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INTERNATIONAL
Tallying positives, negatives in quest for Mideast peace ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem Depending on perspective, there has been significant movement in the Israel-Palestinian peace process during the most recent decade, or not. READ MORE
Squarely facing the issue of Gaza civilian casualties ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem As I’ve written before, though Israelis – among whom I count myself – are critical of their country because they love it, diaspora Jews – and I’m one of them, too – find criticism of Israel close to betrayal of Judaism. READ MORE A spin through Byzantine ruins on the approach of Pesach ... by Ulla Hadar in Lachish, Israel Recently someone told me about a place called Horbat bet Loya, which is located in the eastern part of the Lachish region, on a hill 400 meters above sea level. The area of Lachish is well known for a many underground caves and many excavations have been done. READ MORE
A scorecard on President Obama's first trip overseas ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington D.C.
There were things not to like about the President's maiden voyage abroad: He assumed American responsibility for sour relations with the French and Germans over Iraq, blaming the U.S. invasion. But they deserved the opprobrium of the United States ... READ MORE
PASSOVER
Remembering my parents' Yiddish-accented seders ... by Dan Schaffer in San Diego There was delicious food. There were my parents and their friends. There was sweet wine, kosher for Pesach. At that age (I was 12 or 13), drinking a few small glasses of wine was my tiny stab at rebellion and showing off. READ MORE ARTS Enjoying classical music that is both serious and accessible ... by David Amos in San Diego
It is always very refreshing to hear classical music as it is interpreted by a younger artist with fresh ideas. This was the case in the San Diego Symphony concert in the series titled “Symphony Exposed."READ MORE
Classical expressiveness, jazzy sassiness in Leibowitz CD ... by Eileen Wingard in San Diego
Marian Liebowitz’s high level of artistry was evident to concert-goers when she served as principal clarinet of the San Diego Symphony for a brief stint before opting for the academic life. READ MORE
THE CO-PUBLISHERS' MAILBOX
College Avenue Older Adult Center tells May schedule READ MORE
Want to improve your math skills? Here are puzzles that you can try READ MORE
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
December 26, 1952; Southwestern Jewish Press
Regional Federations Meet in Fresno Jan. 8 READ MORE
Beth Jacob Sisterhood READ MORE
Pioneer Women READ MORE
Birdie Stodel B.B. READ MORE
City of Hope READ MORE
{Untitled Humor} READ MORE
Historic Ads-Solof's, Golden State Upholstery & Drapery VIEW
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
Chesty Morgan meets a man at a dance in "Double Agent 73." VIEW VIDEO
Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President John F. KennedyVIEW VIDEO
Ron Moody reviews the situation as a somewhat loveable Faigin in "Oliver"VIEW VIDEO
Yvonne Mitchell as the disorganized housewife in "Woman in a Dressing Gown"VIEW VIDEO
STAFF BOX
While attending the Jewish Film Festival in La Jolla, Sara Appel-Lennon saw the film "Heir to an Execution" and wrote a poem the same night--a poem that ran in her column last week. The film was directed by Ivy Meeropol, the grand-daughter of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg. Here is a link to a statement by Michael and Robert Meeropol, the sons of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg, which we had intended to run with Sara's column.
JERUSALEM—Depending on perspective, there has been significant movement in the Israel-Palestinian peace process during the most recent decade, or not. The Road Map to Peace (2002) and the Annapolis Conference (2007) set the governments of Israel and the Palestine National Authority to a process of peaceful negotiation, and an agreement in principle about the creation of a Palestinian state.
That's the good news.
The other news is that, as far as us ordinary citizens know, there has been no significant movement beyond the declarations of principle. As I read the news, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert made offers that were controversial in Israel for going too far in regard to territories and refugees that Palestinian officials dismissed as not sufficient.
The other bad news comes from Gaza, the bloody split of its leadership from the West Bank, its renunciation of peace with Israel, thousands of rockets sent toward Israel and more than a thousand Gazans killed in Israel's response.
At least part of the explanation of the electorate's move to the right in the recent election is a feeling that the peace process has gone nowhere, and that continued Israeli concessions will not end it well.
Now Avigdor Lieberman is at center stage. He is the foreign minister, and the point man in the government of Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu, telling the world that Israel must rethink the peace process. His announcement that decisions of the Annapolis Conference do not bind Israel insofar as the government never accepted them comes along with the prime minister's comments that it is wiser to invest in improving the Palestinian economy and governance than working toward the declaration of a Palestinian state.
Barack Obama has been prominent among world leaders in responding that the creation of a Palestinian state is the key to peace.
We do not know how this will end.
