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BALLOT RECOMMENDATION
No on California Proposition 8
SAN DIEGO—Now comes the time to take positions on candidates and ballot measures, based on the perception of how they will affect our American Jewish community. We know that our opinions will not find favor with all members of our community, nor should they. We Jews are a diverse people with a wide range of political viewpoints. When we put opinions and endorsements out there, San Diego Jewish World welcomes reader responses, both pro and con.
In our columns, we shall try to engage in reasoning as opposed to personal attacks. We urge those who may write to us, pro or con, to similarly restrict themselves to dispassionate argument.
Having said that, let’s turn first to Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that would outlaw “same sex” marriages, which have been effect in this state since a state Supreme Court ruling earlier this year that said, in essence, gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples, lest California laws be discriminatory.
Opponents of same-sex marriage now want to amend the state Constitution to limit marriages to heterosexual couples. San Diego Jewish World opposes Proposition 8 for the following reasons.
Generally, we believe in the argument advanced by the 19th century British philosopher John Stuart Mill who said that people should have the right to do whatever they want to, so long as they do not hurt others in the process. For example, one can throw one’s arm out in front of oneself as often as one wants, just so long as that arm doesn’t make harmful contact with anyone else.
We don’t see how a marriage between two consenting men, or two consenting women, in any way hurts anyone else. Nothing precludes heterosexuals from continuing to marry persons of the opposite gender.
There is an argument that somehow by allowing same-sex marriages, we will be popularizing homosexual behavior, and that more and more of our children will be induced to become gay. To the contrary, we believe people who are gay or who are straight have an inborn tendency towards one sexual preference or the other. Think of it this way: Over the years, heterosexual marriage has been presented as part of the American ideal. Notwithstanding our society’s prescriptions for such “normative” behavior, gay people have continued to be gay. If this situation were turned around 180 degrees, which is extremely unlikely—and same-sex marriage were considered “normative” — heterosexuals would not and could not be deterred. What we are simply is in our genes.
There is an argument made in our community that the prohibition found in Leviticus expressly forbids a man lying with another man as if he were a woman. The meaning of this has been debated by liberal rabbis and strict constructionist rabbis, all of which may be important to individual Jews insofar as the decisions they choose to make in their own lives.
But the rabbis’ arguments are irrelevant when it comes to civil legislation. Our American society is built upon the notion that whereas people are free to follow their own religions, they are not free to force others to follow that religion. So, even if the strict constructionist interpretation were correct, it would not matter. Jews who so choose may follow halachah, but they must not force others to follow it. Likewise, Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Baha’i, and all the other religious groups which contribute to America’s diversity must not impose their beliefs on us. We can present our beliefs to each other, but which beliefs prevail should be based upon free acceptance by those who listen.
Finally, Proposition 8 has a special importance to the Jewish community, not only because some very valued members of our community are gay or lesbian. Our concern is based upon the fact that we Jews, like gays and lesbians, are members of a minority group. We believe that whenever the majority can restrict the rights of a minority, it creates a dangerous precedent that can be inimical to the American Jewish community.
We believe a society must respect the beliefs and rights of all its members, not just those whose opinions are within the majority. We believe that one can measure a society’s progress toward an ideal civilization by how well it accommodates opposing viewpoints. —Donald H. Harrison
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U.N. won't hamper U.S. defense of Israel, McCain and Obama agree during debate
By Donald H. Harrison
 SAN DIEGO—In their second televised debate, presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain agreed that the United States should not allow the United Nations Security Council to hamper its defense of Israel in event of an Iranian attack.
Their brief comments came in response to a question asked by audience member Terry Shirey, a retired Navy chief, about whether the United States would commit troops to Israel’s defense or would it wait for the United Nations Security Council?
Republican McCain and Democrat Obama both made the point that keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of Iran could help assure such an eventuality never arises.
“We obviously would not wait for the United Nations Security Council,” said McCain. “I think the realities are that both Russia and China would probably pose significant obstacles.”
Agreeing, Obama said, “it is important that we don’t provide veto power to the United Nations or anyone else when acting in our interest.”
Concerning what to do about Iran’s nuclear aspirations, the candidates went over some of the same ground that they covered in their first presidential debate.
“Our challenge right now is that the Iranians continue on the path to acquiring nuclear weapons. It is a great threat,” said McCain, the Republican presidential nominee. “It is not just a threat to the state of Israel, it is a threat to the stability of the entire Middle East,” the U.S. Senator from Arizona continued. “If Iran acquires nuclear weapons all the other countries will acquire nuclear weapons too. Tensions would be ratcheted up.”
He once again called for the establishment of a League of Democracies to “abridge their (Iran’s) behavior and hopefully they would abandon this quest they are on for nuclear weapons. But at the end of the day, my friend, I have to tell you again… we can never allow a second Holocaust to take place.”
Said Obama, the Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Senator from Illinois: “We cannot allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon. It would be a game changer for the region. Not only would it threaten Israel, our strongest ally in the region and one of our strongest allies in the world, but it would also create a possibility of nuclear weapons falling into the hands of terrorists, so it is unacceptable.”
Saying that the United States “will never take military options off the table,” Obama added that “it is important to use all the tools at our disposal to prevent the scenario where we have to make those kinds of choices.”
He said the United States must “work more effectively with other countries to tighten sanctions on Iran.” He said that although Iran exports oil, it needs to import refined gasoline, because its oil infrastructure has broken down. One sanction the United States could seek to impose would be to severely restrict how much refined gasoline reaches Iran. “That starts changing their cost-benefit analysis; that starts to put the squeeze on them,” Obama said.
Reiterating his call for talks with Iran, he said U.S. representative should deliver face-to face “a tough message to Iran that if you don’t change your behavior then there will be dire consequences. If you do change your behavior then it is possible for you to rejoin the community of nations.”
In an earlier segment of the debate at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, moderator Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV asked the two candidates to explain what would be their policies concerning the use of U.S. military forces in situations “where is a humanitarian crisis, but it does not affect our national security.” He gave the Congo, Rwanda and Somalia as examples of places where such crises existed.
