Rabbi Monroe Levens List of honorees Louis Rose Society Jewishsightseeing home
Writings about Rabbi Monroe Levens
-1949-
April 1949—Bobbie Solomon, "Collegiates
N' Intermejits," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 17: Staring
enchanted (or perhaps simply in a state of coma) a number of musical
devotees...high brows all..were spied at the Russ Auditorium Monday eve (March
21) listening to violinist Joseph Szigeti's performance. Among those music
lovers...we must include the perennially young Rabbi Morton Cohn and his wife,
Sally, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Weitzen, Rabbi Monroe Levens and Mr. and Mrs. Morrie
Krause, whom we spied chatting in the lobby during the intermissions...
May 1949—1) Lou Mogy, "Sports around Town," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: ...Seen at one of the popular kosher eating places
(Vernon's Delicatessen) were Rabbi Monroe Levens, Chub Silver, George
Gottlieb, Bea Townes....
2) "Red Borscht," "Nu," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
5: The seder display at Walker's...one of the finest single pulic relations
efforts...a beautiful pictorial story...the sidewalk enraptured by its graphic
simplicity...an orchid to Rabbi Levens for effecting and to George
Scott for sponsoring the above.
August 1949—1) "Hurwitz-Feinberg Troth Announced," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Miss Barbara Jean Feinberg, attractive daughter of Mr.
and MRs. Nathan Feinberg, 5023 College Avenue, will become the bride of Maynard
Hurwitz, son of Mr. and Mrs. David Hurwitz of 3956 33rd Street, on Sunday August
21, 1949. The ceremony will be performed at home at 5.00 p.m. by Rabbi
Monroe Levens in the presence of their immediate families.
2) (separate, no headline), Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Rabbi
and Mrs. Monroe Levens and their sons are vacationing in San Francisco and
points north. The Levens will be away for about three weeks.
3) "Harry Shapiro Passing Mourned," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 4: Mr. Harry Shapiro, well known San Diego merchant,
passed away suddenly on July 18, 1949. ..Services were held on Tuesday July 195h
from Lewis Colonial Mortuary with Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Burial
was at the Home of Peace Cemetery. The deceased is survived by his wife, Mania
Shapiro, and by cousins...
September 1949—"Saul-Weis Wedding," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 8: Congregation Tifereth Israel was the scene last Sunday of a
beautiful summer wedding when Miss Shirley Weis, daughter of Mrs. M. Weis of
Boston, Massachusetts, gave her hand in marriage to Oscar Saul, son of Mrs. M.
Saul of San Diego. Rabbi Monroe Levens united the couple in a ceremony
performed at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 4, 1949, in the presence of 400
guests. The Synagogue was attractively decorated with white gladioli and white
carnations for the occasion...
October 1949—"Institute Classes
Open on Oct. 12th," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: Dr. A.P.
Nasatir, dean of the Institute of Jewish Studies, announces that classes will
officially begin on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:45 p.m. at the Temple Center,
3rd and Laurel Streets. Classes offered are: Beginning and Advanced Hebrew,
History of Jewish Phylosophy (sic), Yiddish Literature, Biblical Literature,
American Jewish History, Jewish Marriage and the Family, "What's
Cooking" in Judaism, and Great Jewish Books. The Institute is in its second
year. Members of the Faculty are Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Rabbi Monroe Levens,
Rabbi Baruch Stern, Dr. A.P. Nasatir; Mrs. A. Neumann; Mrs. Harris Rubel; Mrs.
Isaac Domnitz, Dr. Harry Ruja, Mr. Al Hutler and Mrs. Nasatir. Adult Jewish
Studies are sponsored by the Jewish Education Commission of San Diego.
November 14, 1949—"Jewish Institute Opens for Registration," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 8: With one hundred and sixty adults registered for the
Institute of Jewish Studies, the second year of the joint project of three
synagogues and the United Jewish Fund indicates that it will be more successful
than last year's Institute, according to Dr. A.P. Nasatir, Dean. At the
Registration Rally, which was addressed by Dr. Dinnen, Executive Director of the
Board of Jewish Education of Los Angeles, 175 people were in
attendance...Classes formally opened on October 12, with all the courses well
attended. Courses are being offered in Beginning and Advanced Hebrew, Modern
Jewish History, American Jewish History, What's Cooking in Judaism, Contemporary
Israel, Biblical Literature, Jewish Marriage and Family Life, Comparative
Religion and Great Jewish Books. Members of the faculty who have given their
time without pay are Rabbi Baruch Stern, Rabbi Morton Cohn, Rabbi Monroe Levens,
Dave Abramis, Dr. A.P. Nasatir, and Dr. Harry Ruja of State College,
Albert A. Hutler of the United Jewish Fund. Irwin J. Wohl of the Community
Center is acting as Registrar, I.L Domnitz, Mrs. Al Neumann, Mrs. Harris Rubel
and Mrs. Nasatir who has the Great Books course. Registration is still open in
several courses.
November 18, 1949—"35th Anniversary Observed by Jolly 16," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: Autumn colors and candlelight set the mod for the Jolly
Sixteen 35th Anniversary Dinner-Dance held at the El Cortez Hotel on Sunday
evening November 6th. One hundred and ninety five people entered the Don
Room ...Beautifully gowned women and their handsome escorts were greeted by
members of the Jolly Sixteen.... Rabbi Morton Cohn of Temple Beth Israel gave
the invocation. Ida Nasatir was Toastmistress and in her own inimitable
style gave the history of the Jolly Sixteen. An impressive candlelighting
ceremony was enacted by Bress Breitbard, Julia Neumann, Freda Nestor, Ida
Lipinsky and Rose Neumann. Each represented 20 to 30 years of individual
service to the Jolly Sixteen.. Highlight of the evening was the presentation of
a check for $1500.00 to the Hebrew Home for the Aged. This sum represents the
proceeds from the sale of Jolly Sixteen Cook Books, consisting of recipes
received from women in the community and compiled and edited by Mary Kantor...Sam
Addleson, Pres. of the Hebrew Home, accepted the gift...Rabbi Mornoe Levens of
Tifereth Israel Synagogue gave the closing prayer...
December 16, 1949—1)"'Home
Beautiful' Program Impressive," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1:
Tifereth Israel Synagogue was the scene ofa most impressive program on Tuesday,
December 13, the Jewish "Home Beautiful," a pageant presented by the
Sisterhood, in cooperation with the synagogue and its affiliates, as attended by
more than 600 people. Mrs. A.P. Nasatir was the narrator and the various
Jewish holidays were vividly portrayed with tableaus depicting the role of the
woman in the house. The candle lighting ceremonies added a warm glow to the
meaningful, living pictures of each festive occasion. Mrs. Sidney Newman,
president of the Sisterhood, announced that the proceeds of this affair would be
donated to the building of a Hebrew school, in the names of Mrs. Abe Ratner,
chairman of the program committee, and Mrs. Monroe Levens, wife of Rabbi Levens.
More than 85 persons were involved in the production of this successful
undertaking. The artistry displayed in costumes and decorations drew
special commendation. At the conclusion of the pageant, Rabbi Levens
invited the guests to partake of delicious refreshments, including the
traditional latkes. This evening of inspiration will be long remembered and it
is hoped that members of the community will emulate the beautiful scenes in
their own homes —J. Kaufman.
2) "Philadelphians Wed Here Saturday," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
6: Miss Dorothy Goldberg of Philadelphia was married to Mr. Spencer Kohler of
that same city in a simple ceremony performed by Rabbi Monroe Levens in
Tifereth Israel Synagogue on Saturday evening, December 10, 1949. The
groom, who is an X-ray technician with the Mass Chest X-Ray Unit now working in
San Diego, and his bride, who flew here to be married, were unattended. Guests
at the ceremony included all of the technicians and crew of the X-ray units. A
reception at the home of one of Mr. Kohler's co-workers followed. The newlyweds
will continue traveling with the Units throughout the country.
3) (separate, no headline), Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: Rabbi Levens, Mr. I. Jacobson, Mr. and Mrs.
Irving Goodman and Mr. and Mrs Alex J. Newman were among the guests in Los
Angeles at the Founders' Day Dinner of the University of Judaism on Sunday
night, December 4th, which honored the great educator, Dr. Mordecai Kaplan.
December 30, 1949—1) "Rebecca Schreibman Passed Away Dec.
15," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Mrs. Rebecca Schreibman, who
resided at 3727 37th Street, passed away on Thursday, December 15, 1949, after a
short illness, Mrs. Schreeibman, a native of Russia, haad lived in San Diego for
29 years. Services were conducted from Lewis Colomial Mortuary on Friday,
December 16th, with Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Interment was in the
Home of Peace Cemetery...
2)"Inez Horowitz To become Bride," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: On January 8, 1950, at 2:30 p.m., Inez Horowitz will be wed to Merrill
Jacobson. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue,
30th and Howard...
3)"Segal-Oppenheim Nuptials Held," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: The marriage of Miss Regene Oppenheim and Mr. Hirsch Segal was solemnized by
Rabbi Monroe Levens on Sunday, December 18th, at the home of the bride in
Mission Hills...
4) "Daughters of Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6, an acrostic:
Rewarded and
respected his efforts be
Attentive to duty and
conscientious is he
Best sermons are his aim; his
congregation to please
Blessings be upon him for his
sincerity and good deeds
Inspiring and interesting his
sermons you'll find
Making a wonderful
impression on his listeners' minds
On any occasion as the case
may be
Naught but food facts he'll
make us see
Remarkable is the place
On 30th and Howard
Enthusiastically he is
greeted by a wonderful crowd.
Life long happiness be his
share
Enriched with good health and
never a care
Very best of luck we wish him
always
Enlightend are we since his
stay
Never absent is he, rain or
hail
Surely with such a leader our
shul ill not fail
—Sophie Gaber
5) "Congregation Tifereth Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: Installation ceremonies for the newly elected officers and board members of
Congregation Tifereth Israel and its affiliate, the Daughters of Israel, were
held Thursday, December 29th, at the Synagogue. Following the opening
ceremonies, Rabbi Levens, as Installing Officer, spoke on the services
rendered to the Congregation by the outgoing officers and board members He
pointed out that with the leadership of this group, Tifereth Israel Synagogue
has, during the past year, enjoyed remarkable progress, telescoping at least
five years of growth into one. He also scored the great strides made in
membership, in Religious Service attendance, in religious education, in Youth
work, recreational and social activities, and in inter-faith and general
Community participation.... The installation of the newly elected officers and
board members of the Daughters of Israel followed.... Before delivering the
benediction, Rabbi Levens offered his thanks to the congregation for
their sincere and wholehearted support of his efforts on behalf of the synagogue
program, especially emphasizing the outstanding expressions of loyalty and
backing which he received....
Monroe Levens, circa 1950
-1950-
January 13, 1950—1) "Institute to Feature Course in
Mental Hygiene," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: Featuring three
new courses, the Institute of Jewish Studies will open the second semester on
Wednesday, January 11, at the Temple Center. Dr. A.P. Nasatir, Dean,
announced the opening of new courses in "Mental Hygiene Problems of the
Jewish Family," "Jewish Music and Art," and the
"Contemporary Jewish Scene." Courses will be continued in Advanced
Hebrew, Contemporary Religions, cooking, Basic Judaism, Modern Jewish History,
Literature of the Bible, Talmud and Book Reviews. "Mental Hygiene
Problems" will be conducted by Dr. Irving R. Stone, senior clinical
psychologist, San Diego state Mental Hygiene Clinic.. The course will have as
visiting lecturers Dr. Benjamin B. Faguet, chief psychiatrist of the clinic;
Mary Lou Prawl, Nevin Wiley and William Long, psychiatric social workers; Dr.
Jack Levitt, psychiatrist, and Professor Oscar Kaplan, associate professor of
psychology, San Diego State College. Other courses will be taught by
rabbis Morton J. Cohn, Monroe Levens and Baruch Stern, Dr. A.P. Nasatir, Dov
Abramis, Professor Ernest Wolf, Albert A. Hutler, Professor Harry Ruja, Mrs. Al
Neumann and Mrs. Harris Rubel. Registration will continue thru Wednesday,
January 18, and may be made on that evening or by calling F-0171. The Institute
of Jewish Studies is sponsored by the Jewish Education Commission made up of
Temple Beth Israel, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Beth Jacob Synagogue and the
United Jewish Fund of San Diego.
2) "Rabbinical Assembly to Meet Here," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
1: Rabbi Monroe Levens announced today that the Tifereth Israel Synagogue will
be host to the Annual Conference of Southern California Region of the Rabbinical
Assembly of America. Over twenty rabbis will meet in San Diego on January 23-25,
at which time they will devote themselves to a consideration of the problems
factng Jewish life as a whole and the Southern California areas in particular.
Dr. Jacob Kohn of Temple Sinai in Los Angeles is President of the Region and
will preside at the sessions. Keynote speaker for the Conference will be Dr.
David Aronson, president of the Rabbinical Assembly of America, the national
association of the Conservative rabbis. Dr. Aronson is now serving as visiting
professor at the University of Judaism (West Coast branch of the Jewish
Theological Seminary of America) in Los Angeles. Dr. Aronson is the author
of the book The Jewish Way of Life and is noted as one of the outstanding
and brilliant members of the American rabbinate.
3) "Addlesons to Celebrate Golden Anniversary," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 4: Mr. and Mrs. Louis Addleson of 3211 30th Street will
celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, January 15, 1950. A
celebration in their honor is being tendered the couple by their children at the
El Cortez Hotel Sunday evening at 8 p.m....The reception...is expected to
attract more than 300 well-wishers. A 50th anniversary wedding ceremony will be
the highlight of the evening. Rabbi Monroe Levens of the Tifereth Israel
Synagogue will officiate.
4) "Mrs. Beitelman Passes at 71," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: Mrs. Hannah Beitelman passed away Monday, January 9, 1950, at the age of 71.
Mrs. Beitelman resided at the San Diego Hebrew Home for the aged. Services were
conducted from Lewis Colonial Mortuary on Tuesday, January 10th at 1:00 p.m.
with Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Interment was at the Home of Peace
Cemetery. Surviving Mrs. Beitelman are her two daughters, Mrs. Maurice
Zahalsky of 4094 Central Ave., San Diego, and Mrs. Dave Shapiro, 351 D Ave.,
Coronado.
5) "Steckel-Weiner Nuptials Held," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: "The marriage of Miss Dorothy Weiner and Mr. Harold Steckel was
solemnized by Rabbi Monroe Levens at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, at the
Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The bride is the daughter of rabbi Jacob Glassman of
Scranton, Pennsylvania, and the groom's father is Mr. Louis Steckel, formerly of
Scranton, who is now residing in Los Angeles. Following the ceremony the bridal
party and Rabbi Levens ushered in the New Year by attending the San Diego
Guardians Dinner-Dance at the El Cortez Hotel.
January 27, 1950—1) "Junior Matrons," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 7: The Junior Matrons will hold their installation
of officers on January 31st at Valle's at 12:30. Rabbi Monroe Levens will
be the guest speaker and will install the following officers: President, Mr.
Martin Borenstein, Vice President, Mrs. George Burnett; Corresponding Secretary,
Mrs. Morris Wax; Recording Secretary, Mrs. David Sugerman; Treasurer, Mrs.
George Starr. Appointed officers are Ways and Means Chairman, Mrs. Philip Rand;
Social Service Chairman, Mrs. Jack Stern.
2) "Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8. Tifereth Israel Synagogue was host to the convention of the Rabbinical
Assembly of America, West Coast Region, January 23-25. On Monday evening a
superb dinner was served by the daugthers of Israel to the fifteen visiting
rabbis, representing Conservative congregations of Southern California. Rabbi
Jacob Kohn of Temple Sinai, Los Angeles, opened the meeting. The main address of
the opening meeting was delivered by Dr. David Aronson, national president of
the Rabbinical Assembly of America and professor at the University of Judaism.
Rabbi Aronson stated that secular Judaism was on its way out. He also stated
that in order for Judaism to survive it would be necessary for the members of
congregations to actively participate in Synagogue life. He underscored
attendance at Sabbath services, preservation of the Jewish home and the study of
Torah. The Rabbinical Assembly of America is a national association of
Conservative rabbis, and is associated with the United Jewish Synagogue of
America, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, and its West Coast Branch,
the University of Judaism. Rabbi Monroe Levens, spiritual leader of
Congregation Tifereth Israel Synagogue, stated that the convention honored San
Diego in meeting here for the first time. The results of this meeting will be
felt in synagogue congregations along the West Coast for many years to come.
[Sabbath Services] Regular Friday evening services on January 27th at 8:15 p.m.
will be conducted by David Levens in honor of his Bar Mitzvah. Rabbi Levens
will deliver the sermon.
February 10, 1950—1) "Dr. T.R. Jackman To
Speak," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: Dr. Theodore R. Jackman
will speak at the NOrmal Heights Methodist Church, February 26th, at 9:00 p.m.on
the work of the American Christian Palestine Committee...Sharing the platform
with Dr. Jackman by invitation of Reverend E. Alexander Gray, will be Rabbi
Monroe Levens, spiritual leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel....
