SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY January 15, January 27 Kindergarten program

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San Diego Jewish Academy Connects with Ugandan Community of Jewish Girls

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--When the inaugural issue of the “Abayudaya Girls Magazine” arrived at Jill Quigley’s Judaic Studies class at San Diego Jewish Academy (SDJA) in September, her students were amazed.

The magazine, sent by email from Uganda, was filled with stories, poems, advice and individual contributions from the girls of a small Baganda community in eastern Uganda that practices Judaism.

As described in the editor’s note, the magazine’s purpose is to encourage girls to discuss their Jewish identity in Uganda and most especially “empower girls to raise their voices and become leaders” in a community dominated and run by men. The magazine was the culmination of an effort two years ago by Quigley and students in her Jewish Communities class to establish contact with the girls in this Ugandan community, after hearing that they wished to publish their own magazine. Letters were written by Quigley’s students, and donations were made to provide the Ugandan girls with a laptop computer, which was delivered to them by Barbara Rachlin, a friend of SDJA Jewish studies teacher Rabbi Menashe East who put the two parties in touch because of their common interest in the Abayudaya.

Barbara Rachlin wrote, “I am forwarding the Abayudaya Girls Magazine which was exciting for me to receive and thrilling to read. It is very African in its literary style which culturally is completely different from ours. I think you should feel proud. Yours is a major contribution to enabling this marvelous accomplishment on the part of these beautiful young women.”“As a class, we donated a laptop and received the obligatory ‘thank you’,” said Quigley. “But what I received today is the best thanks anyone could get and an example of why we do what we do [at SDJA] -- the inaugural issue of the 'Abayudaya Girls Magazine' which was inspiring and unbelievable,” she said.

“The thoughtfulness of my students empowered a community of Jewish girls in Uganda to express themselves by sharing their experiences and thus maintaining their Jewish identity,” said Quigley. “Through the propagation of the values of kindness, righteousness, connectedness and Jewish history and beliefs, San Diego Jewish Academy has made possible the creation of an empowered community within a small town in Abayudaya half way around the world.”Quigley said that this act of kindness further demonstrates SDJA’s influence not only in the local Jewish community, but to the global community as well.

“This is another wonderful example of how SDJA has once again given opportunities to those less fortunate and has positively developed its students to become caring, respectful members of the Jewish community,” she said.

San Diego Jewish Academy, one of the country’s premier K-12 Jewish day schools, challenges students to achieve their full academic potential and become individuals of strong moral and ethical character, while inspiring them to make Judaism a vital and relevant aspect of their lives.

For information, visit www.sdja.com or contact Gabriela Stratton, Admissions Director, at gstratton@sdja.com or 858-704-3716.

LETTER FROM JERUSALEM

Peace proposals often just ritual exercises

By Ira Sharkansky

JERUSALEM—Urging great efforts and outside pressure to reach a peace between Israel and the Palestinians is like going to church or synagogue. Many decent people do it. Few should expect any tangible results.

This is the season for renewed efforts. Hanukah and Christmas are upon us, and the next president of the United States campaigned on the theme of Change. The appointments and statements he has made since the election imply something else. Advocates hope that he will stick to the theme as it will apply to Israel and Palestine.

It should be no surprise that we have heard from Jimmy Carter and Zbigniew Brzezinski, as well as from liberal Jews who are positioning themselves for a return to the top, like Martin Indyk and Dan Kurtzer. The Saudis remind us that they have obtained widespread Arab agreement to recognize Israel in exchange for its return to the borders prior to 1967, and doing something acceptable about Palestinian refugees.

Like the Book of Common Prayer and the Hebrew Sidur, the words are the same from one occasion to the next. Palestinians must recognize Israel and desist from terror. Israel must make painful decisions about retreating from the West Bank.

As in religion, there are differences among those who utter spiritual doctrines about the Middle East. Unitarians are not Catholics. Reform Jews do not pray like the Orthodox.

The biggest difference in the Middle East, it should be no surprise, is between Palestinians and Israelis. Palestinians in nominal control of the West Bank recognize the legitimacy of something they call Israel. Hamas and its friends in Gaza have not gotten to that point. Differences among Israelis are more subtle. None with a chance at attaining leadership denies the need for negotiations and difficult decisions.