While thinking about it, however, it is helpful to recognize that President Obama and Foreign Minister Lieberman share some traits even while they differ in others. Obama's ascent to the presidency on the theme of Change is not all that different from Lieberman's claim to "tell it as it is."
Both came to office from outside the establishment. Obama's racial traits were, arguably, about as far from the conventional in the United States as Lieberman's position in the community of more than one million Russian speakers who came to Israel in the most recent 15 years. Lieberman actually arrived earlier, in 1978, during a lull in immigration from the former Soviet Union. He reached the
headlines as head of the prime minister's office during Netanyahu's first term, 1996-99. Subsequently, Lieberman entered the Knesset as founder and dominant figure in Israel Beitenu (Israel Our Home). The party won 15 seats in the most recent election, and became the second largest party in Netanyahu's coalition.
Lieberman's comments may be no more important than a small stone thrown into a puddle. After the ripples reach the end of the puddle and bounce back toward the center, the puddle reverts to its previous condition.
Both Netanyahu and Lieberman are talking about continued efforts at reaching peace with the Palestinians, even while they say that it may take a while for the new government to define its postures in this and other matters.
Several things are likely to keep the ripples contained. Netanyahu has proved himself to be enough of a pragmatist so that he is not likely to break the rules of dependence on the big uncle. Also pragmatic are President Obama, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, Nicolas Sarkozy, Angela Merkel, Silvio Berlusconi, and other worthies who express themselves about Israel and Palestine. As such, they may recognize what Lieberman and Netanyahu are saying, even though their many political commitments keep them from saying it out loud, in public.
What can we expect?
Most likely, there will be further efforts at dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Arrangements at lower levels, between officials concerned with policing, water, and sewage may go more smoothly than conversations between elected politicians about the sensitive issues of borders and refugees.
There are efforts at violence. Occasionally an incident slips through the nets of Israeli intelligence and security. Commentators who claim to know say that Palestinians are helping to minimize violence less than in the past, perhaps reflecting the leadership's frustration at the lack of Israeli concessions. If recent history repeats itself, there may be an uptick in violence, perhaps even another intifada, accompanied by an uptick in Israeli response. Palestinians would be wise if they noticed what the IDF did in Gaza, but Palestinians are not always wise.
At the Seder , it's likely that many argued about what may have happened 3,500 years ago, and what is likely to happen in the next six months.
Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. His email is irashark@gmail.com
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FROM THE SIDELINES
Squarely facing the issue of Gaza civilian casualties
JERUSALEM—As I’ve written before, though Israelis – among whom I count myself – are critical of their country because they love it, diaspora Jews – and I’m one of them, too – find criticism of Israel close to betrayal of Judaism. If I say anything in public as an Israeli, some diaspora Jews will find my e-mail address and let me have a piece of their mind. Ironically, those who write in response to my columns in The Toronto Star often accuse me of being in the pay of “the Zionist occupation” and urge the editors to dismiss me forthwith. My Israel-diaspora schizophrenia is obviously showing.
Let this be an introduction to the grave matter that was the subject of my concern on the eve of this Passover. It started with a report in Ha’aretz about a group of veterans from the Gaza war telling of atrocities committed, not by themselves but by other soldiers. I was prepared to believe them, especially after having seen photographs taken by reliable person who was there that gave some support to the allegations.
Not long afterwards, however, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a report of its own that rejected the allegations and insisted that the IDF always acts according to the highest ethical standards. Though, like so many others, I was surprised at the haste with which the IDF report was issued, I had no reason to doubt its veracity and still feel that it’s more authoritative than the second-hand reports at the meeting that prompted the Ha’aretz piece. When in doubt I always believe the IDF.
But on Wednesday the same paper published an article by Michael Walzer, distinguished professor at Princeton, a friend of Israel and the author of an important book about just and unjust wars, and Avishai Margalit, philosophy professor emeritus at Hebrew University, now also at Princeton. They suggest that the problem may be systemic.
In support they cite an article that appeared a few years ago by Professor Assa Kasher and General Amos Yadlin, the former the author of the IDF Code of Ethics, the latter once in charge of army education. The two argued that the safety of “our” soldiers must always precede that of “their” civilians. According to that formula, civilians on the enemy side can be put at risk in order to safeguard soldiers on the IDF side. The question is now: has this formula guided the soldiers in Gaza and caused civilian casualties? Or were these casualties caused by the cynical use of civilians by the Hamas fighters?
Walzer and Margalit are very critical of the Kasher-Yadlin approach. They insist that, according to all rules of war, civilians on both sides are considered to be innocent bystanders who must be protected as much as possible by all soldiers. There can be no distinction in the treatment of civilians whether they’re “ours” or “theirs.”
