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INTERNATIONAL
Israelis debate necessity of a preemptive strike on Iran ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem Understandably and legitimately, the Holocaust casts its shadow on much, perhaps most, of Israeli public life, especially politics. The issue of the Iranian threat is a case in point. It gives rise to many questions; I for one know no answers. READ MORE
A 95th birthday excursion to Neve Shalom and to Hebron... by J. Zel Lurie in Neve Shalom, Israel I celebrated my 95th birthday at a party at Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salam, the Oasis of Peace, half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where Israeli Jews and Israeli Palestinians live and educate their children together in the first bi lingual, bicultural school in Israel.READ MORE
Clinton says Hamas coalition government can't receive aid ... by Barry Rubin in Herzliya, Israel This has become a very interesting situation. On May 1, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in congressional testimony, reinterpreted the proposal discussed below to make it clear that the United States did not embrace the proposal (earlier raised by the French) to back a PA coalition with Hamas. READ MORE
Passion for Israel evident at S.D. Yom Ha'atzma'ut festival ... by Sandy Golden in San Diego What do rock climbers, bikers and San Diego’s Jewish kids of all ages have in common? The answer became obvious on Sunday, May 3, after surveilling the 55 booths set up on San Diego Jewish Academy’s grounds and some 2000 toddlers, teens, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas moving back and forth at various paces from one place to another. READ MORE ARTS
Cantor William Sharlin's new version of Shalom Aleichem ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego Shalom Aleichem is a hymn chanted on Friday nights, both at home or in the synagogue. It is a song of peace, introduced some three centuries ago by the Kabbalists, and is based on the Talmudic passage concerning a good angel and an evil angel accompanying every man home from the synagogue on Friday evenings. READ MORE
Lazarow's novel has some brilliance and deficiencies ... by Norman Manson in San Diego Jeffrey C. Lazarow has set a very ambitious goal for himself in this, his first novel: His lengthy, prolific work seeks to combine a suspense-filled thriller with a detailed, thought-provoking discourse on the laws and ethics of Orthodox Judaism.READ MORE Twain Asks 'Is He Dead?' Answer: No, Just His Brain ... by Cynthia Citron in Long Beach, California Any newly discovered work by Mark Twain should definitely be cause for celebration. And when Jewish historian, Stanford professor and Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin discovered one of Twain’s long-forgotten plays among some old dusty files at UC Berkeley, she rejoiced appropriately.READ MORE
THE BIBLE IN POP CULTURE Watch our Bible come together with Biblical names and modern images Land for Simeon's descendants; Joshua 19:26 SEE MORE
CO-PUBLISHERS MAILBOX
Peres tells AIPAC of Israel's readiness for peace READ MORE
RJC urges rejection of Palestinian aid if Hamas included in government READ MORE
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
February 20, 1953; Southwestern Jewish Press
Temple Teens by Susan Solof READ MORE
City of Hope Jrs. READ MORE
B.B’s Celebrate Brotherhood Week READ MORE
J. W. V. to Convene in Coronado in June READ MORE
Past President Installs Son As AZA Leader READ MORE
Beth Israel Plans Purim Pandemonium READ MORE
Jewish Labor Committee Presents Jewish Artists READ MORE
Deceased {Goldie Elvove} READ MORE
B. B. Girls to Hold Hawaiian Heydays READ MORE
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JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES We continue our examination of Jewish entertainers
Bob Dylan sings "Like a Rollin' Stone" in concert VIEW VIDEO
Bob Einstein {aka Super Dave Osborne) makes comedy 'jump' from CN Tower VIEW VIDEO
Michael Douglas is a lion hunter in "The Ghost and the Darkness" with Val Kilmer VIEW VIDEO
Richard Dreyfuss as a paraplegic in "Whose Life Is It Anyway?" VIEW VIDEO
STAFF BOX
Today's columns from Israel by Rabbi Dow Marmur, J. Zel Lurie and Barry Rubin reflect San Diego Jewish World's philosophy that writers from the right, the left and the middle are welcome contributors. We cherish intellectual debate about real-world issues, and will continue to bring to our readers a diversity of viewpoints.
JERUSALEM—Understandably and legitimately, the Holocaust casts its shadow on much, perhaps most, of Israeli public life, especially politics. The issue of the Iranian threat is a case in point. It gives rise to many questions; I for one know no answers.
Is Iran the new Nazi Germany and Ahmadinejad (despite his resemblance to Goebbels) the new Hitler? Though he speaks the language of the worst enemies of the Jewish people, those who understand Iran suggest that comparisons are invidious. They say that the president of Iran is only a shrill mouthpiece of the country’s so-called supreme ayatollah. The June elections in Iran could change much of that.
A corollary is the question whether the Iranian nuclear threat may lead to a new Holocaust. Are Jews panicking too early when they fear that Obama’s efforts to talk to Iran turns him into an incarnation of Neville Chamberlain and every attempt to come to an agreement a re-enactment of Munich?
The argument is that had a Jewish state been in existence in 1938 instead of ten years later, there’d be no Holocaust. Therefore, the time is now for Israel to defeat Iran. Though Ahmadinejad’s rhetoric and the policies he represents constitute a threat to the whole world, his primary target, reminiscent of Hitler, are Israel and its Jews. Therefore, it’s for Israel to seek to destroy him before he tries to destroy it.
Does that mean that Israel should go it alone? According to a poll just published, about two thirds of Jewish Israelis think it’s for Israel to attack Iran, because ultimately (according to well over half of those polled) Obama won’t necessarily come to its help. The popular Jewish support that the Netanyahu
government may count on is probably at least in part due to the noises it makes about attacking Iran before Ahmadinejad can lay his dirty hands on nuclear weapons. The fact that the poll was sponsored by two right-leaning organizations (ADL and BESA) is perhaps no coincidence.
Reports about recent exercises by Israel’s air force over Gibraltar, roughly equidistant from here to Teheran, fuels speculations that Israel is making preparations to attack Iran. Many Israeli spokespersons speak in the same vein. The hawkish style of Foreign Minister Lieberman may be part of the same strategy. Judging by the vehemence by which Iran and its clients react, the strategy may be effective, but is it sufficient?
The rhetoric has obvious repercussions for the apparent reluctance on the part of the current Government of Israel to continue the so-called peace process. By insisting that Iran, not the Palestinian question, is the priority, Israel absolves itself from dealing with Abu Mazen and his people. Insisting that an Iranian defeat and its corollary diminution of Hamas and Hezbollah will have beneficial effects on talking to the Palestinian Authority and Lebanon, now freed from their internal enemies (Hamas and Hezbollah respectively). And once Iran loses its grip over Syria, its government will be better able to negotiate a realistic peace with Israel instead of its current allegedly inflated demands.
I’m not in a position to determine whether any of the above is realistic or what the cost for Israel would be in terms of the fallout of retaliation and the reaction of the rest of the world. But I feel that a unilateral attack on Iran by Israel is a dangerous way of gambling with the future of the Jewish state and a frightening prospect. As hard as I try, I’m still in the ghetto that teaches not to make trouble, just pray hard - and hope.
