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Writings by Eli Levenson

-1947-

March 20, 1947—Eli Levenson, "An Open Letter to the San Diego Jewish Community," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1:  It is with a deep sense of humility and gratitude and a deep appreciation of the responsibilities which devolve upon me in having been honored with the presidency of the United Jewish Fund of San Diego.  We in San Diego are suffering with the pangs of the birth of a real Jewish Community. 1947 may well fix the pattern for Jewish Community life not only for ourselves but for our children. It is for each of us to assume our responsibility in this new pattern and do our individual part in its molding. As an isolated Community that has experienced rapid growth during the war period, it has been impossible to do those things so necessary for ourselves, our children, our community and our fellow Jews elsewhere.  As the individual has adjusted himself and as industry has resumed its normal activity, so too much (sic, must) we as a community not only adjust, but readjust, to changing conditions. We can achieve this goal in 1947 through broader and more democratic participation in the work of the United Jewish Fund which is recognized as the overall Jewish agency in our community. Through it we can shoulder our share of furnishing aid to alleviate distress of fellow Jews throughout the world. Through it, we can build for ourselves and our children a representative Community Center; through it we can coordinate the activities of our so essential welfare agencies; through it we can maintain and continue the excellent relationship heretofore established with our fellow men. Through it we can not only build our Jewish Community, but do our part in the Civic life of San Diego. It is the desire of your officers and board of directors and my personal wish, that you consider the United Jewish Fund and its staff always at your service.  The necessity to plead for cooperation is gone. We know that you will cooperate.  Cordially, El Levenson, President of United Jewish Fund.

-1952-
April 18, 1952—"Letters to the Editor," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 2: Dear Max:: The editorial, "Post Passover Ponderings," which appears in the current issue of the Jewish Press, poses many questions, most of which are without answers. The question, "When is a Jew Not a Jew," presupposes unanimous agreement on the definition of a Jew. Such unanimity is not possible—each of us has his own definition, based upon his individual standards. Being a Jew is a state of mind—no amount of teaching, no amount of dues-paying to synagogues or temples, no amount of subscription to charities can either make one a Jew or deprive him of that honor, depending on his own state of mind.  The individualism of the Jew is such that it is neither practical nor expedient that any standard be set to constitute him a member of the Jewish community. We, in our minds and hearts, know whether we are Jews, and by that I mean good Jews, and whether or not we are entitled to be heard on community issues, and that right should not depend entirely upon the dues cards in our pockets—Eli H. Levenson.