Compiled by San Diego Jewish World staff
Jewish Education and the University of Judaism
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 7, 1956, Page 14
By Philip L. Seman
In 1945 at a public meeting marking the thirty-fifth anniversary of the Teachers Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the idea of a University of Judaism was conceived by Prof. Mordecai M. Kaplan. Dr. Kaplan’s idea was an all embracing concept of Judaism and the Jewish Community, intended to meet the needs of modern Jewish life in a democracy.
In accordance with this concept, the university is to be a cultural and intellectual center for the training of leadership that all Jewish communities require for its religious, educational and philanthropic institutions. It was Dr. Kaplan’s idea that such a University was also to serve as a center for the creative arts, designed to enrich Jewish life through the stimulation of the creative efforts of Jewish artists and writers and to house a library and museum.
The idea of dr. Kaplan’s became a reality by the establishment of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles in 1947, consisting of a Graduate school, tending to the Degree of Doctor of Hebrew Literature, Doctor of Jewish Theology and Doctor of Religious Education.
During 1955-56 the University had a faculty of 40 instructors, over 900 students and over 80 classes not only in its building at 612 S. Ardmore but also at Temple Beth El, Olympic Jewish Center, at U.C.L.A. and the Valley Jewish Center. The University is a member of the Middle states Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and is chartered under the laws of the State of California. At this time the budgetary expenditure is over $100,000 per year.
The cultural activities include Public Lecture series by world renowned scholars; a Fine Arts Department presenting premiers (sic) in music and drama as well as revivals of the classics from the rich storehouse of the Jewish past.
The University sponsors the Eternal Light radio program and the Frontiers of Faith TV program.
The University has grown in student body to the extent that the Board of Overseers have within the last six months decided to build new and adequate quarters. They have purchased attractively landscaped grounds at Van Ness and Beverly Boulevard and plan to break grounds shortly for a $400,000 school building and a $150,000 library.
The University of Judaism, the West Branch of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, is outstanding for Jewish learning west of New York, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.
*
Greetings from the New Year from the Vice President of the United States {Richard Nixon}
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 7, 1956, Page 15
On this the occasion of Rosh Hashonoh, the New Year of 5717, it is a pleasure to extend my best wishes to all members of the Jewish faith throughout our land.
The outstanding wish for any New Year of this atomic age is that the shadow of war should pass from the world. To all sane persons it must be altogether too plain that civilization, itself, could not survive another world war and that no people would be spared.
It is absolutely essential that nations, as well as individuals, should make special efforts to act with understanding, restraint and brotherhood.
*
Your Ensenada Stroller
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 7, 1956, Page 16
By Marion Perlov
My nostalgia for Mexico, after having travelled all over that fascinating country for almost four months, was somewhat alleviated when I discovered the charm of Ensenada — a breezy 68 miles from the border along the wild, unspoiled Pacific coast. Once again I was in touch with the warmth and hospitality of the colorful Mexicans who were so eager to tell me about their picturesque resort.
I was a guest at the beautiful Villa Marina — in a comfortable, artistic and ultra-modern cottage with a petite garden outside my window along the sea. Every morsel of food was deliciously prepared by a superb chef, supervised by Senor Velasco. At breakfast in the lovely dining room I watched the early beachcombers take their dip in the surf. and the horseback riders canter up and down the white stretch of beach.
The following day after my swim, I went into town to look around the shops. In El Nopal I met Mr. Roberto Vaca, the owner. He escorted me around the many departments of his most beautiful store. All the lovely clothes, jewelry, handbags, glassware from Guadalajara! And the perfumes! The real McCoy direct from Paris at about half the price in the states. Then, I spied a perfectly exquisite hand-woven wool stole with handbag to match (in wool and leather). I couldn’t resist it. Nothing like it above the border.
Later, I walked in a rustic-looking and colorful restaurant with a garden patio–the Cafe Colonial. My nostrils were filled with charcoal-broiling, so I sat down for a steak, a la Mexicano. Mr. Rembao, the owner, welcomed me as a newcomer. The menu he handed me was original — all dishes and prices in English and Spanish were engraved on thin wooden “pages.” Never have I seen anything so unique. Dinner was delectable and reasonable.
On my way back to my hotel, I was introduced to the owner of the Club Montparnasse who invited me to be his guest that evening. So, more dynamic tequila cocktails, dancing and spicy entertainment. One outstanding number was a woman ventriloquist with her “dummy” husband. The brought down the house with a Mexican version of the jitterbug.
Anything goes in that enchanting resort. As for dress, one can wear shorts, jeans — even bikinis — who cares? Just let your hair down. Best of all, you can relax.
In this drowsy, colorful hideaway there is a spirit of manana and it is contagious.
Any groups interested in “package” tours for fall and winter week-ends, at very reasonable rates, write or phone….
Your Ensenada Stroller
P.S. Si, como no?
*
High Holy Days New United Jewish Appeal Film ‘The Last Stop,’ Starring Marla Powers and John Barrymore To Be Premiered on T.V.
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 7, 1956, Page 17
Mala Powers and John Barrymore will be seen on KFMB-TV, Channel 8, on Monday, September 3 at 10:30 p.m. and on KFSD-TV, Channel 10, on Sunday, September 9, 9 a.m. Here, shown in a scene from “The Last Stop,” new half0hour television drama recently completed at Warner Brothers Studio. Powers plays the part of a North African girl who faces a new life in a border settlement in Israel.
“The Last Stop” will have its TV premiere on Station KFMB-TV and KFSD-TV at a special United Jewish Appeal presentation for the Jewish New Year.
Produced with the cooperation o Warner Brothers Studio by Jack Warner and directed by Tom Gries, “The Last Stop” also features James Dunn, Fay Wray, Robert Horton, Tracey Roberts and Peter Leeds. The film has been especially prepared for use during the Rosh Hashanah period by the addition of a prologue dealing with the Jewish New Year and featuring the world renowned cantor, Moshe Oysher.
The United Jewish Appeal gets its funs in San Diego from the United Jewish Fund campaign.
*
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.