Engagement
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred H. Goodman of 4374 Alder Drive announce the engagement of their daughter, Constance Gail, to Mr. Ronald Barnett. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Morris Barnett of Los Angeles.
Connie was graduated from the University of Southern California where she was affiliated with the Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority. Mr. Barnett is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles where he was a former track star. He was a member of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity. An October 1st wedding is being planned.
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Betrothal Told
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Mr. and Mrs. Irving Burdman announce the engagement of their daughter, Elaine Shirley, to Morris Howard Woskow, son of MR. and Mrs. Ben Woskow of Bell Gardens. No wedding date has been set.
The bride-elect, a senior at U.C.L.A., is affiliated with Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority. Her fiancé is a graduate of U.C.L.A. where he is studying for his doctorate in Psychology.
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Personals
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Off-program laugh getter at the recent Council Membership Tea was the message from former president, Lorraine Stern, who explained her absence by stating that she was carried away with Council’s theme, “Teahouse of the August Noon,” that she was confined to bed with Asiatic flu.
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Manx and Molly Rabinowitz will sail for Honolulu on Sept. 6th via the SS “Matsonia” where they will attend the International Orchid Growers Convention. They plan to visit the Islands before flying back to San Diego.
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The Robert Imbermans wish their friends to know that they are now residing at 3478 Bunell in Tuscosn, Arizona.
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There has been plenty of activity this summer for Linda Zuckerman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Zuckerman. In June and July she was a counselor for the Camp Fire Girls. August 7 she left to visit her grandmother and other relatives in Chicago and Wilmett, Ill. Sjhe will return to San Diego in time to serve as bridesmaid for her friend, Sonia Feldman, and will end the summer vacation by visiting in Los Angeles with her sister Janice. Then back to S.D. State College and work.
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Vacationing at Highland Springs are Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Reder and their children.
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On August 9, Arlene Carol Berwin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Marcy Berwin, was graduated from Woodbury College, majoring in Executive Secretarial work. Arlene was affiliated with the Signa Iota Chi Sorority of which she was vice president. Back home again in San Diego, she would be happy to hear from some of her friends.
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Mrs. Leon Heiman will be flying East on Labor Day for a two week visit with her family in New York City. She left San Diego with a list of shows to be seen.
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Thanks
Mrs. B. Mallen wishes to thank her friends for their kindness during her bereavement over the loss of her beloved husband.
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Sam Slayen expresses his appreciation for the good wishes of his friends during his recent illness.
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Louis Gaber, recovering from surgery, thanks his friends for being so considerate during his hospitalization.
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National Council of Jewish Women Hold Meeting on ‘Art of Being a Woman’
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
An enlightening discussion on an ancient debate concerning the “Art of Being a Woman” will open the 1957-58 series of meetings on The Art of Living presented by the National Council of Jewish Women, according to its president, Mrs. Herbert Robbins. On Wednesday, September 4, at 11:45 a.m. at the Lafayette Hotel, the luncheon program will feature Dr. Anita Figueredo and Mr. Clair Burgener.
Dr. Figueredo will speak on the feminine viewpoint of the subject. An eminent cancer surgeon, mother of seven handsome children, and wife of a La Jolla pediatrician, Dr. Figueredo leads a many faceted life.
Mr. Burgener, taking the masculine viewpoint, on the “Art of Being a Woman,” is a former city councilman and vice-mayor. He is at present the President for the Association for Retarded Children.
Highlighting the afternoon in a lighter vein will be a presentation of fall clothes by Marsi’s—“Council Fashion News and Clues.” The latest in casual wear for club women in their numerous roles will be shown. The following Council members will act as models: Mesdames Adrian Cohn, Irving Coleman, Robert Drexler, Ben Kutschuk, Estelle Levi, Michael Podell, Harold Rothblatt. The commentary will be given by Mrs. Irving Hosenpud and the musical accompaniment by Mrs. Harvey Frugatch Mrs. Edwin Harris is Decoration Chairman.
In charge of the program for the first meeting is Mrs. David Reder, assisted by Mrs. David Kahn.
Council’s new members will be honored. Reservations chairman is Mrs. Lee Bartell, AC-2-5947.
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Recorded Music Comes to Lemon Grove
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Every Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (from August 27 through September 24) Lemon Grove will be the scene of free recorded symphony concerts. The concerts are prepared by Mr. Joseph I. Feldman, and are given through the courtesy of the Business Women’s League of Lemon Grove. Music will be played in the shadow of the Lemon Statue. The opening concert will feature recorded works of Khachaturian, Mozart, Sibelius, and David Rose.
Listeners are advised to bring their own blankets or folding chairs.
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Cradle
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Dorothy and Bernard Arenson had plenty of time to see a couple of late-late shows before the arrival of their son, Perry Edwin, at 3 a.m. on Saturday, August 17. He weighed 7 lbs, 4 ozs. His sisters are Paula 5 ½ years and Susan, 3 ½ years.
Maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Max Rabinowitz, paternal grandmother is Mrs. Celia Arenson, of Des Moines, Iowa.
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Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Kahn introduce the latest member of their family, Israel Gary, who was born August 2, at Sharp Hospital, weighing 6 lbs, 3 ozs. Israel has a brother, David, seven years and Suzanne, four years.
Maternal grandmother is Mrs. Ida Blackman, of Sheboygan, Wis.
Paternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Morris Kahn.
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Servicemen to Enjoy Swimming Party
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Men and women in the Armed Services stationed in the San Diego area will be guests of the Jewish Welfare Board-Armed Services Committee at a swimming party and bar-b-que on Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m., according to an announcement by Morris W. Douglas, chairman of the local committee.
Miss Judy Aved, Chairman of the event, stated that the swimming party will be held in the pool and patio at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Silverman, 4860 Louise Drive, and then will be followed by the bar-b-que supper at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kaplan, 4850 Louise Drive.
Reservations by service personnel and junior hostesses may be made by calling Miss Aved at AT 2-2987 or Miss Phylane Sherman, Administrative Secretary for the Committee, at BE 2-5172.
Senior sponsors for the affair include Mr. and Mrs. George Katz, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Passel, and MR. and Mrs. Bernard Godes.
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Hadassah Slates Information Teas
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 2
Hadassah is sponsoring informal teas to inform the community of their many and worthwhile projects. Any women interested in the works of Hadassah and wishing to attend any of these teas can contact the following area hostesses.
Teas will be held at the homes of the hostesses: On August 20, at 10:30 a.m., Mrs. Gendloff, 5341 Marlborough Dr. (Kensington Area); August 20, 1:30 p.m., Mrs. Nat Mallinger, 4815 63rd St. (College area); August 21, at 1:30 p.m., Mrs. Leonard Zlotoff, 4504 Lucille Dr. (Talmadge area); August 21, at 1:30 p.m., Mrs. David Tobias, 356 1st St. (Chula Vista area); August 22, at 1:30 p.m., Mrs. Abe Smith, 714 Devon Court (Beach area);August 28, Mrs. Fred Brodell, 2232 Burgener Blvd (Clairemont area); August 30, at 1:30 p.m., Mrs. Robert Smith, 9226 Briarcrest Dr. (La Mesa) and on Ajugust 26 at 2:00 pm., Mrs. Larry Lawrence, 3626 Alcott (Point Loma area). Other teas for the Allied Gardens and South University areas will be announced soon. For further information call Mrs. Herbert Rifkin at BR-3-7217.
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Press Notes
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 3
By Julia Kaufman
Every Good Boy Deserves Fun (E-G-B-D-F) … How many others like myself learned the lines of the music staff in this manner? When I think of the number of times I repeated the word ‘Fun’ during practice, it is a small wonder that my mind wasn’t on my lessons. “One more chance!” is always given by hopeful parents, who cajole, bribe and sometimes threaten their offspring into giving up a small part of their valued “fun-time” to practice.
This was not a problem for Isaac Stern’s parents. He gave his first concert at the age of seven, and twenty five of his thirty seven years has been spent as a professional violinist.
A very special bonus of being a member of the Women’s Committee of the S.D. Symphony is the opportunity to meet the soloist scheduled to appear in the forthcoming concert. From the moment that Isaac Stern stepped on the Old Globe Stage, he set a tone of informality. After discussing the concert program, he patiently answered the many different questions, displaying a keen sense of humor by some of his answers.
On Audiences – Performers need an attentive audience: the more aware the audience, the better the performance. Audiences in different countries react according to their national educational patterns. The English—“once you receive their loyalty, anything you do is o.k.” … French—“perceptive and excitable.” … Russians – “most responsive” … Japanese—“They save applause until end of concert in order not to disturb the artist” … Swiss – “exceptionally good audience” … Israeli—“highly perceptive and warmest audience.” (The Israeli orchestra usually has eleven encores in each program.) The standards of American audiences have greatly improved in the last 30 years due to the influx of European artists, symphonic radio programs and recordings. (Mr. Stern gives between 120 and 125 concerts in a twelve month period).
On Modern Music, he advised against prejudgment. “Creative writing reflects a period, therefore modern music reflects the discontent and imbalance of today.” Most modern music is probably disliked because people go to concerts to relax from the very thing that modern music expresses—the tension of modern living. … He modestly placed the artist in the position of “a vehicle to interpret the works of the composer, who is the true genius.” After listening to his Brahm’s Concert in D Major, I can only say that as a vehicle, Isaac Stern carried his listeners to new musical heights.
Mr. Stern, who was raised and educated in San Francisco, now resides in New York City with his wife and daughter, Shira, aged fifteen months.