We can estimate the chances of expectations expressed by concered outsiders by considering what seems to be the positions of the West Bank Palestinian leadership, and the two prominent candidates in Israel's political campaign. "Seems to be" is an important qualification. The language of politics is seldom precise, especially when it touches on a subject of great sensitivity.

Palestinian leaders called moderate have not conceded the designation of Israel as a Jewish state. Their Palestine will be for Palestinians, apparently without Jews, while Israel will be for all its citizens, Arabs as well as Jews. The Palestinian capital must be in Jerusalem, and there must be a solution for the refugees. The borders must be those of pre-1967, perhaps with some adjustments and territorial compensation for whatever Palestine loses.

The Palestinians in charge of Gaza may be too extreme, in both religion and politics, to qualify as partners in any negotiations.

On the Israeli side, Binyamin Netanyahu emphasizes the need for security, and his refusal to divide Jerusalem. Tzipi Livni is quiet about Jerusalem, but has recently disturbed the Palestinians by saying that Israel must remain a Jewish state. She went on to commit herself to democracy and equal rights for minorities, but said that Israel's Arabs must pursue their national aspirations elsewhere. Presumably she meant in the as-yet to be created Palestinian state. It is anyone's guess what she means by "national aspirations."

Are the differences between Palestinians and Israelis small enough to be bridgeable by pressure from Americans and other enlightened people?

The devil will be in the details. There are many, as well as countless proposals.

Jerusalem, for example, may offer enough opportunities to satisfy both parties.

It is Israel's largest city, whose borders have changed many times since the reigns of ancient kings. The Palestinians can call their section "al Quds" (the Holy City), and all will be well.

Oops. That overlooks the problem of the Temple Mount/Noble Sanctuary, and the Muslim view that Jews were never more than marginal tenants in the city's history. That means no rights to the Temple Mount. Also a problem is Israeli distrust. Yassir Arafat is the Palestinian icon. To Israelis, he is the man who could speak of accommodation in English, sign agreements, receive a Nobel Peace Prize, and provoke violence in Arabic. The Jewish experience with their Palestinian neighbors since the beginning of the 20th century includes multi-year periods of violence separated by relative calm. The most recent violence began in 2000, and may not be over. Its casualties have been greater in number than any conflict other than wars with Arab armies in 1948 and 1973. It should be no surprise that suspicion remains.

Proposals to deal with Israeli distrust involve positioning American or other reliable troops in the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem, and along the Jordan River. The principle has worked between Israel and Egypt. However, the Sinai is a sizable desert, with few inhabitants. It provides a buffer between Egyptians and Israelis. The West Bank and Gaza have sizable populations, right up against Israeli cities. The Palestinians would not be enthusiastic about foreign troops patrolling their cities. Israelis have few complaints about the Americans in the Sinai, but many complaints about UN troops in southern Lebanon. Israelis are united in seeing Jerusalem as their capital. Some might agree to hiving off of Arab neighborhoods for the sake of peace. The vast majority reject any "internationalization" of the city.

Urging peace in the Holy Land is a ritual on the borderline between religion and politics. Evidence is that people who pray are happier and healthier. Some expect the Almighty to help in a time of distress. Along with a minimum degree of piety, working for peace is expected for those who aspire to leadership. It is risky, however, to rely on others. My Grandmother prayed on a regular basis. She also said that God helps those who help themselves.

Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University in Jerusalem

UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO January 29 Men's Event, February 24 options








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THE VIEW FROM JINSA

Ahtisaari: 'Peace is a Question of Will'

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize, Finnish diplomat Martti Ahtisaari urged the Obama Administration to push hard on Palestinians and Israelis to "make peace," while carefully avoiding blaming either party. "The international community and those in power," he said, "are sitting there letting them destroy each other. They are allowing both parties to make their lives in the future even more complicated and difficult than it is today."

If you blame the nebulous "international community," you blame no one, which was probably the point.