2) "Ann Strickman Becomes Bride," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: Ann Libby Strickman became the bride of Roy Milton Fagelson at a double
ring ceremony on February5th, 5;00 p.m. at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Rabbi
Monroe Levens officiated...
3) "Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: Rabbi Monroe Levens announces that the sermon for Friday night
services, February 10, will discuss the nature and the orgqanizational patterns
of American Jewish life. The sermon is entitled "Toward a Creative Jewish
Community." At the Oneg Shabbat following hte services, this subject will
be discussed further....Sunday night at 7:30 the Young People's League will hear
Rabbi Levens speak on the subject, "Art of Dating."
Refreshments and dancing will follow.
February 24, 1950—1) "Allocations Committee Sets New Pattern," Southwestern Jewish Press, pages 1, 8: In an all day session of the 1950 Allocations Committee, held last Sunday at the El Cortez Hotel, a new precedent in disbursing monies to be raised was set for the San Diego Jewish Community. For the first time, budgeting has been done prior to the campaign so that the contributor will know how the money would be distributed. The committee consisting of members of the Board of Directors of the Fund, organization presidents and members at large, formulated a pattern for the distribution of money raised in the 1950 campaign. Sol Price, chairman of the committee, announced that of the first $150,000 raised, 83 percent was allocated for the United Jewish Appeal and other Israel overseas agencies, 10 percent to local agencies and 7 percent to national agencies. Of the next $50,000, 95 percent to the United Jewish Appeal and other overseas and Israel agencies, and 5 percent to national agencies. All over this amount would go to the United Jewish Appeal. According to Price's announcement the following organizations will be beneficiaries of the 1950 campaign: United Jewish Appeal, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, American Friends of the Hebrew University, American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, American Technion Society, American Fund for Israel Institutions, National Committee for Labor Israel (Histadrut), City of Hope—JCRA, Jewish Committee for Personal Service, Leo M. Levi Memorial Hospital, American Jewish Congress, Jewish Labor Committee, Joint Defense Appeal, B'nai B'rith National Youth Services Appeal; Yiddish Scientific Institute, American Association for Jewish Education, Jewish War Veterans of the United States, National Jewish Welfare Board, Synagogue Council of America, Training Bureau of Communal Service, Hebrew Theological College, Jewish Theological Seminary, American Hebrew Congregations, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, Yeshiva University. The Allocations Committee heard Mr. Moritz Gottlieb, lay leader of Allentown, Pa., representing the United Jewish Appeal, state that in 1949 San Diego, in giving 88 percent of the monies raised through the United Jewish Appeal, had done an outstanding job and that there were not too many communities which had shouldered their responsibilities as well. Rabbi Leonard Greenberg, Los Angeles , spoke for the American Jewish Congress. Histadrut's spokesman was Sol Goodman, while Murray Goodrich represented the American Fund for Israel Institutions. Henry Weinberger presented the case for B'nai B'rith Youth Service Appeal. Members of the Allocations Committee, besides Price, were Victor Schulman, Rose Neumann, Henry Weinberger, Ben Harris, Ben Feinberg, Harry Engel, Sol Goodman, Mrs. Dora Richlin, M.S. Berlin, Seymour Rabin, William B. Schwartz, M.W. Douglas, Lou Mogy, Sam Addleson, Alex J. Newman, Rodin S. Horrow, Abe Sackheim, Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Mrs. Sidney Goldhammer, Maxwell Kaufman, Rabbi Monroe Levens, Sam Slayen, Morris Neiderman, E.R. Bland, Sam Sosna, Dr. William Ornstein, Lew Pollack, Dr. David Miller, Dr. A.P. Nasatir, Frank Winicki, Rabbi Baruch Stern, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Morry Kraus, Nate Schiller, Edward Kitaen, Richard Levi and Carl Esenoff.
2) "S.D. Birdie Stodel B'nai
Brith, Chapter No. 92," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: ...Rose Aved, chairman of the Anti-Defamation League
of B'nai B'rith reported receiving a supply of educational and instructive
pamphlets on the subject of anti-defamation. These are to be distributed to
members who will read and report on its contents at future meetings. In
this way, all members will benefit and it is hopeed the lessons learned can be
used to promote better human relations among all Americans. In conjunction with
Brotherhood Week, Mrs. Aved together with the ADL chairman of S.D. Bay City
Chapter are planning the program for the joint affair to be held on Feb. 28th at
Tifereth Israel to which all members are urged to attend bringing their Jewish
as well as non-Jewish friends. Rabbi Monroe Levens and Rev. Kenneth
Ferguson will be the principal speakers...
3) "Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Southwestern Jewish Press, pages
6, 8: Purim Services —The Young People's League will conduct the Purim
Service, Friday evening, February 24th. Rabbi Monroe Levens will add his
remarks. Following the services a Youth Oneg Shabbat will be held served by the
daughters of Israel... Your Date for Saturday Night —The Daughters of Israel
are anxious to purchase a Utility Cart, which is urgently needed for our
kitchen. Mrs. Louis Addleson, in honor of her recent Golden Wedding Anniversary,
will be hostess at a Card Party, which will be held Saturday night Feb. 25th, at
the Synagogue. here is your chance to enjoy a pleasant evening with good
refreshments and help a worthwhile project...
4) "Defy Income Tax Blues!" Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 6: Using "Fashions that Survive Income tax" as the
theme of their program for the afternoon, the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood will
hold their third annual installation of officers on Tuesday, March 14, at 1`2
o'clock luncheon at the synagogue at 30th and Howard Streets. Rabbi
Monroe Levens will install new officers. An original humorous skit
presented by Mrs. Zel Greenberg, Mrs. Sam Sklar and Mrs. Julius Levine will
introduce the cleverly planned "Fashions to Survive Income Tax" style
show to be presented by Ballard and Brockett...The program is under the
chairmanship of Mrs. Monroe Levens and Mrs. Abe Ratner, assisted by Mrs. Its
Penter...
March 10, 1950—1) "Birdie Stodel B'nai B'rith Chapt. No. 92,"
Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: .."Brotherhood Week" as
celebrated on the evening of Feb. 27th at Tifereth Israel Synagogue by both
Women's Chapters was highly successful. The program planned by both ADL
chairmen, Rose Aved of Birdie Stodel and Betty Sugarman of Bay City, was
stimulating and provocative. Movies on the theme of "Brotherhood" and
"Tolerance" were most enjoyable and the talks of Rev.(Kenneth)
Ferguson and Rabbi Levens held the capacity audience in rapt attention...
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:
...The service Friday evening will begin at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens will
deliver the sermon. An Oneg Shabbat will follow at which Mr. and Mrs. M.J.
Hershey will preside as hosts honoring their twentieth wedding anniversary.
Assisting hostesses will be the Mmes. Lillian Newman, Ruth Newman, Hilda DeSure,
Lee Greenberg, Sara Shelley, and Libby Teacher. In honor of their simcha, Mr.
and Mrs. Hershey will contribute the pulpit flowers...Tifereth Israel's Young
People's League, for all youth of Senior High Age, will have its regular meeting
Sunday evening, March 12th, at 7:00 p.m. They will be joined by the Young
People's group of the First Church of Brethern, who will be present in the
Synagogue to hear Rabbi Levens discuss and demonstrate Jewish customs and
ceremonials. Several moving pictures of mutual interest to all will be shown.
All are cordially invited...
3) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: In tune with the times, the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood program theme
"Fashions to Survive Income Tax" will be presented at their annual
installation of officers March 14th—a 12:30 p.m. luncheon at the Synagogue,
30th and Howard. Rabbi Monroe Levens is to offiiate in seating the
following officers: Mesdames Sidney Newman, reelected President for the ensuing
year; Herman Sarfan, 1st Vice President; Edward Cantor, 2nd Vice President;
Sidney Smith, 3rd Vice President; Henry Price, Corresponding Secretary; Marco
Ratner, Recording Secretary; Herman Tulchinsky, Treasurer; Lawrence Cantor,
Financial Secretary; Zel Greenberg and Alex Newman, Parliamentarians; Moss
Addleson, Auditor; and Board Members Sam Addleson, Wm. Breitbard, David Frank,
Sam Geller, Sidney Goldstein, Moe Hershey, Julius Levine, Harry Mallen, Wm.
Moss, Paul Nestor, Frank Pomeranz, Itz Penter, Abe Ratner, Woodrow Ratner,
Harris Rubel, S. Rubin, Abe Sackheim, Sara Shelley, Joe Spatz, I. Teacher, Harry
Wax, Harry Weisberg with Mrs. Monroe Levens and Mrs. Al Neuman as Honorary
Members...
4)"Bay City Chapter Bnai Brith," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 9: Monday evening, February 27th at Tifereth Israel the San Diego Bay City Chapter joined with Birdie Stodel Chapter and presented an outstanding program in observance of National Brotherhood Week. The inspiring messages of brotherhood as presented by Rev. Kenneth Ferguson of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, and Rabbi Monroe Levens will be long remembered by all who attended....
March 28, 1950—1) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 2: A delightful surprise party was given March 16th by the Board members and officers of the Daughters of Israel in honor of Ida Pearl who moved into her new home recently. She has been recording secretary of the Daughters of Israel for the past six years. Guests at the party were Rabbi and Mrs. Levens, Mrs. Lillian Newman and Miss Merien Rose. A beautiful floor lamp was presented to the family.
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 6: ...Sabbath Services—Regular Sabbath Morning Services took
place at 9 a.m. The Junior Congregation met at 10 a.m. Sabbath Afternoon
Services began at 5:15 p.m. The Mincha was followed by a social hour completing
the Sholosh Suedos, at which time Rabbi Levens continued the study
session in the Bible....Sisterhood Passover Institute and Seder--Mrs. Abe Ratner
will sponsor a Passover Institute and Model Seder for the Tifereth Israel
Sisterhood on Thursday night, March 30th. Following the regular business
meeting, the women will assemble in the Vestry Room for a practical
demonstration of the Passover Seder. Ceremonial foods and wine will be provided.
Participating in the Sedere are: Blessing the Candles, Mrs. Ida Pearl; Kiddush,
Mrs. Ruth Douglas; The Narration Begins, Mrs. Lucille Weisel; Four Questions
(Hebrew) Mrs. Rose Neumann; Four Questions (English), Mrs. Kathrine Fleischner;
The Answer From History, Mrs. Esther Addleson; Four Sons, Mmes. Jean Spatz, Jean
Camiel, Freda Ruden, Trudie Haber; Three Symbols, Mmes Bess Breitbard, Dorothy
Bokrass, Frances Moss; Message of the Nigh, Mrs. Sam Druskin; Responsive
Reading, Mrs. Libby Teacher; Responsive Reading, Mrs. Sara Shelley. Musical
selections will be offered by Mr. Norman Holzman. Rabbi Levens will
conduct the service...
3) "Surprise for Rabbi Levens," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
10: March 14th was a big day for the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood. After a
delicious luncheon, over 300 guests observed the Installation of Officers
conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens. He referred to the officers of the
Sisterhood as members of a symphonic orchestra each one with a part to play and
together creating symphonic harmony. The fashion show presented by Ballard and
Brockett brought the ladies present the latest in spring fashions and judging by
the comments they liked what they saw. The afternoon was climaxed by a surprise
presentation to Rabbi and Mrs. Levens of a large oil painting of the
Rabbi. This beautiful work was done by Mrs. Al Doctor, a member of the
Sisterhood.
April 14, 1950—1) "Levenson-Dembroff To Wed," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 2: On Sunday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m., Roberta Ann Dombroff
will become the bride of Stanley Levenson in the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate....The bride is the daughter of MRs.
Rhoda Dombroff of San Diego and Mr. Levenson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard
Levenson also of this city...
2)"Second Anniversary of Israeli Independence To Be
Celebrated," Southwestern Jewish Press, pages 4, 6: A day long
program of celebration by the San Diego Jewish Community will mark the second
anniversary of the rebirth of Israel which falls this year on April 3rd, the
Fifth of Iyar. Festivities which will be initiated by the Cottage of Israel with
a special program on the lawns of the House of Pacific Relations will be
climaxed by an evening program at the Temple Center at 8:00 p.m. under the
auspices of the San Diego Zionist Council. "The Zionist Council believes
that the occasion is one of great joy to the entire community and calls for a
program in which the community can participate," according to a statement
by its chairman, Mrs. S.I. Goldhammer. Accordingly, the evening program will
include musical and dancing selections, as well as a brief panel discussion and
greetings from civic officials. The musical program will include selections sung
by Cantor Julian Miller, a duet by Norman Holtzman and Esther Weitzman, violin
selections by Dr. David Miller accompanied by Mrs. Belle Cohen, and modern
Israeli dances and songs by the IZFA Dance group. The audience will be invited
to join in communal singing led by Cantor Miller and will be encouraged to join
in some Horas at the conclusion of the program. Honored guests of the evening
will include Mrs. Mary Fay, member of the Board of Education and Chairman of the
local chapter, American Christian Palestine Committee, who will extend greetings
from the Committee. A brief panel discussion on the relationship of Israel and
America will include as speakers, Mrs. Gabriel Berg, who will discuss the
necessity of financial aid to Israel; Dr. A.P. Nasatir, who will point out the
need for a Zionist Public Relations program; Mrs. Meir Barach, whose
subject will be Chalutziot, and Rabbi Morton J. Cohn who will discuss education
as the bridge between America and Israel. Rabbi Monroe Levens will give the
Invocation. Rabbi Baruch Stern the Benedeiction. Mrs. Goldhammer will chair the
program. Organizations represented by the Zionist Council are Masada,
Hadassah, Pioneer Women Negba Group, Pioneer Women Shashana Group, Poale Zion
and Zionist Organization of America. Guests will be invited to join in
refreshments and a social hour. There is no admission charge and no
solicitations.
3) Lou Mogy, "Scene Around Town," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: ...I believe that one of the most important meetings in the history of the
Guardians will be the next meeting to take place on Thursday, May 4th, in the
Gold Room of the U.S. Grant Hotel. Among the many notables who are
expected to attend will be Congressman Clinton D. McKinnon, Dist. Atty Don
Keller, Vice Mayor Vincent Godfrey, Supervisor Dan Rossi, Councilman Charles
Dail, Federal Judge Jacob Weinberger, City Attorney Jean De Paul, City
Manager O. W. Campbell, Al Schuss, Fire Chief George Courser, Police Chief Elmer
Jansen, Sheriff Bert Strand, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Rabbi Monroe Levens and Rabbi
Baruch Sterns. There will also be presidents of many of our organizations
in attendance. Remember the date and let us come out and pay honor to an
outstanding community leader....
4) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 9: Sabbath Evening Services will be held this Friday, april 14th at 8:15 p.m. Cantor Aaron A, Kaufman will officiate as Guest Cantor...He has served as cantor in Oakland and Los Angeles, and is a professional teacher of piano and voice... Rabbi Levens will deliver the sermon...With the Rabbi—Rabbi Levens addressed the Y's Men's Club in Escondido. He will also appear before the Men's club of the Asbury Methodist Church, and deliver an invocation for the county Federation of Women's Clubs....
April 28, 1950—1) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 12: ...Regular Sabbath Morning Services will be held on
April 29th at 9:00 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. After the Afternoon Services, Rabbi
Levens will continue his study of the Ethics of the Fathers...
2)"United Synagogues Hold Conference
in L.A. May 7th," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: Tifereth Israel
of San Diego will be well represented when conservative Jewry of Southern
California convenes at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, May 7, for
the Fifth Annual Confe rence of the United Synagogue of America and the National
Women's League...The Tifereth Israel delegation will probably comprise 20 to 30
persons, headed by Rabbi Monroe Levens, Alex J. Newman, Its Penter, I.
Jacobson, Moe Hershey, M. S. Berlin, Sid Smith and Sam Addleson, all of whom are
taking an active role in the conference program and on its planning
committees. Rabbi Levens will be a panel speaker on one of the afternoon
seminars dealing with :The Centers Program in the Synagogue" while Newman
will serve as a discussant on the panel covering "The Synagogue in the
Organized Jewish Community."....