Marmur is rabbi emeritus of the Holy Blossom Congregation in Toronto. He divides his time between Canada and Israel. He may be contacted at marmurd@sandiegojewishworld.com
A 95th birthday excursion to Neve Shalom and to Hebron
NEVE SHALOM, Israel—I celebrated my 95th birthday at a party at Neve Shalom/Wahat al Salam, the Oasis of Peace, half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where Israeli Jews and Israeli Palestinians live and educate their children together in the first bi lingual, bicultural school in Israel.
The road stops for red lights were agog with youths selling Israeli flags to help celebrate Israel’s 61st birthdaythe following day. My birthday fell on Yom Zikaron , Remembrance or Memorial Day for the thousands of young men and women who fell in Israeli’s wars.
In 61 years the population of Israel has increased ten fold. It is now 7,411,000 of which over six million are Jews.
Israel’s achievements are many. Its hi-tech industry is second only to the United States. Its mighty armed forces are third in the world, behind the United States and Russia.
Its banks are fairly healthy although unemployment is rising. Strict regulations prevented the banks from participating in the financial frenzy which caught the rest of the Western world flat footed.
Above all Israel is beautiful. On Yom Hashoa I was in the gorgeous Galilee visiting two bilingual Jewish Arab schools run by the Hand in Hand organization. It was inspiring to see second grade Arab and Jewish children studying a model of a concentration camp which was labeled “machne rekuz” in Hebrew and its equivalent in Arabic.
Were they too young to absorb the lessons of the Holocaust? No, they were not replied my Israeli granddaughter who was my driver. She remembered well what she learned about the shoa in the second grade.
I also visited the West Bank Palestinians. Together with two Israeli friends we toured the Hope Flower School for Peace and Democracy in Area C on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Leaving our Israeli car there we took an Arab taxi to Hebron.
Palestinian cars are not allowed on the nain road between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. They must take side roads. But between Bethlehem and Hebron we traveled freely on the expressway without a single checkpoint.
I had received a report from a Jewish lady of Machsom Watch of the harassment suffered by Palestiniasn in the Northern West Bank. There are many check points between the three Arab cities in the North, Nablus, Jenin and Tulkarim
.
Hebron has an Israeli enclave in the heart of the city called H2. It surrounds the Cave of the Patriarchs, which is also the Ibrahim where Hebron’s Moslems come to pray on Fridays. H2 contains 700 Jewish settlers, a battalion of Israeli soldiers and about 10,000 Plestinians. I didn’t see any of the Jews or soldiers.
Our taxi entered Hebron, where my Israeli companions were not permitted to be, and drove towards H2. We picked up a guide, a Moslem who lives in H2. It was a long drive through the business section of a city of 150,000.
We entered H2 on foot. No checkpoint. The thousands of Arab residents of H3 are not allowed to have cars, our guide told us. Soon we came to a main street with a two foot barrier down the middle. Jews walked to the right up the hill to the Jewish ghetto The only Moslems allowed up the hill are the few who still live there.
Our guide took us to the left of the barrier. This two foot barrier to me was apartheid in a nutshell.
We walked through the old Arab market which lies below the Jewish settlements underneath a netting. The netting is necessary because the Jewish settlers have the nasty habit of throwing their garbage down on their Arab neighbors. Among the objects on the netting was a discarded electrical appliance which could have killed an Arab.
Most of the shops were closed for lack of pedestrians and business. When we came to an open shop I rested and talked to the die hard shopkeeper who opened his shop every morning. After a very long walk through a ghost town of deserted shops
we emerged to the bustling business of Hebron. We bought falafel sandwiches and took a taxi back to our car. I did not see a single Israeli soldier until we came to the checkpoint on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
Had we gone to the South of Hebron where Jewish settlers are attacking the Bedouin shepherds we would have encountered soldiers and police, who according to international observers and Israeli doves, are helping the settlers.
My conclusion. The Israel Army sees its duty on the West Bank as the protecdtion of the expanding Jwewish settlements. Period.
Saga of the Gentile
Riding Instructor
The year was 1978 when 18-year-old Jeanette Gibson arrived in Israel from Yorkshire to teach English style riding at the Vered Hagalil stables in Upper Galilee. She was a pretty certified riding instructor with a specialist visa good for two years. After a year or two she moved to Rosh Pina and went to work for Soni who had come from California to open a stable at nearby Korazim.
Soni had converted to Judaism in Los Angeles before making aliya. She taught riding with a Western saddle while Jenny, as Soni called her, used an English saddle..
Jenny renewed her visa regularly at the Ministry of Interior’s office in Safad. The Ministry is run by the Orthodox establishment who are not racist. They accept converts but they are religiously exclusive. “Keep the Gentiles out” was and continues to be their operative slogan.
In 1983 the Ministry refused to renew her visa, “You’ve been here long enough,” they told the pretty young Gentile. “Go home.”
Jenny had been living as a Jew for five years. She told me: “I celebrated all the Jewish holidays. I wanted to convert.”
The chief Rabbi in Rosh Pina agreed to sponsor her but the Ministry refused to accept her. The Rosh Pina police chief told her”” Go hide.” She moved in with Soni in Korazim and that is where I found her.
I told her strange story to Lova Eliav who was then a leading Labor Party official. He concluded: “It must be bitachon, security. I won’t touch it.”
The head of the Government Press office told me: “The ministry would accept my recommendation for conversion. The fact that they have refused the recommendation of the Rosh Pina rabbi indicates that this is a security matter.”
I spoke to Yoram Kaniuk, a leading Israeli author who was writing a column for Ma’ariv. He was not afraid of security. He asked the Ministry; “What do you have against the Gibson girl?” Fearing publicity the Ministry changed its stance. “We have nothing against her. She can enter the conversion school at kibbutz Tirat Tsvi at any time.”
Which is what she did. After conversion she joined kibbutz Amiad which lies between Korazim and Rosh Pina. There she met and married an English boy who had made aliya with the Habonim youth group. They have a 21-old-son who is doing his army service and a 15-year-old girl, who, like my Israeli granddaughter, is named Natalie.
Jenny is an outstanding citizen. She volunteers on the Mishmar Hagvul, the border guards and she serves as the security chief of Amiad.
Security is absolutely necessary for the safety of the people. But it is all powerful and the lack of accountability leads to excesses.
Recently I heard about a Gentile American who does business in Israel. Last month she was abused by two male security guards at Ben Gurion airport. She fears that if I tell her story security will ban her. She will be refused entry on her next visit and her business will go to pot.
There is nothing I or anyone else can do about it. But we can still celebrate Israel’s 61st birthday with joy and hope that the occupation of the West Bank will end and peace will prevail.