Ahtisaari continued, "Peace is a question of will. All conflicts can be settled and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal." If you suggest a solution that contains no mechanism for its implementation, no one can be blamed for not implementing it - which was probably the other point.

Mushy thinking is the hallmark of the Nobel Committee and those upon whom the Committee bestows the award. But it is reasonable to consider both of Ahtisaari's points - that no conflict should be considered eternal, and that "will" can bring peace to a troubled spot.

Conflicts do not have to be eternal. Britain, France and Germany fought many vicious wars; Germans killed six million Jews and uncounted others; more than 58,000 Americans and more than one million Vietnamese died in the Vietnam War(s, including the French war); an estimated 580,000 Japanese civilians were killed by the Allies in WWII. The amount of suffering that people endure during a war is not the determinant of whether civilized relations or even warm ones can ensue after it ends.

But there must be a mechanism to settle the conflict to produce the peace - "will" is not sufficient. Machiavelli defined "peace" as the conditions imposed by the winner on the loser of the last war. It is the quality of those conditions that determines whether the ensuing "peace" is temporary, cold, warm or, perhaps, the peace of the dead. The peace imposed by the victors of World War I contained the seeds of World War II. The peace imposed after World War II worked well enough for the former Axis countries, but condemned Central Europe to another half century of despotism.

It is offensive to think that Ahtisaari believes the Israeli people don't "want" peace enough. That if they "willed" it sufficiently, their children wouldn't have been blown up in Jerusalem buses and pizza parlors. Or perhaps President-elect Obama has to will it. Could he similarly will relief for Darfur and Zimbabwe? The "international community" has done little but "will" Africa's misery to end, and clearly that is insufficient.

There is nothing inevitable or eternal about the problem of Palestinians and Israelis - but at this moment the two sides are not "willing" the same thing. Israel is under attack daily from the Palestinians, and Iran is calling for genocide.

Until that circumstance changes, all the "will" of the "international community" to "solve the problem" will more likely exacerbate the problem than resolve it.

Bryen is special projects director for the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA). Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and a national board member.

TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

TORAH ON ONE FOOT


No valid reason for American Jews
to isolate themselves from Gentiles

By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal

SAN DIEGO--As Jews approach the end of December, Judaism's status as a minority religion is constantly on our minds. As we witness the joy and celebration of Christmas all around us, we are more keenly aware that we do not quite fit into mainstream American culture.

Most of us deal with this by proudly asserting our legitimate place on the American landscape. Although most of our neighbors are not Jewish, freedom of religion and protection of minority rights are among the most cherished underpinnings of American society.

The vast majority of Americans respect our beliefs and practices and do not marginalize Jews. Witness, for example, the acknowledgment of Chanukah on television and in the print media, and Menorah lightings in public locations.

Not all Jews, however, want to fit into American society. There have always been Jews who isolate themselves and interact with their non-Jewish neighbors as little as possible. This reluctance to mix has historically been based on two assumptions: 1) mixing with non-Jews will lead to assimilation and a loss of Jewish identity, and 2) the non-Jewish world is anti-Semitic and harmful to Jews.

This negative attitude toward cultural mixing is reflected in a Chassidic commentary on this week's parasha. In parashat Vayishlach Jacob returns to Canaan. He knows that before he can settle he must confront and make peace with his brother, Esau, whom he has wronged. Before Jacob meets Esau he prays to God: "Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau..." (Gen. 32:12)

Many commentators question the redundancy found in the verse. Why does Jacob have to say, "from the hand of my brother" and "from the hand of Esau" when one of these phrases would have sufficed? Obviously, the intention is to teach us an additional lesson.

The midrash tells a story of an ax head that was thrown into a forest. Knowing how much damage the ax could cause, the trees were terrified. A wise man passing through tried to calm down them down. He said to the trees, "You don't have to worry about the ax head. It can't do you any harm on its own. It is only if one of your brothers gives it a handle that you need fear for your lives."