If the argument of the two Princeton professors is correct, the issue isn’t whether or not some or many IDF soldiers
misbehaved, but whether the underlying IDF ethos is correct. Once again, I’m not in a position to take sides, but I’ve read enough of both Walzer and Margalit to treat their opinions with utmost respect.
Why deal with this issue now? As I understand Jewish tradition, chametz (leaven) that has to be cleared out before we can celebrate freedom is never only a matter of ritual and always a question of morality. Walzer and Margalit make an oblique reference to it. This is a feeble attempt to follow in their footsteps.
Marmur is rabbi emeritus of the Holy Blossom Congregation in Toronto. He divides his time between Canada and Israel email: marmurd@sandiegojewishworld.com please click the ad above Please click the ad above Please click on ad above
ANCIENT SHIP—Mosaic from ruins of ancient Byzantine church is one of the treasures under the sands of Horbat bet Loya
FROM THE GATES OF THE NEGEV
A spin through Byzantine ruins on the approach of Pesach
LACHISH, Israel--Recently someone told me about a place called Horbat bet Loya, which is located in the eastern part of the Lachish region, on a hill 400 meters above sea level. The area of Lachish is well known for a many underground caves and many excavations have been done. Horbat Bet Loya according to archeological documentation contains seven columbarium caves, five olive presses, two ritual baths, two stables, quarries, numerous cisterns and underground tunnels.
In the morning prior to our Pesach seder which included the traditional eating of gefillte fish and kneidelach, my husband Rafi and my daughter’s boyfriend, Ravve Arif, and I decided to see Horbat Bet Loya for ourselves.
We parked near Moshav Shekef which is situated only a few hundred meters from the green borderline. Leaving the moshav was a challenge, as it is enclosed with electrical gates in all possible directions, and there is an army base nearby. The open areas surrounding Moshav Sekef and nearby Moshav Amaziya are used for training purposes during the week. It is possible to visit here only on the weekends and holidays when no training is carried out.
The reason that there are absolutely no signs showing which direction to go or how get to the different excavations is probably because the area is used by the army.
STARTING OUT—Rafi Hadar, front, and Ravve Arif set out for Horbat Bet Loya from Moshav Shekef.
Starting out in the most beautiful sunshine and pleasant temperatures, we rode for approximately ten kilometers before ascending a small hill to Horbat Bet Loya.
We immediately found some of the ruins including an olive press, a ritual bath, several living quarters and a columbarium. Continuing about 100 meters farther west, a flat piece of land revealed the site and remnants of an ancient Byzantine church. Apparently the church was built around 500 C.E. and was abandoned a couple of hundred years later.
Quite a huge piece of land was covered with sand. To remove the sand it is recommended to bring a broom, however being on bikes our cargo did not include any brooms. Instead, we used the leftover tools former visitors had abandoned at the site (broken brooms, pieces of cloths etc).
SWEEPING—Rafi Hadar brushes away the sand to reveal a Byzantine-era mosaic.
Slowly the three of us started to brush the sand to the sides and a
true treasure was revealed before our eyes. We found a magnificent mosaic floor very intact, containing ornamentations, figures and drawings.
Where the entrance of the church once was, there were illustrations of many animal figures. It is possible to find a tiger, a wolf, fish, a boat in the open sea with the wind blowing at the sails, and two birds sipping water from the same goblet.
At the left side of the church where the clock tower once stood, an inscription in Greek says: "G-d will protect your exit and entrance” – a quote from the Book of Tehilim.
Before leaving the site, one takes great care to re-cover this fantastic piece of art with the sand. This way the mosaic floor is protected from the elements.
Our trip continued through dirt roads winding themselves over the rocky hills. Apart from us there were only a few more people touring the area as the first Passover seder would be that evening and probably most of the population was preparing itself for the coming holiday.
We ended our ride in the area of the Amaziya forest overlooking huge fields of poppies and wild chrysanthemum, dotted occasionally with other kinds of wild flowers. This forest was founded in 1956 and contains a total area of 5500 dunams. There are approximately four dunams to the acre.
The Adurayim dam built in the 1960s collecting water from the Adurayim River into a small lake. This water is used to irrigate the numerous vineyards, and surrounding fields of the Lachish area.
The forest contains such wild life as deer, rabbits, quail, jackals and many song birds. The name of the forest originates from Amaziya King of Yehuda who was killed at Lachish located near this forest.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—There were things not to like about the President's maiden voyage abroad:
He assumed American responsibility for sour relations with the French and Germans over Iraq, blaming the U.S. invasion. But they deserved the opprobrium of the United States for failing to carry out UN Resolutions to which they were signatories, France pulling a bait-and-switch on Secretary of State Powell, and later admitting that officials in both governments were profiting from the Oil for Food scandal. French and German behavior, as much as ours, resulted in the chill.
