San DiegoJewish World San Diego's Online Jewish Newspaper

Volume 3, Number 37

"There's a Jewish story everywhere"

Today's Postings:

Thursday, February 12, 2009

{Click on a link to jump to the corresponding story. Or, you may scroll leisurely through our report}

MIDDLE EAST
Now commentators worry about opinion on the Israeli street
By Shoshana Bryen
WASHINGTON, D.C.—A-Sharq Al-Awsat London's pan-Arab daily wrote, "Israeli elections: Between the Right and the extreme Right." The Palestinian Al-Quds opined, "We're witnessing the Israeli rivals in the election campaign outbidding each other in ultra-extremism, as a way to gain more votes. Israeli society has turned more extreme, and moved much further from peace and its obligations."Time magazine screamed, "Israel Election Dashes Hopes for Peace." Read More

Antipathy between SHAS and Israel Beitenu may
complicate Netanyahu's task of coalition building
By Ira Sharkansky
JERUSALEM—The election results are not final. There are still the absentee ballots to be counted. In Israel these are almost entirely ballots of soldiers who voted on their bases. Except for them, and Israelis overseas on official business, there are virtually no provisions for absentee ballots. (Those away from home, but in Israel, get free round trip bus tickets to their polling place.) Read More

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Remembering Lincoln and the Jews on his bicentennial
By Norman Greene
SAN DIEGO--Five days after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Rabbi Isaac M. Wise in a eulogy claimed that Lincoln had "believed himself to be bone from our bone and flesh from our flesh. He supposed himself to be a descendant of Hebrew parentage." This was reported, without comment, on July 5, 1865 in The Jewish Record. Read More

ARTS
New York in the ‘30s meant Minsky’s Burlesque
By Cynthia Citron
LOS ANGELES - As the four Marx brothers were to vaudeville in the early years of the 20th century, the four Minsky brothers were to burlesque. They were all at the top of their professions. But whereas the Marx brothers went from the vaudeville stage to long careers in theater, films, and television, the Minskys went down with the ship when burlesque died. Read More

Thursdays With the Songs of Hal Wingard:
#57 Now That I Am 21 Read Lyrics and Hear Song

#240 This Time Read Lyrics and Hear Song

#241 Myla and Lou Read Lyrics and Hear Song

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
Link to past archives

—Rabbi Levens Honored More
—Milt Mollick Bar Mitzvah August 30 More
—Kiddush at Beth Jacob Honors Eugene Aronoff, Robert Penn More
—Beth Jacob Sisterhood More
—Tifereth Leaders Attend Seminar More
—Rabbi Cohn Elected Camp Director More
—Hebrew Home For The Aged Aux. More

COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Students guarding their tongues, and their ears, at Soille Hebrew Day Read More

United Jewish Federation: UJF’s Options Event Addresses Global Terrorism Read More

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES

We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

Billy Joel sings "We Didn't Start The Fire" View video

Eddie Fisher sings a medley of Al Jolson songs on Dean Martin Show View video

Judith Edelman sings "I'm Feelin' Lucky Today" with Theo Burke on harmonica View video

TODAY'S ADVERTISERS
America's Vacation Center
Balloon Utopia
Carol Ann Goldstein
Congregation Beth Israel
Jewish Family Service
Lawrence Family JCC
San Diego Community Colleges
San Diego Jewish Academy
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
United Jewish Federation
XLNC-1 Radio

THE WEEK IN REVIEW
This week's stories on San Diego Jewish World: Wednesday, Tuesday, Monday, Sunday, Friday, Thursday

UPCOMING EVENTS
Want to know about exciting upcoming events? As a service to readers, San Diego Jewish World flags most event advertisements by date: Feb 24

STAFF BOX
It was a moment of nostalgia for editor/publisher Don Harrison: reprinting in this issue an article by Norman Greene and an illustration by Scott Thomas concerning Abraham Lincoln and the Jews. As co-publishers of the San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage, Greene and Harrison had worked closely with Thomas on themed issues that won numerous awards. ... Among occasional writers for the old Heritage was Myla Wingard, whose birthday her father the songwriter, Hal Wingard, celebrates in song in today's issue.

DEDICATIONS
Each day's issue may be dedicated by readers—or by the publisher—in other people's honor or memory. To see today's dedications, please click here. Past dedications may be found at the bottom of the index for the "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" page.

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THE VIEW FROM JINSA

Now commentators worry about mood on Israeli street

By Shoshana Bryen

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A-Sharq Al-Awsat London's pan-Arab daily wrote, "Israeli elections: Between the Right and the extreme Right." The Palestinian Al-Quds opined, "We're witnessing the Israeli rivals in the election campaign outbidding each other in ultra-extremism, as a way to gain more votes. Israeli society has turned more extreme, and moved much further from peace and its obligations."Time magazine screamed, "Israel Election Dashes Hopes for Peace."

Not really. The close split between Kadima and Likud (early results without soldier ballots) may indicate that the Israeli public has coalesced toward the center, which even Time admits - but worries that the "mutual antagonism of both leaders" (the mutual antagonism of one of them wouldn't have been interesting) which "makes an accommodation all but impossible." Like, say, campaign antagonism between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama?