“We may not always have national security issues at stake but we have moral issues at stake,” responded Obama. “If we could have intervened effectively in the Holocaust, who among us would say that we had a moral obligation not to go in? If we could have stopped Rwanda, surely if we had the ability that would be something that we would have to strongly consider and act. So when genocide or ethnic cleansing is happening somewhere around the world, can we stand idly by? That diminishes us.”
At the same time, he said, there are conflicts around the world and “we are not going to be able to intervene all the time That is why it is so important for us to work in concert with our allies.”
In Darfur, he said, there is a peace keeping force from the African Union attempting “to stop a genocide that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. We could be providing logistical support, setting up a no-fly zone at relatively litte cost to us, but we only do it if we can help mobilize the international community.”
McCain said that the United States “must do whatever we can to prevent genocide, whatever we can to prevent these terrible calamities that we have said ‘never again.” But it also has to be tempered with our ability to beneficially affect the situation.”
He said it is necessary for the next chief executive to understand “what the limits of our capability are….” While “we have to say ‘Never Again’ to Holocaust, ‘Never Again’ to a Rwanda,” McCain said, the United States must also make certain that it doesn’t “make the situation worse.”
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CAMPAIGN 2008
RJC ad blasts Obama on Iran policy
By Suzanne Kurtz
WASHINGTON,, D.C. -- The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) on Tuesday, October 7, released the latest in an ongoing series of national advertisements. These ads are part of a substantial advertising campaign undertaken by the RJC.
The new ad examines the record of anti-Israel statements by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Sen. Barack Obama's stated willingness to meet personally with the Iranian dictator.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad lashed out at Israel recently, saying the Jewish state would not survive.
The Iranian president repeated his previous anti-Israel comments, calling the Holocaust by Nazi Germany during World War II a fabrication and saying that Israel is perpetrating a holocaust on the Palestinian people.
Barack Obama? He says he's willing to meet with Ahmadinejad without any preconditions.
Ahmadinejad said, in 2005, that he believed Israel should be "wiped off the map" and later called the Holocaust "a myth." Most recently, he described the Jewish state as a "germ of corruption" that will be "removed soon."
Obama? He called Iran a "tiny" country that doesn't "pose a serious threat to us the way the Soviet Union posed a threat to us." And Sen. Obama is opposed to critical legislation labeling Iran's Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization.
Should we be surprised about Obama's positions? Obama surrounds himself with anti-Israel advisors like General Tony McPeak, Zbigniew Brzezinski and Robert Malley. And his spiritual mentor was anti-American, anti-Semite Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Barack Obama has not shown the wisdom, experience or strength to stand up to the radicals who would do us harm.
RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said, "Sen. Barack Obama comes to the national stage with a fundamental lack of experience and a naive world view which is most particularly evident with regard to the Middle East and Israel. His perspectives on Iran and on how the U.S. should deal with Iran are causes for real concern."
"Iran is a near-nuclear rogue state that is the chief state sponsor of international terrorism and a significant threat to U.S. interests and allies in Europe and the Middle East. Obama's willingness to meet with the Iranian president and to downplay the threat posed by Iran demonstrate a profound lack of the experience, wisdom, and strength our next president will need to guide our country in the dangerous years ahead." said Brooks.
Kurtz is the press spokesperson for the Republican Jewish Coalition
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National Jewish Democratic Council Responds
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release) Ira N. Forman, Executive Director of the National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC), released the following statement:
Today, the Republican Jewish Coalitions (RJC) unleashed their latest in a series of deceptive attack ads aimed at Senator Barack Obama. The RJC appears to be genetically incapable of telling the truth. In this week’s ad they propagate the false claim that Obama wanted to personally meet with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
In this ad RJC also continues to spread the impression that Obama is against labeling Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. Obama is on record as a co-sponsor of the Iran
Counter-Proliferation Act in March of 2007 that designates the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as terrorist organization.
The RJC is willing to say anything or impugn anyone?s character for partisan gain. Do these guys have any shame?
NJDC ad extols Obama's energy policy
By Aaron Keyak
WASHINGTON, DC (Press Release)—This week, the National Jewish Democratic Council
(NJDC) launched a new ad highlighting the strong support for energy independence by Senator Barack Obama. This is the latest ad in a national ad campaign that will continue to appear in local Jewish
newspapers across the country until Election Day.
"The pursuit of energy independence is among the most important issues facing the Jewish community, and Senator Barack Obama understands that less Middle East oil means a more secure Israel," said Ira N. Forman,Executive Director of NJDC.
The ad, which focuses on energy independence, states:
"Energy independence. Barack Obama understands that less Middle East oil means a more
secure Israel. Reducing our dependence on foreign oil is vital both for America and for strong U.S.-Israel relations. Obama's comprehensive energy plan moves the country to alternative sources of energy and significantly reduces our dependence on Middle East oil, enhancing the
U.S.-Israel relationship. It's time to end our dependence on Middle East oil."
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JERUSALEM DIARIES
Jerusalem sights, sounds of Days of Awe
By Judy Lash Balint
 JERUSALEM—he Days of Awe are drawing to their climactic conclusion, and signs of the impending Day of Judgment may be seen all over the country.
In the days before Yom Kippur, thousands of Torah observant Israelis rush to finish the ritual of kapparot, where human sins are symbolically transferred to a fowl--generally a chicken. It's a custom that does not appear anywhere in the Talmud, but whose origin seems to come courtesy of several 9th century rabbis.
In a parking lot near Jerusalem's Machane Yehuda market, dozens of live chickens are whirled above the heads of men, women and children while a pronouncement is made declaring: "This is my substitute, my vicarious offering, my atonement: This chicken will meet its fate while I will proceed to a good, long life of peace." The chickens are then donated to the needy or redeemed with money that goes to the poor. Meantime, members of the Anonymous Animal Rights Group protest the practice of kapparot as cruelty to animals.