In Turkey, he pressed for full Turkish membership in the European Union - not an organization in which the United States has a vote, and a slap at the French and Germans with whom he had just made nice.
He gave away a lot to the Russians "on the come," so to speak and didn't get anything back that we could see.
He said quite a lot about Islam, and a lot about his desire to have good relations with countries in which Islam is the chief (or only) religion. He talked to them about American slavery and torture, but nothing about the intolerance bred in Islamic countries toward the freedoms and diversity that Americans cherish. He did all that in Turkey - a constitutionally secular country with an historic tolerance for religious minorities.
On the other hand (there is always another hand):
He did get some (small and grudging) help for Afghanistan and his view of a solution to the global economic crisis.
As Turkey and Armenia slowly maneuver toward full diplomatic relations, he declined to repeat comments he made as a candidate. Two sovereign states should discuss their shared history and their future.
Fully aware that he was carried live on al Jazeera, he reminded the Arab and Muslim world that Israel is not "behind all the problems in the Middle East."
On the third hand:
The President was extremely informal with the sovereign of America's best long-term ally (you're not supposed to touch the Queen of England) but bowed deep and long to a despotic Saudi king.
The rhetoric about continuing missile defense, voiced in the Czech Republic where the pro-American government fell over the stationing of radars, rang hollow in light of the "proven and cost effective" caveat on its deployment and the North Korean missile launch that took place while he was talking.
He repeated his "two state solution" to the Arab-Israel conflict and told his "Jewish friends" that they need to look at the conflict through the eyes of the Palestinians - a false symmetry that bodes very ill for the future.
And, finally, a fourth hand:
Visiting American soldiers in Iraq, President Obama finally acknowledged that what they are doing there is important, and their sacrifices and their victory should not be squandered for a campaign pledge inconsistent with his responsibilities as Commander in Chief. They cheered and we were ready to cheer too as he told them, "Under enormous strain and under enormous sacrifice, through controversy and difficulty and politics, you've kept your eyes focused on
just doing your jobs. You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country."
Yes they did. And for his acknowledgement of their extraordinary strength, perseverance and capabilities, we are grateful.
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 JINSAsupporter and national board member
SAN DIEGO—There was delicious food. There were my parents and their friends. There was sweet wine, kosher for Pesach. At that age (I was 12 or 13), drinking a few small glasses of wine was my tiny stab at rebellion and showing off. Sometimes I was the youngest so I would read the four questions in Hebrew. We called them the feer kashes because the adults at my childhood seders were nearly always native Yiddish speakers. I remember those times with real fondness. I’ve got to admit, though, that one other memory shares the stage with those happy ones: boredom.
It wasn’t that I was a dull kid who didn’t know what was going on. The deeper social, religious and historical significance of our having been freed from slavery in Egypt hadn’t hit me yet, but the basic Pesach story was clear. Other things weren’t quite so apparent, like the difference between maror and haroset. The order of the seder was important only because I wanted to know when the main food course would be coming. Before the meal, the Haggadah readings were interminable for me.
If the readings had been in Hebrew, and if there had been explanations at frequent intervals, it would have been sufficient. If there had been clearly enunciated Hebrew, and if we had been able to follow the English translations in the Maxwell House Haggadah, that would have been more than enough. But it was quite the opposite—what we usually got was fast Ashkenazi-accented Hebrew, garbled by sonorous mumbling.
You might think that the speed of the readings would have relieved the boredom for one lost in translation. Not so. The readers made up for their speed by including every bit of the Haggadah in their seder declamations.
As I look back 60 years, I see that those middle-aged men (my father was then near 60) were trying to do a couple of things. They wanted to recreate the seders of their childhood years in Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Life was immeasurably better here than there, but they could be with their parents, siblings and other mispocheh in spirit again.
The second reason for the long seder was to do what seders had done for dozens of generations: pass the story on to the next generation. These men wanted very much for us children to know that pivotal event in our collective memory and the importance of Judaism. They weren’t trained as teachers and may not have been aware of how to make the seder exciting to a new generation that hadn’t known oppression. Their eastern-European-flavored Hebrew and its rhythms were a basic part of their identity. They probably couldn’t quite comprehend that it might be strange and annoying to us.
What an irony for me that I’ve come to appreciate, love, and yearn to hear again those long-gone Yiddish accents from my long-gone parents and their chaverim.