Lurie is a freelance writer based in Delray Beach, Florida. His column appears in the Jewish Journal of South Florida
HERZLIYA, Israel--
This has become a very interesting situation. On May 1, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in congressional testimony, reinterpreted the proposal discussed below to make it clear that the United States did not embrace the proposal (earlier raised by the French) to back a PA coalition with Hamas. She said that every individual minister of such a government would have to accept the quartet provisions that included recognizing Israel and abandoning terrorism. This would effetively rule out U.S. aid to a Fatah-Hamas coalition (which isn't going to happen any way).
This tells us that the Obama administration is continuing to put a priority on maintaining strong U.S.-Israel relations--despite many predictions to the contrary and misinterpretations of what it has said or done. One can either view the previous initiative on Hamas as a trial balloon that got shot down or as a mistake whose correction shows the underlying main line of administration policy.
The original proposal might eventually have become its first step directly damaging U.S.-Israel relations and injuring Israel’s interests. The Obama administration had reportedly proposed allowing American aid to go to a Palestinian Authority (PA) even if Hamas, which is designated in U.S. law as a terrorist group, would be participating in it.
If the administration had gone forward with it, the proposal would have reflected badly on the administration’s judgment and understanding of the Middle East. Not for the reasons you probably think.
First, it is unnecessary. There is no immediate need or strategic gain to be made by such a step (quite the contrary, as we shall see in a moment). Hamas isn’t in coalition with the PA nor does it have any prospect of joining. The negotiations are going badly and anyone with half a brain should be able to see that Fatah, which runs the PA, won’t accept Hamas’s domination and vice-versa.
What do you call someone in Washington DC who sacrifices political capital for nothing? Answer: extremely stupid.
As the great French foreign minister Charles de Talleyrand once put it, in international affairs blunders are worse than crimes. Talleyrand was not a very nice man. He never apologized for anything. He was a very successful diplomatist.
Second, though, the proposal is dangerous. It signals Hamas that the United States is ready to give it a concession without that group changing anything. Go on, the administration appears to be saying, being terrorist, genocidal in intention, antisemitic, and incredibly repressive of your own people. Why should that stop us giving you money and recognition in future?
And it signals Fatah and the PA that the United States wants them to make a coalition with Hamas. That’s the way people think in the Middle East and U.S. officials are supposed to understand this. You can bet your real assets that at this very moment in Ramallah, Hebron, and Nablus people are saying: Obama is now backing Hamas!
As such, it gives aid and comfort to those in Fatah who think that the two Palestinian groups should join to fight Israel. And it gives encouragement to almost all of Fatah which would rather have peace with Hamas than peace with Israel.
Obama says he wants to move the peace process forward. The proposed policy change would have instead punctured one of its tires.
Note however that in a few weeks the administration may face a real situation like this. If the Lebanese election results in Hizballah participating or even dominating the government, the United States is signaling that it will continue aid there also, thus undermining the moderates in the voting.
What would a smart policy do? Insist that the United States will never ever give money to any PA government in which Hamas participated unless Hamas changed its goals and methods, that is recognize Israel's existence and cease
terrorism. In other words, the same policy the United States has had up to now.
Why? Because that presses Hamas to change (even if it won't change, that should be Hamas's problem and loss), encourges the PA to stand tough, shows the PA and others that the United States rewards moderation and punished radicalism and terrorism. This encourages others to be more moderate and not to give in to extremists, while encouraging other extremists to think about changing their ways.
Of course, if a coalition was formed in spite of your efforts you can rethink your policy. You shouldn't give in but at least you have the option of taking new facts into account.
That's how policymakers are supposed to work.
Memo to administration policymakers: Leverage is an important principle in international affairs. You have something. Others want it. Make them pay for it. Don’t give it away free.
Memo 2 to administration policymakers: Every time you make a concession to your enemies, it hurts your friends who have the same enemies. They start thinking you are supporting their enemies. They become demoralized. They seek to cut their own deals.
If the administration had pushed forward with this change that might be called the Let’s Give Money to Hamas Terrorists Act of 2009, it would have been one more piece of evidence as to its very serious misunderstanding of how diplomacy works and the current state of the Middle East.
By withdrawing it, the administration shows that on matters regarding Israel directly and the Israel-Palestinian conflict, it is still saying on a pragmatic course though this does not define other aspects of its regional policy.
Barry Rubin is director of the Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center and editr of the Middle East Review of International Affairs (MERIA) Journal
SCENES AT THE FESTIVAL—Alan Rusonik, AJE's executive director, demonstrates a project to a young learner at the Agency
for Jewish Education's booth. At Ohr Shalom's space, Debbie Suisse, Linda Kuszinsky and Debbie Reid were on hand to
answer any questions about their congregation. The House of Israel booth was a natural attraction to many celebrating
Israel's independence. Pictured are Hannah Fox, Sonia Fox-Ohlbaum, and Joe Fox. (Date stamp on photos inaccurate)
Passion for Israel evident at S.D. Yom Ha'atzma'ut festival
SAN DIEGO--What do rock climbers, bikers and San Diego’s Jewish kids of all ages have in common? The answer became obvious on Sunday, May 3, after surveilling the 55 booths set up on San Diego Jewish Academy’s grounds and some 2000 toddlers, teens, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas moving back and forth at various paces from one place to another.
Enthusiasm! Energy! Passion! And a love for the State of Israel, so strong, that it had brought out on a beautiful sunny San Diego Sunday afternoon what seemed like the entire Jewish community to celebrate together Israel’s 61st year!
The parking lot was already full at 11:30 a.m. although the Yom Ha'atzma'ut event had been scheduled to begin only one-half hour before. Fortunately, shuttle buses had been provided for the disabled and for those who chose not to walk back and forth to their distantly-parked cars.
Despite the concerns of many about the economy, uncertainty about jobs, even the swine flu, they had come out in droves. Strollers, walkers, wheel chairs and bicycles were intertwined with walkers on their way to the myriad of activities and
events, which had been provided throughout the day under the auspices of the United Jewish Federation.
This was the first time that the Yom Ha'atzma'ut event had been held on the SDJA campus in Carmel Valley, rather than at the Lawrence Family JCC in La Jolla, and although the first time in a new place could conceivably result in unforeseen problems, there were none, according to Eyal Dagan, San Diego’s shaliach.
On the contrary, explained Dagan, “the event was so well-organized by the amazing co-chairs, Judi Lilienthal and Marlene Recht, and the amazing cadre of volunteers —about 60 of them”— that all ran smoothly. The volunteers were particularly appreciated because of budget cuts for the event, forced by an ailing economy.
“The most significant aspect of the day was the array of educational programs which had been arranged for all ages”, continued Dagan. This was the brainchild of Jennie Starr, “herself a star." who was the Lead Volunteer for the Day and had also organized the first-ever Talent Show which took place toward the end of the day. Naturally, it was called “A Star is Born” or in Hebrew, “Kochav nolad shelanu!”
By the end of the day, there may have been a drain on energy –among some of the young and the older -- but NOT on passion!
SAN DIEGO —Shalom Aleichem is a hymn chanted on Friday nights, both at home or in the synagogue. It is a song of peace, introduced some three centuries ago by the Kabbalists, and is based on the Talmudic passage concerning a good angel and an evil angel accompanying every man home from the synagogue on Friday evenings.