May 12, 1950—1) Florence Barach, "Letters to the Editor:
Reflections on the Reflections of Rabbi Levens," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 2: "These are the times that try men's souls,"
and Rabbi Levens reflections on the second
anniversary of the Sate of Israel, in which he deplored the lack of religion in
Israel, and stated so magnanimously that we will have to send them spiritual as
well as material aid, was one of those times. Such misuse of the terms
"religion," "religious," and "spiritual," is
appalling and dangerous in these days when supreme effort, unity, and
understanding are so sorely needed. Lt us take stock of ourselves, of our
religious life here in San Diego, fellow Jews. The synagogue should be the
medium through which we, in humility commune with our Maker. But what has it
really become? With each larger and more costly edifice which is erected isn't
it becoming more the symbol of our materialistic age—a glorified and
hallowfied community center? I sometimes feel that our present day synagogues
are comparable to the idols of old. At that time people worshipped the idols and
brought of their best offerings to them. Now we worship not in the synagogue,
but the synagogue. Each synagogue built is more elaborate than the
preceding ones—money must continually be poured into them for their costly
upkeep, and then we must have continual socials, card parties, banquets, fashion
shows, opera stars to conduct High Holy Day Services, and well-known cantors to
keep the synagogue attendance up. At specific times, tis true, we do go through
our ancient prayers automatically, thus making peace with our conscience. And
for all this, we need highly qualified, well paid modern rabbis to keep this
intricate organ of modern American Jewish religion functioning smoothly. Am I
exaggerating friends? All this I would still grant is necessary to pull our
wandering sheep into the fold, if only our leaders would not act in the capacity
of public relations men between God and the influential Boards of Trustees and
their congregations. We need spiritual leaders with vision, boldness, courage
and integrity, who will try to re-define to us, blinded children enmeshed in an
arrogant materialism, the real values of religion and spirituality, so that they
need not be merely words glibly spoken, but have meaning and content for us in
our lives. Such leaders, friends, would be able to give you a very different
picture of Israel than that presented by the few rabbis who, wrapped in their
clerical coats smelling of mildew, went there with their preconceived ideas of
what Galut religion is, and saw only what their limited sight enabled them to
see. I, having lived there among this "militant, secular, atheistic
type" who forged our State of Israel, saw and felt and experienced a living
religion which can truly become a guide-post for all humanity to follow.
2) Lou Mogy, "Scene Around Town," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: The last Guardian meeting was something never to be
forgotten. I believe it will go down as one of the outstanding Jewish
events in the history of San Diego Jewry. Mr. George A. Scott was
presented a plaque for his outstanding effort in community human relations. Sam
Addleson made a magnificent presentation on behalf of the Guardians. Outstanding
civic and spiritual leaders were present. Among the many distinguished men who
spoke were the following: Judge Jacob A. Weinberger, Vincent Godfrey,
James A. Robbins, Rabbi Baruch Stern, Rabbi Monroe Levens, Rabbi Morton
J. Cohn, Victor Schulman, Reverend Dr. Thomas Law Coyle, Eli Levenson, Carl
Esenoff, Murray D. Goodrich, Lou Steinman, Al Newman, Morrie Kraus and Zel
Greenberg. Cantor Miller, assisted by Mrs. Florence Corwin, sang two beautiful
Hebrew melodies. Mrs. Rose Neumann was introduced and the audience heard her
thoughts contained in the hearts of both Mrs. Neumann and Mr. Scott. I can only
say that I am particularly proud in having played a small part in this wonderful
evening and presentation. It also makes a fellow feel good to know that
something in principal which he fought for came to such a glorious and
successful end.
3) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6:
...To Promote Jewish Education --Mr. E. Max Cohen was selected to serve as
temporary chairman, and Mrs. Murray Haber, as temporary secretary of the newly
organized Synagogue Association for Jewish Education. The results of the meeting
held last Monday evening were an inspiration to all who attended. After an
introduction by Rabbi Levens, the members of the teaching staff gave a
summary of the year's work in the religious schools. The report of the school's
achievements made a deep impression upon the listeners, who realized that,
though laboring under many difficulties, our school has progressed remarkably
well...
May 26, 1950—1) John Kluchin, "News of the
Fox," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: The Samuel I. Fox
Lodge meeting of May 9th was an active one with most of the members entering
into the discussions and business of the day....E. Max Cohen, Boy Scot Committee
Chairman, had the pleasure of seeing his son, Alvin, given the Aleph award by Rabbi
Levens for Boy Scout achievement.
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: ... Rabbi Levens will deliver the benedictin at the State College
Baccalaureate Service at the first Methodist Church. He will address the
Community Church at Chula Vista on June 4th and deliver the sermon at the
Goodwill Services on June 7th...
June 9, 1950—1) "Synagogue Kashrut Commission of San Diego," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: In order to promote the interest of Kashrut
observances the Synagogue Kashrut Commission has been formed in San Diego. This
Commission is comprised of five representatives of Beth Jacob and five
representatives of Tifereth Israel Congregation, as well as their respective
Rabbis. At a recent meeting the Synagogue Kashrut Commission decided to issue
Certificates of Endorsement to those individuals and establishments dealing with
Kashrut. At present such certificates will be issued to Kosher Meat Dealers and
Schochtim (ritual slaughterers) who fulfill the necessary qualifications
according to the following statement issued by the Commission: Qualifications
For Certificates of Endorsement of the Synagogue Kashrut Commission of
S.D.—Recognizing that Kashrut involves not only business aspects, but is a
vital force in the preservation of Judaism, this Synagogue Kashrut Commission of
San Diego is constituted for the purpose of enhancing, promoting, and
safe-guarding Kashrut in San Diego; and will give endorsements to such business
establishments and individuals dealing with Kashrut, who comply with its rules
and regulations. The Commission also adopted a regulation taht no Schochtim
shall be engaged in the merchandising of Kosher Meat or Fowl either as a
proprietor or as an employee. At the present time, and until June 30th, the
Commission will accept applications for its Certificates of Endorsement. All
applications should be sent to Mr. Morris Penn, Secretary of the Kashrut
Commission, 2930 Howard Avenue, San Diego 4, California. The members of the
Synagogue Kashrut Commission are: Paul Nestor, M.S. Berlin, Alex J. Newman, Moe
J. Hershey, I. Jacobson, Joseph Gelman, Sandor Goldberger, S. Hirsch, Abe
Abramson, Morris Penn, Rabbis Baruch Stern and Monroe Levens.
2) "Home for the Aged," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: At
the Fifth Annual May Donor Luncheon of the Women's Auxiliary the following
officers were installed by Ida Nasatir: Mrs. Wm. Moss, Pres; Mrs. Morris
Feldman, 1st Vice Pres; Mrs. Sarah Shelley, 2nd Vice Pres.; Mrs. Max Rabinowitz,
Treas.; Mrs. Moe Hershey, Recording Sec'y; Mrs. Abe Forster; Corresponding Sec'y;
Mrs. Paul Cudney, Auditor; Mrs. Zel Greenberg, Parliamentarian.The motif of the
installation was a large wishing well, into which the members dropped coins, as
wishes were made by the narrator, Ida Nasatir. Elected to the Board for
1950-1951 were the following members: Mesdames Milo Berenson, Edward Binder,
Morris Breitbard, ARthur Glickman, Jose. Goldhammer, Ben Levenson, Paul Nestor,
Geo. Neuman, Harry Rosenthal, Nathan Rubin, Abe Sackheim, Abe Sklar, Sam Sklar,
Jeennie Siner, Henry Witte. Mrs. Al Neumann is an honorary life member and
Mrs. Saul Chenkin is an honorary director. The three religious leaders in our
community participated in the ceremonies. Rabbi Morton J. Cohn gave the
Invocation, Rabbi Monroe Levens spoke on "Reflections of the Home and Its
Bearing on the Communty," and Rabbi Baruch Stern gave the Benediction...
August 18, 1950—1) "Theodore Albert to Claim Lora Dean Addleson As
Bride," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Lora Dean Addleson,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Addleson, will be united in marriage to Theodore
Albert, son of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Albert of Alhambra, at a candlight service
Sunday, August 20 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe
Levens will perform the ceremony....
2) "Elena Shapov Wed," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Elena Shapov, daughter of Mr. and Mrs Isaias Shapov was united in marriage to Ben Kutchuk, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephrian Kutchuk of Los Angeles in an impressive ceremony at Tifereth Israel synagogue on Sunday, August 6. Performing the wedding ceremony were rabbis Monroe Levens and N.I. Addleson. Rabbi Addleson came from Los Angeles to help officiate...
3) Lou Mogy, "Scene Around Town," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: The annual all city Jewish picnic will take
place on Sunday, August 27th at El Monte County Park. Remember everyone is
invited to come out . The picnic is under the auspices of the Jewish Community
Center. Transportation will be supplied at the following points: Beth
Israel, 10:00 a.m.; Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 10:15 a.m.; Beth Jacob Synagogue,
10:156 a.m. The S.D. Janitor and Supply Co. will supply one of the trucks
for transportation. There will be games, races and entertainment. Soft drinks
and coffee can be purchased on the grounds. There are facilities for 2,000
people. Ted Schiller is chairman of the committee on races. Morris Wax will be
in charge of the softball game. Bob Goodwin is chairman of transportation. Ed
Israel and Lou Pollack are co-chairmen of the games committee. The Rabbi Moise
Bergman Memorial Softball Trophy will be presented to the Alpha Phi Pi Softball
Team, winners of the year's softball championship. All newcomers to San Diego
during the last year will be introduced and officially welcomed to San Diego.
The presidents of all congregations and Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Rabbi Monroe
Levens and Rabbi Baruch Stern will be introduced. This picnic is for one
and all. It creates good fellowship. Why not all come out and enjoy
yourself...Sunday, August 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. How to reach El
Monte Park -- Go out No. 80 (El Cajon Blvd). Look for Lakeside sign in El Cajon,
turn left, go through Bostonia, straight through City of Lakeside until you see
a sign El Monte Park...
4) Lou Mogy, "Scene Around Town," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 5: ...Mr. and Mrs. Abe Ratner wish to announce the Bar Mitzvah
of their son, Sandy, on Saturday morning, Sept. 2nd at 10 a.m. in Tifereth
Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate. Friends are cordially
invited...
5) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6:
... Mincha will take place at 6:15 p.m. followed by the "Sholosh Seudos,"
traditional social hour of refreshments and study, when Rabbi Levens will
continue the study of the "Ethics of the Fathers."...With the
Rabbi—Rabbi Levens recently addressed the Chula Vista Kiwanian Club and is
scheduled to speak before "The Lamplighters of La Jolla," and the
Women's Group of the Normal Heights Methodist Church...
September 8, 1950— 1) "Public Announcement," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 1: The Synagogue Kashrut Commission of San Deigo wishes
to announce that it has engaged and endorsed the Reverend Simon L. Schwartz of
Los Angeles, as a temporary schochet (Ritual Slaughter) for slaughtering fowl in
San Diego. Reverend Schwartz will be here all day Tuesday, September 5th, and
regularly once a week thereafter at a local poultry market. The Kashrut
Commission also wishes to announce that authorized Kosher butcher shops in San
Diego will obtain fowl slaughtered by the authorized Shochet, and will make this
merchandise available to the public. Any information pertaining to Kashrut in
San Diego, or about obtaining properly prepared kosher meats, fowl, and other
foods, may be obtained by calling the Synagogue Kashrut Commission, 2930 Howard,
Talbot 1-5529. Synagogue Kashrut Commission, Beth Jacob Synagogue,
Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Rabbi Baruch Stern, Rabbi Monroe Levens.
2) "Dr. Albert Klug—Shirley Berenson," Southwestern Jewish Press,
page 3: On Sunday, August 27, Shirley Ann Berenson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Milo Berenson, became the bride of Dr. Albert Baruch Klug, son of Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Klug, at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens
officiated...Maid of honor was Leonora Klug, sister of the bridegroom. She wore
a gown of white nylon net with a full ballerina-length skirt. Her satin shoes
were deep violet and she carried a crescent shaped bouquet of deep violet
gardenias and delphinium. Attendants Sherrill Rae Newman, Junior Bridesmaid;
Arlene Glickman, Carolyn Kobernick and Joan Tavernetti, bridesmaids, were
dressed like the maid of honor with shoes and flowers light violet in color. All
carried crescent shaped bouquets...
3) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: A surprise
housewarming was held for Mr. and Mrs. Julius Meyer in thier new home at 3385
33rd St. by officers of the Daughters of Israel. Among the invited guests were
Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens. A gift for the new house was presented to the
Meyers.
4) "Congregation Beth Jacob," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
18—It was with mixed emotions of solemnity and elation that Beth Jacob
Congregation held the consecration ceremonies of their new Synagogue on August
20. Beginning with the conveyance of the Torah Scrolls from the old synagogue to
the new one on 4473 30th Street, an assembly of 500 people gathered in the
auditorium to listen to a program especially planned for this rare occasion.
Chairman for the afternoon was Mr. A. Abramson, president of the congregation,
the invocation being given by Rabbi Monroe Levens with Rabbi Morton J.Cohn
rendering the benediction. Representative leaders in the Jewish Community, among
them Mr. Murray Goodrich, president of Temple Beth Israel, and MR. Alex Newman,
president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue were on hand to extend their greetings
and best wishes. Addresses were given by Rabbi Baruch Stern, spiritual
head of the congregation and Rabbi Simon Dolgin, guest speaker who leads another
Beth Jacob Congregation in Los Angeles. Both were inspiring and inspired by the
attainment of another spiritual wellspring for the continuity of the Jewish
religion and culture in this community. Entertainment was well provided by
Cantor Boris Gassin of Hollywood, formerly of Golden Gate Temple, San Francisco.
Here is a cantor with a melodious and true voice who not only provides a
pleasing rendition of liturgical music but has a delightful personality to add
to his other talents. Mr. Morrie Kraus, building chairman, who has worked so
strenuously for the attainment of this project, was presented with a gift by the
Congregation as a token of appreciation. The entire community is invited to
attend Slicoth services on Saturday midnight, Sept. 2, at which time services
will be conducted by Rabbi Stern and Cantor Gassin. Seats for the High Holy Day
services are selling rapidly and reservations can be made by phoning J-4834 or
R-1706.
5) "The Synagogue Hour," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 18:
Radio Station KSON has set aside the hour from 8 to 9 in the morning every
Sunday for broadcasts of the various religious groups in San Diego. The
period allocated to the Synagogues is from 8:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Rabbi Morton
J. Cohen (sic, Cohn) will present the service on September 10; Rabbi Monroe
Levens on September 17 and rabbi Baruch Stern on September 24. The
"Synagogue Hour" can be an excellent source of education and goodwill
for the community. KSON is conducting this Hour as an experiment and if it
meets with public approval it will undoubtedly be continued. Listen—then write
expressing your appreciation and interest.
6) "Synagogue Register," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 18:
Important events in the life of the individual Jew are of significance not only
to himself and his family, but also to the Community at large. It is customary
among numerous religious groups to preserve the information of such events in a
permanent register. After a joint consultation, Rabbi Cohn, Rabbi Stern,
and Rabbi Levens came to a decision that it would be advantageous for the San
Diego Community to have such a register, in which there would be recorded
permanently at no cost to anyone such vital statistics as births, marriages, Bar
Mitzvahs, confirmations, conversions, deaths, etc. This Synagogue Register
will be conducted as a join enterprise, and its privileges available to everyone
on a citywide basis. All vital statistics beginning with the coming New Year
will be automatically included in the Synagogue Register. Joint Religious
Education Committee Meets—On Aug. 23rd, a meeting was held of the three
Religious Education Committees of the Synagogues. Rabbi Morton J. Cohn opened
the meeting, emphasizing the fact that there are many areas of common concern in
Jewish education in San Diego, which could be best promoted by a joint effort of
the three congregations, with the greatest benefits thus accruing to the entire
Jewish community. A report submitted by Mr. Leon Elkind reviewed the
Synagogue Religious School Picnic held last June in Balboa Park. All agreed that
the picnic was most successful and augured well for further joint celebrations
in the future. Among the problems discussed were: 1) A uniform educational
calendar for the year; 2) a united campaign for enrollment and publicity; 3) the
need for setting up city-wide teaching standards and the possibility of offering
professional assistance to those who would like to teach in the Synagogue
Religious Schools; 4) Uniform standards and requirements for Bar Mitzvah,
confirmation and graduation. The meetings of the Joint Religious Education
Committee are of an advisory and consultative nature, though it was felt that
all matters which were agreed upon unanimously should carry the obligation of
being carried out. The meeting place will be rotated among the three synagogue
buildings, and will be chaired by each Religious Education Committee in
rotation. Various committees were appointed to conduct research and study into
the several problems that were discussed.
September 22, 1950—1) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press,
page 2: Naomi Levens, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Al Levens of Berkeley, and
niece of Rabbi Monroe Levens, of this city, was married August 27. Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Novak, aunt and ncle of the bride, traveled to the wedding from Chicago,
where they were houseguests of Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Novak.
2) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 2: Jacob
Baranov, a resident of San Diego for 35 years, died at the Mercy Hopsital on
September 5. Funeral services were held at the Merkely Austin Mortuary with
Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. He was buried in the Home of Peace
Cemetery. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. J.H. Weiss of Chicago,
Mrs. Earl Forer of Los Angeles, Mrs. Milton J. Gellens of San Diego, and four
grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, Nathan Baranov and sister, Mrs.Edward
Saron, both of this city.
October 6, 1950—1) Linda Solof, "Linda's Lookout," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 4: ...The first Y.P.L. meeting was a huge success.
Rabbi Levens gave a keen talk on "Jewish Holidays." Fifty young people
enjjoyed Palestinian and Modern dancing, preceded by a terrific floor show.
Joanne Rosenfeld and her ever wonderful record pantomimes, Sandy Schissell and
her fine monologues and Janet and Susan Solof in their tap dances made up the
show...
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:
The opening late Friday Night Service will take place Oct. 6th, at 8:15 p.m.,
with Rabbi Levens and Cantor Cysner officiating. The sermon will be given by the
Rabbi on the subject, "Lastly a Jew." The sermon will deal with some
thoughts about the recent book on the life of Bernard Baruch, American
statesman. An Oneg Shabbat and Social Hour will follow the service...
3) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7—Mr. Abraham Woolf, 66, died September 12th in Los Angeles. Mr. Woolf has
been a resident of San Diego for 20 years, having moved from Detroit,
Mich. Funeral services were held in Groman's Mortuary in Los Angeles,
burial was at the Home of Peace Cemetery in this city. Burial rites were
performed by Rabbi Monroe Levens assisted by Cantor Joseph Cysner. Mr. Woolf
leaves a son, Melvin.
October 20, 1950—"Adult Jewish Institute Open for
Registration," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1:
Registrations are still being accepted by the Institute of Jewish Studies, as
classes opened last Wednesday, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn announced yesterday.
"With close to last year's registration figure, ten classes are in
session." Courses are offered in Modern Jewish History and Biblical
Literature, taught by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn of Beth Israel Temple; "What We
Jews Believe," given by Rabbi Baruch Stern of Beth Jacob Synagogue;
Beginning and Advance Hebrew with Dov Abramis as the instructor; Cantor Julian
Miller teaches a class in Jewish Music Appreciation; Comparative Religion is
taught by the very popular Professor Harry Ruja of State College; Contemporary
Jewish Literature, a Book Review and Discussion class is led by Edward Schwartz,
prominent young attorney; the Contemporary Jewish Scene, a discussion of day by
day problems and challenges, led by Albert A. Hutler, Executive Director of the
United Jewish Fund, and a Cooking Course by Mrs. Rose Neumann and Mrs. Lucille
Rubel. Classes are held every Wednesday evening from7:45 to 10:20
p.m. Refreshments are served at the end of the second period, followed by
a general assembly for the entire student body. This period is devoted to
discussions, lectures, movies, community singing, and folk dancing. Sponsored by
the Jewish Education commission, the Institute is a cooperative effort of the
three Synagogues and the United Jewish Fund. The Commission is composed of
representatives of these bodies who plan the program for the Institute of Jewish
Studies, and who are working toward a Jewish Education program in the community
on an entire community level. At the last meeting of the Jewish Education
Commission the resignation of Rabbi Monroe Levens as a member of Commission was
accepted with regrets. The commission also expressed its intention of continuing
its efforts toward the establishment of a Community Talmud Torah in San
Diego. Mr. Moss Addleson was elected to the Commission as a member
at large.
2) "Jewish Educational Commission," Southwestern Jewish Press, (editorial,
which doesn't mention Rabbi Levens but seems aimed at him per above item), page
2: One of the first cooperative ventures in this community since the end
of the last war was started by lay and professional leadership some two years
ago. This was the Adult Institute of Jewish Studies. Sponsored by the Jewish
Educational Commission, it has, for the first time in San Diego, made it
possible for adults to refresh their memories and learn something about their
culture and heritage. Volunteer teachers were found who held classes on
subjects from "What the Jews Believe" to "Jewish Cooking."
The Adult Jewish Institute serves the entire Jewish Community and is a project
which merits the support of everyone. The staff of teachers is the best that can
be obtained in this community. The courses offered are varied and interesting.
Anything that is done to hinder the advancement of this cooperative venture
between the Synagogues and the Fund will result in setting the community back
two years. This is Jewish Book Month and since we are known as
"Children of the Book," we should take advantage of the opportunity to
register for one of the many courses offered at the Institute. It's never too
late to learn!
3) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 6: "Does San Diego Jewry Need a Fourth Center?" will
be the subject of the sermon by Rabbi Levens at the Sabbath Eve Service October
20th, 8:15 p.m. All are cordially invited and urged to attend this Service and
to join in the discussion on the subject of the sermon at the Oneg Shabbat and
social hour which will follow the service...
November 17, 1950—1) "University of Judaism Founders Day Dinner
Nov. 19," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: The Annual Founders Day
Dinner, in honor of the establishment of the University of Judaism in Los
Angeles, will be held at the Biltmore Hotel, Sunday evening, November 19th. Dr.
Louis Finkelstein, President of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America,
which sponsors the University of Judaism will be the speaker. Mr. Ezio
Pinza, famous Metropolitan Opera singer, will be the guest artist. An original
Eternal Light broadcast will also be presented. Attending the Founder's Day
Dinner from San Diego, will be Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, Cantor Joseph
Cysner, Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Berlin, Mr. and Mrs. Max Zemen, Mr. I Jacobson, Mr.
Its Penter, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Newman, and M. and Mrs. Irving Goodman.
2) "Deceased—Joseph Goldstein, Esther Goldstein," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: Joseph Goldstein, 60, died October 23. Funeral
services were held at Lewis Colonial Mortuary on Oct. 27 with Rabbi Monroe
Levens officiating. Burial was in the Home of Peace Cemetery. Following the
death of her husband, Mrs. Esther Goldstein, 56, passed away on Nov. 3. Funeral
services were held at Lewis Mortuary on Nov. 6 with Rabbi Monroe Levens
officiating. Burial was in the Home of Peace Cemetery. MR. and Mrs.
Goldstein resided in San Diego for 4 years after leaving Miles City, Montana,
where they had been in business for 30 years. Survivors include a daughter and
two sons, Mrs. Henry Price of this city, Harold Goldstein of Wallace, Idaho, and
Samuel Goldstein of New York City.
December 1, 1950—1) "Tifereth Israel Breaks Ground for New
Religious School Building," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: The
ceremonies of groundbreaking for the new Religious School Building of Tifereth
Israel Synagogue will take place Sunday, December 3rd, at 2:30 p.m. at Tifereth
Israel. The entire community is most cordially invited to attend the ceremonies.
Invitations have been extended to San Diego community leaders in all walks of
life to be present at the ceremonies. The invocation will be given by Rabbi
Baruch Stern. Cantor Joseph Cysner will direct the Junior Choir in several
musical presentations. Greetings will be extended by a number of dignitaries.
Rabbi Morton J. Cohn will give the Benediction and Rabbi Monroe Levens will
deliver the address. The Ground-Breaking Ceremonies are under the direction of
Mr. Isadore Teacher, Chairman of the Building Committee; Mr. Arthur Gardner,
Chairman of the Building Finance Committee; Its Penter, Irving Goodman, the
officers of the congregation, including Alex J. Newman, President; M.S. Berlin,
Vice Pres.; Henry Bowman, Recording Secretary; Edward Baranov, Financial
Secretary; Moe J. Hershey, Treasurer. The new building, designed in the offices
of Milo Berenson, building consultant, contain nine classrooms, as well as
facilities for a pre-school and kindergarten, a main auditorium that can be used
for assemblies, meetings, dinners, dances, and dramatic presentations, etc.,
kitchen, library, lounge and offices. Various bronze plaques to be affixed to
the new building will honor the names of those who have made contributions in
certain amounts. The names of the contributors will be inscribed in the Golden
Book of Honor, as a permanent remembrance. In addition, some rooms have been
subscribed for, and will bear the names of the donors. At present such rooms
have been contributed by the families of Alex J. and Sidney Newman, Ralph
Hosenpud, Max and Arthur Gardner, in memory of Charlotte Gardner, the Daughters
of Israel and the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood, which has subscribed for one of
the assembly halls. A reception will follow the Ground-Breaking Ceremonies
tendered by the Daughters of Israel and the Sisterhood.
2) "Tadman-Altshuler Marriage Told," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
3: Ruth Altshuler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Altshuler of El Cajon, exchanged
wedding vows with Morley Tadman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Tadman of Los Angeles
at a double ring ceremon on Sunday, November 26, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated at the candlelight rites...
3) "Atomic Age and Religion," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: Dr. Robert Millikan, internationally known physicist and Nobel Prize winner, delivered the keynote address for Religious Emphasis Week at State College, November 28. Jewish, Catholic and Protestant ministers spoke at seminars tot he students. Among speakers for the Jewish group were: Rabbis Morton J. Cohn, Monroe Levens, Baruch Stern, Albert M. Lewis of Temple Isaiah, Culver City; and Yehudah M. Cohen, Pacific Regional director of B'nai B'rith Foundation, Dr. Ernest Wolf, S.D. Hillel director, and Maxwell Kaufman of the Jewish Press. Jewish Seminars presented views of "Marriage and Intermarriage," "Business and Labor in Modern Jewish Ethics" and "The Place of Religion in Jewish History and Culture."
4) "Tifereth Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: Sabbath Eve Services, Dec. 1st—Regular Friday Evening Services will be held
December 1st at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens will speak on "Religion's Role in
Judaism," a pre-Chanukah sermon. Social hour and Oneg Shabbat will follow
the service...
5) "Walker's To Have Chanukah Window," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
9: Because of the tremendous response to the Passover window which was exhibited
by the Tifereth Israel Synagogue last year, Mr. George Scott of Walker's has
requested the congregation to repeat another religious holiday. This year
Chanukah, the "Jewish Festival of Lights," celebrated for eight days,
to begin the 25tgh day of Kislev (December 4th through 11th) has been chosen. On
the Broadway side of Walker's, the window will depict traditional Chanukah
scenes. Part of the window will show a Torah, on a draped dais, open at the
portion which is read at the Synagogue during this holiday, "The Story of
the Maccabees." (sic) Since it is traditionally a family holiday, there
will be lighted Menorahs, showing the father, mother and the children lighting
the Chanukah Candles. The joy and gift giving will be symbolized the the tiny
child opening her surprise Chanukah gifts. Chanukah is celebrated by Jewish
people all around the world, and to stress this point, dolls dressed in the
costumes of many countries will be on display. These interesting dolls have very
kindly been loaned to us by Edith Thayer Deuel and Betty Deuel Monnett.
Appropriate Chanukah music will be played throughout Walker's from 12 to 1:30
daily, during the week of our Chanukah Exhibit, December 4th through December
9th. The records for the music and the props were loaned by the Tifereth Israel
Sancta Shop and Mrs. Wm. Krone. Signs and show card work by courtesy of I.
Jacobson Sign Co. The Committee, consisting of Mrs. Earl Brodie, Mrs. Chas
Fleischner, Mrs. Arthur Goodman, Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, and Mr. Woodrow
Ratner, sincerely hope that many of the people of San Diego will view this
exhibit, and that all will gain from it a wider knowledge of Jewish Customs and
Ceremonies.
December 15, 1950— 1) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: Regular Friday Evening Services will be held at
Tifereth Israel Friday, December 15th, at 8:15 p.m.. Rabbi Levens will speak on
"Agenda for American Jewry," a discussion of the recent book by
Professor Eli Ginzberg of Columbia University. Professor Ginzberg offers
his scientific analysis of present day American Jewish life, and a pattern for
its future...
2) "S.D. Birdie Stodel, Chapt. 92," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: ... Our regular afternoon meeting of December 11 had as guest speaker Rabbi
Monroe Levens, whose topic was "Chanukah, A Rededication."...
-1951-
January 5, 1951—1)
"Jubilee Sabbath To Be Conducted," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
1: Tifereth Israel Synagogue will participate in a special Jubilee Sabbath to be
conducted on January 5th-6th in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the
Rabbinical Assembly of America, it was announced by Rabbi Monroe Levens,
spiritual leader of the synagogue. The forthcoming Jubilee Sabbath will be
celebrated by Conservative congregations throughout the United States and
Canada, according to Rabbi Max D. Davidson, President of the Rabbinical
Assembly. Rabbi Israel M. Goldman of Baltimore, Md., chairman of the National
Jubilee Committee, has issued a proclamation calling upon members of the
congregations served by the Rabbinical Assembly "to assemble in a service
of Rededication and Thanksgiving that Almighty God has fulfilled in us the
prophetic promise: 'Though thy beginning shall be small, thou shalt finally be
great.'" Messages of congratulations on the organization's golden
anniversary and the forthcoming Jubilee observance have been sent to the
Rabbinical Assembly by President Harry S. Truman and Doctor Louis Finkelstein,
President of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. The Rabbinical Assembly
of America was founded fifty years ago in Philadelphia by eleven graduates of
the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. At the present time, more than 450
religious leaders throughout this country and Canada are members. The group
publishes the widely-influential quarterly magazine, Conservative Judaism, editor
(sic, edited) by Doctor Leon S. Lang. Members of the Rabbinical Assembly work
closely with the Seminary in behalf of the Conservative Jewish movement. These
include the Eternal Light radio program, the Jewish Museum on Fifth Avenue, New
York City; the United Synagogue of America; the Institute for Religious and
Social Studies; the world renowned Rabbinical School and Teachers Institute and
the Seminary's West Coast branch, the University of Judaism in Los Angeles,
California.
2) Rabbi Morton
J. Cohn, "Living Judaism," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
2: Through the generous cooperation of the Jewish Press the three
Rabbis of the community will prepare this column in each issue. Its purpose is
to emphasize the religious, spiritual and moral values of Judaism as they apply
to the currents of modern life and thought. Rabbis Levens and Stern will rotate
with me in this bi-weekly chat, which we hope you will find instructive and
entertaining. Of course, we invite your comments. We have chosen to call
the column "Living Judaism," for that most accurately describes it
nature....(rest of
Rabbi Cohn's column)
3) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6:
...The Junior Congregation will meet Saturday, January 113th, at 10:15 in the
morning. The Junior Congregation meets regularly every two weeks during the
school year. Rabbi Levens will continue the story of the
"Golem." Refreshments will be served. Your child will enjoy the Junior
Congregation.
4) "Estelle Brodman Marriage Told," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: On January 1, at 3:30 p.m., Estelle Brodman became the wife of Louis Samuels at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Members of the family and close friends attended the ceremony performed by Rabbi Monroe Levens. Jackie Brodman served her sister as maid of honor. Estelle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Brodman and Louis is the son of Mrs. Lee Samuels...
5) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:Wishing Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Geller a "Happy 20th Anniversary" were those present at Tifereth Israel services on Dec. 22. A reception in their honor followed the service. Also honoring the Gellers, the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood gave a surprise luncheon on December 28. A beautiful gift was presented to the couple through Rabbi Monroe Levens and Cantor Cysner sang "God Made Thee Mine." The luncheon ended in true anniversary style with he playing of the "Anniversary Waltz" by Aida V. Most.
6) "Ruth Barth Wed," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: Ruth Barth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Barth of this city, and Irving
Yates, son of Dora Yates of Liverpool, England, started the New Year together
when they became united in marriage Saturday evening, December 30. Ruth
recited the wedding vows in a Navy blue dressy suit with red accessories. The
ceremony was performed by Rabbi Monroe Levens in the study of the Tifereth
Israel Synagogue...
7) "Harry Ratner Bar Mitzvah," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: Harry Arnold Ratner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Ratner, was called to the
torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue at
10 a.m. Rabbis Monroe Levens and Morton J. Cohn co-officiated. A reception
followed the service.
January 19, 1951—1) "Newman-Fleischman Repeat
Vows," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Arleen Joyce Fleischman,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rueben Flesichman and Alfred Newman, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Michael Newman of Venice were united in marriage at the home of Arleen's
parents on January 14. Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated....
2) "Tifereth Israel Synagogue News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
6: Sabbath Services, Friday, January 19th, 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens will speak on
"Israel Today," a picture of the day-to-day life in Israel based on
the book, "Israel Without Tears" by Ruth Gruber. Oneg Shabbat
Social Hour will follow the Service. The "Question and Answer" period
is now a regular feature of the Oneg Shabbat...
3) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: Abraham
Samuels, 48, died at his home, 4660 Alice St., on Jan. 16. Mr. Samuels was a
resident of San Diego for eight years. He is survived by his wife, Clara and
three children, Rose, Lydia and Jimmie, all of San Diego. Funeral services were
conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens at the Lewis Colonial Mortuary on Jan. 18.
Burial was at the Home of Peace Cemetery.
February 2, 1951—1) "Jewish Institute Expands Staff," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 1: Rabbi Monroe Levens, Cantor Joseph Cysner and Mr. Leon
Elkind will be added to the faculty of the Institute of Jewish Studies which
will open its second semester on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 8:00 p.m., according to
Rabbi Morton J. Cohn, Dean of the School. Held at the Temple Center, 34d
and Laurel Streets, the Institute sponsored by the Jewish Education Commission,
has provided a Jewish cultural outlet for San Diego Jewry for the past two
years. In the semester ending its 3rd year, the courses to be offered will
be as follows: Comparative Religions, Professor (Harry) Ruja; Beginner's Hebrew,
Mr. Elkind; Intermediate Hebrew, Mr. (Dov) Abram(i)s, Basic Judaism, Rabbi
Levens; Men Who Mattered in Jewish Life, Rabbi (Baruch) Stern; Meet the
Prophets, Rabbi (Morton) Cohn; Jewish Music, Cantor Cysner; Contemporary Jewish
Themes, Mr. (Albert) Hutler. Classes will be divided into two periods,
with the first period starting at 8:00 o'clock. There will be a twenty
minute period for refreshments and announcements, and the second period will
start at 9:10 and be concluded by 10:00 o'clock. Registration for the second
semester will open on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the Temple Center.