In the medium and long run, boredom didn’t turn me off to our seder traditions. Many of us American Jews have sought out newer, clearer, and brighter Haggadot and translations. We make an effort to help our children enjoy and understand the seder. We also have the good fortune to have been born in the same country as our children, so maybe we can look into their minds more easily than our immigrant parents could fathom ours. That’s not to say that there’ll be no more rolling eyes among the multitudes of Israelites at the kids’ tables. We know that it’s bound to be so, in spite of songs, Exodus stories, and afikomen. I wonder what my grandsons will say about their childhood seders in 30 years or so. Guess I’ll have to stay alive to find out. Halavai!
Schaffer is a retired school teacher and former columnist for the now defunct San Diego Jewish Times. This column is updated from 1984.
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MUSIC NOTES
Enjoying classical music that is both serious and accessible
SAN DIEGO—It is always very refreshing to hear classical music as it is interpreted by a younger artist with fresh ideas. This was the case in the San Diego Symphony concert in the series titled “Symphony Exposed." These are shorter programs, without intermission, dealing with a theme or subject, usually full of information.
San Diego Symphony Assistant Conductor Phillip Mann directed on Thursday, April 2 at Copley Symphony Hall. Titled “The Italian," it was a personal portrayal of Felix Mendelssohn, with his Symphony No. 4, The Italian, being the central work on the program.
The spoken script was written and acted by Nuvi Mehta, who is now referred to as “The Voice of the San Diego Symphony." As much as we know about Mendelssohn, his music and his story, where his entire family converted from Judaism to Christianity, (adopting the last name “Bartholdy”), Mehta gave us a personal and very insightful overview of not only the Symphony #4, but of the composer himself. Speaking as though he were Felix himself, he dealt with inner struggle of the entire family in dealing with conversion, which was done, apparently, with the belief that by embracing Christianity, more opportunities in mainstream Germany would be open for them.
In this representation, the benefits of the mass family conversion was at best questioned, more by Felix than by his own father. (His grandfather, Moses Mendelssohn, was a respected Talmudic scholar and philosopher). Anti-Semitism had not yet reached its peak in Germany and Austria; this was to happen about thirty years later, with the decline of Europe’s economies, and at least ten years before Richard Wagner’s infamous book on “Music and the Jews."
Nevertheless, as opportunities presented themselves to the Mendelssohn family, and in spite of Felix’s many compositions on Christian subjects, the specter of the family’s Jewish past did not allow complete acceptance and assimilation into the cultural mainstream.
This is what I found most fascinating in Nuvi Mehta’s eloquent and revealing narration.
Aside from the Fourth Symphony, which was played complete, we heard excerpts from the composer’s Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of his string quartets, and even an instrumental bit from J.S. Bach’s St. Mathew Passion, which Mendelssohn re-discovered, promoted, and performed. It is useful to remember that Bach’s music lay dormant for about 100 years, until Mendelssohn started a revival of the Baroque master’s great works.
Conductor Phillip Mann already has accumulated very impressive credentials. He is with us thanks to a grant from the American Conducting Fellows Program. A Rhodes Scholar, he was the principal conductor of the Oxford University Philharmonia, and has served as Music Director of the Oxford City Opera, Oxford Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, and Oxford Pops. He has held posts with the Arizona Camerata, and at Indiana University. He studied and conducted under Michael Tilson Thomas, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Leonard Slatkin, and hailed by the BBC as “a talent to watch out for, who conveys a mature command of his forces”.
His interpretation of the Mendelssohn Symphony pleased me very much, because it combined ample insight of the score, clear directions to the musicians, and a focused rendition of the composer’s intentions, elements that for me are the prime directive. The lightness, buoyancy, and transparency which Mendelssohn’s music requires was a welcome bonus.
As a conductor myself, I have my ear open to those special places in the music where certain voices and rhythms must be clear and precise, and as I carefully listened to Maestro Mann’s attention to these delicate details, it enhanced the listening experience to me, and I am sure to the large, appreciative audience present at Symphony Hall.
I strongly recommend this series of programs. With the informative musical and historical explanations, it can serve as a wonderful introduction to the classics in a serious, but approachable manner.
Even if you feel that you rather hear the music without verbal introductions, think of bringing your mature children and grandchildren to this type of program, and make them part of the great world of classical music. It is not quite at the rank of a “children’s concert," but at a higher, deeper level, which I found enlivening and delightfully accessible. Please click the ad above
SAN DIEGO—Marian Liebowitz’s high level of artistry was evident to concert-goers when she served as principal clarinet of the San Diego Symphony for a brief stint before opting for the academic life. Once she earned her PhD, she successfully garnered a faculty position at San Diego State University and has
devoted herself since to teaching and performing solo and chamber works.