So it is with Jews and non-Jews, one Chassidic master said. If we continue to live in our separate worlds the non-Jews cannot harm us. It is only if when try to live with them that we give them the ammunition to cause us harm. That is what the Torah meant when it said: "from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau." It is only when your brother lends a hand to Esau that Esau is able to do you harm." (Maiyanot Hanetzach in Otzar Chaim)

I was greatly troubled when I read the Chassidic interpretation cited above. While I understand that these feelings against the non-Jewish world grew in nations and cultures which hated Jews, I reject applying the results of such fear in America today. It is not only a false and unfair conclusion about our neighbors, but it is harmful for Judaism as well. Judaism has always grown and evolved as a consequence of its exposure to new phenomena, insights, and cultures. Closing Judaism off from the world ossifies it and freezes it in time.

Additionally, if Jews do not interact with the non-Jewish world, we negate the commandment to spread Torah and the message of God's care and love throughout humanity.

I believe that it is a mitzvah to interact with all those around us. One cannot help perfect the world if one declines to be part of it.

Rabbi Rosenthal is spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego






SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW DAY SCHOOL




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2nd Grade Biography Reports at Soille Hebrew Day

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Hebrew Day’s second grade students traveled back in time and identified famous figures in history that had powerful impact on our country.  Each child chose a famous person, read a book about them, wrote a book report, and created a multi-media presentation (on a cereal box) telling about their life and accomplishments. Then they each gave an oral presentation to the class. Pictured here are Rachel Plasencia with her report on John Hannock, Elie Saade with his report on Martin Luther King Jr., Lily Puhovitsky with her report on Betsy Ross and Jonas Jacobs with his report on Lewis and Clark.

For 46 years, Soille San Diego Hebrew Day has championed Jewish day school education: instilling Jewish values and inspiring students to aim for excellence in a value-based, family environment.  The school serves children from infants through eighth grade, and offers generous financial aid grants to families to make a Jewish day school education affordable to all.  For more information on the school, visit the web site at http://www.hebrewday.org/ or contact Audrey Jacobs, Director of School Advancement at 858-279-3300 ext. 106 or ajacobs@hebrewday.org




LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS






'The Place To Be' at BELO on Dec. 24, 2008

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--While most of San Diego families’ are celebrating various family traditions on Christmas Eve, this night has a different meaning for the Jewish community. The Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS (JCC), is excited to announce “THE PLACE TO BE” is at BELO nightclub on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 from 8:30PM-1:30AM. The JCC 18th annual fundraiser dance party has transformed into a new night life social phenomenon at the ultra chic BELO nightclub located in the Gaslamp Quarter at 919 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.

Over 500 people attend this annual fundraiser to benefit the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center’s various programs, making it the largest Jewish community event in San Diego. Rather than eating Chinese food, as the stereotype goes, San Diegan Jews will spend December 24th dancing the night away to hits from the 60s, 70s, and 80s with Rockstreet (live cover band) and DJ JC spinning the hottest club music. The event will also feature an open hosted bar for the first hour, impressive prizes, and many more pleasant surprises.

To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.lfjcc.org/jaba or call 858.362.1347. Tickets cost $40 if purchased by December 18, and $48 at the door.

AMAZING STORIES OF JUDAISM DVAR TORAH: Vayishlach

'Watch and learn' is the moral of this story

By Rabbi Baruch Lederman

SAN DIEGO--And Dinah - the daughter of Leah went out... (Genesis Ch. 34, V.1). Rashi comments that Dinah's action was learned from her mother Leah. Children are influenced greatly by their elders, as the following true story, submitted by Rabbi Dovid Max, Richboro, PA, illustrates:

At a recent Sheva Berachos party for a newly married couple held at the Mir Yeshiva (rabbinical college) in Jerusalem, the groom, a pious learned young talmudic scholar with a stellar reputation, told a story about "a turning point in his life" that astounded the guests.

It happened when he was in fifth grade. A classmate, Naftali, came in one day showing everyone an expensive new watch he had just received as a gift. At recess, with everyone running out to play ball, the boy took off his watch, and left it on his desk, so as not to breaking it during recess.

When he returned to class after recess, the watch was gone! He let out a hysterical shriek. There was no consoling the boy as he cried, begging his rebbi (religious teacher) to help him find the watch. The rebbi was quite sure that no one had entered the classroom since recess began. His instincts told him that it was a boy in his own class who had probably taken it on the way out or in from the playground.