2) "Labor Zionists To Hold Seminar," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
1: In these trying days, when all Jewish groups are putting forth their utmost
efforts in raising the desperately needed funds for Israel, the Labor Zionists
of San Diego are taking time out for a seminar. Many issues in Zionism have
become confused, many problems arising out of the establishment of the Jewish
state perplex us and we feel the time has come for study and clarification. The
seminar, first of its kind here, will have as its central theme,
"Reorientation of Zionism." The schedule of the sessions to be
held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue will be: Saturday evening, February 10 at
8:30, "Economic Patters in Israel," with discussion led by Hugo Brumer
of L.A. Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m.; "The History of Labor Zionism in
America," with discussion led by Cantor Leib Glantz of L.A., Sunday
evening, February, 11, 8:30 p.m. a panel discussion "Israel, A Democracy in
Action," with Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Al Hutler, I. Domnitz, Prof. Felix P. Lee,
Dov Abramis participating and Rabbi Levens as moderator. Fred Yaruss,
president of Ben Gurion group will be general chairman. It is sincerely hoped
that everyone who feels an interest in the live problems facing Israel and
Zionism will make attendance a must. All sessions will be absolutely free, there
will be no solicitations of any kind.
3) "Congregation Tifereth Israel, Daughters of Israel to Hold Joint
Installation," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: On Tuesday, Feb.
14th, at 8:00 p.m., a joint Installation Ceremony of the newly elected officers
of Congregation Tifereth Israel and of the Daughters of Israel will take place
at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens, Installing Officer,
will conduct the ceremonies to usher the following newly elected officers into
office. Congregation Tifereth Israel—President, Alex J. Newman; 1st Vice
President, Its Penter; 2nd Vice President, frank Pomeranz; Recording Secretary,
Samuel F. Brenes; Financial Secretary, Edward Baranov Treasurer, Max Zemen.
Daughters of Israel: President, Mrs. Rose Neumann; Honorary Past President, Mrs.
Jennie Siner; 1st Vice President, Mrs. Mary Schwartz, 2nd Vice Preisdent, Mrs.
Sophia Blanc, 3rd Vice President, Mrs. Celia Berkouf, Recording Secretary, Ida
Pearl; Corresponding Secretary, Sarah Geller, Social Secretary, Pearl Shulack,
Financial Secretary, Elise Meyer; Treasurer, Jennie Siner; Publicity, Laura
Simon. The Installation Ceremonies will be followed by a social evening with
cards and refreshments. The entire community is cordially invited to enjoy this
Installation Social.
February 16, 1951—1) "Institute Opens New Semester," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: The Institute of Jewish Studies opened a new semester last Wednesday night with an array of courses that would bring pride to a much larger city than San Diego...Faculty members include, Dr. Ruja of State College, Rabbis Stern, Levens and Cohn, Albert A. Hutler, Dov Abramis, Cantors Cysner and Miller, Isaac Domnitz, Meir Bleiberg and Leon Elkind...
2) "Bar Mitzvah Boys," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Tifereth Israel Synagogue was the scene of the Bar
Mitzvah of Frederick Jaffe Solomon on February 10. Frederick, who is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Solomon, was called to the Torah by Rabbi Monroe Levens....
Friends are invited to attend the double Bar Mitzvah of Victor and Henry
Bianchini, sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. Bianchini, on February 24 in Tifereth Israel
Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate. The boys are the grandsons of Mr
and Mrs. H. Bianchini and Mrs. Marie Richards, and the great grandsons of Mrs B.
Ezra, all of this city.
3) Lou Robbins, "News of the Fox," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: ...February 9, Boy Scout Troop 99, conducted services at Tifereth
Israel. In charge of the services was Rabbi Monroe Levens. John Kluchin,
president of the Samuel I. Fox Lodge, presented the boys with a bugle, also Mr.
Sam Brenes, Boy Scout chairman of the Lasker Lodge, presented the troop with a
check for $25.00 to put towards their buying fund....
March 2, 1951—"Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 7: Sabbath Evening Service, March 2nd, 8:15 p.m.,
Center -- Celebrating Jewish Music Sabbath, a special musical service will be
held at Tifereth Israel, Friday, March 2, 8:15 p.m. Under the direction of
Cantor Joseph Cysner, both the Sr. and Jr. Choirs will present an elaborate
program of liturgical and folk music. Rabbi Levens will comment on the program.
An Oneg Shabbat will follow at which Cantor and Mrs. Joseph Cysner will be hosts
together with Mr. and Mrs. Joe Spatz and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Mintz, assisted by an
able committee. The Oneg Shabbat will honor the 80th birthday of Mrs. Chaja
Cysner and the birth of Marsha K. Mintz....
March 16, 1951—1) "Jewish Community Mourns Passing of Leo H.
Brett," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: The Jewish community of
San Diego was shocked at the sudden death of Leo Howard Brett, who passed away
on March 5. Leo Brett's activities as members of the Zionist Organization and
the B'nai B'rith had made him a leader whose passing will be mourned by the
entire community. He was also President of the Young Democrats of San Diego
County. Mr. Brett was born in Chicago June 5, 1911, and moved here six years
ago. One of the owners of Bohemian Baking Co., he built that business into one
of the largest of its kind in San Diego. Funeral services were held in the Lewis
Colonial Mortuary. Rabbi Monroe Levens, spiritual leader of Congregation
Tifereth Israel, officiated. Burial was in the Home of Peace Cemetery. Survivors
are his wife, Mrs. Luci.lle Brett, a daughter, Miss Sally Lee Brett; his mother,
Mrs. Minnie Brett; two sisters, Mrs. Lillian Novak and Mrs. Dorothy Goldberg,
and a nephew, Jacob Goldberg, all of San Diego.
2) "Tifereth Israel Men's Club Scores Success at Dinner Installation,"
Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: The Tifereth Israel Men's Club Dinner
Installation, which took place Sunday, March 11th, will be long remembered. A
delicious roast beef dinner, cooked and served by members of the Men's Club,
brought many words of praise from the guests. Mr. Moe Hershey, chairman of the
Installation ceremony, called on Rabbi Levens, Installing Officer, who presented
the newly elected Board members for Installation. They were: Isadore Jacobson,
Joseph J. Kader, Vernon D. Kahn, Sidney Newman, Joe Spatz, Herman Tulchinsky, Al
Young and Harry Zall. The following men were then installed in office: Simon A.
Rich, Treasurer; Ben Levenson, Financiall Secretary; Harold D. Steckel,
Recording Secretary; Dave Solof, Vice President; Moss Addleson, Vice President
and Robert S. Cheron, President. Mr. Zel Greenberg, in turning the gavel over to
Robert Cheron, summarized the successful activities of the Men's Club during the
past year. He pointed out that the membership of the Men's Club had grown by
nearly 69 percent. The organization also presented new Torah Covers to the
Synagogue, gave financial aid to the Young People's League, provided ushers for
Sabbath and Holy Day Services, and presented 22 volumes to boys and girls who
were Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Climaxing the achievement of the Men's Club during the
past year was a presentation of a check for $2,000 to the New Building Fund,
first payment toward the dedication of a room in honor of the Men's Club in the
new building. Mrs. Joseph Kader, Cantor Joseph Cysner, Mr. Moe Hershey and Mr.
Sam Sklar presented a program of entertainment to round out a perfect evening.
3) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:
Sabbath Eve Services, March 16th, 8:15 p.m. A special service at which the Purim
theme will be emphasized. Rabbi Levens will deliver the address.
Hosts at the Oneg Shabbat following the services will be Mr. and MRs. Adolph
Brenes, in honor of their 49th wedding anniversary, assisted by Mmes. Sam Brenes,
Sy Fein, Wilfred Goodman, and Ruben Aved. Pulpit flowers will be contributed by
Mr. and Mrs. Adolph Brenes....
4) "Purim Carnival at Tifereth Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: The entire community is cordially invited to the big Purim Carnival sponsored
by Tifereth Israel Synagogue and its Religious School, with the assistance of
the Daughters of Israel, Sisterhood and Men's Club. The date is Saturday,
March 17th; the time, 7 p.m., promptly. An outstanding program has been arranged
including presentations by both the children of the Religious Schools and the
adult members of the Synagogue. The pupils of the school will first present a
program in song under the directorship of Cantor Joseph Cysner. Second on
the program will be the presentation of a hilarious skit, "The Lone
Stranger," a modern radio version of the story of Purim, in which Max Zemen,
Bob Cheron, Deane Greenberg, Moe Hershey, Bob Wohl, Beronda Tulchinsky, Joe
Kader, Sarah and James Geller, and Cantor Cysner will participate. Third
on the program will be "Stoup the Homentasch," a giveaway show at
which a radio, washing machine, television, appliances, etc., will be given
away. "Stop the Homentasch," which offers everyone a chance to
win, will star Ida Wax, assisted by Sarah Geller and Rabbi Levens.
April 13, 1951—1) "Carl Umansky-Lois Wieder to Wed," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Beneath an arched canopy of white gladioli, stock,
sweet peas and orange blossoms, Lois Ann Wieder will exchange wedding vows with
Carl Umansky at a candlelight ceremony at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, April 15 at
2 p.m. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate. Lois is the lovely daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Weider. Carl is the son of Mr. and Mrs.Rubin (sic, Reuben)
Umansky...
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 16:
Sabbath Eve Service, April 13th, 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens will deliver the sermon.
An Oneg Shabbat will follow the Service, with a Song Fest, and "Question
Box" period...Community Passover Seder, April 20th—Under the joint
sponsorship of the Daughters of Israel and the Sisterhood, a community Passover
seder will be held at Tifereth Israel on the First Seder Night: Friday, April
20th 6:30 p.m. Preceded by a brief Sabbath and Festival Service, the Seder
Ceremony will take place, led by Rabbi Levens and Cantor Cysner, with the
participation of the Seder guests. The traditional dinner will include all
the well known Passover foods, with wine for the "Four Cups."...
April 27, 1951—1) Sumner Alpert, "Letter to the Editor," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 2: The recent {April 13} article in the
Southwestern Jewish Press by Rabbi Monroe Levens entitled "Living
Judaism" was so stimulating that I felt impelled to contribute my thoughts
to the subject. I would like to stress that my views are by no means in
contradiction to those of Rabbi Levens, but rather of a qualifying nature. In
his article, Rabbi Levens criticizes the secular Jew whose Judaism is manifested
in activities outside of the Synagogue. Such activities, Zionism,
anti-Defamation, philanthropy, etc., are rated by the secular Jew above
synagogue activity and the denial, actual or implied, of the primacy of the
synagogue programs deprives that institution of needed support. That such
secular Jews exist in large numbers is obvious. But that the criticism
leveled at them in the Rabbi's article is merited deserves some attention. The
secular Jew, it should be noted, does not deny his Jewishness; rather he affirms
it by participation in an activity which is rooted in the religious and cultural
teachings of our people. By such affirmation and participation he does more to
sustain and enrich Jewish life than many synagogue members. Apart from the
traditional ritual and prayer of our people the most important facet of Judaism
is the moral teachings which call for righteous living. Such righteous living
can be no better achieved than through active participation in the great
humanitarian projects which are attacked as secular Judaism. The secular Jew
finds himself divorced from the Synagogue while he participates in his own phase
of Jewish life. Too often this occurs not because he chooses to separate himself
but rather because the Synagogue has failed to assert its leadership in all
phases of Jewish life and to promote actively all Jewish activities. Let
us recognize that men seek activity on various levels. When the Synagogue has
limited its sphere of activity to synagogue functions it automatically alienates
large numbers of individuals whose nature calls for activity on a different
level. We must also acknowledge that secular Judaism has played a very important
role in bringing back to the fold and often to the Synagogue those who have
strayed from it. One of the most powerful forces for awakening Jewish life has
been the Zionist youth movement. The orthodox groups have attempted to
capitalize on this fact and the Hashomer Hadati and Mizrachi youths have served
both to strengthen the Synagogue as well as to participate int he Zionist
movement. Where secular Jewish activities reach no higher that bowling
leagues, card parties and other social functions, they serve no purpose. But let
us recognize that such activities under the aegis of the Synagogue also serves
no purpose. While such activities do present opportunities for expanded and
vital living, too often they are never utilized for more than periodic support
for the Synagogue institution only. The Synagogue must be more than an
institution; rather, it must become a community in which and through which all
phases of Jewish life are actively promoted. If the religious and lay leadership
of the Synagogue recognize and implement such a program there will be no need
for questioning the primacy of the Synagogue, and Judaism will be strengthened
immeasurably.
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4:
Passover Services—Morning Service for the Seventh day Passover will take place
Friday, April 27th, at 9:00 a.m. A regular late Friday Service will be held
Friday evening, April 27th, at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens will deliver the sermon. A
special Passover Oneg Shabbat will follow the services...
May 11, 1951—1) "Home for the Aged Women's Auxiliary," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 4: The following program has been arranged by Mrs.
Shelley for the May day Luncheon, to be held May 29 (Tuesday) at 12:30 at the El
Cortez Hotel, Don Room. Invocation: Rabbi Monroe C. Levens.
"Importance of a Hebrew Home for Old People in a Community"—Rabbi
Baruch Stern. Installation of Officers: Mr. Edward Breitbard. Musical
Program: Cantor Julian Miller, Mrs. Edward Zuckerman; accompanied by Mrs. Sam
Freidman. Benediction: Rabbi Morton J. Cohn....
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:
Israel Independence Day will be observed at the Friday Evening Service May 11th,
at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Levens' sermon will deal with this theme. Several
members of Class 9 will conduct the service....
May 25, 1951—1) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood to Honor Rabbi
and Mrs. Monroe Levens," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: Tifereth
Israel Sisterhood has planned a thrilling and stimulating day for its closing
luncheon meeting of the season to be held Tuesday, June 12th, at Twelve noon in
the synagogue. Honoring Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, and the happy
occasion of their twentieth wedding anniversary, a most unusual surprise program
will be presented. The skit, written by Jeanne Camiel and Frieda Mallen will
hold your interest every minute, and Ruth Ratner, program chairman, will keep
you up to date as she narrates the events. Cantor Cysner has done a bang up job
of arranging the musical accompaniment. All this and a most delicious luncheon
too, prepared and served by the members of Circle Three with Mrs. Murray Haber
and Mrs. Max Kaufman as co-chairmen. Reservations really are a must—phone
yours in early—as this is something you just can't afford to miss. Call Talbot
4259—Talbot 4048—or Randolph 1852 for reservations.
2) Linda Solof, "Linda's Lookout," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
7: ...The B.B.G. Installation was as touching and lovely as always. Elaine
Burdman did an excellent job as chairman of the affair. The girls being
installed and those being initiated went to "Tops" for dinner before
the installation and returned for dancing with their dates afterwards.
Rabbi Levens installed the girls at Tifereth Israwel. Roann Tepper (Past
President) presented the gavel to Edie Press (incoming president)....
June 8, 1951— "Israel Bonds
Chairman Appoints Strong Committee," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
1: Louis Steinman, Chairman of the San Diego Committee, Bonds of the Israel
Government, today announced the appointment of many of San Diego's leading
community workers to the executive committee. Several meetings of the
executive committee have already been held to plan activities and procedures
necessary to fulfill San Diego's share of the $500,000,000 Israel Bond
Drive. Those who have been appointed to date are: Abe Abramson, Mrs.
Gabriel Berg, M.S. Berlin, Ed Bland, David A. Block, Ed Breitbard, Lawrence
Cantor, Sol Chenkin, Rabbi Morton Cohn, Al DeSure, I.L. Domnitz, Morris Douglas,
Carl M. Esenoff, Harry Farb, Arthur Gardner, Mickey Goldfarb, Mr. Muriel
Goldhammer, M.D. Goodrich, Leon Heiman, Dr. F. Hollander, Dave Horowitz, Rodin
Horrow, Al Hutler, Joseph J. Kaplan, Maxwell Kaufman, Allen Lame, Arthur C.
Lavine, Rabbi Monroe Levens, Dick Levi, Julius Levin, Louis Moorsteen, Mrs. Rose
Neuman, Sol Price, Mrs. Sol Price, Nate Ratner Mrs. Sally Ratner, Dr. Oscar G.
Ravin, V.J. Schulman, Mrs. Pearl Slayen, Abe Snyder, Dr. George Solomon, Rabbi
Baruch Stern, Isadore Teacher, Rubin Umansky, Henry Weinberger, Frank Winicki,
Hyman S. Wolf and Fred Yaruss.
2) "Labor Zionist Organization," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
4: Chaim Weitzmann Branch... A pamphlet has recently been compiled by C.
Bazaelel Sherman for the Department of Education of Paole Zion entitled
"Israel and the American Jewish Community." Of timely interest to all,
its contents will be reviewed by Rabbi Monroe Levens and should prove of vital
interest to all attending...
June 22, 1951— "Schissell-Katz Marriage, Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Tifereth Israel Synagogue was the setting for
the marriage of Marilyn Schissell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schissell, and
Milton Katz, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Katz, of Brooklyn, New York, Saturday,
June 16. Rabbis Monroe Levens and Morton J. Cohn officiated...