This CD, recorded at San Diego State’s Smith Recital Hall, is an engaging potpourri of music, some based on Jewish folk music, some, the folk music itself, and some, simply by Jewish composers.
Leibowitz will perform some of the selections from this CD
at Congregation Dor Hadash, 4858 Ronson Court, tonight. For more information, call the congregation at 858 268 3724.
A few of the cD selections are by composers of the Jewish Folk Music Society (founded 1908 in St. Petersburg), Jacob Weinberg and Boris Levenson. Their works are arrangements for clarinet by Bellison. Included on the CD are several delicious klezmer selections, and several works, such as Simon Sargon’s KlezMuzik and Ben-Haim’s Three Songs Without Words, which were inspired by the goals of the Jewish Folk Music Society, namely, to use Jewish folk material as the basis for their art music.
Liebowitz opens with a Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano by
Viennese-born Joseph Horovitz (born 1926) whose clever, jazzy writing shows little influence from Jewish folk music.
The same can be said of the concluding Gershwin pieces. But Liebowitz renders the works of both of these Jewish composers with excellent technique and musicality. Liebowitz moves easily between classical expressiveness and jazzy sassiness.
The opening cadenza of Sargon’s KlezMuzik was a tour de force, showing off the virtuosity of the clarinet and setting a somber mood. It picks up once the piano enters and the entire work is a remarkable blending of klezmer dance and brilliant writing.
I knew of Sargon’s wonderful abilities as a composer and pianist because my sister, violinist Zina Schiff, has recorded his delightful suite for violin and piano, Reb Mendele. on a CD produced by Texas A& M. Sargon is Director of Music
at Dallas’ Temple Emanu-El.
Another interesting piece was Toronto composer Srul Irving Glick’s The Klezmer’s Wedding for clarinet, violin and piano. For this work, Liebowitz was joined by her capable SDSU colleague, Felix Olschofka on violin. Pianist Richard Thompson accompanied with sensitivity and energy throughout.
Liebowitz is one of a growing number of female clarinetists who is outstanding on an instrument that was once played only by men. Germany’s famous clarinet virtuoso is Sabine Meyer, and Israel boasts several, including Sharon Kam, daughter of Israel Philharmonic Orchestra violist, Rachel Kam. We in San Diego are fortunate to enjoy the artistry of a number of wonderful female clarinetists, including principal of the San Diego Symphony, Sheryl Renk and Professor Marian Liebowitz.
Wingard is a freelance writer based in San Diego. Letters for relay may be sent to editor@sdheritage@cox.net
The Co-Publishers' Mailbox...Notes from advertisers and others
College Avenue Older Adult
Center tells May schedule
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--Here's a look at some of the events coming up in May at Jewish Family Service's College Avenue Older Adult Center, which meets in the social hall of Beth Jacob Congregation, 4855 College Avenue.
Thursday, May 7th at 12:45 pm—“San Diego Then and Now.” Roger Showley of the San Diego Historical Society and
staff writer with the San Diego Union-Tribune, will present a
fascinating slideshow about the progressive history of San Diego.
Friday, May 8th at 12:45 pm—Mother’s Day Tribute. Mother and Daughter Duet with Harp & Piano. Join us for a hot lunch at 12 noon followed by a wonderful afternoon concert at 12:45 pm. Harpist, Marsha Long was awarded two Master's Degrees in piano and organ and the Doctorate of Musical Arts in organ from New York's esteemed Juilliard School of Music. Marsha will be joined by her Mother, Casey Long, who has her own impressive, professional music career, as well.
Friday, May 1st, 8th & 22nd at 9:30-11:30 am New Acting Workshop. If you are a beginner or a seasoned actor, this is the class for you! Eric Poppick, director, brings years of experience and expertise to guide the beginner or seasoned actor in the exploration of the world of theatre in a group setting with individualized instruction. First workshop is Free!
Call for more information, 619-583-3300.
Thursday, May 14th at 12:45 pm— “Mama Gums," Sheila Wolf RDH, Oral Wellness Educator and Author.
Sheila will present a compelling program to inform us
of this critical issue of oral health which is often overlooked and minimized, but potentially can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. Come learn about the warning signs and what you can do to be proactive in keeping and maintaining a healthy mouth for a healthy body.
Tuesday, May 19th at 2:00 pm—May Afternoon Dance
Join us for a free springtime afternoon of dancing in our nice
air-conditioned environment. Sharon Emerson will be your DJ.Partners are not necessary. Dressy-casual attire.
Refreshments will be served.
The College Avenue Older Adult Center is a program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego The College Avenue Older Adult Center also offers hot Kosher lunches served Monday - Friday at 12 Noon Seniors: Suggested donation of $3.50; All others: $6.00 fee.
