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Volume 3, Number 66 |
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"There's a Jewish story everywhere" |
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Today's Postings:
Thursday, March 19, 2009
{Click on a link to jump to the corresponding story. Or, you may scroll leisurely through our report}
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INTERNATIONAL
Needs of Russian community key to Lieberman platform... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM—Not long after settling in Israel, the human rights hero Natan Sharansky wanted to become the voice of the aliyah from the former Soviet Union. He warned the Israeli Ashkenazi elites that they won’t be able to do to his people what they tried to do to the Orientals: swallow them up culturally.READ MORE
NATIONAL
Injured veterans must not be further penalized ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.
We weren't going to say a word about bank, automaker or insurance company bailouts with taxpayer dollars; economics are not really our thing. But an administration plan to save $540 million by forcing civilian insurance companies to cover claims by military veterans for service-related injuries is beyond the pale. READ MORE
PASSOVER RECIPE
A Bene Israel Fish Recipe for Passover ... by Nissim Moses in Petah Tiqwa, Israel
This recipe has been served during both Rosh Hashanah and Passover at the New Delhi Synagogue, where it has been a hit. READ MORE
ARTS
Thursdays With The Songs of Hal Wingard:
#262 -- I Am They LYRICS AND SONG
#220 -- Staying Young LYRICS AND SONG
#203 -- Reflection LYRICS AND SONG
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
November 14, 1952, Southwestern Jewish Press:
Pioneer Women Hold Western States Conference Here READ MORE
Jewish Education Association Elects New Leaders READ MORE
Historic Edition--Chaim Weizmann Dies READ MORE
"Not Goodbye"READ MORE
Harriet L. Sosna to Wed Burton H. Nestor in Candlelight CeremonyREAD MORE
YMCA Stages Annual Festival of Nations READ MORE
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our examination of Jewish entertainers
Mason Adams explains how HBO schedules movies:VIEW VIDEO
Natalie Schafer as millionaire's wife on "Gilligan's Island"VIEW VIDEO
Origins of Marx Brothers names VIEW VIDEO
Ritz Brothers Comedy VIEW VIDEO
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COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew School: Science Exploratorium at Soille Hebrew Day READ MORE
TODAY'S ADVERTISERS
America's Vacation Center
Anti-Defamation League
Balloon Utopia
Carol Ann Goldstein
Congregation Beth Israel
Jewish Family Service
Lawrence Family JCC
San Diego Community Colleges
San Diego Jewish Academy
San Diego Jewish Chamber
Seacrest Village Retirement Communities
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
Tifereth Israel Synagogue
United Jewish Federation
XLNC-1 Radio
STAFF BOX
Marissa Palin came down with a flu and had to cancel her birthday plans with friends last night. But decicatedl journalist that she is, she arranged with some people who she was going to interview in person to do interviews instead by email after she recuperates. On behalf of the staff and soon-to-be grateful readers: Happy Birthday, Marissa.
DEDICATIONS
Each day's issue may be dedicated by readers—or by the publisher—in other people's honor or memory. Past dedications may be found at the bottom of the index for the "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" page.
NOTE
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FROM THE SIDELINES
Needs of Russian community key to Lieberman platform
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By Rabbi Dow Marmur
 JERUSALEM—Not long after settling in Israel, the human rights hero Natan Sharansky wanted to become the voice of the aliyah from the former Soviet Union. He warned the Israeli Ashkenazi elites that they won’t be able to do to his people what they tried to do to the Orientals: swallow them up culturally. Indeed, the Soviet immigration soon established itself as an important economic and cultural asset in Israel. But Sharansky’s attempt at Israeli politics mercifully failed. He has now withdrawn into a right-wing think tank.
Where the Moscow born Sharansky failed, the Minsk native Avigdor Lieberman succeeded and is now a major force in Israeli political life. Behind him is an electorate that originates in the former Soviet Union. It includes some 300 000 Israelis from there who may have been Jewish enough under the Law of Return but don’t regard themselves as Jews and aren’t regarded as such by the Israeli Orthodox rabbinate.