But, for the sake of argument, what if the Israeli public has really moved one or two or more steps to the right? What then? Perhaps the pundits should consider what made them move and how to move them back, if back is where they need to go.

Israel is, after all, a democracy; a multiparty, open system with a free press and an informed electorate. The Israeli public has a voice and knows how to use it. Who influences it and how?

Israelis listen not only to their own leadership, but also to that of Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria and Iran - and watch what they do to threaten Israel and to poison their own people. Israelis listen to public demands by Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain - and know they all admit in private that they want Israel on their side against Iran. Israelis listen to the EU, the United States and the Quartet - and read the Oslo Accords, Gaza-Jericho, Oslo II, the Wye River and Hebron agreements, Taba and the Road Map, and wonder why asymmetrical paper agreements that require Israel to provide tangible benefits to the Palestinians in exchange for promises of security for Israel have not resulted in security for Israel.

And they become skeptical of more talk and more hard concessions in exchange for empty promises. Skepticism is reasonable. Perhaps Palestinian "[t]ermination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force," would incline Israelis to take a more "dovish" approach.

Interestingly, while clearly discouraged on the "peace front," Israelis appear not to have become skeptical of the importance of actually BEING one of only two countries in the region that can claim free, open, non-coercive multiparty elections (and one of them hasn't been at it very long).

Israel has not spent a single day, a single moment, in peace with its neighbors. Israel has not had a single day or a single moment in which it was not threatened with extinction - Iran is only the latest existential threat; in 1967, the rabbis were talking seriously about religious rituals that would be observed if Israel was forced to use the mass graves it was preparing for its citizens.

Under the circumstances, the Israeli public - center right or center left as the vote falls - deserve a cheer from small-d democrats around the world for another peaceful exercise of a precious franchise.

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

SAN DIEGO JEWISH ACADEMY CONGREGATION BETH ISRAEL

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To visit the websites of San Diego Jewish Academy or Congregation Beth Israel, please click on the respective advertisement

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LETTER FROM JERUSALEM

Antipathy between SHAS and Israel Beitenu may
complicate Netanyahu's task of coalition building

By Ira Sharansky

JERUSALEM—The election results are not final. There are still the absentee ballots to be counted. In Israel these are almost entirely ballots of soldiers who voted on their bases. Except for them, and Israelis overseas
on official business, there are virtually no provisions for absentee ballots. (Those away from home, but in Israel, get free round trip bus tickets to their polling place.)

The soldiers may move the results one or two seats, but the basic picture is likely to be very similar to the following: Kadima 28; Likud 27; Israel Beitenu 15; Labor 13; Meretz 3; SHAS 11; Torah Judaism 5; JewishHome 3; National Unity 4; Ram-Tal 4;
Hadash 4; Balad 3

Party leaders are feeling one another out as to potential coalition partners. The first step--once the results are final--is for the party heads to meet with President Peres and advise him as to their inclinations, and to say which party has the best chance to form a coalition that will win approval of the Knesset majority. The president has discretion to invite the leader of the most likely party to try his or her luck. In the past, that has been the leader of the party with the most seats. This time, the arithmetic, and the president's calculations of who can do what may produce a different leader.

The left has been weakened, as shown by the dismal peformance of Labor and Meretz. The right has done well, as shown by Likud, Israel Beitenu, SHAS, Torah Judaism, Jewish Home, and National Unity. Together, these parties have 65 seats, and that looks like a Likud-led coalition.

However, Israel Beitenu and SHAS may not fit well together. The spiritual leader of SHAS said that voting for Israel Beitenu was like voting for the devil. Israel Beitenu, in the eyes of SHAS, stands for the sale of pork and the legalization of civil marriage.

The most obvious coalition partners of Kadima are Labor and Meretz. Sad for them, that amounts to only 44 seats.

There is a coalition that secular moderates are dreaming about: Kadima, Likud, and Labor, amounting to 68 seat. That can happen, if the egos and the party colleagues of Tzipi Livni and Benyamin Netanyahu can agree on who would be the prime minister. Or, if they agree on rotating the leadership, who would get the job for the first two years.

At the same time that party leaders discuss the outline of a coalition, they also negotiate which party gets which ministries. These are jobs for the boys and girls, and are likely to be just as testy as what the coalition will stand for in terms of peace, economic programs, and social welfare.

Among the things that commentators are talking about is the mild or harder slap in the face that the voters have given to Americans, Israelis, and Europeans who have been promoting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. A common Israeli view is that Israel has tried everything reasonable. Fatah's Mahmoud Abbas is too weak, too skitish, and without nearly enough support at home to make any kind of agreement. The folks of Hamas in control of Gaza are busy declaring victory in the recent war, and continuing their proclamations that Israel must disappear.

The only advocates of continuing a peace process similar to what is desired by Americans, Europeans, and some Israelis are Knesset members of Kadima, Labor, and Meretz, and not all those are enthusiastic about the prospect.

The hard work as just begun. It will still be going in two weeks when we return from overseas, and may continue for a month or more after that.

Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted at msira@mscc.huji.ac.il

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UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO February 24 Options event

To learn more about United Jewish Federation and the Women's Options event, please click the ad above

UJF’s Options Event Addresses Global Terrorism

San Diego (Press Release)– The annual United Jewish Federation Women’s Division, Options 2009, is traditionally one of San Diego’s most widely attended Jewish outreach and fundraising event. And this year promises to be no different. Hundreds of women have already signed up to attend the February 24th event at the La Jolla Marriott from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

“This is such an outstanding opportunity for our community to unite,” said co-chairs Judy Lilienthal and Laura Tauber. “We come together to support Israel and learn about the serious challenges facing our world today.” This year’s keynote speaker, Brigitte Gabriel, is one of the world’s leading experts on Global Islamic Terrorism. Gabriel’s passion and vigor in denouncing radical Islam hail directly from a remarkable upbringing as a Christian Arab in Southern Lebanon.

Gabriel has just released her second book in October 2008, “They Must Be Stopped”, following her New York Times Bestseller, “Because They Hate”. Fiercely articulate, Gabriel regularly appears as a guest analyst on Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and ABC.

“Brigitte Gabriel is one of the best speakers we’ve ever had. She is articulate and passionate with an incredible message for each of us,” said the Greater Dallas Jewish Federation, where Gabriel spoke last week at two events. “Her personal story of how her mother was seriously injured during the Lebanese Civil War, her home destroyed by radical Islamic extremists and how she overcame all of it was truly inspiring.”

Options 2009 will take place on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. at the La Jolla Marriott, 4240 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA. Couvert is $85 and a $220 minimum contribution to the 2009 UJF Women’s Division Annual Campaign is required to attend. For additional information and registration, visit www.jewishinsandiego.org.

The annual Options event is one of the key outreach and fundraising events of the year organized by the Women’s Division of the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County, which supports and enhances Jewish community life through fundraising, educational and outreach programs. Its mission is to inspire women to devote their time and financial resources to the needs of Jews locally, globally, and in Israel.

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TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

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JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE

Please click the ad above to learn more about JFS Economic Crisis Response Program

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THE GREENE LINE

Remembering Lincoln and the Jews on his bicentennial

By Norman Greene

SAN DIEGO--Five days after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Rabbi Isaac M. Wise in a eulogy claimed that Lincoln had "believed himself to be bone from our bone and flesh from our flesh. He supposed himself to be a descendant of Hebrew parentage." This was reported, without comment, on July 5, 1865 in The Jewish Record.

No evidence exists to prove this assertion. Perhaps the President had earlier made some comment to Wise referring to the belief that we are all descendants of Adam and Eve in some universal reference to the Bible. However, according to historian Bertram W. Korn in his book, American Jews and the Civil War, Lincoln "could not have been any friendlier to individual Jews or more sympathetic to Jewish causes, if he had stemmed from Jewish ancestry."

The relationship between Lincoln and Jewry is not something that is widely taught or studied in public education. However, as the nation pauses today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, the role of American Jews and President Abraham Lincoln merits examination.

In 1947, the Robert Todd Collection of Lincoln Papers housed in the Library of Congress’ Manuscript Division was opened to the public. It provided some insight into Lincoln’s contacts with the Jewish community of his day, particularly with Abraham Jonas and Isachar Zacharie. Both Jewish men played interesting, intimate roles in the making of the president and his war-time presidency.

AN EARLY FRIEND

Abraham Jonas met Lincoln shortly after moving to Quincy, Illinois in 1838. Both were young politicians in the Illinois State Legislature. Jonas had come to the U.S. from England in 1819 with a large group of Jews from Plymouth and Portsmouth. After his young wife died in Cincinnati, Jonas moved to Kentucky where he was elected to the new state legislature. He served for four years. He also became the Grand Master of Kentucky Masons, which historians claim was a "state-wide tribute to his capacity for leadership."

Seemingly, Jonas wasn’t satisfied and eventually his "pioneering instincts" led him to the frontier state of Illinois. He was a shopkeeper, a law student and in 1842 a successful candidate for the state legislature on the Whig ticket. Twenty one candidates had run for only five seats. From 1849 until 1852, Jonas served as postmaster of Quincy under presidential appointments by Presidents Taylor and Fillmore in recognition of his continuing services to the Whig Party.

The question has been asked as to what kind of man was this British Jew who was so widely accepted in the field of politics when there were so few Jews at that time in Illinois?

According to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Gustav Korner’s diary, one of the secrets of Jonas’ success was his talent as a public speaker. Jonas was "the best debater and best politician" of all the Whig members in the legislature, Korner wrote. Others confirmed this as well.

By 1854, when Lincoln visited Quincy for the first time, Jonas was his closest friend in town. Jonas had requested Lincoln to address the Whig Party to offset a Stephen Douglas speech on behalf of a Democrat running against a Whig for Congress. Lincoln was met by Jonas who escorted him to the meting. Afterwards, they dined together at a local oyster house. By the end of 1854, Jonas was doing "political spade work" for Lincoln to run for the national Senate.

When the old Whig Party died, divided by the issue of slavery, Jonas and Lincoln became members of the new Republican Party. They both became presidential electors in the John C. Fremont campaign. Jonas traveled Illinois giving "lengthy, impassioned political speeches" on behalf of the party.

