Adventures in San Diego Jewish History, January 20, 1956, Part 2

Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff

The Bond Drive (Editorial)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

Those of us who heard Simon E. Sobelof, at the Israel Bond Dinner, were firmly convinced that the Bond Drive must continue!  We are sure that the Jewish community is aware that Bonds are an investment and to a gift. We wonder, however, if they know that their money earns 4% interest and that the State of Israel backs these bonds.

If we were to ask any number of people if they think that Israel might be destroyed and wiped off the face of the globe, we are sure they would say, “Not as long as Jews are alive.”  Yet the very existence of Israel depends to a large measure on her economic stability. These Bonds make it possible for Israel to continue to develop her industry and farming in spite of a large budget for military defense, necessary to resist aggression.

The Israelis are risking their lives, while we are only being asked to loan them money at a good rate of interest.

As one of the speakers said, “A Jewish parent doesn’t tell an eight year old child to take care of itself.”  We helped give birth to this infant State and we have an obligation to support and protect her until she is mature. Show your bond with Israel by the purchase of a baond of the Israel Government.

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Book Review: The Pillar of Salt by Albert Memmi, Criterion, $3.75.
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

The first semi-autobiographical novel by a young Tunisian Jew poses the problem that faces the youths of any country where they feel alien to the native culture and have lost belief in the freedom of their forefathers.

Our young intellectual grows up in the African ghetto aware of his “difference.”  He cries out, “I am Tunisian but Jewish, which means that I am politically and socially an outcast… emotionally I have nothing in common with Moslems.  I am a Jew who has broken with the Jewish religion and the ghetto, ignorant of Jewish culture, detest the middle class, because it is phony.  I am poor and at the same time refuse to take the necessary steps to avoid poverty.”

“Pillar of Salt” is a story that holds the interest of the reader and brings to him the problems facing Jews in an area unfamiliar to most Americans.  Mr. Memmi depicts the strange tumultuous life of North Africa, with its brutal race riots, its sordid prostitutes. Its colorful peddlers and bizarre customs. Writing about the difficulty of being Jewish the author chooses to be a Jew.  No one will put the book down without a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for this emotionally disturbed young man who typifies so many.  – M.K.  (Maxwell Kaufman)

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Letter to the Editor
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

I am writing to you in regard to a statement in your editorial of January 6, 1956, which reads as follows:

“The Jewish Social Service in its own quiet way, keeps the dirt under the rug so that our community house always looks neat, clean and rational.”

This statement can easily be misinterpreted to mean that some unsavory activities are going on, undercover, in the above-mentioned agency.  I know that you will be willing to clarify the meaning of your quoted statement so that the public will not be burdened with any doubts.

Wishing you and Julia all the best,

Sincerely, Dr. Walter Ornstein
President, Jewish Social Service Agency

Ed. Note:  no slight intended , but praise, for an organization we hold in the highest regard.

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(Outreach)
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

Judaism commands the practice of charity toward all, clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, nursing the sick, comforting those that mourn. It therefore forbids limiting our care to ourselves and our families and withholding sympathy when our neighbors suffer.

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With the Guardians
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

By Morrie Pomeranz

Hi-Lites of the Jan. 5th meeting—Pres. Sam Addleson in rare form as he quipped about fight manager Al Weill – and some nebulous reference about a heavy-weight prospect in our midst – a outstanding door prize – a case of champagne (donated by the Texas Liquor) and a box of cigars (donated by Abe Bronstone) both snared by Dr. George Solomon – Kaddish services were conducted for those Guardians who went to Vegas, over the New Year’s weekend – several guests were present including All Polland brought by Larry Lawrence, Sam Krasner sponsored by his uncle Julius, Lou and Saul Schissel hosted by brothr Dave and Freddy Goodrich with his companion Frank Sweger (both of Convair) and treated to everything by the bon vivant Murray Goodrich – welcome to new members Bud Fisher and Harold Tarlov – the consensus of opinion (and where food is involved the Guardians are vociferously outspoken) is that the dinners at the Mission Valley club are superlative – the meager complaints stem from those few fragile members who detest lining up for a couple of minutes – for after playing gin at the Club all afternoon it is a little tiring to have to wait for that wonderful buffet—program chairman, Al De Sure assured the members that there would be an outstanding talent for the Feb. 2nd meeting…

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When the last brace of raffle tickets were offered for sale for the lavish door prize, merchant Herb Haimsohn (eyeing a potential bargain) counter-offered to take all eight tickets at a substantially reduced price.  The ticket seller remarked: “No discounts, Haimsohn, these tickers are Fair-Traded!”