That’s why enabling these citizens to have civil marriage in Israel was an important part of Lieberman’s election platform. As, under the present electoral system, they’re worth 5-6 Knesset seats, he wants them to continue to vote for him. That’s why this has become such an important issue in the coalition negotiations. We’ll hear more about it in the next year or so when the agreement may be turned into law.
But Lieberman has even bigger fish to fry. Though there are no grounds of accusing him of advocating ethnic cleansing,
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there’s little doubt that, under cover of patriotism, he’d like to restrict the Arabs in Israel and, whenever legally possible, reduce their number. That’s why some label him a racist. Some also say that his role model is Vladimir Putin. If that’s the case, he may indeed want to deal with the Palestinians in the way Putin is dealing with the Chechens.
Lieberman’s has already indicated that he wants to bring Israel closer to Russia, which, in his role as the next foreign minister, he’ll be able to do. Whether that’s a sign of real outreach and imaginative foreign policy, or a ploy to make the Europeans and the Americans uncomfortable, remains to be seen. Many Western democracies have already expressed misgivings about Lieberman’s pivotal role in shaping future Israeli policies; this may be his retaliatory response.
Accompanying Lieberman’s astounding ascendance to power is the ongoing police investigation about his financial dealings. According to leaks to the press, these dealings are still going on. People say that Lieberman is a smart man, perhaps smart enough to know that the police won’t get him. Just to make sure, he’s also trying to place people close to him in key positions in the judiciary and law enforcement agencies.
Of course, we know that someone painted as a villain may turn out to be not as bad as feared, either because s/he was misrepresented in the first place, or because our expectations were very low to start with. As the government in which Lieberman is about to serve may only have a slim majority in the Knesset (perhaps only of one), his days in government may be numbered, not because of his own conduct, but as a result of the complexities of Israeli politics. That’s the most optimistic prognosis I’ve heard to date.
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THE VIEW FROM JINSA
Injured veterans must not be further penalized
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By Shoshana Bryen
 WASHINGTON D.C.—We weren't going to say a word about bank, automaker or insurance company bailouts with taxpayer dollars; economics are not really our thing. But an administration plan to save $540 million by forcing civilian insurance companies to cover claims by military veterans for service-related injuries is beyond the pale. For our government to propose such a scheme at the same time it is spending billions with not much accountability is disgusting.
The idea surfaced in testimony by Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki - a retired Army general who should know better. He told a Senate committee that the plan was "a consideration," and that "the VA's proposed budget for next year included it" as a way to increase revenue. But "a final decision hasn't been made yet."
President Obama, Secretary Shinseki and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel met with a group of veterans' organization leaders this week.. The American Legion commander said he was "deeply disappointed and concerned" when the President reiterated the plan. The Legion points to several practical problems for the soldiers inherent in forcing their private insurance companies (which are supposed to pay for civilian-related medical care) to pay:
Depending on the severity of the medical conditions, maximum insurance coverage limits could be reached through treatment of the veteran's condition alone...leaving the rest of the family without health care benefits.
Many insurance companies require deductibles to be paid before any benefits are covered.
Private insurance premiums could be elevated to cover service-connected disabled veterans and their families, especially if the veterans are self-employed or employed in small businesses unable to negotiate more favorable pricing.
Some employers, especially small businesses, would be reluctant to hire veterans with service-connected disabilities due to the negative impact their employment might have on obtaining and financing company health care benefits.
But the real problem is not practical - it is moral, and the Obama Administration appears willing to sell out its moral obligation to our armed forces for $540 million.
Words fail us - and regular readers know that words almost never fail us.
If there can be $750 billion in the TARP program, including $50 billion for mortgage bailouts and $85 billion for AIG; if the government can spend $25 billion bailing out automakers; if Congress can think of eight thousand pet projects on which it wants to spend taxpayer dollars, how is it possible that the White House and VA think wounded soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines should be asked for additional personal financial sacrifice?
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Senator Grassley, speaking of AIG and others spending government funds on employee bonuses, said, "The first thing that would make me feel a little bit better toward them if they'd follow the Japanese example and come before the American people and take that deep bow and say, I'm sorry, and then either do one of two things: resign or go commit suicide."