Once again, Jonas wrote to Lincoln, inviting him to address a district convention and to deliver a "sledge hammer" speech. Lincoln trusted Jonas’ political judgement even though he was in the middle of his exhausting series of debates with Stephen Douglas that would be the turning point in Lincoln’s political life. Two months later Jonas became Chairman of the Republican Committee of Arrangements for Lincoln’s appearance. He also became the champion of an effort to place Lincoln’s name into nomination for the presidency.

In many ways, Jonas became a political spokesman for Lincoln after his nomination. He helped defeat an alleged Democratic scheme to raise false charges against Lincoln that the candidate had been a member of the "Know-Nothing Party" in its efforts to restrict foreigners. He tirelessly traveled the circuit giving speeches on Lincoln’s behalf.

After the election, Jonas warned the president-elect against a pre-inauguration assassination plot by Southern fanatics who opposed Lincoln over the issue of slavery. Jonas had friends and relatives in the South who had forwarded details of the plan. Lincoln responded by secretly changing his means of transportation to the inauguration.

In April of 1861, Jonas was rewarded for his many efforts by President Lincoln when he was again appointed to the postmastership of Quincey. It was widely acknowledged that the appointment was a token of the president’s respect for a Jewish man whom Lincoln regarded as "one of my most valued friends."

The friendship continued until Jonas lay dying. His family asked Lincoln to have Charles Jonas, who had been captured fighting for the Confederacy and was held in a Union jail, freed to attend Jonas on his death-bed. Lincoln immediately ordered the son furloughed to see his father for a last time. Two days after Jonas’ death, the President paid tribute to his friend by appointing Jonas’ wife to fill his term in the Quincy Post Office.

A POLITICAL EMISSARY

Isachar Zacharie, a British born doctor of chiropody, was another Jew who, according to the New York World, "enjoyed Mr. Lincoln’s confidence perhaps more than any other private individual." The newspaper went on to say that Dr. Zacharie was "perhaps the most favored family visitor at the White House."

The relationship began in 1862 when Zacharie traveled to Washington to see Secretary of War Stanton. He had already gained some acclaim by operating on the feet of Washington’s elite, including Henry Clay. Stanton must have been impressed with his services, because he was introduced to the President. Lincoln generously wrote a recommendation of the doctor’s services and then Zacharie began to service the feet of most of Lincoln’s generals.

A cordial relationship developed between the doctor and the president. Lincoln sent Zacharie on missions to New Orleans in an effort to win a peace settlement with the Confederacy and numerous other presidential assignments. In particular, the doctor’s connections to the large and powerful New Orleans Jewish community were useful to Lincoln. The details of Zacharie’s travels, meetings, plans and political set-backs are quite complex.

Once back in New York, Zacharie was celebrated by the New York Jewish community for his efforts to aid the Jews of New Orleans as well as countless other Confederate Jews, using his personal influence in Washington.

Apparently bored with his medical practice, Zacharie actively campaigned for Lincoln’s second term. He sought to gain New York’s Jewish vote for the president, even though the Jewish press of the day actively denied the existence of Jewish block voting.

When Savannah fell to Lincoln’s army in1865, Zacharie was granted, at presidential request, permission to travel there to see his family. Lincoln was assassinated before Zacharie returned from the South. After Lincoln’s death, Zacharie dropped into obscurity, eventually returning to England where he died in l897.

Lincoln, who was a keen judge of men, must have liked Zacharie enough to discuss high matters of state with him, to entrust him with confidences and to spend many hours in his company.

What were Lincoln’s feelings for Jews in general? The only known opinion that Lincoln ever registered with regard to Jews came in 1863 when he was asked by a Canadian and early Zionist, Henry Wentworth Monk, about the possibility of restoring European Jewry to Palestine. Lincoln reportedly stated the vision of a Jewish state in Palestine was worthy of consideration, but that the United States was in no position to take a leading international role until it had set its own house in order.

Lincoln wrote with humor: "I myself have a regard for the Jews. My chiropodist is a Jew, and he has so many times ‘put me upon my feet’ that I would have no objection to giving his countrymen a ‘leg up."

In two cases, the president’s actions spoke louder than his words. He alone acted to secure justice for the Jews, in two Civil War situation. Once when General U.S. Grant banned all Jews from the Mississippi territory--an infamous order, for which Grant later expressed sorrow-- Lincoln promptly reversed the order. Lincoln also permitted Jews to serve as military chaplains.. In both cases, the president took these decisions upon himself because he understood that no group could be denied equality without endangering all of democracy.

Historian Korn points out that Lincoln’s personal dealings with a number Illinois Jews probably contributed to his realization that despite popular prejudices, Jews were no different than other people. Meeting so many Jews as part of his election campaigns and as President broadened his experience and perhaps his appreciation of the Jews. Korn states: "His dealings with Jews were ...demonstration of his truly democratic spirit...’with malice toward none and with charity for all.’"

Greene is a former co-publisher of the San Diego Jewish Press-Heritage. This article initally appeared in the February 15, 2002 edition of that weekly newspaper, now defunct. The cover was created by Scott Thomas of Thomas Creative Inc.

SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW DAY SCHOOL

Please click on the ad above to visit the website of Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School

Students guarding their tongues, and their ears, at Soille Hebrew Day

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Excitement can be felt in the air! The students of Soille Hebrew Day, each week look forward to an ice cream raffle for all those who have participated four out of five days in the school’s “guard your tongue program.” The students are very careful not to speak or hear any Lashon Hara during their fifteen minute morning recess. Every day all those who have successfully completed that, sign their name on our “guard your tongue” sheet. Then they are given tickets to be entered into a weekly raffle.

The students gather around in anticipation of the drawing. It’s amazing how it always sunny for the ice cream raffle drawing! It must be that Hashem is watching out for us and is pleased with each student’s participation. Recently we discussed the concept of not listening to Lashon hara. Not only can we not speak Lashon Hara, but we can’t even listen to it. By listening and accepting that person’s words, we are acknowledging that we agree with what is being spoken to us. We also learned that if you don’t want to listen to Lashon Hara, then the speaker won’t want to speak the Lashon Hara because they won’t have anyone to listen to them. The students are really grasping the concepts well through the interactive discussion, the stories, and the skits that the classes do

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School serves children from infants through eighth grade and offers generous financial aid grants to families to make a Jewish day school education affordable to all. For more information on the school, visit the web site at http://www.hebrewday.org/ or contact Audrey Jacobs, Director of School Advancement at 858-279-3300 ext. 106 or ajacobs@hebrewday.org

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LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS

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L.A. BEAT

New York in the ‘30s meant Minsky’s Burlesque

By Cynthia Citron

LOS ANGELES - As the four Marx brothers were to vaudeville in the early years of the 20th century, the four Minsky brothers were to burlesque. They were all at the top of their professions. But whereas the Marx brothers went from the vaudeville stage to long careers in theater, films, and television, the Minskys went down with the ship when burlesque died.

In their heyday, though, they brought fun and glamour and sex to New York’s lower East Side and then to Broadway, and to a string of theaters that they opened in other Eastern cities. Their shows, which relied heavily on the appeal of nearly naked girls, were often the targets of outraged citizens and local politicians, who made headlines by periodically closing them down. But the Minskys prevailed, most especially during the Great Depression, when people were longing for escapist entertainment.

Today’s plethora of problems also calls for escapist entertainment, and just in time, we have the world premiere of a rousing new musical, Minsky’s at L.A.’s Ahmanson Theatre. Minsky’s focuses on just one Minsky brother, Billy, the second oldest, and his persistent efforts to keep the National Winter Garden Theatre on Houston Street up and running. The fact that the theater was on the sixth floor of the building that housed it did not make it any easier.

Setting the mood at the very beginning, the show opens with a melody that is more a dirge than a show-tune. And before our eyes, Billy revamps the song, spices it up, and choreographs it for a whole chorus of dazzling girls in scanty costumes. The number becomes “Working Hot,” a rip-roaring opening that starts the show with a bang. And it’s all razzle-dazzle from here on out.

Billy (Christopher Fitzgerald) is a rambunctious perfectionist who keeps his fingers in every pie---from the flamboyant sets to the feathers on the costumes of his chorus girls. It’s obvious that he loves what he does, and he proclaims it in a rich, mellow voice in a song titled “Happy.”

But there’s something missing in his life, and he finds it when he leaves his psychiatrist’s office and bumps into the tall blonde goddess (Katharine Leonard) who was visiting HER psychiatrist in the office next door. And of course, as is always the case in musicals, they fall instantly in love.

The plot thickens, and gets sillier and more predictable, when it turns out that this girl is the daughter of the local politician who is determined to shut Minsky’s theater down. The politician is played by George Wendt, immediately recognizable as Norm, the beer-guzzling denizen of the bar in television's Cheers. Also immediately recognizable are Beth Leavel, the star of The Drowsy Chaperone, and comedienne Rachel Dratch, veteran of seven seasons on Saturday Night Live.

The show was written by Bob Martin from the original book by Evan Hunter and the music and lyrics are by Charles Strouse and Susan Birkenhead. The songs are tuneful and amusing, and Casey Nicholaw, who directed and choreographed, has provided some wonderful numbers for the 20 dancers, including a terrific round of tap-dancing. There is also a 17-piece orchestra under the direction of Phil Reno and lots of sparkling nearly nude-y costumes by Gregg Barnes.

The most spectacular element of the show, however, is provided by scenic designer Anna Louizos, who has captured 1930s New York in a series of rolling sets that become streets full of intimate shops, the inside of a fully realized café in which the waiters dance while juggling plates, the backstage of the theater as seen by the players, and from behind as they face the audience. The sets move as efficiently as the dancers and provide wonderful backdrops for the goings-on.

I have been accused of being partial to musicals and I plead guilty to the charges. But even in my unbiased opinion, Minsky’s is a fun show. And in these times of deepening recession, we can use a little burlesque. Oh where are the Minskys now, when we need them most?

This rollicking musical comedy will continue Tuesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8, and Sundays at 1 through March 1st at the Ahmanson Theatre 135 N. Grand Ave. at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. Call (213) 628-2772 for tickets.

Citron writes the L.A. Beat column for San Diego Jewish World. Her reviews and critiques are also carried and archived via podcast at http://www.airsla.org/theater_reviews.asp

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Thursdays with the Songs of Hal Wingard

In this selection, Hal honors his daughter Myla Wingard, who was born on February 12, and her husband Dr. Lou Rosen. Here is a link to an index of Wingard's songs previously published by San Diego Jewish World. To hear Hal performing a song, click on its title.