The rebbi got everyone's attention and said, "I know that it may have been tempting for someone to take Naftali's watch. We all saw that it was very beautiful and quite expensive. However, we must get the watch back to him. Did anyone here take it by mistake? And if yes, would you like to return it?"

No one stirred as the boys nervously glanced around to see if anyone was admitting anything. The rebbi waited a few moments and said, "I guess I have no choice. I am going to ask all of you to stand up front, facing the wall and I am going to go through your pockets to see if it's there. But I am giving you one more chance to admit that you may have taken it by mistake. Look, itcan happen. Someone just wanted to admire the watch so he may have picked it upand then inadvertently put it into his pocket."

Again no one said a thing. The rebbi called up the boys and asked them to stand against the wall and not to turn around even for a moment until he gave them permission. The
groom's face turned red as he explained what happened next.

"I was the third boy in line. Once everyone was in place he started going through the pockets of every boy, and he found the watch in mine. I had been hoping against hope that he wouldn't find it, as I planned to return it to Naftali after school. However, now the rebbi had the culprit. I was literally shaking, knowing that I was about to be exposed and scolded.

"Instead he continued checking every single boy! When he finished searching the last boy, he said, 'You all can go back to your seats. I have the watch.'

"As I walked back to my seat I had to hold myself back from crying. I understood what the rebbi did and how he saved me from being embarrassed. He had continued the search
so no one could figure out who had taken the watch. He didn't even look my way. He resumed teaching. I decided then and there that someday I would like to be like him."

The groom, a rabbinical student in one of the world's most prominent institutions of higher Jewish learning, indeed became a wonderful person because his spiritual mentor
protected his dignity and afforded him honor back in the fifth grade. With that gesture, the rebbi laid the foundation for the validation of a student in a new generation so that he eventually would dothe same for his children and disciples.

[The foregoing story is documented in In the Spirit of the Maggid, by Rabbi Paysach J. Krohn]

Dedicated by David & Yael Alpert in memory of parents Yitzchak & Meira Klinger.

Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah in San Diego

JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE


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Health Activities Offered at College Avenue Older Adult Center

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--Here are some of the health-related activities that will be held at the College Avenue Older Adult Center in January to which the public is invited.

Thursday, January 8th at 12:45 pm: Strokes: Signs and Preventionwith Veronica Glenn, Director of Education for the Southern Caregiver Resource Center of San Diego.
Do you know how to recognize if you or a loved one is having a stroke? There are many lifestyle choices that we make that can help us to avoid this most debilitating occurrence. Veronica Glenn has been involved for over 25 years in the Healthcare field in San Diego.

Thursday, January 22nd at 12:45 pm: Mindfulness with Dr. Bruce Sachs, Director of Counseling for Jewish Family Service of North County. When we look up the word, Mindfulness, the dictionary definition means: attentive heedful, paying close attention. Dr. Sachs will explore this fascinating
topic and give us some great food for thought.

The College Avenue Older Adult Center is a program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, which offers hot Kosher lunches served Monday - Friday at 12 Noon, at 4855 College Avenue.
Seniors: Suggested donation of $3.00; All others: $5.00 fee.Please join us, for additional information, refer to www.jfssd.org or call us at: (619) 583-3300.)

The College Avenue Older Adult Center will be closed January 1st in observance of the New Year.

A bissel sports trivia with Bruce Lowitt

OLDSMAR, Florida—Q: Who was arguably the greatest matchmaker in the history of boxing?

(a) Jacob Mintz

(b) Ron Katz

(c) Yul Brenner

(d) Teddy Brenner

Background: He was born in Brooklyn, got into boxing as a lark to help a friend in the Golden Gloves tournament. In 1971 he brought the first Joe Frazier-Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) fight to Madison Square Garden, where he was matchmaker for 31 years.

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS





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THE JEWISH CITIZEN


For Moorsteens, Jews were 'one people'

By Donald H. Harrison

SAN DIEGO—I never met Lou and Esther Moorsteen who were active in San Diego’s Jewish community back in the early days of Israel’s existence, but whenever I run across their names in the archives from which we draw “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History,” gratitude wells up in my soul for them and for other American Jews who keenly felt back then—or feel today--a responsibility for Jews throughout the world.