The preceding was submitted by Marsha Howe for Jewish Family Service's College Avenue Older Adult Center
Best Ford commercial ever?
Amnon Markusfeld, who has been a friend of publisher Don Harrison since their boyhoods, forwarded this video of a Ford commercial with the suggestion that it may have been the best that car company ever made. It certainly is one of the most sentimental!
Chabad La Costa's sun blessing
CARLSBAD, California (Press Release)—Once in 28 years, Jews praise G-d for creating the sun. On this day, the sun is positioned in the sky at the exact same location that it was when it was created, during the Six Days of Creation. It is the rarest mitzvah in Judaism! Chabad at La Costa celebrated last Wednesday morning with great fanfare!
The preceding was submitted by Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort for Chabad of La Costa.
Liwerant receives New PATH honor
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)--La Jolla resident Sylvia Liwerant will be honored at “A Decade of Dedication,” the 10th anniversary celebration of a New PATH (Parents for Addiction Treatment and Healing) Friday, April 17 in the Sheraton Harbor Island West Tower.
One of three-co-founders of a New PATH, Liwerant will join Tom O’Donnell and Gretchen Burns Bergman in being recognized for establishing the local movement dedicated to reducing the stigma of drug addiction and ending discrimination of those who seek treatment.
“Drug addiction is not a failure of character, but a disease of the brain. Our society has an unforgiving, failed approach to dealing with addicts. I am committed to doing whatever I can to change our drug policies,” she said.
Liewerant has developed the Book Club Behind Bars for A New PATH, and is the co-founder of the San Diego chapter for the America-Israel Cultural Foundation. She is also an accomplished artist and pianist who has displayed in galleries in Mexico and gives piano concerts for two pianos and four hands.
“A Decade of Dedication” will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and includes a reception, silent auction, dinner, awards ceremony and performances by the Southwestern Community College Concert Choir, the San Diego Dance Theatre and Guitarist Ron Fernandez. Tickets are $125. For ticket information call A New PATH at 619/670-1184.
The preceding was submitted by
Valerie Lemke for New PATH
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Preceding was submitted by Carol Ann Goldstein for Math Is Easy
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History With thanks to Gail Umeham for the transcription
Regional Federations
Meet in Fresno Jan. 8 Southwestern Jewish Press December 26, 1952, page 8
Full analysis and joint action on issues currently confronting Jewish communities will feature the 1953 Western States Regional Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds to be held January 9-11 at the Californian Hotel in Fresno.
Announcing the three day conference, Eli H. Levenson of San Diego, Regional President stated that several hundred delegates, representing communities in Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Western Texas and Western Canada, will attend the sessions devoted to “joint deliberation.”
Heading the Regional Assembly as general chairman is Dr. H.M. Ginsburg of Fresno, who has long been active as a leader in local and regional programs. Victor Schulman will also attend and assist in the program.
The San Diegans who will actively participate in the program are Morris Douglas, who will speak on “Selling the Local Community,” Morey Levenson, who will be on the Panel for Community Relations; and Albert Hutler, who will be consultant on Campaign Techniques. Others attending from San Diego are Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Harry Mallen, and Mrs. Bernice Berner, formerly of Tucson.
Concerned chiefly with problems affecting the western area, the delegates will concentrate on such topics as: trends in local services, financing the needs of the Jewish community, community relations—past and future, campaign techniques, and the outlook for 1953. Resulting from these discussions will be resolutions which will help determine the pattern of operation of local communities and national agency programs.
Beth Jacob Sisterhood Southwestern Jewish Press, December 26, 1952, page 8
A special meeting of Beth Jacob Sisterhood is to be held Monday, January 19th t 1 p.m. in the form of a dessert at Beth Jacob Cetner. Members and friends are urged to attend. The next regular meeting will be held January 27th at 12 noon. Luncheon to be served also at Beth Jacob Center. This will be a social afternoon.
On our Calendar of events there is a most important day planned for our regular meeting day in February. The day has been set aside for a Membership Drive, with a luncheon at Beth Jacob Center, and a book review on a well known book by Mrs. Abe Nasatir. To those of you who are not members of Beth Jacob Sisterhood, join us in our interesting and good work and those who are members, do not miss this entertaining afternoon.
Pioneer Women Southwestern Jewish Press, December 26, 1952, page 8
Pioneer Women are hard at work getting ready for their greatest Linen and Clothing Drive for Israel. Chairmen, Esther Moorstein and Rose Dimnitz are doing an outstanding job collecting clothes and making contacts for the Drive Thursday, January 15th at Beth Jacob Center at 8:00 p.m. A Linen Shower and Social evening will be a bundle of good useable clothes for Israel. Those who cannot attend are asked to drop them off at the Beth Jacob Center at any time.