Peace be to you, O ministering angels, messengers of the most High, the supreme King of kings, the Holy One, blessed is He.
May you leave in peace, o messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, the supreme King of kings, the Holy One, blessed is He.
May you come in peace, o messengers of peace, messengers of the Most High, the supreme King of kings, the Holy One, blessed is He.
Bless me with peace, O messengers of peace, ………………
For centuries, Jewish poets poured out their love for the Sabbath,a respite from the toil and pressure of everyday living. Many of their poems in Hebrew, were written in strict meter and rhyme, which consequently made it easier to set their texts to familiar melodies of the surrounding countryside. Since some of these borrowed tunes, although familiar as table songs or synagogue hymns are often musically mundane, I am pleased to share this new arrangement of Shalom Aleichem, written by my good friend, former class mate and mentor, Cantor William Sharlin. It is performed by the Zephyr Voices.
This original melody and choral arrangement of Shalom Aleichem, by Cantor William Sharlin is lively and bright, with a Renaissance quality. It brings new spirit and quality to this familiar text, and is featured on his CD, Pursuit of the Sacred, along with 21 other uniquely Jewish and fresh songs.
Cantor Sharlin is cantor emeritus at Leo Baeck Temple in Los Angeles where he has served since 1954. He is an inspiring cantor, composer, pianist, scholar, and is keenly intent to maintain worship as a relevant experience through music.
Raised in an Orthodox home, he later entered the world of Reform Judaism at Hebrew Union College in New York, and Go to top of right column
for many years was Professor of Jewish Music at HUC in Los Angeles. He often weaves canons or rounds into his arrangements as is evident in his rendition of Shalom Aleichem. In addition to composing new melodies, Sharlin enjoys shedding new light on familiar Jewish melodies by adding catchy harmonies and contrapuntal devices.
Merel is cantor emeritus of Congregation Beth Israel in La Jolla, California. Cantor Sharlin's CD may be obtained from Laurendale Associates, 1503 Wyandotte Street, Van Nuys, CA 91405. (818) 994-6920
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SAN DIEGO—Jeffrey C. Lazarow has set a very ambitious goal for himself in this, his first novel: His lengthy, prolific work seeks to combine a suspense-filled thriller with a detailed, thought-provoking discourse on the laws and ethics of Orthodox Judaism.
He deserves credit for a great try, but in the end the combination does not quite work. In too many places, the reader is left hanging, as the narrative is interrupted by lengthy explanations of various facets of Orthodox Judaism. And there are a few key unanswered questions at the book's conclusion.
The story begins with the main character, known only as S.J., entering heaven after being fatally stabbed. After some adventures in the other world, including an encounter with the prophet Isaiah, he suddenly finds himself back on earth, in Jerusalem to be preicse. And from there to the end, he is involved in one earthly adventure after another, including among others a hard-fought football game and a pulse-pounding airliner hijacking.
Through all of this, he manages to expound on several key Judaic concepts, interrupted by the voice (in italics) of his Yetzer Hara (evil inclination), who tries to steer him away from the path of righteousness to a life (is he really alive?) of hedonism and sin.
While this is all in the realm of fantasy, there is little in way of realism throughout .
For one thing, Lazarow - a resident of San Diego who has lived in the U.S. for twenty years - shows an abysmal ignorance of the nuances of American football. This is important, since a fair-sized segment of the text is devoted to a quite fantastic gridiron struggle.
Also, the suspenseful saga of the airliner hijacking seems quite far from anything resembling reality. Which would not be that much of a problem, except that the buildup to the climax is interrupted by a series of religious discourses, leaving the reader in suspense for a good deal longer than seems warranted - you are tempted to turn ahead to see how it ends.
The two major questions left unanswered at the book's conclusion are 1. What happened to the hijackers? -when last we read of them they were alive, having parachuted into Iceland , and seemed to be plotting more mischief and 2. Does S.J. return to heaven, or has he been somehow miraculously restored to life?
For all those deficiencies, this is in some places a quite readable novel and Lazarow's effort is by no means futile. Some judicious editing, particularly tightening of the narrative, enabling it to flow more smoothly, would have been a big help. This is a novel that shows considerable promise, but in the end falls short.
LONG BEACH, California—Any newly discovered work by Mark Twain should definitely be cause for celebration. And when Jewish historian, Stanford professor and Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin discovered one of Twain’s long-forgotten plays among some old dusty files at UC Berkeley, she rejoiced appropriately. Determined to bring Is He Dead? to life, she embarked on a years’-long odyssey which included enlisting playwright David Ives to beef it up and adapt it, finding veteran producer Bob Boyett to produce it, and finally, after more than a century, having it performed for the very first time in December, 2007, at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway, where it played for three months.
Now, two years later, Ms. Fishkin was on hand at the International City Theatre in Long Beach to introduce the west coast premiere of what Variety had called “a ripely enjoyable confection”: Twain’s anything-but-immortal comedy, Is He Dead?
Filled with a rambunctious cast of 11 farceurs, the play chronicles the fortunes of a poor struggling artist, Jean-Francois Millet, an actual 19th century French painter, one of the founders of the Barbizon School, and a contemporary of Twain’s. According to Twain’s premise, Millet, in order to survive, fakes his own death on the assumption that his paintings will rise in value afterwards. And, of course, they do, making him and his friends incredibly wealthy. (As one of the characters comments, “The deader he is, the better he is.”) In order to gain access to his own wealth, however, Millet of necessity invents a next-of-kin, a widowed twin sister, to lay claim to his fortune.
Perry Ojeda, a strikingly handsome man, plays Millet as well as his sister, but unlike most cross-dressing actors in drag, Ojeda also makes a stunningly beautiful woman. And so, in this guise, he/she is pursued by the villain of the piece, art dealer Bastien Andre (Steve Marvel), as well as by Papa Leroux (Jerry Hoffman), the father of his erstwhile fiancée, Marie (Suzanne Petrela). Millet is aided in his masquerade by his art students: Chicago (Brian Stanton), Dutchy (Chip Bent), and Phelim (Blake Silver), while managing to fool a bevy of ladies played by Jules Hartley, Jeanine Anderson, and Terra Shelman, and a ridiculously improbable Joe Fria, who is equally excessive as a potential art buyer, a bewigged butler, and the King of France.
While director Shashin Desai has an unquestionably talented group of players to work with, and they bounce around unflaggingly in scenic designer Stephen Gifford’s evocative sets and Kim DeShazo’s elegant costumes, the play itself is hopelessly kitschy, totally predictable, and, most unforgivable for the writer that most people consider America’s greatest humorist---exceedingly unfunny!
As a farce, the play has the requisite number of doors for the actors to barge in and out of, the inevitable misidentifications, the over-the-top body movements, the heroine in tears, and the hero to reappear and make everything right at last. As the hero, Ojeda does an admirable job, and an even better one as the coquettish widow, but all to no avail. Twain should have quit writing when he was ahead.