#57, Now That I Am 21

Now that I am 21,
Moon shines brighter than the sun;
Lions clown in playful fun--
Now that I am 21.

Now that I have come of age,
Raindrops dance on desert sage;
Canaries sing outside their cage--
Now that I have come of age.

Now that I am fully grown,
I feel a joy I've never known.
I'll order gin quite on my own--
Now that I am fully grown.

     Lions leap in clowning play,
     For I am 21 today.

     Canaries sing their own sweet way,
     For I am 21 today.

     I'll order gin without delay,
     For I am 21 . . . and

(Myla's preferred final verse:)

Now that I am 21,
I know my life has just begun;
So, let me loose to have some fun--
Now that I am 21.

(Hal's preferred final verse:)

Now that I am 22,
My days of youth are nearly through.
I've drunk my gin. What's left to do--
Now that I am 22?

     Lions leap in clowning play,
     For I am 22 today.

     Canaries sing their own sweet way,
     For I am 22 . . . and

(c) 2009 Hal Wingard: To Myla--a contribution to her twenty-first birthday celebration, February 10, 1979


#240, This Time

This time . . . we're all aglow.
     Let's let . . . the whole world know
Our love . . . will grow and grow.
     This time we're all aglow.

This time . . . we're more than sure
     Our love . . . will long endure.
We're not . . . some amateur.
     This time we're more than sure.
          We're more than sure,
          This time.

This time . . . there's no heartbreak.
     We've learned . . . from past mistake.
Slice up . . . the wedding cake.
     This time there's no mistake.

This time . . . affection's real.
     No need . . . that we conceal
How deep . . . the love we feel.
     This time affection's real.
          Affection's real,
          This time.

This time . . . our love will stay,
     Increase . . . each day by day,
Make life . . . a spring bouquet..
     This time our love will stay.

This time . . . we're all aglow.
     Let's let . . . the whole world know
Our love . . . will grow and grow.
     This time we're all aglow.
          We're all aglow;
          Our love is real;
          We're more than sure,
          This time.

(c) 2009 Hal Wingard; To Myla and Lou, May 29, 1995. Words written May 26, 1995, on flight from SAN to LAX, in response to Myla's implied request at dinner the night before.

#241, Myla and Lou

We folks who know Myla awhile
Are caught by her magical style.
     Through music and dance
     Her talents enhance
The joy of her radiant smile.

One day at a music review
She rendered a song, maybe two.
     Among those who heard
     And marked ev'ry word:
A gent with the name "Doctor Lou."

Now, Myla, though through with her song,
Had noted this Lou all along,
     And had the intent
     To speak with the gent.
Just chatting could never be wrong.

And Lou, who is man of good taste,
But not known for acting in haste,
     Jumped to his feet,
     Determined to meet
The singer, with no time to waste.

He stayed 'til the crowd had dispersed,
Then asked if perhaps she had thirst.
     And as you might guess,
     She coyly said, "Yes,
If this date is only the first!"

*-+It turns out--to all our delight--
Their getting together was right,
     For after they met,
     They formed a duet
To sing. . .of their love. . .at-first-sight. . .
     Their love-at-first-sight.

(c) 2009 Hal Wingard; To Myla and Lou, June 29, 1995; Words written over several days in early June, 1995, and completed June 2 on a flight from San Diego to Washington-Dulles on the way to Germany. Words set to melody June 29, 1995, as Eileen rested, both of us in our Speicher bedroom in the home of Christa and Roland Hartwig, Heidelberg, Germany

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BALLOON UTOPIA

Please click the ad above to visit the Balloon Utopia website

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AMERICA'S VACATION CENTER

Nancy Harrison
cruise & tour specialist

(619) 265-0808

nancy.harrison@americasvacationcenter.com

Friends: The slogan of San Diego Jewish World is "there's a Jewish story
everywhere." I can help you travel to the locales of such stories. I'll work
hard to find you the very best prices!

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Jewish Internet Favorites
To see previous selections, please click here to go to our archive index

Billy Joel sings "We Didn't Start The Fire":

Eddie Fisher sings a medley of Al Jolson songs on Dean Martin Show:

Judith Edelman sings "I'm Feelin' Lucky Today" with Theo Burke on harmonica:

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CAROL ANN GOLDSTEIN

Carol Ann Goldstein provides the following services:

Web Developer-information and ecommerce sites

Database programmer

Math Tutor -- all ages (San Diego, CA.)

Call 858 452 0386 or email cag_92122@yahoo.com

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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History

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

Rabbi Levens Honored
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Rabbi Monroe Levens was the surprised honoree at a birthday patio brunch given August 10th by Dr. and Mrs. Charles a Fleischner and Mr. and Mrs. Hal Steckel, at the former’s home. Cantor Joseph Cysner gave the birthday blessing and two presentations were made to Rabbi Levens. One in the form of a Scroll being a Birthday Tribute, expressing the wishes and the names of the 50 guests who attended, and the other a Mogen David diamond lapel pin.