As a brief item in the “Jewish History” section below relates, Esther Moorsteen was a member of the Junior Charity League, a Jewish group in San Diego that provided some clothing to the Yemenite Jewish refugees who were brought to Israel in 1949 and 1950 by “Operation Magic Carpet.”

By typing the name “Moorsteen” in our search program in the top portion of our report, one can find stories about Lou’s activities with the United Jewish Fund, as well as a story with the picture to the right about   Mrs. Moorsteen distributing clothing for the children in Atlit, which was one of the “mabarot” or tent camps in which the new immigrants were settled.

The tent camps were located along Israel’s Mediterranean coastline, and among them were the temporary homes of   the grandparents of my son-in-law Shahar.  Shahar’s father, Nisim Masori, was about seven when the family migrated from the southern portion of Yemen, through British controlled Aden, to Israel; whereas his mother, Rachel Cohen, was about two, when the Cohens made their way from northern Yemen.

Shahar’s paternal grandfather had manufactured textiles in Yemen, but had to give up his possessions to fly to the Holy Land of the Bible, so long yearned for by the generally devout Yemenite community. His paternal grandfather, Meshulem, was quite learned in the Torah and the Zohar, and was considered a mystic by the people of his town and surrounding villages.  Even after the Cohens moved to Israel, people considered to consult Meshulem on a great variety of matters.

Life in the tent camps was hard, and the overburdened new state had to ration food supplies.  But eventually, Israel was able to build small neighborhoods of apartment house complexes known as sh’cuns, similar to what we call the “projects” in East Coast cities.  Rachel spent her teen years in Zichron Yakov, whereas Nisim moved with his family to Givat Olga. He was already in the Army when the two families got to know each other—“sooner or later Yemenite Jews always find a cousin in common,” Shahar said—and a marriage was arranged between Nissim and Rachel.  Although she had other suitors interested in her, Rachel relied on Meshulem’s judgment, so great was his reputation.  The couple worked hard, had seven children, of which Shahar was the sixth, and eventually had a small house of their own, and a back yard where they could grow herbs for cooking.

When Shahar was an infant he used to have seizures.  Shahar’s parents told him that they were so bad that the doctors did not expect him to live very long.  Rachel went to her father and asked what to do.  In a calm voice, he instructed his daughter to go home and to breast feed her child and to not worry about it again.  That night Meshulem died, and, according to his parents, Shahar never again had a seizure.

Today, my grandsons Shor and Sky, bear the handsome dark complexion of their father, and Sky’s middle name is Meshulem after his wise maternal great-grandfather.

At first some segments of Israeli society looked down on the Yemenites as backwards, superstitious people.  One of the biggest scandals of the period were Ashkenazim stealing Yemenite children to raise as their own, in the culturally biased belief that they could provide the children better homes and upbringings than the Yemenites could.

Back then, the Moorsteens probably did not know that the Yemenite Jews, seemingly so different from European and American Jews, in time would claim their places in Israeli society, nor that marriages among the Yemenites and Ashkenazim would someday become commonplace.

All the Moorsteens knew was that those Yemenites were fellow Jews and were in need of a hand up while living in primitive conditions in a brand new state, where they were greeted with open arms but with empty pockets.

And so women of the Junior Charity League in San Diego, and similar organizations in other cities, knitted booties, blankets, and sleepers.  They also collected toys, diapers and other supplies for infants and shipped them to Israel with the hope that that it would bring the Yemenites some comfort.

Perhaps Sandi and Shahar would have met, married, and produced my two grandchildren without people like the Moorsteens having reached out to the Yemenite Jews, but I can’t help but believe that their kindnesses were a foreshadowing of the love and unions that were to come.

Harrison may be contacted at editor@sandiegojewishworld.com




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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History

Editor's Note: To create a permanent and accessible archive, we are reprinting news articles that appeared in back issues of various San Diego Jewish newspapers. You may access an index of the headlines of those articles by clicking here. You may also use the Google search program on our home page or on the headline index page to search for keywords or names.