Meanwhile, curious secular Israelis by the hundreds take part in pre-dawn Selichot tours, where they look in on dozens of congregations where the faithful are immersed in penitential prayers chanted to ancient melodies.
In the streets later in the day, men hurry along with towels to the nearest mikveh (ritual bath). Many have already started building their sukkot (booths) in readiness for Sukkot, the one-week festival that starts the week after Yom Kippur. Sukkot structures of all kinds have sprung up on balconies, street corners and in front of cafes. The final decorations and the schach covering will be added right after the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
The busiest kiosks on the streets are those selling shoes made from fabric or plastic--to comply with the prohibition against wearing leather on Yom Kippur.
Strains of chazanut waft out of many windows, as many radio and TV stations broadcast operatic renditions of the well-known Yom Kippur prayers in a variety of styles. Almost every radio and TV channel also features a physician prescribing pre-fast measures to stave off headaches and ensure an easy fast, and advice on the best type of food with which to break the fast.
Many of the rabbis providing commentary on Yom Kippur in the Israeli media emphasize the festive nature of the day--not only the obvious solemnity. Be happy, we're told, that God grants us this grand opportunity to get a new lease on life--the possibility of teshuva (return) shows that Judaism is optimistic and forward-looking and allows for the reformulation of both our interpersonal relationships and our relationship with God. Singing and dancing are the de rigueur ways in which many congregations here, especially those at yeshivot, end the Yom Kippur day, expressing joy at the soul having been uplifted.
Non-observant Israelis are also getting ready for Yom Kippur. As the one day in the year when TV and radio shuts down, they're looking for entertainment. A woman in a halter top and shorts stops at my local newspaper stand to buy three books of crossword puzzles. Video stores are doing brisk business, and bicycle shops are working overtime. There are virtually no motor vehicles on the streets of Israel on Yom Kippur, so it's become a traditional time for mass outings on bikes--new and old. Kids and adults enjoy the one-time freedom of movement for two-wheeled transportation.
There's also the obligatory rehash of stories from the 1973 Yom Kippur War in the press. Every year, commentators review the intelligence failures and questionable political decisions that brought Israel to the brink. "The War That Never Ends," blares the headline of the Magazine section of Haaretz, in a lead-in to an article about a Yom Kippur War vet suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder who finally committed himself to a psychiatric ward after more than 30 years of agony.
As the siren sounds marking the start of the Day of Reckoning and reports of the Iranian threat and the world financial disaster are quieted for at least 25 hours, you may be sure that our prayers will include a plea for a better year than the one before. Beyond that, who knows?
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JNF briefs Australian minister on its efforts to provide environmental scholarships
By Garry Fabian
 CANBERRA - Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water Senator Penny Wong met with the leadership of the Jewish National Fund (JNF) last week in Canberra. While Senator Wong was unable to attend a Parliament House forum on water management in Israel, she did meet participants from a recent JNF Environmental Scholarship Program.
She also spoke briefly with JNF federal president Ron Ferster, JNF chief executive Rob Schneider and past president Michael Naphtali, whose idea it was to establish the JNF Environmental Scholarship Program.
Senator Wong said that she has not visited Israel, but that she would investigate strengthening the relationship between Australia and Israel on environmental issues.
A high-level environmental relationship has already begun, with the assistant secretary of the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Dr Tony McLeod, travelling to Israel earlier this year.
Dr McLeod was one of the participants in the JNF scholarship program and addressed the forum on shared lessons in water management between Australia and Israel.
Three other program scholarship recipients – Ben Fargher, Professor Ray Ison and Dr Paul Sinclair – also spoke at the forum.
The next round of scholarship recipients was announced at the conclusion of the forum. They include environmental scientists and water experts from South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia.
The group of six will tour Israel and participate in the Second International Conference on Deserts, Drylands and Desertification.
The forum concluded a big weekend in Canberra for JNF.
Schneider, together with shaliach Benjy Maor and JNF bequests director Len Mahemoff, facilitated a number of JNF-themed events.
The JNF delegation to Canberra participated in Shabbat services and delivered sermons to both the Orthodox and Progressive congregations.
They worked with the cheder students, assisted at a youth group meeting and led a discussion on Israel’s environmental challenges with the young adult’s social network group, Network Canberra.
According to those present, the highlight of the weekend was a salute to Israel on Sunday. Deputy chief of mission at the Israeli embassy Eli Yerushalmi delivered a briefing on Israel’s current security situation, Schneider spoke about JNF’s environmental and developmental work and Mahemoff, who is also a soloist with Sydney’s Central Synagogue choir, sang a medley of songs in Hebrew, Yiddish and English.
Shul Merger Proposal on hold
SYDNEY - The Great Synagogue congregants remain divided on a proposal to merge their shul with Bondi Mizrachi Synagogue, spurring the shul to defer the vote and set up a committee to deal with unresolved issues.
The move comes after congregants met to vote on Project Renewal, which details plans for The Great to acquire Mizrachi’s existing facilities on Old South Head Road and establish a second shul, The Great Synagogue East, in Bondi.
About 450 congregants attended the meeting -– with about 25 members taking turns to speak for and against the resolution.
At times, the discussion erupted into a heated debate.
Sources said that among the congregants’ concerns were Mizrachi’s financial wellbeing, its declining membership, and whether ultimately there would be an adequate membership to pay for on-going building maintenance costs.
According to sources, there also appeared to be a generational divide between congregants, with younger members arguing in favour of a second shul in the Eastern Suburbs where a large percentage of Sydney’s Jewish population live.
Members of The Great’s ageing population, however, appeared more reluctant.
They argued that having two shuls would only further dilute The Great’s already declining membership in the city.
Others said they felt the shul’s board had failed to keep members fully in the loop.
“I’m disappointed in the lack of information that was given to congregants,” one member said.
“It was the first time we were able to address the board in a meeting of 450, which is just not possible. A lot of questions were left unanswered.”
Failing to resolve the issues, the board passed a motion to adjourn the meeting and establish a committee led by congregant Ronald Sackville to investigate matters further.
The committee is expected to report back to the board with its findings in two months.
