.