A further note: Twain wrote “Is He Dead?” in 1898, just six years after Brandon Thomas’ play “Charley’s Aunt” opened to wild acclaim in London and became one of the longest-running plays in history. In 1893 “Charley’s Aunt” opened on Broadway, where it also had a historically long run. The fact that “Is He Dead?” has an identical plot line to “Charley’s Aunt” may be only a coincidence. But I’ll let you be the judge of that.
“Is He Dead?” will continue at the International City Theatre of the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd. in Long Beach, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 through May 24th. Call (562) 436-4610 for tickets.
The Bible in Pop Culture: Land for Simeon's descendants
Joshua 19:26
and Alammelch, Amad, Mishal; and it reached Carmel at the sea and at Shihorlibnath.
Don Harrison photographed this sign (from the passenger seat) on northbound Interstate 15 in San Diego on Sunday, May 3, 2009
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Peres tells AIPAC of Israel's readiness for peace
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release)Here is the text of comments by Israel's President Shimon Peres at the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Convention on Monday.
Dear friends, what an honor and a privilege to address AIPAC in these exciting and challenging times. I look around, I am not so sure that I'm the youngest person in this room. But being here with you, you make me feel young again.
Dear friends, I saw the Jewish state taking brave and historic decisions that paved the way to reconciliation. I witness the miracle of science reinventing Israel generation after generation. I
believe it enables us to live up to the value of tikkun olam. It provided our people with lifesaving medical solutions, innovative water technologies, solar energy, and scientific agriculture
that became a marvel in the world. Yes, it's true. We have had a difficult journey in our young life as a state. But our national endeavor of 2000 years in diaspora was no different; not easier.
Yes, since the rebirth of Israel, one commitment remained firm, profound, unshakeable - the alliance between Israel and the United States of America. It has provided us with a moral and
strategic strengths, both of them. For 61 years, America has been and still is more than just an ally. It is an unusual partner, a brave friend. I've have heard it say, I have heard it sung, today
more than ever before: God bless America.
Dear friends, I came today from Jerusalem, which I know is an important part of your soul. I came here this morning to reiterate what you already know -- that brothers we are, and we need
you, want you, and appreciate you from the depth of our heart. Thank you so much.
I am thanking you for the central role in strengthening the shared values of policy between theUnited States and Israel. My people are grateful to the thousands of AIPAC supporters, from
students and the lay leaders to the leadership and provisional team on the Capitol Hill. You are atreasure.
For all that you have done, for all that you will do, the people of Israel salutes you. To your hard work, the bond between the greatest democracy in the world and the first democracy in the
Middle East continues to strengthen and deepen. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Each and every one of you helped build this house, and can claim a break in it. Both the United States and Israel can look at our construction with pride. It is a testimony to our joint
commitment to a more strong, prosperous Jewish state.
Dear friends, a tsunami of hope is following across the entire globe. Its center is right here in America. Six months ago, you elected a new President of the United States. President Obama assumed his duty in a period of these crises in the world. I am convinced that he has the capacity to turn a crisis into an opportunity. I think at my age, I have the right to say to President Obama, "President, you are young enough to offer hope to the world. You are strong enough -- bring it to life. On behalf of the State of Israel, and in my name, I want to wish you success. Y’varekh’kha hashem v’yishmarekha - Godspeed, Mr. President."
In his inaugural address, President Obama elegantly articulated what is needed when he called for an outstretched hand instead of a clenched fist. In the future, our time may be considered, because of him, as the age of outstretched hand. Israel stands with her arms outstretched, her hands held open to peace with all nations, with all Arab states, with all Arab people. To those holding a clenched first, I have just one word to say: enough! Enough war, enough destruction, enough hatred. It is a time for change, for change for the better, for all of us. Definition of success is not the military campaign. We have been forced, both to wage and win. But by peace, we have achieved together with some of our neighbors what we really wanted.
Israel's strengths and capacity to take risks for peace are determined by the strengths of the Israeli defense forces. By its
uncompromising technology advantage, dear friends, ours is an army for defense if necessary, and for peace when possible.
Israel strength relies on the allies, partners, friends that are here with us today, ensuring that our military and technological edge will always remain. As you know, I shall be meeting President
Obama tomorrow. I shall deliver to him a strong message from a country yearning for peace, yearning for friendship with the United States. Later on, the President will meet with Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. You may know, Benjamin Netanyahu was at one time my political opponent. Today, he is my
Prime Minister. He knows history. He wants to make history. And in our tradition, making history is making peace. I am sure that peace is his real and profound priority.
The journey isn't over. In some ways, we are still at genesis. We still seek to build a home, to plant a tree, to celebrate strength. Yet at the same time, there is a dark and growing cloud; a reminder that threats to human life are real. This cloud is the product of a militant extremist. Its fightings are made of weapons. The lightning
are rockets, the thunder are bombs. It has spread over Israel, but also over the Arab world. It may be looming over the global community at large.
This year again, we're encountering the clenched fists in our region. We admittedly hoped that a time of tough talk was over. We made meaningful sacrifices -- painful ones -- hoping that the
real peace is at our door. Unfortunately, the Middle East finds itself in the shadow of a nuclear threat. We shall not give up. We shall not surrender. We shall not lose our nerves and strengths
and determination and courage.
Let me be clear. The fanatic rulers of Iran are on the wrong side of history. Actually, they are out of history. They're against history. We have respect for the Iranian people and its tradition.
Historically, Iran sought to enrich mankind. Today, alas, Iran rulers want to enrich uranium.
What for? In addition to their nuclear option, they invest huge capital in long-range missiles. Iran is not threatened by anybody. What do they need it? Iran funds and arms Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza to spread divisions in Lebanon and among the Palestinians; divisions, terror, trying to impose a foreign and violent ideology.
Their agents target Americans, Europeans, Arabs, and other people. Historically, the concern was to separate, as we know, religion from state. Today, however, the challenge is to disconnect
religion from terror. In the name of God, there should be no wars, no dead, no victims, no bloodshed. This is our God. This is our Lord. This is our stand. This is our position.
It is clear in our eyes that peace may require painful compromises, difficult concessions. Compromises require two conditions. First, peace must be real, lasting, mutually respected. We have to guarantee that our children -- actually, all children -- will be free from war, will breathethe fresh air of peace -- all children, from all nations, from all parties. And then, secondly, peace should enable Israel to protect its people, to realize the fundamental responsibility of a free government, namely to defend its people from harm, to enable them to meet opportunities.
The same is true for the future of the Palestinian people as well. I say it loudly, because I believe in it more fondly. The Palestinian people have the right to govern themselves. We don't want to
be their masters. They have the right to invest their resources, to direct aid to civil high tech, not military rocketS -- to books, not bombs -- to their people, so their people can be both free and
prosperous, free from fear, free from hunger.