“I look forward to working with the committee, and am confident that questions raised by members will be carefully addressed by the committee,” The Great president Rosalind Fischl stated after the meeting.
Meanwhile, Mizrachi congregants are keen to move ahead with the merger, voting 64-19 in favour of the resolution last Sunday.
“We were pleased with the result,” said Mizrachi president Geoff Gordon, who described the meeting as “friendly and amicable."
“I believe everybody had the opportunity to ask their questions.”
However he remained realistic about the proposal’s chances of proceeding. “We would have preferred a decision [from The Great] on the night to move ahead,” he said..
“I don’t believe it’s off the table. There are some issues The Great has to work out, before it goes ahead. I still believe the proposal would be good for both congregations.”
Young footballer on international stage
SYDNEY -Maccabi footballer Laurence Braude made his debut with A-League club Central Coast Mariners' youth squad for the inaugural National Youth League season on Friday night last week.
The rising star had a couple of promising scoring opportunities including the first of the match six minutes in but failed to finish as his side went down 1-0 to Perth Glory.
Braude, 19, played at Maccabi until he was 12, and now finds himself on the cusp of professional A-League football.
"If you were to tell me five years ago that I would be playing at this level, I didn't think it was possible," he said "It's amazing to think what you can do if you are persistent."
The 2007 Emanuel School Captain commutes to Gosford every day from his Sydney home, and now trains with the likes of former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich.
Braude says his first taste of club football has taught him a lot about the world of professional sport.
"Being part of a club has taught me to not just look professional, but to feel professional on and off the field,” he said.
“It's not an act. You've got to be able to do it. Someone like Bosnich, you see the professionalism and you know where you have to get to, to be a professional footballer."
Braude says there is a buzz amongst the squad as they approach the great unknown of their first season in this new competition.
The Youth League provides the Australian A-League clubs with second tier feeder sides for the first time since the inception of the competition in 2005.
Braude's previous club was the Sutherland Sharks in the NSW Premier League, where he played alongside his older brother Jeremy.
He spent the past two years on a scholarship at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, a program that boasts graduates such as Mark Viduka, Lucas Neill and John Aloisi.
The AIS teaches about nutrition and psychological aspects of sport, and the players tasted regular football in the Victorian Premier League.
Best & Fairest Award caps off great season
MELBOURNE - Defender Gary Hughes won his second consecutive North Caulfield Maccabi soccer best and fairest award by a clear margin at Sunday night's vote count.
Hughes was outstanding in the centre of the defence for the entire season, and polled votes in 15 of 22 games to end the night on 47 votes, 14 clear of fellow defender Ryan Abrahams.
Goalkeeper Alex Gutwirth and young midfielder Ari Ritz tied for third, four votes behind Abrahams.
Hughes paid tribute to his teammates and first year coach Andrew Freund, saying he was proud to be part of a team that was both committed and ambitious.
Hughes took the captain's armband mid-season when veteran Greig Rabinowitz had his year ended by a shoulder injury, and led from the front, taking the leadership role in a team whose average age was just 21.
But he was typically selfless in his acceptance speech, saying he believed Abrahams deserved the award for his performances alongside Hughes in the centre of defence.
"I made sure Ryan took the best striker every week to make my job a bit easier, and he beat them all without fail," Hughes said.
Abrahams returned to play all 22 games this season after missing much of last year with a knee injury. He was part of a defence that conceded the second-fewest goals in the competition and can be suitably proud of his efforts.
Gutwirth, who also tied with David Kleitman for the most improved award, was one of the main reasons Maccabi survived the threat of relegation.
In the second half of the season he was probably the best 'keeper in the league.
Ritz won the coach's award, earning enormous praise from Freund.
"For a 19-year-old to run the show in the middle of the park is just enormous," Freund said.
"Lots of other teams came down to our matches just to watch you play, and where you take your soccer from here is up to you because you are very, very talented."
The Shani Harel Hall of Fame award, perhaps the most prestigious honour of the night, was presented to club stalwart Clive Mazin.
MP calls for bi-partisan support for terror conviction
CANBERRA - Jewish MP Michael Danby has called for the Opposition to offer bipartisan support for a recent counterterrorism conviction.
His comments earlier this month in Parliament followed a heated session of Question Time the previous day. The Opposition repeatedly accused Attorney-General Robert McClelland of jeopardising the terrorism case before those convicted had been given the opportunity to appeal their sentences.
During Question Time, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the Opposition would “take exception from time to time with statements from members of the Government."
Rudd added: “I stand entirely by this Government’s position, which is that we will take a hard line on terrorism in the future, without fear or favour.”
Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull has labelled the Government incompetent in its handling of the judgement handed down to Abdul Nacer Benbrika and five of his followers in Victoria’s Supreme Court.
He accused McClelland of putting “a headline ahead of taking on the challenge of terrorism."
In response, Danby told Parliament it was a pity that the good news of a successful terrorism prosecution had been clouded by “a beat-up” over the Attorney-General’s comments.
“That beat-up was inflamed by the new Leader of the Opposition, who, instead of welcoming the conviction of this group, used half of Question Time to score points off the attorney,” Danby said.
Benbrika, who lives in Melbourne, was found guilty earlier this month of intentionally directing the activities of a terrorist group and of being a member of a terrorist organisation. Following the verdicts, the Attorney-General told the media that he welcomed the convictions.
In response to a question from Danby’s fellow Jewish MP Mark Dreyfus, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said the Government was “deeply concerned” that Iran was continuing to pursue a nuclear program.
He said Australia supports the UN sanctions against Iran.
“Australia [also] strongly supports, and has implemented fully, UN Security Council sanctions against Iran, which target Iran’s proliferation sensitive nuclear activities. Australia has also implemented sanctions into domestic law ... which could assist Iran’s nuclear and missile programs,” Smith said.
He made no mention of the Government’s proposed plans to pursue Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in an international court.
Uniting Jews of the Asia-Pacific
SYDNEY -Australia will be instrumental in establishing an Australia-based Asia-Pacific regional office of the World Jewish Congress (WJC).