August 17, 1951—1) "Umanskys To Be Honored by Labor Zionist Group
Here," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 2: It is a pleasure to
announce that the special dinner postponed from May 6 will now take place on
September 9 at Temple Center, 3rd and Laurel Sts., at 5:30 p.m. This gala affair
is being sponsored in honor of the 40th wedding anniversary of Chaver and
Chavera Rubin Umansky and in appreciation for their efforts in behalf of the
Labor Zionist Organization and Histadrut Council. We feel certain that all
members as well as friends of the Umansky family will want to take part in t his
happy occasion. A delicious home cooked turkey dinner will be served after which
an excellent program of music and entertainment with Rabbi Monroe Levens acting
as master of ceremonies...
2) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, Page 3: Mrs. Ethel M.
Penter, 80, a resident here 30 years, died Aug. 4th in a local hospital. She was
a native of Russia and had been a member of Congregation Tifereth Israel here
many years. She resided at 1144 Twenty-fourth St. Rabbi Monroe Levens
officiated at services, Aug. 6tgh, at 9:30 in the morning in Lwis Colonial
Mortuary. Burial was in Home of Peace Cemetery. Mrs. Penter is survived by a
son, Julius Reisman of San Diego; two grandchildren and three
great-grandchildren.
August 31, 1951—1) "City's Religious Schools Open
on September 23rd," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: In a
concerted, cooperative effort to enroll every Jewish child in a Religious
School, the three congregations have designated Sunday, Sept. 23rd as
Registration Day. Speaking for Congregations Beth Jacob, Tifereth Israel and
Beth Israel, Rabbis Baruch Stern, Monroe Levens and Morton J. Cohn announce that
their Religious Schools will open for registration of new and old pupils on
Sunday, September 23rd at 10 a.m. The Jewish Education Commission, made up of
representatives of the three synagogues, has made such progress in
community-wide organization, and it calls upon every Jewish parent to enroll his
children of school age, that they may receive the benefits of a sound Jewish
education. Attendance at any of the Religious Schools is open to all
children of the community. Congregation Beth Israel is located at Third and
Laurel; Tifereth Israel Synagogue is situated at Thirtieth and Howard;
Congregation Beth Jacob's address is 4473 Thirtieth. Register your children at
the School of your choice on September 23rd!
2) "The Cradle," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Ronald
Douglas was born to Jerry and Lorraine Apelman Aug. 10, at Mercy Hospital. Their
new son weighed 7 lbs and 15 ozs. Mr. and Mrs. Irving Baranov are the maternal
grandparents and M. and Mrs. Harry Apelman are the paternal grandparents. The
Bris was held Sunday, Aug. 18th at the home of the parents. Rabbi Monroe Levens
officiated. There were 50 guests in attendance.
3) "Bar Mitzvah," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Gary Frederick Naiman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Naiman, was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, August 18, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue at 10 a.m. Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated. A reception was held Sunday, August 19 in the home of the parents.
4) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: Selma Wosk, 48, of 4428 Valle Vista, died Friday evening, Aug. 24. Services were conducted Tuesday, August 28th, by Rabbi Monroe Levens at Johnson-Saum Mortuary. Surviving her are her husband, Harry S. Wosk, and three daughters, Myrna B., Shelia R., and Donna Lynn.
5) "Labor Zionist Organization," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 4: Chaim Weitzmann Branch—A reminder to our membership
and friends who have not yet made their reservations, please do so no later than
September 4. The reservation is meant of course for the dinner and gala
celebration to be held on September 9 at Temple Center at 5:30 p.m. The affair
is being sponsored to honor our president and Mrs. Umansky, who recently
celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. It will be an occasion of pleasure
and relaxation for all members and friends of the Labor Zionist Organization and
a means of expressing our appreciation for a sincere devotion to the cause of
Israel. A non-profit home cooked turkey dinner will be served after which a
program pertinent to the occasion will be given. Rabbi Monroe Levens will act as
master of ceremonies and general chairman is Chavera Bertha Veitzer with whom
reservations can be made by phoning T-7886....
6) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
5: Tifereth Israel Sisterhood has great plans for the fall season, which will
open with a bang at its luncheon meeting, Tuesday, September 11th at Twelve noon
at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Mrs. Eddie Addleson and Mrs. Eddy Sarfan,
co-chairmen, ably assisted by members of Circle 9, have devised a novel theme
and prepared a delicious luncheon. All of the charming
hostesses will be wearing rummage costumes, and you can bet that will be
quite a sight—but you can also bet there will be no rummaging around for your
luncheon. We guarantee that that will be all brand new, and served in a most
pleasing manner. There will be food for the mind, as well, when, following the
luncheon, Rabbi Monroe Levens will review Pearl S. Buck's much talked about
book, "God's Men." Luncheon will be $1.00—and each guest is
asked to bring a bundle of Rummage...
7) "Tifereth Israel to Begin New Season," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 5: With the beginning of the new season of activity, Tifereth
Israel Synagogue will begin its 46th year of service to the Jewish community and
its 4th year in its present building. A number of new projects will be added to
the Synagogue program during the forthcoming year. Present plans call for the
operation of a pre-school, for children under school age, every morning, Monday
through Friday, with a program of recreation and Jewish instruction. A highly
qualified and competent teacher is available Parents who are interested in
registering their children for Pre-school may contact Rabbi Levens regarding
details. Registration will be accepted now, subject to the feasibility of
opening the school. The first steps in the organizing of a young married couples
group has already been undertaken. A meeting has been scheduled for Saturday,
September 8, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. All interested are cordially invited.
The Religious School of Tifereth Israel meets on Sunday mornings, with opening
day on Sunday, September 23rd. New pupils may register then. Preparations are
now being made for the forthcoming High Holy Days Services, which begins Sunday,
September 30th. Rabbi Levens and Cantor Cysner with the Tifereth Israel
choir will conduct the services. Reservations are now being accpeted...
September 28, 1951—1) "Young Married Couples Organized at Tifereth
Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5/6: A group of young
married couples was recently formed at Tifereth Israel. Officers elected
were: President, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Grossman; Vice President, Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Anfanger; Treasurer, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Janoff; Rec. Secretary, Mr. and
Mrs. Don Goodwin, Corresp. Secretary, Mr. and Mrs. David Anfanger. The business
meeting was followed by a talk by Rabbi Monroe Levens on the purposes and
objectives of this new group..
2) "Dinner Honoring the Rubin Umanskys Outstanding Event," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 27: The dinner sponsored by the Labor Zionist
Organization in honor of the 40th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Rubin
Umansky was one of the most successful as well as unique affairs witnessed for
some time. The home cooked dinner was delicious and efficiently served.
The inimitable Rabbi Mornoe Levens acted as master of ceremonies and personally
arranged the program assisted by Cantor J. Cysner Words are inadequate to
describe the delightful and humorous presentation of their skit leading up to
this celebration. The still pictures of the Umansky family further enlivened the
program.Mrs. Eldith Gates, a newcomer to San Diego and a pianist of repute
contributed several piano solos....The Labor Zionist Organization would like to
publicly thank Rabbi Levens and Cantor Cysner for their efforts in making this
affair so highly successful.
October 12, 1951—1) "Community
Mourns The passing of Bess Breitbard," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
3: Bessie, beloved wife of Morris Breitbard, passed away on September 28th.
Surviving are her sons Edward, William, Robert and Elford; daughters Mrs. A.J.
Bard and Mrs. Jos. Weitzen; sisters Mrs. Harris Lipinsky and Mrs. Jack Zlotoff,
ansd 12 grandchildren. Services were held at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue, with
Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Entombment in Greenwood Cemetery. Mrs.
Breitbard, a resident of San Diego for 33 years, was well known and loved in the
community for her tireless philanthropic work. Her passing will leave a
gap in the many organizations with which she was affiliated but her memory will
serve as an inspiration for service to humanity.
2) "Tifereth Israel Young Married Group," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 4: The last meeting of the Young Married Group found a large
number of young married couples eagerly and enthusiastically participating in
the organization's deliberations. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Grossman, President,
presented the officers and board members before the body. The first draft
of the Constitution was presented and committee appointments announced. The next
regular meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 21, at 8:00 p.m. As a result of
the warm reception given to the talk by Rabbi Levens on the High Holy Days, it
was requested that the Rabbi include regularly a short period of Jewish
information at the meetings. At the next meeting the program committee will
present its first offering....
3) "Birdie Stodel, Chapter No. 92," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
6: Members of the Birdie Stodel Chapter of B'nai B'rith are cooperating with
members of the Bay City Chapter, Fox Lodge, and Lasker Lodge in planning the
annual B'na B'rith Friday night services at all three synagogues. Rabbi
Cohn, Rabbi Stern and Rabbi Levens are meeting with the various representatives
of B'nai B'rith to make these services outstanding and well-attended. Remember
the date: Friday evening, October 12th, at all three synagogues....
4) "Committee Formed to Honor Dr. Sachar," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 7: Dr. A.P. Nasatir, chairman of the Brandeis University
Committee, today announced that a dinner would be held on Tuesday, October 30 at
the El Cortez Hotel for which Dr. A.L. Sachar, President of the University,
would be present as the guest of honor. Arrangements for the dinner are being
handled by Morris Kraus. Serving with Dr. and Mrs. Nasatir and Mr. and Mrs.
Kraus as a Brandies University Committee are: Rabbis and Mesdames Morton J.
Cohn, Monroe Levens and Baruch Stern. also Doctors and Mesdames J.A. Kwint,
Robert Stone, and Ernest Wolf, and Messrs. and Mesdames Samuel Addleson, Abraham
Abramson, Elias Berwin, Edward Breitbard, Morris Douglas, Harry E. Farb, Jerome
Freedman, Murray Goodrich, Rodin S. Horrow, Albert Hutler, Maxwell Kaufman,
Edward Kitaen, Eli Levenson, Harry Mallen, Lou Mogy, Maury Novak, Sol Price,
Milton Roberts, David Schloss, Victor Schulman, Wm. B. Schwartz, Isadore Teacher
and Henry Weinberger. This is the first occasion on which Dr. Sachar will
speak to the San Diego community on Brandeis University.
October 26, 1951—1) "Horace Heidt Show Here October 27 and 28," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: Horace Heidt brings a three-hour show and Youth Opportunity program to Russ Auditorium on Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, under the sponsorship of Tifereth Israel Men's Club. In addition to the regular cast of fifty, six acts of local talent chosen as the winners of the auditions here last week will also appear. Jerry Levens, the son of Rabbi Monroe Levens, and an accomplished pianist, was chosen as one of the winners and will perform in the Saturday night show which starts at 8 p.m....
2) "Letters to Editor," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
2: Dear Mr. Kaufman: Here is a program of the San Diego Open Forum lectures. I
believe these lectures should be of great interest to our San Diego Jewish
community. Also an announcement of the Sunday morning radio talks by Peter
Samson of the Unitarian Church. His liberal and enlightened outlook on social
questions I believe to be of great importance—especially to the Jewish
community—in this critical time. He is one of the strongest voices in San
Diego against all racial feeling and oppression of minorities. Peter Samson has
the support of both Rabbi Cohn and Rabbi Levens and I believe he should receive
the active support of every Jew in the community. Sincerely, Lillian G. Buck.
3) "Services at Tifereth Israel," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 7: The choir of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue will
be honored at the Friday evening services, October 26, at 8:15 p.m. Members of
the choir include: Rose Abrams, Leah Cohein, Sandra Cole, Gertrude Diamond, Mary
gordon, Suzanne Kagen, Maedele Richlin, Norma Schaffer, Clara Sosna, Ruth
Suchman, Charles Juster, Joseph Kader and Bob Wohl. Rabbi Levens will speak on
"Sing unto the Lord." An Oneg Shabbat will follow the service.
At the Sabbath evening services on Friday, November 2, at 8:15 p.m., the
newly-elected officers of the Tifereth Israel Young People's League will be
installed. Rabbi Levens will speak. At the conclusion of the service,
members of the young Peoples League will gather together for an Installation
Party. At the same time, the regular Oneg Shabbat will take place in the Social
Hall.
November 9, 1951—Photo and caption, Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 1:
November 9, 1951—1) "Bond Group Swings Into Action
to Prepare for Bond Rally," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1:
(Story with above photo) -- Last Sunday more than forty women
representing all the Jewish organizations in San Diego met at Temple Beth Israel
for a first "Miracle Sunday" drive to start the Israel Bond Weeks
proclaimed by Acting Mayor Schneider. After breakfast and an address by the
charming Mrs. Sidney Slotkin of Los Angeles, Vice President of Hadassah in Los
Angeles and Chairman of Women for B.I.G. in Los Angeles, all the women rang door
bells to sell the "Miracle" to the community. Marie Berg,
Chairman of the Women's Division, Murray Goodrich and Louis Steinman also added
words of encouragement to the volunteer Bond Salesmen. The following women
participated: Mrs. Eleanor Gordon, Pioneer Women; Mrs. Bertha Veitzer, Labor
Zionists; Mrs. Esther Cole, Beth Jacob Auxiliary; Mrs. Minnie Harris, Hadassah,
and Mrs. Joseph Krone ($4050.00 was collected). Rabbis Morton J. Cohn, Baruch
Stern and Monroe Levens acted as a joint committee in this bond campaign as
"special salesman." According to Murray Roman, So. Calif. Bond
Manager, more than 60 people attended special meetings at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Murray Goodrich last Monday night. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Steinman
last Tuesday night was also the scene of another committee to spark the
enthusiasm for the sale of Israel bonds.
2) "Katcher-Deutch Wedding Set," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
2: Florence Deutch, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. Deutch, will become the
bride of Lieut. (jg) Martin J. Katcher, son of Mr. H. Katcher of Kingston, New
York, Sunday, Nov. 11, 3:00 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe
Levens will officiate at the ceremony...
November 21, 1951—1) "'Keep Israel Alive'—Vice President Urges," Southwestern
Jewish Press, pages 1, 8: "The Cause of Israel appeals to every human
being who believes in justice and decency. There could be no greater disaster
than the collapse of Israel." These were the worlds of Vice President Alben
W. Barkley Sunday night when he addressed a rally in Tifereth Israel Synagogue,
at which a new community total of $200,000.00 was pledged for the purchase of
State of Israel Independence Bonds. The Vice President's talk so stirred
the community that the leadership of the United Jewish Fund and the San Diego
Committee for B.I. G. (Bonds of the Israel Government) is taking steps to
guarantee $250,000 worth of bond purchases within the next ten days. "It is
essential that Israel fortify its economy so that it can continue to take its
place with the free nations of the earth. No nation can stay free without a
solid economy and these bonds that you are being urged to pledge will guarantee
to insure Israel's continuing to take its place with the free nations of the
earth," Barkley told the hundreds of members of the San Diego Jewish
Community who were present in the Synagogue. Presiding at the rally was
Louis Steinman, chairman of the San Diego Committee for B.I.G.; the sponsoring
organization for the Vice President's appearance in San Diego. Victor Schulman,
co-chairman of the San Diego Committee, presented an 8-foot scroll to the Vice
President expressing the Jewish community's appreciation to Barkley. The scroll
will be available for more signatures at both Temple and Synagogue and meetings
in the next few weeks. Hundreds marched to the dais of the Synagogue to
give their pledges to buy parts of the $500,000,00.00 Israel Bond issue.
George A. Scott, president of the San Diego Council of Churches declared,
"The cause of Israel is both for Jews and non-Jews." He paid
tribute to the Vice President and said, "his talk was one which should have
been heard by all Americans." Mr. Scott expressed his concern for
Israel's economic future by purchasing a $1,000 bond in the name of Jerry Levens,
son of Rabbi Monroe Levens. Before the rally, Vice President and Mrs.
Barkley were guests at a dinner in the Hotel Manor. Rabbi Monroe Levens
delivered the invocation and Cantor Julian Miller led in the signing of the
"Star Spangled Banner." Acting Mayor Schneider welcomed the Vice
President on behalf of the city and urged the all out support of the sale of
Israel Bonds. Federal Judge Weinberger also welcomed the Veep. More than
100,000.00 was pledged for the purchase of Israel Bonds at the dinner. Mrs.
William L. Moss, chairman of Women for B.I.G., presented Mrs. Barkley with an
orchid on behalf of the Women's Division and the Jewish Community. Mrs.
Rose Neumann was chairman of the Dinner Committee. Mesdames Julia Neumann, Mary
Kantor and Rose Gordon assisted her. Mrs. Eve Chenkin was in charge of the
decorations. The Jolly Sixteen contributed the table decorations and Mrs.
Barkley's orchid. Monday morning, the Vice President held a press conference
with representatives of all the local press and news services. Every radio
station was represented and took tape recordings of his remarks which dealt with
the subjects of Israel and world affairs. Messrs. Louis Steinman, Victor
Schulman, Murray D. Goodrich and Sol Price said farewell and God's speed to the
Vice President and Mrs. Barkley on their departure for Los Angeles. Murray D.
Goodrich and Victor Schulman have accepted the co-chairmanship of the San Diego
Committee of Bonds for Israel Government. Mr. Harry Zall has accepted the
chairmanship of the Special Sales Committee.