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We are in receipt of an unsigned postal card (a fan letter) the contents of which are reprinted below in toto:

Mr. Pomeranz:

“Personally, I rather enjoy your column, for you are blessed with a non-professional flair reminiscent of the late Mark Hellinger. However, I note that it’s the same Guardians who are repeatedly being mentioned in your column: always its either Dave Stotsky, Sam Rassin or Murray Goodrich.  What’s wrong with the other members?  Are these your personal friends or do you owe them money?”  (Unsigned}.

To be associated with Mark Hellinger in the same sentence certainly offsets this warranted criticism.  In order to avoid falling into the trap of demonstrative favoritism, we hereby submit several Guardians – no comments, no stories—nothing – just names: Its Penter, Irving Alexander, Sam Sklar, Laury Cantor, Sam Resnick, Max Rabinowitz, Herman Sarfan, Harry Mallen, Eddie Bland, Julius Penn and the friendly little bartender Marcelino Nascimiento.

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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant

“Sorry I forgot.”

Learning is an activity common to every organism, from the lowly earthworm to the exalted human.  Of course, the degree of learning varies with each level of development. In the same way, forgetting is just as common and we, humans, are as prone to indulge in it as are all other species of life.  In fact, sometimes we use it much more frequently and conveniently than do animals.

“Sorry I Forgot” is a familiar phrase which we both hear and use. Children use it to eplain why they did not brush their teeth, adolescents use it if they neglect to wash the dishes, mow the lawn, or to their homework. Adults use it when they do not dust the house, bring a promised gift to their youngsters, pay their bills, or buy bonds for Israel.

Psychologists say there are a number of reasons for forgetting. One of the major causes is that they never learned and, therefore they use the term of forgetting for something which was not acquired.  Of course, you cannot forget what you never learned.

Another reason is that we have not learned to use properly the memory traces which we are supposed to acquire throughout our lives. We constantly build on the things learned, using each bit of information as a further step in the acquisition of additional knowledge. If we do not use these traces, they gradually weaken and eventually disappear. If additional information comes between the learning process and the later attempt to recall them, these traces are more easily forgotten. Constant use of information strengthens their retention.

Finally, some psychologists say that we forget what we want to forget. If things are unpleasant or distasteful to us we are more prone to forget them.  We say that we try to repress the unpleasant – to blot it out from our thinking. Unfortunately, we cannot do that too successfully and the unpleasant appears in some other form, such as guilt feelings, anxiety, or some of the psychosomatic complaints such as aches and pains or skin disorders.

Of course, the phrase, “Sorry, I Forgot” may be used to cover up neglect or lack of willingness and not because there was any real forgetting. The person using the phrase may be perfectly aware of his obligations but tries to cover it up with a cloak or disguise. Too often parents and other adults, yes even children, can see through it.

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Pioneer Women

Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 3

Pioneer Women, Shoshona and Negba Groups, are formulating final plans for their annual Purim Ball.  This year the ball will be held on the actual eve of Purim Saturday night, Feb. 25th, at the Beth Jacob Center.

Queen candidates are now being chosen to represent San Diego Jewish organizations. As in the past one of the candidates will be chosen to reign over the ball. A change in procedures for selecting the queen will be inaugurated this year… Balloting during the evening, in prominently displayed ballot boxes, will determine the audiences choice.

Tickets are now on sale and are available from all members, the donations are $1.25.  the food committee is formulating plans for the usual supper that will be available.  For additional information or tickets, call Mrs. Herbert Robbins, CY-5-0893.

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Bay City B.B.

Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

Through the generosity of members and friends, the Bay City Chapter is awarding a wonderful vacation for two in San Francisco for one whole week.

Airplane reservations were secured through the courtesy of Jack Berman, manager of Skycoach of San Diego (341 Plaza Bldg) and husband of Ruth, member of the Bay City Chapter.