At a Board meeting held at the home of Eleanore Gordon, tentative plans were made for the Queen Esther Purim Ball which will be held this year on February 22nd with a well-known orchestra furnishing the music for the dancing. This year Negba Club and Shoshana Club will cooperate
to make this the biggest affair of the year. Tickets are already being distributed and San Diego organizations will be asked to choose a candidate for the competition to be Queen Esther of the Ball.
A Board Meeting was held at the home of Florence Lebb on Dec. 24th where committee chairmen were chosen for the Ball. Members are asked to note that our next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, December 30th, at 12:00 noon instead of Thursday as usual.
Mrs. Ted Brav, President, invites members and friends to attend the next regular meeting, Monday, January 12th, luncheon to be served at 12 noon, at Beth Israel Temple Center. Dr. Richmond Barbour, guest speaker, will give an interesting and timely talk, on juvenile delinquency, and members, friends and neighbors should make this a must in attendance that afternoon.
S.D. Birdie Stodel Chapter of B.B. is a hostess to our U.S.O Wednesday, January 7th, at 8 p.m. at Temple Center, and we have been asked to make this a monthly project for the year 1953.
City of Hope Southwestern Jewish Press, December 26, 1952, page 8
Installation of new officers is to be held Thursday, January 8th at 12 noon. Luncheon at Pig ‘N Whistle. Do please all come and give Mrs. Jerry Aranoff, incoming president and her slate of officers your support. For Reservations call Mrs. Zel Camiel, outgoing president at J-2566.
{Untitled Humor} Southwestern Jewish Press, December 26, 1952, page 8
From Chicago comes the following pearly gem:
Two carpenters on an apartment job were talking. The first said: “I hear George has gone to his everlasting rest.”
“What?” replied the other, “you don’t mean that dumb jerk has been elected to Congress?”
“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.
Jewish Internet Favorites ... featuring notable Jewish community members* Visit our Jewish Internet Favorites index to find links to other videos
Chesty Morgan is picked up at a dance in "Double Agent 73"
Marilyn Monroe sings "Happy Birthday" to President John F. Kennedy
Ron Moody reviews the situation as a somewhat loveable Faigin in "Oliver"
Yvonne Mitchell as the disorganized housewife in "Woman in a Dressing Gown"
*We include those with at least one Jewish parent and those who have converted to Judaismas Jewish community members,
JERUSALEM—Depending on perspective, there has been significant movement in the Israel-Palestinian peace process during the most recent decade, or not. The Road Map to Peace (2002) and the Annapolis Conference (2007) set the governments of Israel and the Palestine National Authority to a process of peaceful negotiation, and an agreement in principle about the creation of a Palestinian state.
JERUSALEM—As I’ve written before, though Israelis – among whom I count myself – are critical of their country because they love it, diaspora Jews – and I’m one of them, too – find criticism of Israel close to betrayal of Judaism. If I say anything in public as an Israeli, some diaspora Jews will find my e-mail address and let me have a piece of their mind. Ironically, those who write in response to my columns in The Toronto Star often accuse me of being in the pay of “the Zionist occupation” and urge the editors to dismiss me forthwith. My Israel-diaspora schizophrenia is obviously showing.
LACHISH, Israel--Recently someone told me about a place called Horbat bet Loya, which is located in the eastern part of the Lachish region, on a hill 400 meters above sea level. The area of Lachish is well known for a many underground caves and many excavations have been done. Horbat Bet Loya according to archeological documentation contains seven columbarium caves, five olive presses, two ritual baths, two stables, quarries, numerous cisterns and underground tunnels.
SAN DIEGO—There was delicious food. There were my parents and their friends. There was sweet wine, kosher for Pesach. At that age (I was 12 or 13), drinking a few small glasses of wine was my tiny stab at rebellion and showing off. Sometimes I was the youngest so I would read the four questions in Hebrew. We called them the feer kashes because the adults at my childhood seders were nearly always native Yiddish speakers. I remember those times with real fondness. I’ve got to admit, though, that one other memory shares the stage with those happy ones: boredom.
SAN DIEGO—It is always very refreshing to hear classical music as it is interpreted by a younger artist with fresh ideas. This was the case in the San Diego Symphony concert in the series titled “Symphony Exposed." These are shorter programs, without intermission, dealing with a theme or subject, usually full of information.
SAN DIEGO—Marian Liebowitz’s high level of artistry was evident to concert-goers when she served as principal clarinet of the San Diego Symphony for a brief stint before opting for the academic life. Once she earned her PhD, she successfully garnered a faculty position at San Diego State University and has 