Robert Goot, president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, tabled a resolution at last week's WJC governing board meeting that set in train a process to establish the office.
The office is expected to be responsible for Jewish communities and Jewish activities in the Asia-Pacific region.
Goot said the plan to establish a WJC Asia Pacific office in Australia -- which will work in conjunction with the ECAJ -- was "critically important for the region and the Jewish community and demonstrated great confidence in the Australian community and its leadership."
Goot expects plans for the Asia-Pacific office to be finalised at the WJC plenary assembly in January in Jerusalem.
Around 100 Jewish leaders and observers from around the world attended last week’s meeting, which was held in Ashkelon.
The location was selected to demonstrate solidarity with the local residents who have recently been under rocket attack from Gaza, and Major General Yoav Galant -- commander of the Israel Defence Forces southern region -- addressed the meeting.
The WJC governing board also held discussions about Israel's position with respect to Iran's nuclear program.
WJC president Ronald Lauder said that economic sanctions against the Iranian regime must be universally embraced.
"We believe in economic sanctions however, these sanctions will be effective only if countries whose representatives have applauded Ahmadinejad will not go around those sanctions," Lauder said at the meeting.
He said it was disappointing for the Jewish world that other United Nations member countries were applauding Ahmadinejad.
The WJC's policy on Iran states that oil-rich countries cannot be permitted to possess nuclear weapons.
The organisation, which represents world Jewry, supports sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency and states that more drastic action should be taken against Iran as a last resort, after the failure of economic and diplomatic sanctions.
The Ashkelon WJC conference also emphasised the ongoing importance of interfaith dialogue and pledged to better coordinate the international interfaith efforts through the WJC Brussels office.
Holiday Havoc - How it impacts on business
MELBOURNE - Closed signs go up, BlackBerry phones are off, emails are down. When it’s Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it’s time for peace, contemplation and celebration. And as some businesses close, work hours are reduced and for most that means money lost, staff holidays increased and clients juggled. Several businesses discuss about surviving the High Holy Days.
THE 1966 AFL Grand Final was the day St Kilda – the football team with the largest Jewish following – defeated Collingwood by one point. The match clashed with the Jewish High Holy Days. According to the story, the Saints’ Ian Synman received a special dispensation to play.
There was a similar quandary in 2003, when Brisbane Lions smashed Collingwood. That particular Grand Final clashed with Rosh Hashanah. “Some will have their festive meal at the MCG,” Rabbi Mordechai Gutnick, president of the Organisation of Rabbis of Australasia, told The Age a leading Melbourne newspaper at the time.
In the legal world, courts have changed hearing dates when they have coincided with Jewish holidays. Former Federal Court judge Ron Merkel said: “In my experience as a barrister and as a judge of the Federal Court, the courts have always been sensitive to the problems of fixing hearing dates when it conflicts with religious holidays of litigants and barristers. When such a conflict has emerged, the courts – all the way up to the High Court – are willing to adjust the hearing dates.”
Jewish holidays are a fact of life and all industries make adjustments. Generally, people find ways to accommodate and deal with the minor disruption. If businesses observe all the Jewish holidays, it can amount to 17 days a year off work with no turnover. And with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Succot all falling in the middle of the week this year, it will mean seven days off for some. While for the less observant, it’s only three days.
Avi Paluch, a partner at Guests Accounting in Caulfield, said his firm closes its doors. No questions asked.
“Any Jewish yom tov, we close and staff know about it,” Paluch said. “Our clients are well informed in advance, so that if there are any issues, hopefully they get them to us before, if not there’s really not an issue that can’t wait one or two days.
So in the worst case, it will hold off. All our clients know our mobiles and our home phones, so that if there is anything, as soon as yom tov finishes, we go on the air and they can contact us if need be.”
The firm’s non-Jewish employees, who number more than 50 per cent, have the days off too.
Law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL) has non-Jewish partners and does not shut down. The Jewish partners, themselves, decide whether to take the time off. ABL partner Philip Chester said the business continues regardless.
“People make their own call”, Chester said, “so there are a number of partners and staff who will take all those days off, me included, and there are ones who aren’t quite as observant who will take some."
Chester said work is planned in a way that allows someone to step in to take over if needed, and clients are accepting of that. “Most people are pretty good that way, Jewish and non-Jewish clients,” he said.
Sol Rabinowicz, chief executive officer at Timbercorp, said the Jewish holidays are not a big deal. He just blocks them into his calendar.
“It doesn’t create a major burden, so far as work is concerned. I know well in advance what the days will be, I block them out and take them as leave,” Rabinowicz said.
“Fundamentally, I’ll spend it with both my family and my wife’s family. Timbercorp has four Jewish employees. We don’t dock our staff annual leave for Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. We give them additional paid leave.”
As a senior executive, Rabinowicz manages to switch effortlessly between the Australian corporate world and Jewish traditions.
“There is that constant battle between business always being on my mind seven days a week, 365 days of the year, versus the need to switch off. I do actually make quite a concerted effort on both Jewish holidays and weekends to switch off ... I’ve got four young kids, so as soon as I walk through the door my mind is very much on the family.”
Simeon Pollack, owner of Simeons Florists in Elsternwick, said Rosh Hashanah was one of his best days of the year. So what allowances does he make?
“My allowances are that it’s busy,” he said. “It’s like a Mother’s Day for me, not as busy as Mother’s Day, but a good one.”
“I don’t close the doors because of yom tov, but Sunday and Monday will be really busy and Tuesday will be busy ... I will take the Tuesday and probably half the Wednesday off and my staff will run the shop while I am not there,” Pollack added.
Gary Freedland, owner of Cafe Bondi, said he expected this year to be better because he had to close on Saturday last year – his second busiest day of the week – because of Yom Kippur.
“That hurt,” Freedland said. “I would much rather have it on a weekday, than a weekend. Sunday is my busiest day.
“It depends on what business you’ve got and where the business is located.”
Freedland said his staff just took the day off. “And 99 per cent of them were happy with that.”