I have a simple question. Why wait? Israel is prepared today to bring peace closer. Today there is no difference between the American position and our position. We want to move ahead as
swiftly, together, as it is needed -- as it is possible. In my judgment, today there is a chance for real peace. History is on the side of peace. History ison our side, I'm sure. The Saudis gave birth to a peace initiative. The Arab League, which in 1967 adopted a policy of three nays: no to peace with Israel, not to recognize Israel, not to negotiate with Israel. Well, it took a time, but then in 2002, they declared a different policy: to negotiate with Israel, to recognize Israel, and even to make peace with Israel. This is their
judgment, and it was our judgment a long time ago.
I have to admit, in a way, it is a serious U-turn. Israel wasn't a partner to the wording of their initiative. Therefore it doesn't have to agree to every word. Well, nevertheless, Israel respects the
profound change. Israel hopes it will be translated in real action, the sooner the better.
Dear friends, let me make it clear. We trust the leadership of President Obama. We trust he may make a way to open both a regional agreement and a meaningful bilateral negotiations. It can bedone, both, together, right away. It is a real change in the situation. In pursuing present government of Israel, let's make no mistake. The present government of Israel will abide to the
commitments to the previous governments of Israel.
My experiences have taught me that peace is not necessarily the result of detailed negotiations with many lawyers -- my god -- with many map designers, my god. I know that peace bears from
the soil, like a geyser. It is beautiful to behold. It is impossible to contain. I can still see with my eyes and feel with my heart when President Sadat landed from Egypt. We thought he came from the moon. If Anwar Sadat had not courageously taken the one-hour flight between Cairo and Jerusalem, I doubt peace would be achieved. We were ready. He showed his readiness.
Something similar happened with a handshake between Mandela and de Klerk. Even a small ping-pong ball facilitated a dialogue between the great United States, in America, and the large
land of China. Both events transformed the world. Ladies and gentlemen, it can happen again.
It's not a photo opportunity. It creates a real historic opportunity.
I am sure a day will come, I am sure it's not far away, when the Jewish people will live on their land in real peace. After 2,000 years of exile, after Shoah, pogroms, transports, struggles, endless
suffering, hatred, wars, bloodshed, the Jewish people will become a model and peaceful country.
I believe, profound, in the vision of our prophets that Israel will become a beacon of light amongnations, living the prophecy of Isaiah; beatings swords into plowshares, hoping nations will not
take up swords against other nations. So let us all ask ourselves, what must we do today to make a better tomorrow to our children, toour grandchildren. I was told that in this room there are over a thousand students. Would you mind rise so we shall see you? Can you please rise? All students. It's warming my heart. Thank
you for being here.
More important, we celebrate your future. I invite you to come to my home, to come to Israel, to come to Jerusalem to celebrate your heritage. If your moms will refuse, please tell them it's a
presidential invitation. You can sit down. Thank you.
To your parents, to everyone else in the room, I want to say let's make this generation the last toknow conflict, the last to know bloodshed. Let's make this generation the first to enjoy redemption. It will make our heritage our destiny.
Well, you wouldn't believe it, but I've been young, and now I grow older, as the psalm says. ButI feel I have the right, with all what I have seen, to be an optimist. My generation experienced
serious trials and tribulations. We triumphed over them all. You and us gained together a license to be optimists, to be believers, to be a hopeful meeting of people.
You know, when I look ahead, I see a world that knows no limits, no boundaries, a world ofongoing progress. Let me tell a secret. My own children surpassed their parents. My grandchildren surpass my daughter and sons. But I am blessed with two great grandchildren, Ellaand Ari. I am objective when I say they are wonderful. When we sit, it is two wonderful young boy and girl. When we sit on the carpet and they climb on my shoulder, I suspect they don't respect the President. Yet I feel respected. I even feel reassured that our future in their tiny hands
-- in their strong hands.
Ladies and gentlemen, to know the future you have to remember our history. Calling history is actually remembering the past. But as you know, we are pragmatic people. So when Moses came
down from Mount Sinai, he turned to his people and called them. "People, listen, Israel. Shema Yisrael." He asked them -- he asked us to listen, so we shall be able to hear the prophetic message, the mountainous music of peace and justice to this very day. But as you know, we are pragmatists. So the people replied, "We shall do and listen. Naaseh Venishma."
My friends, there is so much to do. Time is always short, but the time is now. Let's go to work, now, right away, together -- hopeful, believing, and offering peace to our own people and to the
people around us. It's a great message, a great duty, a great task. You are able. You and us are able to do it together.
AIPAC provided the transcript.
RJC urges rejection of Palestinian aid if Hamas in their government
WASHINGTON, D.C (Press Release). —Congressional Leaders plan to pass a Supplemental Appropriations bill for the current fiscal year before Memorial Day.
The most substantial elements of the Obama administration's $83 billion request are funds for ongoing operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are also funds for disaster aid to North Dakota and other hard-hit locales.
But the most controversial element is likely to be the much smaller request for $900 million in aid to Palestinian territories -- $600 million in "development" aid to bolster the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority government helmed by Mahmoud Abbas and $300 million for "humanitarian" relief in Hamas-controlled Gaza.
Many Republicans and some Democrats in Congress are concerned that the humanitarian relief will be distributed through the United Nations Refugee Works Administration (UNRWA), an outfit that has consistently failed to prevent infiltration and diversion of resources by Hamas.
But there is increasing concern about the larger "development" component of the aid package because President Obama's supplemental funding request contains a policy rider that would dilute the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act's restrictions against American aid going to a Palestinian government that includes representatives of Hamas.
Current law makes any Palestinian government's eligibility for American support contingent on recognition of Israel and a pledge to stop terror attacks by all parties represented in that government.
During the presidential campaign, Obama bragged often that he was a cosponsor of the legislation that imposed that requirement -- the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act of 2006.
Exactly one year ago, Obama told AIPAC's Policy Conference "We must isolate Hamas unless and until they renounce terrorism, recognize Israel's right to exist, and abide by past agreements."
But that was then, this is now.
President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton are asking Congress to add a loophole that would let U.S. taxpayer dollars
flow to a Palestinian "unity" government that included Hamas representatives...
... even as Hamas, which the U.S. government has formally designated as a terrorist organization, continues to attack Israel and wage an incitement campaign calling for the Jewish state's destruction.
And during a recent confrontation with Secretary Clinton, Republican Illinois Congressman Mark Kirk protested that "if we have one Fatah president and 20 Hamas ministers [in a unity government], you would have the right to authorize taxpayer subsidies of this government."
Even Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff told Clinton "it seems to me unworkable to have Hamas organizing terrorist attacks against Israel at the same time it has the power to appoint ministers to a coalition government."
Unfortunately, Obama apologists in the Jewish community seem more interested in making excuses for this betrayal than in holding him accountable for breaking his campaign promises regarding Hamas.
Now, a number of left-wing "pro-peace" outfits are trying to rally their supporters behind Obama's effort to reach out to an unreformed Hamas. And a Jewish House Democrat endorsed the Obama/Clinton policy change on a conference call organized by the National Jewish Democratic Council.
In light of these developments, RJC (Republican Jewish Coalition) is urging members and friends to contact their representatives in the House and Senate.