Under the guidance of Mrs. Edward (Evelyn) Baranov, the Chapter is assisting in the current March of Dimes program and will serve in various theatres in the Downtown area January 18th through January 23rd.

The next meeting of the Chapter on Monday, Janaury 23rd, at Tifereth Israel Center at 8:30 p.,m. will feature a Card Tournament.  Mrs. Max Felsman, president, extends a most cordial invitation to the entire community to attend.  Prizes and fun for all.

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(Southern California Exposition)

Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

Dates of the 1956 Southern California Exposition and County Fair at Del Mar are June 29 through July 8.

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New Drama School Opened by Tudors
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

New to this area is the opening (next week) in San Diego of a speech and drama studio under the direction of Godfrey and Susannah Tudor.

Recently arrived from Canada, the Tudors bring with them the combined experience of Godfrey’s theatrical career with the Old Vic Theatre Co. of London, the British, South African and Candadian Broadcasting Corporations, and Susannah’s degree in speech training from London University.

“San Diego and the surrounding area,” the Tudors say, “is showing tremendous interest in the theater, and there seems to be a definite renaissance of theatrical activity.  We hope to give the many people who are interested in this work a school they an come to in preparation for community entertainment and public speaking.”

According to the Tudors, they have a startlingly new method of voice training which has been developed. It has helped to build and maintain such star performers as Robert Donat, Valerie Hobson, Renee Asherson and Flora Robson.

Located at 1039 7th Ave., the Tudors will be happy to supply further information to prospective students.  Call BE-9-6333.

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Boston Orchestra Here on Jan. 29
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

The Boston Pops Tour Orchestra under the direction of Arthur Fiedler will appear at the Russ Auditorium
on Sunday, Janjuary 29th, at 8:30 p.m.

This is the ochestra’s first transcontinental tour, made by arrangement with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Some of the selections to be played are Polonaise, from “Eugene Onegin” by Tchaiskovsky; Overture to “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini; the beautiful Fanstasia on Greensleeves; Suite from Gaite Parisienne” by Offenbach; Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakoff, and Popsorama, arrangement by Mason.

Ruth Slencyzynska, Piano soloist, will play Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini for Piano and Orchestra, by Rachmoninoff.

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Free Concert Sat.
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

A concert by the Woodwind Quintet of Local 325, American Federation of Musicians, will be given at the San Diego Public Library, 8th Avenue and E Street, Saturday, January 21.  The program will begin at 3 p.m. and will be in the Lecture room on the third floor. There will be no admission charge.

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(Success and Work)

Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

The successful men of today worked hard for what they have – the men of tomorrow will have to work harder to get it waway.

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Dr. Ludwig Lewisohn, Author, Dies

Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

Dr. Ludwig Lewisohn, Professor of Comparative Literature and Librarian at Brandeis University, died of a heart attack Saturday, Dec. 312 in Miami Beach, Florida.  He was 72.

The distinguished novelist and critic is survived by his wife, Louise, and a son by a previous marriage, James Lewisohn.

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Tijuana Open Begins
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

Tijuana, Jan. 19 — All is in readiness for the 72-hole Caliente $12,500 Open, which started Thursday morning at the beautiful Agua Caliente Course and will run through Sunday.  Several of the nation’s leading professionals will compete for the top money, plus two former winners of the once fabulous Agua Caliente Open.

Tickets for the event are on sale at all San Diego sporting goods stores.

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Children’s Concert Set by Symphony
Southwestern Jewish Press, January 20, 1956, Page 4

A series of four children’s concerts sponsored by the san Diego Symphony, the first of which will take place Saturday, January 21, 10:30 a.m. at the Russ Auditorium, was announced today by Mrs. Fred G. Goss, Symphony president.

Daniel Lewis, assistant conductor under Robert Shaw of the San Diego Symphony, will act a conductor for the concert series. Dr. Alex Zimmerman, music director of the San Diego City schools, will be commentator.  Mary Kay Emery, an extremely talented young pianist, will be soloist.

The Children’s Concert series will employ a full orchestra of between 60 and 65 musicians from San Diego’s Symphony Orchestra.

Dates for the Children’s Concerts will be January 21, February 25, March 24, and April 21 at the Russ.  A nominal charge of 25 cents will be made for children and 50 cents for accompanying adults.

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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