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Writings about Eleanora Levi
-1922-
September 20, 1922,
Clara Grossmayer, "Temple Auxiliary," The Jewish Community News, pages 7, 17:  It was about thirty years ago, when the Jewish community of San Diego was a mere handful, that the few Jewish mothers felt the need of a Sabbath School. There was soon organized a Mothers' "Club, the object of which was the creation and up-building of the school. The only charter members of the Club, now known as the auxiliary, who are still residing in San Diego are Mrs. A. Levi, Mrs. H. Wolf and Mrs. S. Jacobs. The first teachers included: Mrs. Lesem, Mrs. A. Blochman (now deceased), Mrs. Herman Welisch (now of San Francisco), Miss Celita Mannasse and Miss Celia Schiller.  When the Congregation Beth Israel was formally organized and services were regularly conducted by the members, the scope of the Club was enlarged. While its most important work has from its inception to the present day been the fostering and development of the Sabbath School, it now undertook also to aid in the maintenance of a choir. As the community increased in numbers, a Temple was built, a Rabbi engaged and the choir improved. The Sabbath School was turned over to the congregation that it might become an integral part of that body, but the Club as before devoted its funds and its best energies to the school. It supplied the teachers and arranged for a board of visitors. Too much credit cannot be given for their persevering efforts and devotion to purpose, of both teachers and visitors.  The Club has always provided for the ever-increasing needs of the school, has given rewards to the children and little appreciative gifts to the teachers.  It must be noted that the teachers have always protested against gifts to themselves, asking that the money be used for the children. It is this spirit of unselfishness and helpfulness that has always characterized the relations between the school and the Club.  For the pleasure and encouragement of the children, there have been periodical outings and other entertainments. The Purim and Chanulka (sic, Chanukah) festivals are annual events. These occasions have done much to cement friendships among the children and between children and teachers. The Auxiliary has each year the very great pleasure and satisfaction of witnessing the confirmation of the young people who have completed the course of training given in the Sabbath School. Always an impressive and touching ceremony, the service this year was marked by the simplicity and sincerity characteristic of Rabbi Dubin and his work. The congregation is a unit in feeling it to be a privilege to be under the leadership of this able, earnest young man. He and his wife have, with the whole-hearted support of the teachers, accomplished great things with the Sabbath school.  One of the enjoyable factors in the Auxiliary meetings have been the short but interesting talks given by Rabbi Dubin. The ladies appreciate his help. An annual event not to be forgotten is the luncheon which takes the place of the regular January meeting. This usually brings out the full membership of the Club, including out-of-town members and ex-members. The luncheon this year was held at the Waldorf Hotel. Several years ago the Club affiliated with the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. It found a change of name desirable. As there already existed a "Sisterhood" connected with the Orthodox Synagogue, it was decided that the Mothers' Club should be termed "The Ladies Auxiliary to Temple Beth Israel."  During its early history, it was the custom to hold the monthly meetings at the members' homes, but since the completion of the Welfare Building on the grounds adjoining the Temple, all sessions have been held at this more convenient center. Here too, have been given card parties, bazaars, and other entertainments that have served the double purpose of drawing members of the community more closely together and of adding to the  funds in the treasury of the Auxiliary.  The largest undertaking of the organization has been the annual community Seder. The very considerable labor required in the preparation of this celebration of the traditional feast has each time been rewarded by a large attendance and corresponding financial returns. It is much to be regretted that the Welfare Building is too small to accommodate the number usually partaking of the Seder.  With the increased and still increasing membership, the Auxiliary found it possible to increase its monthly contribution to the temple and to make generous donations to the organ fund, the Hebrew Union College Dormitory fund and the Joint Distribution Committee fund. It has had the great satisfaction of seeing a new organ installed in the Temple, of witnessing the steady growth of the Sabbath School in numbers and in interest, and of including in its own membership seventy of the progressive public spirited Jewish women of San Diego. For while, as its name implies, it is an adjunct of the Temple, the Auxiliary cordially welcomes to membership all women, both permanent and temporary residents, who are in sympathy with its purpose. The Auxiliary has gained much through the attendance of the clever, interested and interesting women who are frequent San Diego visitors. They bring us new ideas and new inspirations; and in a greater degree than is achieved at national conventions, serve to foster intimate friendly relations with Jeiwh individuals and organizations in other cities.  The Auxiliary takes pride in the fact that the plan for a new organ originated within its ranks. Mrs. Herman Wolf being the prime mover, and Mrs. Simon Levi's bequest of one hundred dollars being the largest single contribution.  Many of the prominent Jewish women have acted as president of the Auxiliary.  Among them being Mrs. L.A. Blochman, Mrs. Adolph Levi, Miss Laura Schiller, Mrs. M. Schoenbrun, Mrs. Weinstock, Mrs. Jennie Marks, Mrs. Lesem, Mrs. Rosenfield, Mrs. Herman Wolf and the present incumbent, Mrs. Ancker.  The Auxiliary is looking forward to another year of renewed activity and greater usefulness.