On the other hand, Freedland’s Sydney eateries in Bondi and Rose Bay (next year, he opens one in Kings Cross) are open on Christmas Day, when most other businesses are shut. “Christmas is my busiest day of the year,” he said.
Yom Kippur do's and don'ts
MELBOURNE—In the coming week, Jews the world over will observe Yom Kippur by fasting from sunset on Wednesday, October 8, until nightfall on Thursday, October 9.
But while the fast is always about 25 hours duration – for Australian Jews, it will appear longer this year because, for the second time in history, Yom Kippur falls within the daylight-saving period.
So while exact times vary from city to city, it will finish around 8pm, rather than around 7pm, as is normally the case.
Of course, the positive aspects of this change mean there will be more time to fulfil the mitzvah of eating on erev Yom Kippur. And on the day itself, most shuls will find time for a longer break between the Musaf and Mincha services.
Eating and drinking aside, there are a number of other restrictions. The best known of these is the prohibition on wearing leather shoes. So be prepared for the strange sight of people in their finery walking around Bondi or Caulfield – in running shoes or slippers.
A FEW HINTS FOR THE FAST
At the pre-fasting festive meal, eat a moderate portion of food, so as not to speed up the digestion process. Also, don’t drink any coffee or coke because caffeine is a diuretic.
Heavy coffee drinkers can also avoid the dreaded headache by slowly reducing the amount of coffee consumption over the week leading up to Yom Kippur.
Drinking lukewarm water with some sugar in it before the fast can help reduce thirst.
If a person is ill, and a doctor is of the opinion that fasting may endanger their life, then the patient should eat or drink small amounts at nine-minute intervals. Consult your rabbi if you’re unsure.
Now what about a case where the patient’s opinion conflicts with the doctor? If the patient is certain he needs to eat to prevent a danger to health, then we rely on their word, even if the doctor disagrees.
And in the opposite scenario – if the patient refuses to eat, despite doctors’ warnings – then we persuade the patient to eat, since it is possible that their judgment is impaired due to illness.
Toben could face jail in Australia and Germany
MELBOURNE - The dramatic arrest of Australian Holocaust denier Fredrick Toben on board a plane at Heathrow Airport in London on Wednesday night could result in his extradition to Germany on charges of Holocaust denial.
Toben, 64, of Adelaide, had been in transit at Heathrow after arriving from the United States and was arrested just after boarding a flight to Dubai.
Appearing before a City of Westminster magistrate in London hours after his arrest, Toben said he did not consent to being extradited to Germany, where he believes he would not receive a fair trial.
Toben, who spent seven months in a German prison in 1999 for Holocaust denial, could face further imprisonment there.
In Germany, unlike Australia, denying the Holocaust is classified as a criminal act.
District judge Nicholas Evans denied bail and remanded Toben to reappear in the London court to face extradition charges on Friday.
A representative of the District Court of Mannheim in Germany, Tina Whybrow, said Toben is accused of computer-related crime, racism and xenophobia.
The charges relate specifically to anti-Semitic material posted on his Adelaide Institute website between 2002-04, relating to Holocaust denial.
Toben's arrest warrant, issued by the European Union, alleged that the materials "approve or play down above all the mass murder of the Jews, planned and implemented, by the national socialist rulers”.
It is understood that the arrest might impact on contempt proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against Toben by Jeremy Jones, a former president of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ).
Jones launched the contempt action against Toben in 2006, when Toben returned to Australia after speaking at a Holocaust denial conference staged in Teheran by the Iranian regime.
The civil action alleged repeated violations of a Federal Court order four years earlier that Toben remove Holocaust denial material from the Adelaide Institute website and not post new material.
Jones was ECAJ president when the communal roof body won a 2002 Federal Court proceeding against Toben.
At the time, Justice Catherine Branson ruled that the material posted on his website was likely to "offend, humiliate and intimidate" Australia's Jewish community.
It is understood that the 23-month-old civil contempt case before the Federal Court, launched by Jones in October 2006, could be impacted in different ways by Toben's arrest and by a possible conviction in Germany.
If the Federal Court rules that Toben has breached its 2002 order, it will be open to the court to impose a penalty, possibly including a prison sentence to be served after Toben has served his time in Germany.
Alternatively, the Australian court might decide to delay its sentencing until after a German sentence has been served by Toben.
As the penalty phase of Toben's Federal Court proceeding is being held separately from the liability phase, the court could rule that Toben is in contempt but that it cannot hold a penalty hearing while Toben is in jail, as it would be his right to give evidence as to why he should not serve prison time as a result of the contempt action.
Australia's nuclear free agenda
CANBERRA - Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has used his trip to the United Nations to promote the Australian Government’s effort in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.
While Rudd referred to Iran only once in his speech to the UN General Assembly, he used the trip to take concrete steps towards setting up the International Commission on Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, naming the 15 commissioners.
“We remain concerned that states, such as Iran and North Korea, continue to defy the international community and fail to comply with demands for a full declaration and accounting of their nuclear programs,” Rudd told the General Assembly.
“As a middle power and as a long-standing member of the NPT [Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty], Australia is committed to working with other nations towards the goal of the eventual abolition of nuclear weapons,” he said.
Rudd addressed the General Assembly on the day after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad again used the UN to launch an assault on the West and Israel.
Neither Rudd nor Foreign Minister Stephen Smith were in the audience during the Iranian president’s address.
Ahmadinejad told the General Assembly that his country, which is known to be building nuclear facilities, is “committed to contributing actively to the promotion of peace and stability in the region”.
He went on to say that “terror is part of [Israel’s] pronounced and routine policy” in the region, and accused the Jewish State of murdering women and children and demolishing houses and burning farms.
“In Palestine, a durable peace will be possible through justice, an end to discrimination and the occupation of Palestinian land, the return of all Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a democratic Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif [Jerusalem] as its capital,” he said.
The Iranian president also called the NPT “an apartheid regime” and called for a new UN committee to be appointed to look into Israel’s nuclear program.