The message to Congress:
Until Hamas ends its campaign of violence and incitement against Israel, no government that includes it should receive American aid.
No changes to the current Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act in the Supplemental Appropriations bill!
Preceding provided by the Republican Jewish Coalition
El Salvador President flies to Israel
NEW YORK (Press Release)—EL AL, Israel's national airline, welcomed Elias Antonio Saca, the President of the Republic of EL Salvador, and his wife Ana Ligia Mixco, the First Lady. The couple embarked this weekend on a trip to Israel to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel.
President Saca is accompanied by an entourage of thirteen aides and VIPs. While in Israel, the President will meet with government officials and tour important historical sites.
Preceding provided by El Al Airline
Sarajevo refugee now Israeli D.J.
JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Sasha Ceresnjes, 30, grew up in the heart of Sarajevo’s vibrant Jewish community. His father was the president of the community, and he and his two younger brothers enjoyed all of the unique Jewish activities and traditions, until the outbreak of war in 1992.
“Every street was controlled by snipers, and the city was constantly bombed,” recalls Sasha. “My mother stayed with us in shelters, while my father saw to the needs of our people.”
However, Sasha was not afraid. This is because the Jewish Agency raised money from friends around the world and came to the community’s rescue. First, they purchased food and medicine, which were scarce. Then, they arranged for convoys to safely take the Jews out of the war zone and bring them to Israel. “It took us 23 hours to go from Sarajevo to the Croatian coastal city of Split,” says Sasha. “There were check points with armed guards every few kilometers, and the tension was unbearable. But we had the Jewish Agency flag on the bus, and this protected us.”
Sasha, his mother, and two brothers arrived safely in Israel. His father, who stayed behind, joined them four years later. “I don’t know how my mother did it, but she was strong, and we had so much help,” says Sasha.
Sasha started his new life in Israel at a youth village in Jerusalem. “These were the best four years of my life,” says Sasha. “The Jewish Agency made sure that we did not lack for anything. The Israeli kids accepted us as equals and we learned Hebrew and the ways of Israeli society.”
Sasha and his friends all served in the Israel Defense Forces. “It was our way to say thank you to this wonderful country,” explains Sasha. He then went on to receive his undergraduate degree in Jewish philosophy, and today he is involved in Israel’s thriving DJ scene. His parents settled in Jerusalem, but they all return to Sarajevo to visit Sasha’s grandfather.
“Israel is my home. I owe this to the Jewish Agency and everyone who supports this great organization. I hope they will always be able to continue the noble and brave job of saving Jews and bringing them to Israel,” says Sasha.
Preceding provided by Jewish Agency for Israel
ADL condemns anti-Mexican swine flu rhetoric on Internet and media
NEW YORK (Press Release)—The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) strongly condemns the hateful rhetoric appearing in some media and on the Internet demonizing Mexicans for the swine flu outbreak. Anti-immigrant groups and some media commentators are using the outbreak to advance their prejudiced views and agendas, warning that the virus in the U.S. is the result of illegal immigration.
“Such inflammatory and hateful rhetoric against Mexicans in particular, and Latinos in general, should be condemned as unacceptable and un-American,” said Abraham H. Foxman ADL National Director. “The airwaves and the Internet are being used to promote negative, false stereotypes and the demonization of Mexicans.”
Xenophobes have historically looked for situations such as this to promote the idea that immigrants are a liability to the United States, claiming that immigrants bring poverty, disease and crime into the country.
ADL, which monitors extremist and anti-immigrant rhetoric, has documented how anti-immigrant groups and others have used such rhetoric in an attempt to demonize and scapegoat Hispanics and other immigrant groups.
“People in the media, especially those with a mass audience, need to realize that words have consequences, including discrimination and violence,” said Mr. Foxman. “It is sad that some media commentators are picking up cues from the anti-immigrant extremists who have a specific and insidious agenda when blaming immigrants for America’s problems.”
Preceding provided by the Anti-Defamation League
Dumanis, Goldsmith warn against price gouging during flu outbreak
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis and San Diego City Attorney Jan Goldsmith today issued a price gouging warning to retailers, along with consumer advice and assistance to residents during the swine flu state of emergency.
“While health officials continue to stress there is no need for panic, retailers who seek to take advantage of the situation by increasing prices for certain products need to know they may be breaking the law,” said DA Dumanis. “Consumers should also know their rights and legal protections in place as they shop for items such as masks and hand sanitizer.”
After the Governor declares a state of emergency, it is illegal for businesses to increase prices of essential goods and services by more than ten percent unless they can prove it was due to an increase in their supplier’s price. The prohibition on price gouging after a state of emergency applies to consumer food and services, supplies and medical supplies.
In one case of alleged price gouging in Imperial County, a pharmacy was reported to be charging $89 for a $7 box of surgical masks. Other cases of online price gouging by Internet retailers have also been reported. The Centers for Disease Control is not recommending the use of masks, unless you are caring for a sick person.
“Price gouging during a State of Emergency is a violation of the law and will not be tolerated,” said City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. “Our office will carefully evaluate and won’t hesitate to prosecute such cases that may arise in the city of San Diego.”
Consumers can report price gouging by calling the District Attorney’s Consumer Hotline at 619-531-3507.
Preceding provided by District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis, a member of the Jewish community
Kindergarten and Sixth Grade work together at Soille Hebrew Day
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Hebrew Day’s sixth grade science class just completed a unit on the Solar System. Each student created an intricate pop-up book with facts, pictures, and characteristics of each of the eight planets. Because the kindergarten also recently learned about the Solar System, the sixth graders paid a visit to the kindergarten this week to share their books. The kindergarteners enjoyed reading the pop-up books with the older students, and the sixth graders were very impressed with the information the younger students knew and remembered. It was fun to see the two groups of students learning and sharing together.
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
Preceding provided by Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History With thanks to Gail Umeham for the transcription
Temple Teens Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 5
By Susan Solof
For fun and laughter, dancing and refreshments be sure to come to the “Hatchet Hop.” If you are in the mood dress in old time costumes but don’t stay away because of a costume — come anyway, and have fun. Time: 7:00-10:30. Place: Temple Center. Date: Saturday, February 21.
On March 6 there will be a Juke Box Dance after Services. Be sure to attend services and enjoy yourselves afterwards.
City of Hope Jrs. Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 5
A short but important business meeting together with a most interesting and stimulating program has been planned for the March 4 meeting of the City of Hope Junior Auxiliary at Landis Street Center. The numerous new masculine members that have recently joined their spouses and sweethearts as Club members are especially urged to attend and to bring their friends.
All of San Diego’s B’nai B’rith organizations are congregating at Temple Beth Israel this Friday, February 20, at 8:00 p.m. to celebrate Brotherhood Week, February 15-22.
Rabbi Morton J. Cohn will deliver the sermon. On the pulpit with him will be Mrs. Seema Caminar, Mrs. Rose Aved, Stanley Yuion, and Allan Lame, the Religious Chairmen of Bay City Chapter, B’nai B’rith, Birdie Stodel chapter, Samuel I. Fox Lodge, and Lasker Lodge respectively.