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Notes Taken During an Intermission
I’ve decided that the best way to achieve contentment at the symphony is to avoid one’s friends during the intermission. At a recent concert, I became thoroughly enchanted by the artistry of the soloist, and in this buoyant state I glided up the aisle for the intermission period. Encountering an old friend, I gushed with praise for the performer I had just heard. “Wasn’t he just wonderful? …have you ever heard such playing?” He lowered his spectacles to the end of his nose and smiled. “Well…” he began quite thoughtfully, “I don’t think the ‘allegro’ was well conceived at all. Now, I’m willing to overlook the slurring at the very beginning, and the questionable intonation in certain other spots… but, you see, it was his whole approach… one expects something more. We all know that he can play the music, however …” My friend is an amateur musician of some note in our community, and I highly respect hjis opinion. Thus, I am able to present you with a kind of “boxscore” for the intermission. Those friends of mine, including myself, who lack extensive musical education, were wildly enthusiastic about the performance. My other friends, amateur musicians and musicologists were I in general, upset over matters of technique which had completely eluded the “unwashed.” It was if the artist were playing only to the hearts of one group and only to the minds of the other.
Descending the stairs at the Bowl for the second half of the concert, I felt vacuous. The poor old emotional flame which the artist had kindled had been doused by cool rationality. “The next number should be better,” my friend noted as we headed for our seats. “Thank you,” I muttered. But, I made a silent vow, that at the next concert, I would speak to no one during the intermission. I would stand away from the crowd, an island wrapped in my own cigarette smoke and my own happy opinions.
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As the Psychologist Sees You
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 3
By Irving R. Stone, Psychological Consultant
Community Mental Health Services
Most of us pay little heed to the general activities of our lawmakers but we are concerned with specific bills as they concern our pockets or our welfare. During the last session of the legislature one of these bills was passed and has now become law as the Governor signed it. It is one which should fill a long-felt need.
The Short-Doyle Act is better known to most of us as the Community Mental Health Services Act. It was enacted to encourage and to assist financially local governments in the establishment and development of mental health services through locally administered and locally controlled community health programs. For the first time, we now have an opportunity to provide more clinics, establish short term treatment programs in local hospitals, have a rehabilitation program for the formerly mentally ill, provide consultant service to agencies and workers, develop broad information services to these agencies, workers and the general public about the prevention of mental illness.
Local existing mental health facilities have been far too meager and this has been recognized by a special survey as the number one need of the community. Throughout the state this has been equally true. There are long waiting lists for treatment and when a person needed hospital care and could not pay for private hospitalization they have had to go to one of the state hospitals, often for longer than they would have required if local services had been available. Now this need can be met provided the local authorities take advantage of the Act.
It is necessary for the city or county governmental bodies or both working together, to develop a program in accordance with the Act and to provide the necessary money to meet part of the service. The State will pay the other half of the cost.
It is important that each of us do what he can to encourage the acceptance of this program in our community so that our community can take advantage of the opportunity which finally has been provided. Perhaps in the near future every person who needs care will receive it at the time the need is recognized and not have to wait months before treatment is available. Perhaps, too, the time is not too distant when a unified, concerted attack on the prevention of mental illness will cut down the toll of those suffering from some form of mental illness.
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‘Life,’ U.S. Jews and Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 3
The August 12 issue of “Life” magazine contained two articles and pictures dealing with the United Jewish Appeal and American Jewish opinion on the State of Israel.
The story on the U.J.A. was an informative but far from a complete explanation of the dynamics of fund raising.
The second article, “How the U.S. Jews View the Jewish State” was the more lengthy of the two, and as it was written by a young American scholar, Dr. George Steiner, we expected a thorough job. It began with pictures of six prominent American Jews who typified “the wide range of personality and outlook among the 5.2 million members of the Jewish community in America.” We hastily concluded that we would be treated to the various outlooks of some of these men, among them former Senator Lehman, Justice Felix Frankfurter, AEC Chairman Lewis Strauss and playwright Arthur Miller. But, the author, wanting us to understand that no one person can speak for all the American Jews, unfortunately deprives the reader of any opinions at all from the six important Jewish gentlemen.
Dr. Steiner then goes on to briefly outline the three classical American-Jewish views of Israel: pro-Zionist, anti-Zionist and middle-of-the-road. It is pointed out that American Jews, in general, are sympathetic towards Israel. They raise great sums of money to help Jews settle in Israel; they buy millions of dollars worth of Israeli Bonds and so on. But, “Why,” asks Dr. Steiner, “is it that millions of American Jews support the general cause of Israel even though they may not feel themselves committed to the historical tradition and politics of Zionism? Upon what emotional urges are they acting?”
Guarding against generalizations, the author then seek to outline the “broad psychological patterns” of the American-Jewish attitude.