“This committee should also be asked to investigate as to how – contrary to the NPT – material, technology and equipment for nuclear weapons were transferred to the Zionist regime, and to propose practical measures for the establishment of a nuclear-weapons-free zone in the Middle East,” he said.
Following Ahmadinejad’s speech, Dr Danny Lamm, president of the State Zionist Council of Victoria, released a statement of condemnation to all Victorian media outlets.
The statement said Ahmadinejad’s speech took conspiracy theories set out in the anti-Semitic Protocols of the Elders of Zion and blamed the world’s problems on the Jewish people and Israel.
He called on Rudd to follow through on his stated intention of bringing Ahmadinejad before the international justice system.
“The international standing afforded to Ahmadinejad has got to stop, enough is enough,” Dr Lamm said.
“It is time to take diplomatic action against Ahmadinejad to the next level. He should immediately be isolated diplomatically, while charges of incitement to genocide are thoroughly examined.”
Media reports suggested this week that one of the world’s most prominent Holocaust survivors, Elie Wiesel, urged an American rally to indict Ahmadinejad on charges of incitement to genocide.
It is understood that the Rudd Government is still considering legal and other advice with regards to a legal challenge.
How elections are run "Down Under"
MELBOURNE—While obviously not having any input on the elections and the pros and cons of the candidates, I would like to reflect on the different electoral system differences between the US and Australia.
One of the main differences is the comment about voter turn out. In the Australian electoral system, voting is compulsory. To define this is that you are required to attend a poLling booth and have you name marked off on the roll, or lodge a postal vote.
Naturally you cannot be compelled to actually mark the ballot paper before placing it in the box.
However, if you do not attend the polling station or lodge a postal or absentee vote, you can be fined.
If you fail to attend to vote, a letter asking for an explanation will be forwarded, asking you to explain why you failed to vote. If your explanation is not acceptable you will be issued with a $50 fine for failing to vote.
If your are over 70 years of age, voting is not compulsory but optional and no default notice will be issued.
As elections in Australia are held on Saturdays, Orthodox Jews have the option of lodging postal voters, or pre-polling day votes, with these opportunities available two to three weeks prior to election day at a range of poling booths in most areas.
Also the voting system differs to the extent that votes are cast for individual candidates in each electorate, bases on the preference system, where votes of candidates with lower votes are distributed to another or more candidates as indicated on the ballot paper. Unless a number is placed against every name on the ballot paper, the vote is declared informal and not included in the count.
The political party in the lower house with the majority of candidates is invited by the Governor General to form a government.
The Parliamentary party with the majority of seats elects a leader, who will be the Prime Minster, who allocates portfolios the members of their party, who become Ministers looking after specific portfolios.
Senators for the upper house are elected for each State and Territory to represent their state
SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY
Bogomolny and Decker semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship competition
LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS
SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGES
XLNC-1 RADIO
Thursdays* with the songs of Hal Wingard
#295 Time To Think
We take no time to contemplate,
To simply sit and think.
And if we do, it’s never more
Than time it takes to blink.
. . . . . time it takes to blink.
But thinking is a worthy act
Apart from other action.
To spice the day with time for thought
Can bring great satisfaction.
. . . . .bring great satisfaction.
And you will learn, as others have,
How thinking brings you power,
When you do nothing else each day
But think for half an hour.
. . . think for half an hour.
Just think. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . for half an hour.
#311, Father-Son Advice
You’ve come of age, at last, my son.
It’s time we had a chat.
The issue’s simply you and girls.
I once was where you’re at.
Now you’ve come of age.
So let me share what I have learned--
Some father-son advice--
For if you don’t take special care,
You’ll pay a pretty price.
Now you’ve come of age.
Let’s say you meet a charming girl
And want to start romance.
Be sure you know ahead of time
Just where you’ll hang your pants.
Now you’ve come of age.
You’ve come of age, at last, my son.
It’s time we had a chat.
Now you’ve come of age.
Now you’ve come of age.
#300, Medical Advice
The result of random sex
Can be risky and complex,
If you haven't taken care.
'Though you blundered only once,
With the pass of weeks or months
You'll regret the quick affair.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease
You may break out in a rash,
Maybe see a sudden flash,
Sense a throbbing in your knee.
Or your head may start to ache,
You'll feel weak each step you take,
Feel a pain each time you pee.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease
In the game of random sex
No participant suspects
That the players never win.
If you think that you're immune,
You may find out all too soon
What a looser you have been.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease
So then what is there to do?
Is there any way that you
Can protect against this ill?
Simply follow my advice.
You'll avoid the painful price
Of a shallow fleeting thrill.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease
Keep your panties on your hip,
Making sure they never slip
From the place they're meant to be.
Keep your shorts where they belong.
And you'll live a life that's long
Never getting S T D.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease.
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted--
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted--
Sex-u-a-lly-trans-mi-tted-di-sease.
RHODES MARKETING GROUP
JEWISH-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Sukkot Mixer on Thursday 10/16 @ 5:30 p.m.
INTERNATIONAL/ CAMPAIGN 2008
Israel handled its bank crisis much better; by J. Zel Lurie in Delray Beach, Florida
Now it's nuclear India, front and center; by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.
JUDAISM
The dramatic story of the Kol Nidre, by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego, with a recording of him chanting the well known Yom Kippur melody
A stereotype in time for Yom Kippur by Rabbi Simcha Weinstein in New York
ARTS
Third Story was about three too many by Carol Davis in La Jolla, California
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: Labor Zionist Organization
—February 24, 1950: Inside AZA by Leonard Naiman
—February 24, 1950: Temple Beth Israel Sisterhood by Lillian Heiman
—February 24, 1950: JCRA by Anna B. Brooks
COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Free Transportation To Yom Kippur Services for Older Adults!