He later said he didn't mean that they should actually kill themselves, but rather show some of the shame that the Japanese traditionally show when they have done something egregious. A little of the Japanese example would serve the President and the VA well, too.
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KULANU
A Bene Israel fish recipe for Passover
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By Nissim Moses
 PETAH TIQWA, Israel— This recipe has been served during both Rosh Hashanah and Passover at the New Delhi Synagogue, where it has been a hit.
Ingredients:
2 Fish, each 650-700 grams (1.5 pounds), such as Pomfret or St Peter's Fish (Tilapia), whole with skin on, but de-scaled and cleaned
2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
0.5 cup of lemon juice, more if desired
0.5 cup of white wine (optional)
2 tablespoons standard Fish Masala, (available in any Indian spice shop), (perhaps less for Americans and Europeans)
1 large onion. chopped.
1 tablespoon ginger paste
1 tablespoon garlic paste
Half a bundle of fresh coriander leaves, chopped
2 stalks of celery leaves, chopped.
2 flakes of fennel bulb.
1 teaspoon of star anis powder.
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
Salt to taste
Directions:
Put all the above ingredients except fish in a chopper or blender and make a thick paste.
Heat a frying pan and fry the paste to a nice light brown color.
Having cleaned the fish, make a few latitudinal cuts on the fish on either side and apply the marinade.
Refrigerate for one hour.
Put both fish in a large glass tray and cook in Microwave oven for 8 minutes on max heat.
Then flip it over and again cook for 7 minutes at max heat.
Serve fish as required for Passover tradition. Serves 4-6.
Note: Not during Passover, I boil 6 frozen corn halves in parallel to the process of making the fish. When the fish is ready to be served I add 3 corn halves to each serving plate and put the fish sauce over the corn and serve.
Note: the fish flesh is like cotton, not hard like leather as when fried or steamed.
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Thursdays With the Songs of Hal Wingard
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#262, I Am They
When strolling down the city's streets
As others come my way,
I see myself in those I see
And know that I am they.
The blind man charting ev'ry step
By tapping with his cane;
The crippled girl with hobbled gait,
Whose face shows constant pain;
The speech impeded elder aunt
Whom no one understands;
The alcoholic vagabond
With outstretched, begging hands.
When strolling down the city's streets
As others come my way,
I see myself in those I see
And know that I am they.
And know that I am they.
#220, Staying Young
The secret
Of staying young
Is to live honestly,
Eat slowly,
And lie about your age
—Lucille Ball
Oh, let me share the secret
Of how to keep your youth:
Be caring, brave, and honest,
But sometimes bend the truth.
Sometimes bend the truth.
(So says a noted sage.)
Be caring, brave, and honest,
But lie about your age.
To keep a young appearance,
Be careful what you eat.
Be sure to dress in fashion,
And smile at folks you meet.
Chorus
Don't miss your daily jogging.
Put heart in all you do.
Appreciate your friendships,
And to yourself be true.
And from your book of birthdays
Each year remove a page.
You'll have the joy of dying
At a very early age.
Chorus
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#203, Reflection
I'm staring at you, mirror,
Appalled at what you've shown:
The face of someone can't be me--
A face I've never known.
I'm simply so much younger,
No bags beneath my eyes,
No double chin
Or blotchy skin
That makeup can't disguise.
No matter what you make of me,
I am what I want to see.
I am what I want to be.
The face that you would show me
Has wrinkles ev'rywhere,
With hair that looks like dirty sand--
What little bit is there.
Well, mirror, you're in error.
You falsify the truth.
You make a sham
Of what I am.
I'm fresh as any youth.
No matter what you make of me,
I am what I want to see.
I am what I want to be.
No matter what you make of me,
I am what I want to see.
I am what I want to be.