Daughters of Israel
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 9, 1950, page 8

Can’t you taste that delicious luncheon, with freshly picked roasted corn and all kinds of goodies?  The Daughters of Israel invite you to attend a picnic luncheon Wednesday, June 21, sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Goodwin at their home ranch at 2554 54th St.  Proceeds of this luncheon will go to the new Building Fund.

For reservations call Mrs. ‘Anna Goldstein ,M-5995.

For those traveling by bus, cars will meet the El Cajon Blvd bus south of 54th Street. Those with cars can reach the picnic by way of Market Street.

Don’t miss this opportunity for fun, food and games. For more information, call Mrs. Rose Neumann, W-1622 or Mrs. Ida Pearl, R-2737.

Jr. Pioneer Women (Shoshana Club)
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 9, 1950, page 8

By Frieda Ensel, Publicity

On May 27th, a garden party was held at the home of Rose Kraft to welcome 16 new members into the Shoshana Group of the Pioneer’s Organization.

Through much skill and great effort a lovely luncheon was expertly planned by the membership chairman, Sylvia Busch, and her committee. A delightful afternoon was enjoyed by the women.

Ann Lebow, regional Chairman of the Pioneer Organization, was guest of honor.  She gave an inspiring, and eloquent speech on the work and the important part that Pioneer Women play in Zionism.

May we offer our congratulations to the following new members: Roberta Provus, Norma Solomon, Lillian Berwin, Sylvia Passel, Thelma Dapeer, Norma Rudolph, Zena Frommer, Rose Okmin, Eleanore Schindler, Fredell Robbins, Naomi Smigel, Dolly Asner, Phyllis Janeff, Marian Peskin, Ella Kahn, Lillian Nadler.


American Jewish Congress
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 9, 1950, page 8

Pacific Region of the American Jewish Congress will hold its quarterly executive board meeting Saturday and Sunday, June 17 and 18, in the Anderson Hotel, San Luis Obispo, midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it was announced by Myer Pransky, president.

The meeting is expected to draw some 40 top regional officers from as far south as San Diego and as far north as San Francisco. 

The parley will begin with an Oneg Shabat on Sturday, followed by a dinner, at which Pransky will deliver the president’s report and Rabbi Leonard A. Greenberg will deliver the executive director’s report.

The entire second day will be devoted to a business session.


Junior Charity League
Southwestern Jewish Press, June 9, 1950, page 8

Members of the Junior Charity League met at the home of Esther Moorsteen, Tuesday, June 6th.

Principal business of the meeting was a shipment of children’s garments to a Yeminite camp visited by the hostess on a trip to Israel last summer.

In addition to the garments made by members, sophie Stone made anountstanding contribution by obtaining a large donation of new garments for babies and children.

This was the Club’s last meeting of the season

“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" series will be a daily feature until we run out of history.





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SPORTS TRIVIA ANSWER: (d) Teddy Brenner




SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD: THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Friday, December 12, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 295)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Moshe Feiglin gets onto Likud's list, causing Bibi ideological embarassment ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

Admiral Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, honored by JINSA ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.

Fun and wishful thinking on the Internet ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

ARTS
Henry Winkler’s character comes to life at S.D. Jewish Book Fair... by Sara Appel-Lennon in La Jolla, California

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
June 9, 1950: Beth Jacob Congregation
June 9, 1950: Beth Jacob Sisterhood
June 9, 1950: Beth Jacob Ladies’ Auxiliary
June 9, 1950: Jolly Sixteen Club
June 9, 1950: J.C.R.A.
June 9, 1950: Home for the Aged

COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Great Activities Offered at College Avenue Older Adult Center!

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: At Soille Hebrew Day, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

Tifereth Israel Synagogue: Israeli Dance: Sunday, December 14, 7-11 p.m.