The author ably explains these pro-Israel sentiments as a complex product of “pride and reawakened sense of historical tradition.” The degradation by Hitler, the birth of the Jewish homeland (its subsequent heroic struggle which has evoked memories of the Jew’s Biblical greatness) have combined to form the attitude of the American Jew.
So far, so good. The author has given us some idea of how the Jews of America view the State of Israel. But, now he asks, “But does this mean that the 5.2 million Jews in the United States influence American policy toward Israel?” Dr. Steiner then launches into a disappointing and unscholarly discussion of the “Jewish vote.” For the “Jewish vote” is one of the keys of determining Jewish influence.
Political scientists lack the type of statistical data on voting which could justify the concept of a “Jewish vote.” This is why the term remains within quotation marks. The author himself, being a student of such things, senses the inaccuracy of the term but, because the term is useful to him, he continues to employ it—safely. The quotation marks about the words inform the reader that the author has his doubts about the validity of the term.
Dr. Steiner informs us that certain “generalizations” (we are quoting him now) “can safely be made.” It turns out that the Jews do put on a great deal of pressure, both electoral and otherwise, in support of Israel. That politicians must give in to those Jewish demands in order to hold office. That Jews do vote for other Jews who run for office and support politicians who support Israel. At this point, we would have been happy if the author would have removed the concept of the “Jewish vote” from its sheltering quotation marks.
The Democratic party, being more conscious of the “Jewish vote” and through the personal beliefs of its leaders, have been pro-Israel. The Republicans have been less influenced by Jewish pressure and thus have been more impartial in the Arab-Israeli conflict. What Dr. Steiner is telling us, is that the only possible reason for our government to be pro-Israel in its foreign policy is the influence of the native Jews.
The implications of this way of thinking are that one comes to believe than only the Jews in American look with favor upon the State of Israel. And, because of the vital need to cultivate the friendship of the Arabs at this time, we should be thankful that the more “impartial” Republicans are in office.
Dr. Steiner says towards the conclusion of his article: “When Republicans are in the White House, our policies tend to be influenced more by the over-all world situation and less by the effect they will have at home.” As we understand this remark, it implies that our policies (toward Israel) are somewhat more rationally determined and more oriented toward a national good when the Jewish influence at home cannot be strongly felt. But, it does not follow that because the Jewish interest is not being considered, policy will be influenced by the “over-all situation.” There are other parties interested in our policy in the Middle East – certain oil companies and business firms which would profit by a pro-Arab foreign policy. If the Jewish voice is discounted, their voices will appear louder. Do they see the “over-all world situation?” — P.K.—M.K.
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Books for Summer Reading
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 23, 1957, Page 3
A number of interesting books have come to our attention during the summer, and those of you who still find time for “serious” reading may take note.
Jewish Notables in America From 1776-1865 by Harry Simonhoff (Greenberg, 402 pps., $5.00)
This consists of ninety lucid, thumb-nail sketches of outstanding American Jews, who lived during a crucial period which extends from the Revolution through the Civil War. These “Jewish Notables” are a heterogeneous lot, not only because some were merchants, artists, soldiers and judges, but fundamentally because their approaches to the problems that beset them were diverse. What makes the book even more valuable is the fact that the same problems are faced by American Jews today and the examples provided by these forerunners could be instructive.
For example, there is Captain Mordecai Myers, the “assimilationist,” who at 38, married out of his faith, completely rejected his Jewish ancestry and established his family in the “social register.” Captain Myers was one of a number of Jews who, in their rise to success in business, the arts or politics, lost their connections with their original religion.
But, many of these early American Jews remained faithful, and in the face of extraordinary difficulties became founders of great Jewish educational, charitable and religious institutions in America. Sampson Simpson was the first Jew to graduate from Columbia College (he delivered his commencement address in Hebrew), the first Jew to pass the New York bar and he was a founder of Mt. Sinai Hospital.
“Jewish Notables” is well written, replete with illustration and is entertaining and informative.
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The Jews in America: A History by Rufus Learsi (World, 382 pps., $6.00)
Considering that it is extremely difficult task to compress the history of the Jews into America into a single volume, Mr. Learsi has done a good job, in general. The author is an experienced writer and he relates the history of American Jewry in a professional manner. It is perhaps this professionalism, a kind of inadvertent slickness, which is the book’s strongest yet weakest point.
As a weak point, slickness may leave the reader with a feeling that an issue mentioned in the book has not been adequately discussed, or as the facts and figures are flying past, that some important insights are being missed. We felt this way about the later sections of the book, the modern history, about which we were slightly better informed and could more easily evaluate the author’s treatment of the material.
But, this very professionalism is really the book’s greatest asset, For it, will enable the reader to assimilate a great deal of information with a minimum of struggle. Thus, by reading this book, one may learn American Jewish history history from the seventeenth century to the present—and enjoy it. – P.I.
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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.