2) Photo and caption with advertisement for Greenwood Cemetery, page 4:
3) "Notice of Annual Meeting and Report of Nominating Committee," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 8: Notice is hereby given of the Annual Meeting of the
United Jewish Fund of San Diego to be held on Sunday, December 9, 1951, at the
El Cortez Hotel. The annual election of members of the Board of Directors to
fill the vacancies will be held at this time at or about 8:00 p.m. The
Nominating Committee submitting the names for election to the Board of Directors
includes: Harry Farb, Chairman; Mrs. Gabriel Berg; Ben Harris, Harry Mallen,
Nathaniel Ratner, Harry Snyder, Ruben Umansky. A) Monimation for Members
of the Board of Directors for 2-year Terms (1952-1954): Abe Abramson, Mrs.
Gabriel Berg, I.L. Domnitz, Morris Douglas, Jack Gross, David Horowitz, Rodin
Horrow, Ralph Hosenpud, Yalke Kahn, Morry Levenson, B.B. Margolis, Dr.
A.P.Nasatir, Milton Roberts, Nathan Schiller, Albert Steinman, Dr. Robert M.
Stone, Harry Snyder, Ruben Umansky, Alex Wise. B) Members of the Board of
Directors whose terms do not expire: Past Presidents—Judge Jacob
Weinberger; Nathan F. Baranov;Eli H. Levenson; Rabbis—Rabbi Morton J. Cohn; Rabbi
Monroe Levens, Rabbi Baruch Stern; Areas—Arthur L. Cohen, Elmer Glaser,
William Schwartz; David Block; William Burnett; Harry Farb; Manuel Fisher;
Jerome Freedman; Irving Friedman; Arthur Gardner; Murray D.Goodrich; Ben Harris;
Richard Levi; Julius Levin, Harry Mallen, Louis Moorsteen; Dr. W. Ornstein, Sol
Price; Seymour Rabin; Nathaniel Ratner, Ben Rubin, Victor Schulman, Louis
Steinman, Henry Weinberger. C) Members of the Board of Directors whose
terms expire: Mrs. Gabriel Berg, Edward Bland, Saul Chenkin, I.L. Domnitz,
Morris Douglas, Rodin Horrow; Ralph Hosenpud, Alex Newman, Morris Niederman, Abe
Ratner, Dr. Oscar Ravin, Milton Roberts, Abe Sackheim, Nathan Schiller, Victor
Schulman, Mrs. Anna Shelley, Sam Sosna, Dr. Robert Stone, Harry Snyder, Reuben
Umansky. D) In accordance with the By-Laws of the United Jewish Fund,
independent nominations of candidates for election at the annual meeting may
also be made by any 5 members (paid up contributors) provided the same is
delivered with the written acceptance of the candidate to the Secretary or
Executive Director of the Corporation no later than Friday, November 30, 1951,
5:00 p.m.
December 7, 1951—"'My Mission in Israel'" Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 7: At the Sabbath Eve. Service at Tifereth Israel, friday,
December 7, 8:15 p.m., Rabbi Monroe Levens will review the book, "My
Mission in Israel," by James MacDonald, first U.S. ambassador to the new
State. This review is offered in conjunction with the observance of Jewish
Book Month, which continues through December 23. An Oneg Shabbat will
follow the Service, at which time the Current Events discussion will take place.
All are cordially invited...
-1952-
January 11, 1952 —1) "Personals,"
Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Fifty (50) short years were celebrated
by Mr. and Mrs Ignatz Rottman on December 22. Their children Leonard,
Lillian and Ben held a large reception for their parents at Leonard's home.
After the ceremony, officiated by Rabbi Monroe Levens, Mr. Rottman surprised his
"bride" with a new diamond wedding band. They left with daugther
Lillian for an extended visit in the East. They will return to San Diego via
Florida.
2) "The Cradle," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: On December
18, Stanley Lawrence joined brother Jackie in the Irving Sonnabaum family.
Stanley was born at Coronado hospital and weighed 8 lbs, 13 1/l2 ozs.
Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated at the Bris held at home on December 25th.
Paternal grandmother is Mrs. Rosalie
Sonnabaum; maternal grandmother is Mrs. Helen Eisen, all of San Diego. ...
10 lb, 6 oz. Larry Brian is now king-ping in the Joseph Frenkel's home. Larry
arrived on December 30, at Mercy Hospital, making his grandparents Mr. and Mrs.
Harry Apelman and Mrs. Esther Frankel very happy. Rabbi Monroe Levens
officated at the Bris held at home. Godfather is Mr. Jack Zaitzow, of Vancouver,
B.C.
3) "Dr. Charles Falk To Speak At Tifereth Israel Services," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: Tifereth Israel Sabbath Services will have as
guest speaker Dr. Charles J. Falk who will speak on the subject; "Religion
and the Public Schools." Dr. Falk is Assistant Superintendent of the
San Diego Public schools, and Secretary of the Board of Education...At the
Sabbath Morning Service January 12, 9:00 a.m., Rabbi Monroe Levens' sermon will
be "Let Us Deal Wisely." An Oneg Shabbat will follow the Service. Our
hosts will be Mr. and Mrs. Moe Berlin and Mrs. Monroe Levens. Sabbath Morning
Service, Jan. 19, 9:00 a.m., Mr. and Mrs. Harold Keen announce the Bar Mitzvah
of their son, Lawrence David. The Congregation is cordially invited.
4) "Resolution of the Board of Tifereth
Israel Synagogue," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5: In view of the
fact that the leadership of our Rabbi has been challenged with unfounded and
unwarranted aspersions cast on his motives and prerogatives {see
Jan. 11, 1952, column by Rabbi Levens}, the Board of Directors of
Tifereth Israel Synagogue at its regular meeting on December 27,1 951, has
passed the following resolution: The Board of Directors of Tifereth Israel
Synagogue hereby reaffirms its faith and full confidence in the leadership of
its Rabbi, with full relaince on his integrity of motive and sincerity of
purpose. Under his guidance, Tifereth Israel has progressed in a few years to a
position of outstanding leadership and effectiveness, benefiting the entire
Jewish and general communities. He has greatly helped to build Jewish life in
San Diego and has won the acclaim of civic and religious leadership here.
Tifereth Israel Synagogue will stand firm on its principle of a free pulpit and
free expression for its Rabbi, knowing of his full honesty to promote
constructively the welfare of Jewish life; and it will answer directly and
forcefully any attempt on the part of any individual or group to discredit the
position of the Rabbinate anywhere. The honor of the Rabbinate is the honor of
the Synagogue, and the honor of Judaism. The resolution is promulgated
with the strong feeling that the overwhelming opinion of the Jewish community is
in agreement with it; and that, based on a sense of pride in, and respect for
religious leadership, our community can achieve harmony, cooperation, and the
satisfaction of a rich, spiritual Jewish life.
5) "Greenwood Announces Winner Of Mausoleum
Contest," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: The winner of Greenwood
Memorial Park and Mausoleum Name Contest was Mrs. Henry Mallen, according to
announcement by Frederick E. Davies, Greenwood general manager. The winning
entry was "Sholom (Peace) Mausoleum," which will be the future name of
Greenwood's impressive new exclusively Jewish mausoleum. Mallen received
$100 for her winning efforts and another $100 went to Tifereth Israel Synagogue
in her name. She received her check from William Hodson of the Greenwood
staff. Mr. M.S. Berlin, president of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, was awarded the
check for his organization. Contest judges were Rabbis Monroe Levens, Morton J.
Cohn, Baruch Stern as well as Mr. Hodson....
6) "Daughters of Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7:
The next regular meeting of the Daughters of Israel will be held January 31.
Mrs. Ida Pearl, newly elected president, will preside. Mary schwartz is the new
Purchase Chairman instead of Mary Schuleck. The joint installation on Dec. 30
was an inspiring affair. Rabbi Levens installed the officers and Rabbi Rosenberg
of Los Angeles delivered an interesting speech. Rose Neumann, out-going
president, received a beautiful gift. Under the leadership of Ida Pearl
and her capable officers the Daughters of Israel expect a successful year.
7) "Greenwood announces winner of new Jewish Mausoleum Name Contest: Mrs.
Harry (Freda) Mallen, 4127 Palisades Road, San Diego of Tifereth Israel, who
submitted the name of Sholom Mausoleum," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: (more ad text): In the opinion of the judges—a prominent group of local
Hebrew scholars—Rabbis Monroe Levens, Morton J. Cohn, Baruch Stern and the
Greenwood representative, William Hodson, Mrs. Mallen's entry was the most
appropriate and showed the greatest amount of originality. Understandably, the
decision of the judges was final...and there were no duplicate awards...
February 8, 1952—1) "Mayor Speaks At Tifereth Israel," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 5: The Honorable John Butler, mayor of San Diego, will be
the guest speaker at Sabbath Services on Friday, February 8,m 8:15 p.m. Mayor
Butler has recently returned from a visit to the Orient. His analysis of world
events should be enlightening and valuable to us. Oneg Shabbat will follow the
service; hosts Daughters of Israel. Friday, February 15, will mark the
celebration of "United Synagogue Sabbath." Rabbi Monroe Levens will
speak. Robert Blumer, Bar Mitzvah, will participate in the service...
2) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5:
Gottlieb, Rose—Passed away on Jan. 28th; Mother of Estelle Rottman and Wm.
Gopttlieb. Services Jan. 29th at Lewis Colonial Mortuary; Rabbi Monroe Levens
officiated.... Weissman, Miriam—on Jan 25th. Survived by her husband,
David, daughter Gail Anne, her parents Mr. and Mrs. Morris Fried, and two
sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Shutz and Mrs. Esther Licker, of Van Nuys, Calif. She
was a resident of San Diego for 19 years and a member of Yo-Ma-Co Club. Services
were held Sunday, January 27th in the Lewis Colonial Mortuary. Rabbi
Monroe Levens officiated. Interment was at the Home of Peace Cemetery.
3) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 6: February is Brotherhood month—and highlight of the
Tifereth Israel Sisterhood meeting and Tea Tuesday, Feb. 12th, which will be at
1:00 p.m. at the Synagogue is a panel discussion between Peter Samson of the
Unitarian church, Dr. Lester E. Bond of the Kensington community Church and
Rabbi Monroe Levens on "Making Brotherhood Real."...Members of the
Board, Mrs. Abe Ratner, chairman and Mrs. Ben Gordon, co-chairman, will be
personal hostesses to the invited guests, and general hostesses for the tea.
February 22, 1952—1) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 3: Dembo—Lillian, 74 years of age, on February 9th, in a local
hospital. A native of New York, she had resided here for four years and was a
resident of the Home for the Aged. services were held on February 11th at Lewis
Colonial Mortuary, Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Interment was at Home of
Peace Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Joseph, and a nephew, Mr. Frank
Hirschberg, of Los Angeles.
2) Bob Meyers, "AZA Column," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4:
On Friday night, February 1, San Diego AZA conducted the services, served
refreshments and were installed in their various posts by the installing
officers, Edward Breitbard and Stanley Yukon at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
The new office holders are: Allan Goodman, Aleph Godol; Leonard Naiman, Aleph
S'gan; Gary Breitbard; Aleph Mazkir; Abe Glaser, Aleph Gizbor; Harry Slayen,
Aleph Kohen Godol; Jim Recht, Aleph Shotare Godol; Roger Brenes, Aleph Shotare
Kotone; Bob Meyers and Larry Schiller, Aleph Sophers. Four of the installees
assisted Rabbi Levens in conducting the service, reading in the Hebrew and the
English...
3) "Danny Glasser To Be Bar Mitzvah," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
6: Danny Glasser, son of Mrs. Evely Riffett and Sam Glasser, and grandson of
Mrs. Edith Naiman, will be Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 1st at Tifereth Israel
Synagogue at 10 a.m. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate...
4) "Jewish Community Backs Red Cross
Drive," Southwestern Jewish Press, pages 7,8: The Jewish people of
San Diego County have joined with Catholics and Protestants in setting aside a
day to be designated as Red Cross Sabbath—a day for a message concerning the
current Red Cross fund campaign. Rabbi Monroe Levens and M. S. Berlin, president
of the congregation, have set Friday, Feb. 29, and Saturday, March 1, as Red
Cross Sabbaths at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Levens will preach a Red
Cross sermon on Saturday. Rabbi Baruch Stern has set March 1 as Red Cross
Sabbath for Congregation Beth Jacob and will deliver a special message about the
Red Cross to his people. Friday, March 7 has been set as Red Cross Sabbath at
Temple Beth Israel by Rabbi Morton J. Cohn. He also will make a special plea on
behalf of the Red Cross. Among those who are urging support of the Red
Cross campaign are Mr. Berlin, Al Hutler, executive secretary of the United
Jewish Fund; Zel Camiel, market owner, and Irving E. Friedman, member of the
board of directors of the Red Cross' San Diego chapter and campaign worker. Mr.
Berlin will enlist six members of the Jewish community for volunteer work in the
campaign. Mr. Hutler and Mr. Camiel are giving leadership in the solicitation of
business houses in a a large downtown district. Mr. Friedman said that the Red
Cross must raise $440,274 in the city and county in March. He added that if the
drive is to be successful, San Diegans will have to give almost 13 percent more
than they gave in 1951. "It is the responsibility of the Red cross to carry
out its programs for service men and civilians of all faiths. It is the urgent
hope of the Red Cross that persons of all faiths will support the forthcoming
drive," Friedman said. "All San Diegans must cooperate if the drive is
to be successful. They must not only give money but also time. I hope many of
our people will offer to work during the campaign," he added.
"Call Main 2071."
5) "Purim Enters on Horse and Wagon," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
8: How Queen Esther might have acted in the days of the Wild West is the theme
of a merry Purim farce called "The Robbery at Goldfarb's Gulch," to be
presented at the March 2 meeting of the Y.J.C. Club of the Tifereth Israel
Synagogue. Cowboys and Indians, fair maidens and villains will be played by
Messrs and Mmes. Herman Hornstein, Joe Singer, Howard Kaufmann, Bert Goldberg
and Sandy Alter. Much laughter and gaiety is promised. Rabbi Monroe Levens
will b eon hand to explain the significnce and customs of Purim and to answer
any possible questions about the holiday.
March 21, 1952—1) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
3: Jean and Ernest Schindler are the proud parents of a son, Neil Lance, born
Feb. 25th at Mercy Hospital. Neil weighed 11 lbs., 1 oz. He has a sister, Gail
Carolyn, 2 1/2 years of age. The bris was held on Tuesday, March 4th, Mohel
Schwartz of Los Angeles officiating, assisted by Rabbi Monroe Levens. Maternal
grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. J. Gulco and paternal grandparents are Mr. and
Mrs. S. Schindler, all of this city.
2) "In Memoriam," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: Yarzheit
services will be held Friday evening, March 21st, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue
for Leo Brett. Rabbi Monroe Levens will officiate. Unveiling of the stone will
be held on Sunday, March 23rd at 2:30 p.m. at the Home of Peace Cemetery...
3) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 8: At the regular Sabbath Evening Services on Friday,
March 21, at 8:15 p.m., Rabbi Levens will address the Congregation. Cantor
Joseph Cysner and the Choir will officiate. Mr. and Mrs. A. Brenes will be
honored on the occasion of their Golden Wedding Anniversary. Members of the
family who will serve as hosts at the Oneg Shabbat, are: Mr. and Mrs. Sy Fein,
Mr. and Mrs. Irving Brenes, Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Goodman, Mr. and Mrs. Rubin Aved,
and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Brenes. Sabbath Morning Services on March 22 will
begin at 8:30 a.m.. Mr. and Mrs. A. Brenes will be hosts following the service.
The Family and Youth Service will take place at 10:30 a.m., after which will
follow a lunch for all members of the Junior Congregation. ** Rabbi Levens will
deliver the sermon at the Sabbath Evening Services on friday, March 28, at 8:15
p.m. with Cantor and Choir officiating. Hosts for the Oneg Shabbat will be: Mr.
and Mrs. Louis Addleson, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Addleson, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Addleson,
and members of their families in honor of the arrival of two baby boys.
Sabbath Morning service at 9 :00 a.m. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kader announce the Bar
Mitzvah of their son, Errol. The Congregation is cordially invited.
April 4, 1952—1) (untitled), Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4:
Matzohs! Chrain! Hagadahs! In fact, a complete Model Seder will be the order of
the evening at the Y.J.C. Club Sunday, April 6. The purpose of this meeting,
according to Ruth and Irving Yegliss, chairmen, is to acquaint members of the
Club with the age old Passover story and traditions, so that they will be able
to conduct their own seders in their homes. Rabbi Monroe Levens will be3
on hand to explain the history and significance of the holiday.
2) "Tifereth Israel Passover Services," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
19: ...At the regular Friday Evening Services, on April 4, 8:15 p.m., Rabbi
Levens will address the Congregation on a Passover theme. Cantor Cysner and the
Choir will officiate. An Oneg Shabbat will follow the service....