Mrs. Audrey Sack, President of Bay City Chapter, will read the Kindling of the Lights Ceremony; and Sol Randall, President of Samuel I. Fox Lodge, will read the Kiddush.
Acting as hostesses (sic)for the Services will be male members of the B’nai B’rith Young Adults group. Hostesses at the refreshment table will be provided by both B’nai B’rith chapters and the Young Adults.
J. W. V. to Convene
in Coronado in June Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 6
Commander J. David Brooks, and Past Commander Samuel Rose spent two days in Long Beach conferring with officers of the Department of California Jewish War Veterans, and have announced that the state convention will be held in Coronado this June.
Election of officers of Post 185 will be held at the March 2nd meeting, at the War Memorial Bldg., Balboa Park.
Plans also call for a Bingo Nite, Sunday March 15, at Beth Jacob Center, a fund raising affair for the TB Ward of Naval Hospital. Past Commanders Ralph J. Felman and Harry Aronoff will be in charge of the working committee.
Past President Installs
Son As AZA Leader Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 7
For the first time a past president of San Diego AZA 122, B’nai B’rith youth organization, installed his son as president in a ceremony at Temple Center, Third Avenue and Laurel Street, Monday, January 26, 1953.
Gary Breitbard was seated in the top office by his father, Edward A. Breitbard.
The father was president of his chapter 25 years ago. He is a past president of southern California Council of B’nai B’rith and a member of the executive board of district Grand Lodge No. 4.
Other officers are Bob Beck, vice-president; Stan Camiel, recording secretary; Roger Brenes, corresponding secretary; Seymour Pomeranz, treasurer; Larry Cantor and Morris Roizen, sergeants at arms; and Abe Glaser, chaplain.
Beth Israel Plans
Purim Pandemonium Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 7
The Religious School children of Temple Beth Israel are looking forward to the annual Purim Pandemonium to be held in the Temple Center on ‘Sunday, March 1st at 2 p.m. There will be no classes that morning.
Entertainment, games and refreshments will entertain the children, who are urged to come in costumes to compete for the lovely prizes.
Reigning over the Carnival will be the Purim King and Queen, elected by classes 9 and 8: Alan Friedman and Andrea Leeds.
The Religious School committee, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Maury Novak, is making arrangements for the booths and the canteen, and parents of the Religious School children are urged to attend.
Beth Israel Pre-Purim Sabbath— Pre-Purim Sabbath will be observed at Temple Beth Israel next Friday evening,
Israel Welichinsky, renowned character actor and director, Minna Bern, talented and unique interpreter of Yiddish and Hebrew songs; and Tamara Bliss, an accomplished pianist, who last year have appeared in San Diego and in most of the cities of the United States and Canada are by popular request giving one performance in San Diego on Sunday evening, march the 8th, at Beth Jacob Center, 4473 30th St.
Israel Welichinsky’s presentation of "A Gilgul Fun a Niggan,” "Oib Nisht Noch Hecher”and his portrayal of “Many characters of Clinton Street” is the highest quality of art.
It will be an evening of Jewish humor, songs drama, and music performed by artists that were proclaimed by the critics as the finest of the Jewish stage. We urge every Jew in our Community to be sure to come and enjoy an evening that will be remembered for a long time. For ticket reservations call H. 8-5906; T. 1-2730, or T. 1-6940
Deceased{Goldie Elvove} Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 7
Elvove, Goldie, 69, Feb. 12. Mrs. Elvove was born in Russia and had lived in San Diego for 18 months. Rabbi Baruch Stern conducted services are the Merkeley-Austin Mortuary on Feb. 13. Internment services will be held at the Wahlheim Cemetery in Chicago. Survivors include 4 children, Joseph, Dora, Harry and Benny and 5 grandchildren.
B. B. Girls to Hold
Hawaiian Heydays Southwestern Jewish Press February 20, 1953, page 7
Hula girls swaying beneath Palm trees will be the atmosphere created by “Hawaiian Heydays”—the Third annual carnival being presented by the San Diego B’nai B’rith Girls on March 15 at the Temple Center.
Scattered between the Coconut trees will be booths and games which will provide fun for all. There will be surprise-packed entertainment featuring local San Diego talent. Refreshments will also be provided.
Membership in the group is open to all girls between the ages of 14 and 18.
“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.
JERUSALEM—Understandably and legitimately, the Holocaust casts its shadow on much, perhaps most, of Israeli public life, especially politics. The issue of the Iranian threat is a case in point. It gives rise to many questions; I for one know no answers.
HERZLIYA, Israel--
This has become a very interesting situation. On May 1, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in congressional testimony, reinterpreted the proposal discussed below to make it clear that the United States did not embrace the proposal (earlier raised by the French) to back a PA coalition with Hamas. 
SAN DIEGO--What do rock climbers, bikers and San Diego’s Jewish kids of all ages have in common? The answer became obvious on Sunday, May 3, after surveilling the 55 booths set up on San Diego Jewish Academy’s grounds and some 2000 toddlers, teens, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas moving back and forth at various paces from one place to another. 
SAN DIEGO —Shalom Aleichem is a hymn chanted on Friday nights, both at home or in the synagogue. It is a song of peace, introduced some three centuries ago by the Kabbalists, and is based on the Talmudic passage concerning a good angel and an evil angel accompanying every man home from the synagogue on Friday evenings. 
LONG BEACH, California—Any newly discovered work by Mark Twain should definitely be cause for celebration. And when Jewish historian, Stanford professor and Twain scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin discovered one of Twain’s long-forgotten plays among some old dusty files at UC Berkeley, she rejoiced appropriately. Determined to bring Is He Dead? to life, she embarked on a years’-long odyssey which included enlisting playwright David Ives to beef it up and adapt it, finding veteran producer Bob Boyett to produce it, and finally, after more than a century, having it performed for the very first time in December, 2007, at the Lyceum Theatre on Broadway, where it played for three months.
NEW YORK (Press Release)—EL AL, Israel's national airline, welcomed Elias Antonio Saca, the President of the Republic of EL Salvador, and his wife Ana Ligia Mixco, the First Lady. The couple embarked this weekend on a trip to Israel to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the State of Israel.
JERUSALEM (Press Release)—Sasha Ceresnjes, 30, grew up in the heart of Sarajevo’s vibrant Jewish community. His father was the president of the community, and he and his two younger brothers enjoyed all of the unique Jewish activities and traditions, until the outbreak of war in 1992.
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — Hebrew Day’s sixth grade science class just completed a unit on the Solar System. Each student created an intricate pop-up book with facts, pictures, and characteristics of each of the eight planets. Because the kindergarten also recently learned about the Solar System, the sixth graders paid a visit to the kindergarten this week to share their books. The kindergarteners enjoyed reading the pop-up books with the older students, and the sixth graders were very impressed with the information the younger students knew and remembered. It was fun to see the two groups of students learning and sharing together.