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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History
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Pioneer Women Hold Western States Conference Here
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 1
Pioneer Women’s Western States Regional Conference beginning Friday, Nov. 14th and ending Monday, Nov. 17th, with registration headquarters at Manor Hotel will have as its principal speaker Dr. Sara Feder, National President, who is also noted as a teacher and sociologist. Miss Aliza Shidlowsky, delegate from Israel’s sister organization, Moetzet Hapoalot, will also address several sessions of the conference. Leaders of various sessions will include Bea Kuschner, Regional President from Los Angeles; Rabbi Monroe Levens, Albert A. Hutler and greetings to delegates will be extended by several City Officials. Welcoming out of town delegates will be the President of Negba club, Pauline Press and President of Shoshannah Club, Edith Gates and the General Chairman of the Conference, Florence Barach.
Other committees and Chairmen who are responsible for getting the Conference off to a good start are as follows: Jeanette Abrams, Dora Berner, Bessie Fink, Eleanor Gordon, Lillian Gordon, Goldie Kitaen, Rose Domnitz, Florence Lebb, Norma Schaffer, Anna Shelley, Phyllis Weisenberg, Zema Fromer, Alma Yaruss and Bess Borushek.
Among the entertainment features of the Conference will be Mr. Harold Zabrack, a noted concert pianist from Chicago, Ill. Other entertainment and a fine musical program will fill out several sessions.
The following outline of the schedule of events will be of interest to the Community as a whole, who are cordially invited. Of special interest will be Community night at Beth Jacob Center, Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 14, 6:00 p.m. — Dinner for out of town guests by San Diego Pioneer Women; 8:00 — Sabbath Services at Beth Jacob Synagogue, dedicated to Pioneer Women, with Rabbi Baruch Stern leading the services; Sat., Nov. 15, 2:00 p.m. — Oneg Shabbat, Garden Room at Manor Hotel, Theme: Policy and Attitude of Pioneer Women Organization to Jewish Education in America and the American Jewish Scene; 6:30 p.m. M’laveh Malkeh Session, Theme: Israel, Its Achievements, Problems and Economic Horizons. Open to Community; Sunday, Nov. 16th, 10:00 a.m., Conference Session, Manor Hotel, Theme: Motzet Hapoalot and Its Relationship to Other Funds: 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Visit to Cottage of Israel and conducted tour for Delegates; 6:30 p.m. — Moetzet Hapolot Dinner at Hotel Manor, Theme: Assignment of Individual Projects in Meshek; Monday, Nov. 17th, 10:00 a.m., Conference Session, Manor Hotel, Organization and membership; 1:00 p.m. Closing Session, Manor Hotel, theme: Adoption of Recommendations and Resolutions.
Jewish Education Association Elects New Leaders
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 1
Julius Fligelman, prominent industrialist and community leader of Los Angeles, past chairman of the United Jewish Welfare Fund, was elected President of the Western States Region of the American Association for Jewish Education at the 5th annual meeting held in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 2, 1952.
The Western States Region serves the eleven Western states through a program of field service, educational coordination and guidance for schools and community agencies.
Dr. Philip L. Seman was re-elected Chairman of the Executive Committee, Alfred Karp of San Francisco, Dr. A. P. Nasatir of San Diego, Samuel Weinstein of Portland, and Jacob M. Alkow of Los Angeles were elected Vice-Presidents. Eli M. Levenson was elected to the Executive Committee.
UJF Board Sets Plans for Annual Meeting
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 2
Eleven sections of the By-Laws of the United Jewish Fund of San Diego will be submitted for change to the membership at the Annual Dinner Meeting to be held on Sunday, December 14th at the San diego hotel in the beautiful Continental Room, David Block, Chairman of the By-Laws Committee, announced today.
Section to be submitted for change relate to the Annual Meeting; the inclusion of the 3rd Vice President in those sections where it is necessary; the section on voting; number and powers of the Board of Directors, the term of members of the Board of Directors; qualification for membership and for holding office in the United Jewish Fund; the organization of the executive committee, and method of nomination by petition.
Other business of the Annual Meeting, according to Morrie Douglas, chairman of the Committee and Harry Mallen and Rodin Horrow, members, will include a report of the nominating committee to fill 20 vacancies caused by expiration of the terms of present members of the board ; awards to outstanding citizens of the community; and report of the President and Executive Director.
Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. in the Continental Room of the San Diego Hotel at the cost of $2.75 per plate. Those who do not wish to attend the dinner are welcome to attend the meeting which will start at approximately 7:45 p.m.