The cake, designed by Mrs. Fleischner, was in the form of a Bible inscribed with the honoree’s name in the “Book of Life.” A recording was made of the entire party.

Milt Mollick Bar Mitzvah August 30
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Mr. and Mrs. Phillipo Mollick announce he coming Bar Mitzvah of their son, Milton, at Beth Jacob Synagogue on Saturday, August 30, 1952 at 9:30 p.m.

A Kiddush will be served in Milton’s honor in the Beth Jacob Center immediately following the religious service.

Kiddush at Beth Jacob Honors Eugene Aronoff, Robert Penn
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Aronoff and MR. and Mrs. Harry Penn cordially invite everyone to attend the Sabbath morning services at which their sons will be called to Torah prior to their marriages, September 6, 1952, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Jacob synagogue. A kiddush and lunch in honor of their sons and their brides will be served immediately following the service.

Beth Jacob Sisterhood
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Watch for the date, Tuesday, September 9th at 12 noon, at Beth Jacob Center. Officers and board Members are sponsoring a gala day , luncheon, and mother and daughter’s fashion show, to be featured by Miss Wueste of Walker’s. It is the first meeting of the 1952-53 year, and attending it should be a MUST on your calendar of events. Bring a guest, bring your neighbor, bring your friends, bring hyour daughters, bring everyone.

Tifereth Leaders Attend Seminar
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Rabbi Monroe Levens and President M.S. Berlin of Congregation Tifereth Israel of San Diego were among the more than 300 representatives of 27 Conservative Congregations affiliated with the United Synagogue of America, Pacific Southwest Region, attending a seminar on the High Holy Days at Temple Beth Zion, 555 West Olympic Blvd. on August 18.

Divided into three parts, the Seminar comprised discussions on “How Successful Will Your high Holy Day Services Be?” “How Well Organized will Your Services Be?” and “What Part will Your Sisterhood Play in the High Holy Days?”

Rabbi Cohn Elected Camp Director
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

At the recent meeting of the Camp Commission of the Western Association of Reform Rabbis, holding its annual Jewish Youth Conference at Asilomar, Rabbi Morton J. Cohn was chosen Director of the 1953 Conference camp.

Sponsored jointly since 1947 by the National Federation of Temple Youth and the Western Association of Reform Rabbis, the ten-day Conference attracts nearly 200 boys and girls of high school and college age from over 30 West Coast Reform Congregations. The Conference is a leadership camp, and its program is designed to prepare the campers for roles of leadership in the youth groups of Reform Congregations.

Local campers returning from Asilomar with Rabbi and Mrs. Cohn were Joyce Addleson, Jane Cohn, Dick Godes, Aaron Kolkey, Burt Sharpe and Linda Solof.

Rabbi Cohn’s Directorship will entail much planning and traveling during the months preceding the annual conference.

Hebrew Home For The Aged Aux.
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 7

Mrs. William Moss, president, wishes to thank all those who made the Maisel Day the success it was. Chairman Mrs. Sarah Shelley reports that the building fund will benefit substantially from the funds proceeds. Mrs. A. L. Block won the beautiful hand made cloth.

Our regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, August 28 at the Home. The first regular monthly meeting will be held at the Home on Sept. 34d at which time announcements will be made regarding the membership tea.

Applications for admission to the Hebrew Home for the Aged may be made through th Jewish Social Service Agency, 333 Plaza Bldg., F-1803.

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

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DEDICATIONS: Today's issue is dedicated with happy birthday wishes to Jeremy Berg and Myla Wingard.

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SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD: THE WEEK IN REVIEW

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 36)

INTERNATIONAL
In Israel, Kadima a winner; Likud, apparently, the WINNER ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

The politics of the fearful and the secure ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

The Jews Down Under, roundup of Australian Jewish News .... by Garry Fabian in Melbourne

—Jewish-Muslim relations at breaking point in Australia
—AGE columnist suspended
—Jewish cricketer wins top award
—Celebrating Australia Day at The Lodge
—Camp Gan Israel a success in Perth
—Rabbis' tiff continues
—Huppert third Jewish Labor MP in state Parliament
—Jewish community outrage at Pope's decision on bishop

LETTERS
You see almost everyone in Inauguration photo by Bergman ... from Larry Gorfine in San Diego More

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY

From Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952:

—Birdie Stodel B.B.
—Barbecue Raises Money
—B.B. Conference Calls
—Gross Home Scene of Hadassah Tea
—Bay City B.B Women
—Untitled Humor

COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Havdalah Night at Soille Hebrew Day Preschool

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

—Hayden sings "Dynamite Walls"

—Sarit Hadad sings "Malahe Shamayim"

—Susanna Hoffs sings "Eternal Flame"
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (Volume 3, No. 35)

INTERNATIONAL

Election 'issues:' Bibi’s schnitzel and Tzipi’s salad ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

A satiric look at Israel's elections, political parties ... by Yarden Frankl in Neve Daniel, Israel

Middle East peace has two interwoven threads ... by J. Zel Lurie in Delray Beach, Florida

178 die in Melbourne area wildfires; toll may go higher; Jewish community affected ... by Garry Fabian in Melbourne, Australia

ARTS
Ma Tovu: A prayer to prepare for prayer ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego

San Diego Jewish World's book reviewer Reiss writes books too ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY

From Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952:

—Double Wedding Ceremony
—City of Hope Aux.
—Labor Zionist Organ.
—Cottage of Israel
—Yo-Ma-Co

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES

We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
—Edyie Gorme and Steve Lawrence sing "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"— View video
—Serge Gainsbourg sings "The Initials BB" -- An ode to his former lover Brigit Bardot —View video
—Simon & Garfunkel sing "Homeward Bound" on the Smothers Brothers Show —View Video

COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Tu B’Shevat in Soille Hebrew Day’s Preschool- 3’s class
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Monday, February 9, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 34)

INTERNATIONAL
Yes, we must vote February 10, but for whom? ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

Internal Catholic politics should not concern Jews ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

ARTS

Thoughts on over-enthusiastic audiences, and The Zookeeper's Wife, a book by Diane Ackerman ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego

DINING
Eclipse Chocolat: San Diego’s elixir for a grand life ... by Lynne Thrope in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
August 22,1952 Southwestern Jewish Press archives:
—George Scott Kicks Off J.W.V. Poppy Sale

—Highest Award Given for Bravery

—The Destiny of Youth (Commentary)

—Abramis Takes Leave

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

Charlotte Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin in a daughter-mother duet

Jean Ferrat sings "La Montagne" (The Mountain)

Ofra Haza sings "Chai"(Alive)

COMMUNITY WATCH/ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Jewish Family Service: Music lecture by David Amos, Dance with Sharon Emerson on tap at College Avenue Older Adult Center
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Sunday, February 8, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 33)

INTERNATIONAL
If 'right of return' applies for Jews of Gush Etzion, why not for Palestinians of pre-1948 Israel? ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

Some old realities of Israel's election politics ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

Thoughts of a frequent visitor on returning to Israel ... by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in Jerusalem

JUDAISM
The soldier who saved another's life in Hebron ... by Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego

ARTS
Unsophisticated audiences abound in Los Angeles ... by Cynthia Citron in Los Angeles

LETTERS
American Jewish University professor's lecture on Islam was positive .. from Carol Ann Goldstein in San Diego Read More

SPORTS
A Bissel Sports Trivia by Bruce Lowitt in Oldsmar, Florida

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY

August 8, 1952 Southwestern Jewish Press archives:
—Hadassah Invites Young Marrieds
—Pioneer Women Read
—Beth Israel Sisterhood to Hold Annual Membership Tea
—Alpha Phi Pi
—Boy Scout Troop Plans Hike
—Temple Teens

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

—Jakob Dylan sings "Something Good This Way Comes" on the David Letterman show

—Julia Feldman in Renaissance costume sings Yeled Vebeer (The Boy and the Well)

—Sagiv Cohen sings "Yashkef" (Observe) — Sung in the Yemenite Jewish style

COMMUNITY WATCH/ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Jewish Family Service—The March of music at JFS College Avenue Older Adult Center

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School—Every Student Can Be a Leader at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
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Friday-Saturday, February 6-7, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 32)

INTERNATIONAL
Erdogan's behavior signals shift away from West ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.

Obama has a P-R problem with Gazans ...by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem

ARTS
Fond remembrances of Italian artist Emanuel Luzzati... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel

Leah Salovey is budding playwright ... by Sara Appel-Lennon in San Diego

Standing ovations should be reserved for very best ... by David Amos in San Diego

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 8, 1952:

--Bay City B.B.

--J.W.V. Auxiliary

--S.D. Birdie Stodel Chapter Member Honored

-- News of the Fox

-- City of Hope Aux.

-- Deceased {Louis Lasher}

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

David Draiman of Disturbed sings “Down With the Sickness”

Lynsey de Paul sings “Sugar Me”

Matt Dusk sings “Back In Town"

COMMUNITY WATCH

Carol Ann Goldstein: What are the elements of a successful commercial website?

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Alumni Join in on Soille Hebrew Day’s Learning Program
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Thursday, February 5, 2009 (Vol. 3,No. 31)

INTERNATIONAL
Orthodox rabbinate humiliates Fackenheim family ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem

Holocaust tour strengthens Israeli girl's patriotism ... by Dorothea Shefer-Vanson in Mevasseret Zion, Israel

Creating countries at the Int'l Criminal Court ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.

ARTS
Loving 'Leah' a lot easier than loving Susie Essman ... by Rabbi Simcha Weinstein in New York

Thursdays With The Songs of Hal Wingard:

—#15, Mr. Average

—#30, Milkshake On Your Mustache

—#190, Ever Wonder

ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
(Southwestern Jewish Press, August 8, 1952, archives)

Birdie Stodel B.B.

Cottage of Israel

USO-JWB Activities

B’nai B’rith Women of San Diego

Deceased {Jane M. Lipinsky}

Tifereth Israel Sisterhood

JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:

Joe Dassin sings "L'Ete Indien" (Indian Summer)

Leonard Cohen sings "The Stranger"

Marc Cohn sings "Live Out the String"

COMMUNITY WATCH
Lawrence Family JCC: J*Company to produce San Diego premiere of Disney High School Musical 2

Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Soille Hebrew Day Middle School Chess Club
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