Thursday, December 11, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 294)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Testing our ethics in a bad economy ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

Ghanaian converts formally to Judaism— in Uganda—and shares his impressions ... by Alex Armah in Mbale, Uganda

LIFESYTLES
Chicken soup is not for my soul ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego

ARTS
Thursdays with the songs of Hal Wingard:

#22, Touch and Go

#25, Give Me A Sign That You Love Me

#64, Don't Take Your Troubles to Heart

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
June 9, 1950: Registration Opens For Camp Jaycee
June 9, 1950: News of the Fox
June 9: 1950: Lasker Hi-Lites

COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Yale Strom in Concert, Friday, January 23rd
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day Sch0ol: Kindergarten voices in song at Soille Hebrew Day
Tifereth Israel Synagogue: December 14 Craft and Food Fair at Tifereth Israel
United Jewish Federation~Israel Center: Israeli Choir organizes, to be conducted by Rivi Raz

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 293)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Bush's accomplishments in the Middle East merit, at best, some 'polite applause' ... by Ira Sharkansy in Jerusalem

The Jews Down Under, a roundup of Australian Jewish news... by Garry Fabian in Melbourne
—To run or not —that's Frydenberg's question
—Success for five Jewish candidates at Council elections
—Anti-Semitic incidents on the rise in Australia
—Senate finds no evidence of campus bias
—A discordant note at conference
—So Why Kill the Rabbi?
—Melbourne woman's miraculous survival in Mumbai
—The Jewish - Koori Connections 70 years ago
—Youth movement Hashomer Hatzair comes of age
—Margo walks off with second Walkley Award

SAN DIEGO
Suddenly, there was Al Hutler's protégé ... by Norman Greene in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
June 9, 1950: Hadassah To Hold Ninth Annual Donor Luncheon
June 9, 1950: San Diego Responds To Plea From UJA with $25,000
June 9, 1950: The Death of a Newspaper (Editorial)
June 9, 1950: Au Revoir (Editorial)

COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Here is more on the JFS Economic Crisis Response Program
Lawrence Family JCC: Jewish Poets-Jewish Voices at Lawrence Family JCC
S0ille San Diego Hebrew Day School: 2nd Grade Biography Reports at Soille Hebrew Day

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 293)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Bush delivers a valedictory speech on Middle East at the Saban Forum in Washington D.C.... by President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C.

350 years of American Jewish History on display at New Americans Museum... by Michael Feldberg, PhD., for San Diego

When did Jews first arrive in Kaifeng? Scholarship on this subject at odds ... by Irwin M. Berg in New York

ARTS
The blessings and melodies of Chanukah ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
May 26, 1950: When I Get Time (Poem)

May 26, 1950: A Tragedy {Poem}

May 26, 1950: Cottage of Israel

May 26, 1950: Day Camp Starts Registration

May 26, 1950: Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary

COMMUNITY WATCH

San Diego Jewish Academy: Brandes Foundation and San Diego Jewish Academy to offer merit scholarships

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Getting Ready at Soille Hebrew Day…

Monday, December 8, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 291)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Afghanistan and Palestine are two areas of the world where Obama must be cautious... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

Genesis constitutionally in the classroom ... by David Benkof in New York

Ugandan Jew tells of person-to-person medical training program in Chicago... by Samson Wamani in Chicago

LIFESTYLES
Transmitting rage to the next generation ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego

ARTS
The Princess and the Black Eyed Pea a rollickin' good musical at San Diego Rep ... by Carol Davis in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
May 26, 1950: Beth Jacob Congregation

May 26, 1950: Tifereth Israel News

May 26, 1950: Temple Beth Israel

May 26, 1950: Beth Jacob Ladies’ Auxiliary

Sunday, December 7, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 290)

INTERNATIONAL/ NATIONAL
Indian scholar barnstormed U.S. trying to establish Jewish studies in India... by Dr. Navras Jaat Aafreedi

Flight attendant remembers King Hussein... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

JUDAISM
Laban, Hitler and Islamic terrorists... by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in San Diego

Sisterly love prevails over obstacles ... by Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego

SPORTS
A bissel sports trivia with Bruce Lowitt ... in Oldsmar, Florida

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
May 26, 1950: Yo-Ma-Co Club

May 26, 1950: Just For a Change: Cream Delight

May 26, 1950: Labor Zionist: Chaim Weitzman branch of San Diego

May 26, 1950: News of the Fox

May 26, 1950: Jolly Sixteen Club

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