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“Not Goodbye”
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 3
 After eight years of faithful service to the San Diego community, Esther Siegel leaves San Diego Monday, November 17, to accept a position on the USO-JWB staff in San Antonio, Texas.
She will visit relatives in the East and also attend a special USO- JWB refresher course in New York before reporting to her new post. Esther first came to San Diego in June, 1944 as Program Director of the former USO-JWB Club on “C” Street. When USO terminated in December of 1947 she was associated with the Community Center Association and the Hebrew Home for the Aged.
In 1950 when the need again arose for USO services, she was asked by the United Jewish Fund to inaugurate a servicemen’s program in San Diego. Under her leadership the program developed very rapidly until it became a USO-JWB designation which she served as its director.
Harriet L. Sosna to Wed Burton H. Nestor in Candlelight Ceremony
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 3
Miss Harriet l. Sosna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I.M. Sosna, will be joined in marriage to Burton H. Nestor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Nestor, at 3 p.m. on November 16 at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The ceremony will be performed under a canopy of white flowers by Rabbi Monroe Levens.
The bride’s gown is of embroidered and velvet appliquéd net over satin. The bodice and train is accordion pleated. A waist length veil falls from a seed pearl encrusted Juliette cap. She will carroy a white Bible covered with two white orchids.
Bridesmaids are Miss Elizabeth Sosna, cousin of the bride from St. Louis, Miss Sandra Schoenkopf, Mrs. Bernard Lewis, and Mrs. Joy Galloway. Their strapless wine colored gowns have velvet bodices, net skirts, and shoulder covering stoles. Matron of Honor, Mrs. Ben Press, sister of the groom, will wear aqua net over velvet.
Ushers are Bud Yorkshire of Los Angeles, Jim Galloway, Ben Press, and Bernard Sosna, brother of the bride, Bert Epstein will act as Best Man.
Immediately following the ceremony a reception will be held in the Riviera Room of the U.S. Grant Hotel for 400 guests.
Mrs. Sosna will receive her guests in a light blue net gown, the bodice of which is covered with light blue and brown iridescent sequins. The partially fitted skirt flares out in layers of tan and blue net. Mrs. Nestor will wear a rose colored sequin trimmed gown.
The new Mrs. Nestor will leave for her honeymoon in Las Vegas and Lake Arrowhead wearing a grey suit with matching cape. Navy blue accessories and a winter white cloche trimmed in mother of pearl will complete her outfit.
Upon their return the young couple will make their home at 3147 Adams Ave.
Out of town guests will include Mr. A. M. Sosna, Mr. Leon Sosna, and Miss Elizabeth Sosna, all of St. Louis; Mr. and Mrs. Al Aved of Minneapolis, and Mrs. A. Moinester of Cleveland.
YMCA Stages Annual Festival of Nations
Southwestern Jewish Press, November 14, 1952, page 4
The excitement of the holidays is already felt at the YWCA, 10th and “C,” as plans for this year’s colorful World Festival near completion. Each year the “Y” sponsors this Festival of Nations and some of the most lavish entertainment is put on by members of the YWCA’s International Club, a group of native and foreign born persons interested in international relations. The festival will take place December 5th and 6th, 4:30 p.m. to midnight.
The now famous “side-walk café” booths this yesr will feture 22 different nationalities offering foods typical of their native lands. Gourmets will delight at the array of exotic dishes from China, Denmark, France, Finland, Greece Hungary, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Switzerland, and many others. For the more conservative guests, there will be more conventional fare in the U.S.A. booth—hot dogs and soda pop.
Swim shows, which attracted standing room only crowds last year, will transform the “Y” pool into a holiday snow scene with splashing Christmas water ballets. Elaborate modern dance productions will be offered each night of the festival. There will be a surprise auction event each might that will add excitement to the main floor Bazaar. Variety shows are planned for each night, too, with sparkling ‘name’ entertainers, songs, dances and holiday music.
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Jewish Internet Favorites ... featuring notable Jewish community members*
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In this selection, Hal ponders some of life's eternal verities, including the aging process and humanity's interconnectedness.