April 18, 1952—"1) Zionist Council of San Diego to Sponsor
Celebration of Israeli Independence Day," Southwestern Jewish Press, page
1: The Zionist Council of San Diego will sponsor a public celebration to
commemorate the fourth anniversary of Israel's Independence on Wed., April 30,
at Beth Jacob Auditorium at 8 p.m. An interesting and entertaining program has
been arranged by Miss Maedelle Richlin, program chairman and Mrs. Sidney
Goldhammer, chairman of the Zionist Council, utilizing the best of local talent.
'Cultural Interchanges, a Two Way Bridge Between Israel and America" will
be the theme of a panel discussion. Rabbi Baruch Stern will discuss the cultural
values which will emanate from Israel to America and Rabbi Monroe Levens will
talk on the cultural benefits which American Jewry has to offer Israel in
turn. The musical part of the program will of course follow the Israeli
motif with songs and folk dancing by our own local dance group. By arrangement
with Professor G. Grisha Borushek, prominent violin teacher, his artist pupil
Albert Saford who is a member of the S.D. Philharmonic Orchestra will pay
several violin solos of Hebraic musical themes especially prepared for this
program. He will be accompanied by Mrs. Gerita Hanna. A nominal admission
fee will be charge, all net proceeds to be used for providing a travel
fellowship for the forthcoming study tour to Israel. An important project for
furthering public relations for Israel, this travel fellowship will be rewarded
to some outstanding Christian of this city. A reception will follow the
program. Refreshments are in charge of Mrs. Anna Peckarsky and Mrs. Chas.
Press. The public is cordially invited to attend this happy Birthday Party.
May 2, 1952—1) "New Home," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens and the members of the
Board of Directors of Tifereth Israel Synagogue held a Housewarming in honor of
the Consecration of the new home of Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Berlin on April 19.
Partially a surprise to the Berlins, the affair was well appreciated.
2) "Tifereth Israel News," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6:
Friday, May 2, 1952:...Sabbath Services—Friday, May 2, 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Monroe
Levens will speak on the subject "Who Is A Jew?" Simple though
this question may sound, it is involved and intricate. To answer the above
question, one must not only be familiar with Jewish history, but must have also
formulated some philosophy for present day Jewish living. An open forum will
follow the Service, with questions and comments by the Congregation. Our
usual Oneg Shabbat will follow the service...
May 16, 1952—1) "B'nai B'rith Girls," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: The B.B.G's will hold their annual installation and installation of new members on Friday, May 16 at 8 p.m. at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens will be installing officer with Mrs. Ted Brav, President of the Birdie Stodel Chapter of B'nai B'rith as his assistant. Preceding the installation the incoming and outgoing boards and initiates will attend a dinner at Tops at which special guests will be present. Officers being installed are as follows: Gloria Abramson, Pres.; Judy Yukon, V.P.; Estelle Berwin, Treas.; Elani Barach, Rec. Sec.; Lydia Samuals, Cor. Sec.; Barbara Silverman, Sen.; Brahna Lauger, Hist.; Natalie Veitzer, Cond. and Edith Press, Coun.
2) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: SHAPOV, Isaias, 45 years of age, on May 3rd, in Calexico. A native of Lithuania, he had resided in California for fifteen years and was owner of the Reality Furniture Co. here until moving to Calexico two months ago. He was a member of a Masonic Lodge in Mexico and of the Tifereth Israel Synagogue here. Services were held on May 5th at Lewis Colonial Mortuary. Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Interment was at Home of Peace Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Ida, and children, ethel, Joel, Moses Shapov and a daughter, Mrs. Ben Kutchuck, and grandson, Michael Simon Kutchuck.
May 30, 1952—1) "Joan Press Wed To Michael Cooper," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Joan Edith Press, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isadore Press, was married to Michael Irwin Cooper, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lester Cooper on May 25th. Rabbi Morton J. Cohn and Rabbi Monroe Levens performed the ceremony under a canopy of ivy and all white gardenias, carnations and violets, at the Tifereth Israel synagogue at 7 p.m...
2) "Esther Mador-Herbert Weiller," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 3: Esther Helene Mador, daughter of Mr. and MRs. Eli
Mador of Springfield, Mass., was wed to Herbert ARnold Weiller, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Marcel Weiller of Carlsbad, New. Mexico on June 1st at 4 p.m. in the
Tifereth Israel Syangogue. Rabbi Monroe Levens officiated at the ceremony...
3) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: SHRIEBMAN,
Harry, 64 years of age, on May 17th, in Lon Beach. Born in Russia, he lived in
San Diego and owned the Southern California Junk and Bottle Supply Co. here
until he moved to Long Beach a year ago. Mr. Shriebman was a member of
congregation tifereth Israel, Long Beach I.O.O.F. Lodge and San Diego Eagles
Lodge. Services were held on May 20th at Lewis Colonial Mortuary, Rabbi Mornoe
Levens officiating. Survivors include his son, David, of San Diego, and two
daughters, MRs. Nathan Goldman of Los Angeles and Mrs. Jack Meyers of San Diego.
Interment was at the Home of Peace Cemetery.
4) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern
Jewish Press, page 8: Tifereth Israel Sisterhood's final meeting, before the
summer recess, will be on tuesday, June 10th at 11:30 when Mrs. Sidney Newman
and her corps of hostesses will serve a most delectable brunch, a wide variety
of foods to choose from, and plenty of it. Mrs. Monroe Levens, program
chairman for this happy event, has planned a novel and inspiring Biblical
Installation. Rabbi Monroe Levens will install the following for the year
1952-1953. President, Mrs. Alex J. Newman; 1str Vice Pres., Mrs. Harry Wax. 2nd
Vice Pres., Mrs. Henry Price. 3rd Vice. Pres., Mrs. Woodrow Ratner. Recording
Sec., Mrs. Max Zemen. Corresponding Sec., Mrs. Victor Weiss; Financial
Sec., Mrs. E. Warren Oglesby. Treasurer, Mrs. Harold Garvin. Auditor, Mrs. Sol
Frank. Members of theBoard: Mesdames Moe Berlin, Irving Goodman, Moe Hershey,
Celia Jacobs, William Moss, Rose Mackall, Sidney Naliboff, Abe Ratner, Herman
Sarfan, Dave Schloss, Sam Sklar, Sam Solomon. Following the installation,
cellist Eugene Sacks, member of the San Diego Philharmonic and of the San Diego
Symphony Orchestra, accompanied at the piano by Irene Urner, will give several
selections. Our own Cantor Joseph Cysner will sing a special song for the day.
Remember, this is at 11:30 on June 10th at the Synagogue. Call Roanne Oglesby,
talbot 1-6034; Lillian Newman, Talbot 1-6961.
June 13, 1953—1) "Young Jewish Couples Club To Hear Panel On The
Wondering Jew," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5: "Who
is a Jew," will be the topic to be discussed by Mrs. Meir Barach, Rabbi
Monroe Levens, and Mr. Eli Levenson at the next meeting of the Young Jewish
Couples Club, Sunday, June 18, 8:00 p.m. at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
"What is a Good Jew" and "Do I have to go to Synagogue," are
some of the questions to be discussed, according to Lewis Anfanger, president.
These questions will be answered from the conservative and layman viewpoint. All
three talks will be very short and questions will be asked from the floor. All
young couples that would be interested are encouraged to attend.
2) "Unveilings," Southwestern Jewish
Press, page 5: The unveiling of a monument in memory of Rose Malamud will
take place on June 22nd at 2:30 p.m. at the Home of Peace Cemetery.
Services will be conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens. All friends are invited to
attend.
3) "Deceased," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6 GIBSON,
Rose, 70 years of age, on June 9th, in a local hospital. Born in Russia, Mrs.
Gibson lived here for 3 years. She was a resident of the San Diego Hebrew Home
for the Aged. Services were held on June 10th at Lewis Colonial Mortuary,
Rabbi Monroe Levens officiating. Survivors include two sons, I.J. Gibson
of San Diego, Henry Gibson of Florida, and two daughters, MRs. S. Phillips of
Missouri and Mrs. Nathan Levinson of Virginia. Interment will be in Fort Wayne,
Indiana.
-1992-
July
27, 1992—Eulogy for Sam Brenes, delivered by
Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
September 6, 1992—Eulogy for Katherine Fleishner
delivered by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
November 18, 1992—Eulogy
for Irving A. Goodman delivered by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
-2005-
2005-09-21
Donald H. Harrison, "San Diego
Jews taking root: Four historic community events coincide," San Diego
Jewish Times, September 21, 2005.
October 31, 2005—Visit to gravesite of Rabbi Monroe & Lillian
Levens, Shalom Lawn, Greenwood Cemetery, San Diego:
Levens family
monument
Closeup of epitaph for Rabbi Monroe Levens
December 9, 2005—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, "Centennial Rededication Service," December 9, 2005/ 9 Kislev 5766, page 10: Centennial History Project—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, founded in 1905, has embarked on a unique venture to commemorate its centennial. The Centennial History Project was created at the direction of the Centennial Committee, charged with producing a comprehensive history of Tifereth Israel Synagogue since its founding at the beginning of the twentieth century. The book is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2006, just prior to to Tifereth Israel Synagogue's Gala Centennial Ball. Drawing on the professional skills of numerous volunteers, the History Project will create a beautiful, scholarly and personal volume that combines in depth research with oral histories. By recording this moment in our story, we hope to embody the spirit and character of the community that will take us into our second century. Those who are working on the Project see the history of Tifereth Israel Synagogue as falling into three natural eras reflecting its three congregational homes: 18th and Market Streets; Howard Street, and its present location on Cowles Mountain Boulevard. The History Project is researching these periods anew, using resources never before consulted, to tell our story. The Project has already found details, once thought lost, which help us better understand the congregation's history and growth. Further, by emphasizing the voices drawn from interviews and shared anecdotes, we expect to produce a lively and wholly original history. The book will also include a full-color section detailing the many pieces of fine art that adorn Tifereth Israel Synagogue's current building. Explanations of the artwork, as well as details about their creators and donors, will further enhance the publication. A measure of the quality that can be expected from the completed project is the quality of the volunteer who are working on the project. Donald H. Harrison is a prize-winning journalist who has covered San Diego's political and religious news since 1972 for numerous publications. Currently a columnist for the San Diego Jewish Times, he is the author of the biography, Louis Rose: San Diego's First Jewish Settler and Enterpreneur and is a member of the City of San Diego's Historical Resources Board. Rabbi Monroe Levens served as spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel from 1948 until his death in 1981. Monroe and Lilliian Levens had three sons, all of whom are contributing to this book. Jerry Levens, who holds a Ph.D in economics, taught at Berkeley before specializing in the economics of health care systems. David Levens also taught college before becoming a real estate broker. Raphael Levens practiced law locally before entering the field of non-profit administration. A native of Los Angeles (Temple Knesset Israel in Hollywood), David Ogul has reported and edited at Southern California newspapers since graduating from San Diego State University in 1981. In September, 2000, he was hired as an assistant metro editor by the San Diego Union-Tribune to lead the paper's crime and public safety coverage, and helped oversee coverage of the Santana High School and Granite Hills High Schoo9l shootings and the massive Cedar fire. Earlier this year, he took on a new challenge, supervising a team of reporters covering San Diego neighborhoods and San Diego Unifed School District. As a noted collector of contemporary art, Karen Hjalmarson has been a participant in the Visual Arts scene in San Diego for over twenty years. Hjalmarson holds a B.A. in history from University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.A. in art history from San Diego State University. She has written numerous essays on contemporary art while serving as co-director of the Hyde Gallery at Grossmont College. Hjalmarson is the author of Twenty Years Later: Four Sculptors from San Diego. Currently she teaches English at Parkway Middle School and is also the editor of "Intellectual Ludicrous," a young writers' anthology. Gail Rice, associate editor of the Centennial History Project, is a professional editor with 18 years' experience, primarily in developing content for scholarly encyclopedias. At Harcourt, Inc., and at Academic Press, a division of Harcourt, she was recognized as a detail-oriented and efficient project manager with a reputation for producing reference materials of the highest quality and marketability. In 2004 Rice established her own consulting business, Open Book Editorial Services. Laurie Gore, chair of the Centennial History Project, worked as a production editor at Academic Press, a division of Harcourt Brace, Inc., and at University of California before training as a graphic designer. Her volunteer work at Tifereth Israel Synagogue has been recognized by regional and national awards. In addition to these, numerous other volunteers are working on cataloging the primary sources at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, reaching out to the business community for their support, and in many other capacities to make this book an unparalleled collaboration. We are especially appreciative of those members and friends of Tifereth Israel Synagogue who have shared their memories and mementos. We welcome all members of the community to participate in this project by contacting Tifereth Israel Synagogue.
December
14, 2005— Donald H. Harrison, "Louis Rose
Society—An Update," San Diego Jewish Times, page 12
December 16, 2005—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, "Tifereth
Israel Synagogue Coming Events 12/16/05," (e-mail bulletin): ...Friday,
January 13 — Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:15 p.m. Jerry and Raphael Levens
will present "The Life and Times of Rabbi Monroe Levens" as part of
our Centennial celebration.
-2006-
January
2006—"The Life and Times of Rabbi Monroe Levens," The Shofar
(monthly newsletter of Tifereth Israel Synagogue), page 1: Friday, January
13th, 6:15 p.m.—Rabbi Monroe Levens came to Tifereth Israel Synagogue in
1948 when it opened the doors of its second congregational home on Howard
Street. He continued as part of our community until the end of his life, and his
impact cannot be underestimated (sic, overestimated). He was a leader, a
scholar, a public figure, and a family man. In a very special appearance, his
sons Jerry and Raphael will share their memories of their father and his
career. Join us for this unique evening, including an Oneg sponsored by
Sisterhood.
January
1, 2006—"Looking back over 2005: Growing membership, list
of honorees,
schedule of events, recognition inside and outside our community," Louis
Rose Society newsletter Vol. 2, No. 1, jewishsightseeing.com
January 9, 2006—Jewishsightseeing visit to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 6660 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego, Calif. 92119:
Rabbi Monroe Levens is memorialized on both sides of the
Tifereth Israel Synagogue campus. His portrait hangs on the wall outside
the rabbi's
office in the administrative wing of the Conservative congregation. The
plaque naming the education wing for him hangs by the entrance of the
Braun Library. {Donald H. Harrison photos}
January 13, 2006—1) photo and
caption, San Diego
Jewish Times, page 10:
(should read: Lillian Levens and Rabbi Monroe Levens)
2) "Tifereth Israel Celebrates Centennial," San
Diego Jewish Times, page 10: "The Life and Times of Rabbi
Monroe Levens" will be the topic of Tifereth Israel Syangogue's second
Centennial Lecture on Friday, Jan. 12 at 6:15 p.m. Jerry and Raphael
Levens, his sons, will discuss their father's life, legacy, and relationships
with the synagogue and its members. Rabbi Levens came to Tifereth Israel
Synagogue in 1948, as the congregation opened the doors of its second home on
Howard St. in North Park. He served as rabbi until 1974, at which time he
was succeeded by Rabbi Aaron Gold Rabbi Levens continued to serve as Rabbi
Emeritus until his death in 1982. A synagogue spokesperson said,
"Rabbi Levens' impact on Tifereth Israel and San Diego's Jewish community
cannot be underestimated. AHe was a leader, a scholar, a public figure, and
family man. His creativity and devotion helped build Jewish San Diego." The
Shabbat service and lecture will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat hosted by the
Sisterhood. On Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., Tifereth israel's Men's Club will sponsor a
"Rockin' Centennial Sock Hop" in the congregation's newly refurbished
Cohen Social Hall. The evening is billed as a "50's Dinner-Dance." It
will feature a buffet dinner and dessert, and dancing to the music of the Moon
Dawgs Band. The evening is open to the pubic and admission is $25. All proceeds
will benefit Tifereth Israel's Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund. Tifereth Israel's
Centennial celebration will culminate in a Centennial Ball to be held on March
25. For information, call the synagogue office at 619 607 6001.
2006-01-14—Donald H. Harrison, "Levens saga recalled during nostalgic Shabbat program at Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Jewishsightseeing.com
February 2006—1) "The Life and
Times of Monroe Levens, Part 2," The Shofar (monthly bulletin of
Tifereth Israel Synagogue), page 1: Jerry and Raphael Levens, whose appearance
was such a success in January, will be returning to continue the story of their
parents, Lillian and Rabbi Monroe Levens. Look for an announcement of the
day and time.
2) "Sisterhood," The Shofar, page 11: ...The Friday Shabbat
service of January 13th featured a presentation by Jerry and Raphael Levens, the
sons of Rabbi Monroe Levens. Their interesting and informative presentation was
part of Tifereth Israel's centennial celebration. Sisterhood hosted the Oneg and
congregants lingered late into the evening.
2006-03-10—Donald H. Harrison, "Susannah Heschel explains her rabbi father's concept of 'praying with my legs'" jewishsightseeing.com, in which Rabbi Levens and two of his sons are mentioned in passing.
2006-05-28—Jerry Levens, "Concerts shows how Shostakovitch, though not Jewish, had great empathy for Jews of the Soviet Union," jewishsightseeing.com
2006-05-30—Jerry Levens, "Maseng presents music that reawakens a Jewish soul," jewishsightseeing.com