San Diego Jewish Academy: DeTar returns from Bronfman Youth Fellowship summer in Israel
Tifereth Israel Synagogue: Does the Torah Really Say That? - An Exploration of Midrash Agadah
INTERNATIONAL
Democrats, please speak up on Israel! by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
Israel's justice ministry in disarray about what to do about the Katsav scandal; by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
JUDAISM
55-year quest resumed, circle completed by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego
ARTS
Dying City juxtaposes Iraq war, and wars we fight in our homes by Carol Davis in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: S.D. Birdie Stodel Bnai Brith, Chapter No. 92
—February 24, 1950: Tifereth Israel Synagogue
—February 24, 1950: Pioneer Women (Negba) Club
—February 24, 1950: Defy Income Tax Blues
COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Family Service: Free Transportation To Yom Kippur Services for Older Adults!
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Soille Hebrew Day preschoolers enjoyed sounds, aroma of Rosh Hashanah
Tifereth Israel Synagogue: October 11 Midrash Shabbat Program: The Ushpizin
INTERNATIONAL
Arab, Jewish children join in peace performance in Jerusalem; by Dorothea Shefer-Vanson in Jerusalem
NATIONAL/ CAMPAIGN 2008
RJC, NJDC unveil new ad campaigns (from news releases), with links to video clips
JUDAISM
What about the deeds we failed to do? by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in San Diego
Yom Kippur thoughts on foregiveness; by Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego
SAN DIEGO
Award-winning religion writer urges clergy to become more 'relevant'; by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
SPORTS
A bissel sports trivia with Bruce Lowitt in Oldsmar, Florida
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: Who’s New
—February 24, 1950: Brotherhood In Action
—February 24, 1950: Toy Shower
—February 24, 1950: Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary by Binnie Brooks
—February 24, 1950: News of the Fox by John Kluchin
—February 24, 1950: Tifereth Israel Men’s Club
COMMUNITY WATCH
Jewish Community Foundation: Government and Philanthropy - Setting a Common Agenda
Jewish Family Service: Free Transportation To Yom Kippur Services for Older Adults
San Diego Rabbinical Association: San Diego Rabbinical Association tells Kever Avot/ Imahot service schedule
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: How Rosh Hashanah was celebrated in Soille’s Hebrew classes
Tifereth Israel Synagogue: Israel Advocacy and Israeli Dance
Friday, October 3, 2008 (Vol. 2, No. 237)
INTERNATIONAL/ CAMPAIGN 2008
Biden, Palin clash over whether Bush policies successful in Israel, Middle East; by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
The shamelessness of the RJC; by Ira Forman in Washington D.C.
JUDAISM
Weighing ourselves on the moral scale; by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego
LIFESTYLES
How to embrace life in the midst of loss; by Sara Appel-Lennon in San Diego
DINING OUT
Chefs join a pair of fun fundraisers; by Lynne Thrope in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: Congregation Beth Jacob
—February 24, 1950: San Diego Bay City Bnai Brith Women
—February 24, 1950: Temple Beth Israel
—February 24, 1950: Daughters of Israel
COMMUNITY WATCH
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Beautiful Rosh Hashanah creations made in Soille Hebrew Day’s art classes
INTERNATIONAL
Suing the terrorists for their assets; by Larry Stirling in San Diego
Moviemaker tells impressions of Jews in Andhra Pradesh; by Jonas Pariente in Chebrole, India
A Bene Israel educator in Andhra Pradesh; by Sharon Galsulkar in Chebrole, India
CAMPAIGN 2008
Coping with a Conservative Supreme Court; by David Benkof in New York
ARTS
Thursdays With the Songs of Hal Wingard
—#182, I'll Stay As I Am
—#44, The Prince and the Rose
—#265, Change
Christian production, This Beautiful City, presented at the Kirk Douglas Theatre; by Cynthia Citron in Culver City, California
COMMUNITY WATCH
Lawrence Family JCC: Special event October 12: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra program, a prelude at the Lawrence Family JCC to the November 2 performance at the Civic Center
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: What’s happening in Soille Hebrew Day’s Middle School science classes?
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: Hadassah Presents Fourth Annual Premiere March 26
—February 24, 1950: Letter to the Editor from Victor Schulman
—February 24, 1950: Jolly Sixteen
INTERNATIONAL
•Analyzing Olmert's stunning turnaround by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
•Israel's flag waves over Wilshire Blvd by Cynthia Citron in Los Angeles
•U.S. staffs missile alert system in Israel by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.
•The Jews Down Under by Garry Fabian in Melbourne, Australia:
—New York boy's Melbourne bar mitzvah
—Novelist praised, slammed after sex-abuse allegations
—Australian students flock to Israel
—Melbourne Culinary Institution relocates
—Retail hub planned for Jewish adults with disabilities
—Turnbull pledges to stay true to Jewish community
—Three Perth women honoured
—ECAJ participates in national dialogue
—Community mourns education warrior
CAMPAIGN 2008
•NJDC's Forman protests RJC tactics; RJC releases new anti-Obama advertisement letter from Ira Forman and article by Suzanne Kurtz, both in Washington D.C.
•San Diego Council candidate Emerald found the way to her mother's Judaism by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
JUDAISM
•But how do the fish like Tashlich? by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
LIFESTYLES
•60th college reunion reignites memories of dating, USO dances, career expectations by Natasha Josefowitz, Ph.D.
ARTS
•Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, due in SD in November, provided Holocaust refuge by Eileen Wingard
• Holocaust testimonies surpressed by Soviets now in The Unknown Black Book by David Strom in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
—February 24, 1950: Reform Congregations in Bid for United Religious Front
—February 24, 1950: Notice {Newspaper Merger}
—February 24, 1950: Mrs. Selma Getz Heads Women’s Division of UJF
—February 24, 1950: Allocations Committee Sets New Pattern
COMMUNITY WATCH
•Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Math Marathon at Soille Hebrew Day
Link to previous editions
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SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—San Diego Jewish Academy is extremely proud to wish mazel tov to seniors Shiri Bogomolny (left) and Brenna Decker who were recently named 2009 National Merit Scholarship Competition semifinalists. 
Editor's Note: We continue our presentation of the songs of Hal Wingard, moving this week to matters of advice. Here is 
