A liferkait 'apish Periodical Cotter
CL1PTON AVENUE - CINCINNATI 20, ONO
2 .
purely Commentary •
American Jews as Pioneers
It is a great help to be able to turn to Pales-
tine for proof of genuine pioneering activities
among Jews. But you really do not have to do
it. You can find evidence right at home. The
s tory of American-Jewish pioneering efforts, when
co mpletely compiled, will form one of the most
thrilling chapters in creative efforts among the
many peoples who form the American common-
wealth.
Jewish achievements it this country are not
limited to suits and cloaks or the movies. In
o ut-of-the-way places in W isconsin and Montana
and Michigan, Jews have pioneered in the lumber
business, in the sugar industry, in engineering
ventures, in building great communities.
An untold number of cities have honored Jews
with the highest offices at their command—as
Mayors and as responsible public officials in
states.
As a rule, however, such honors came to Jews
when they were few in numbers in such commu-
nities. Theodor Herzl was right when he said
that Jews are highly honored when they are
alone in certain places. They lose favor when
they increase in numbers. When they grow too
numerous, anti-Semitism becomes rampant. The
unfortunate human reactions, marked by business
and professional jealousies and prejudices, are
perhaps in the main accountable for such trans-
formations.
•
A Jew Who Named His Successor
Michigan had so many Jewish mayors that
it is diflicult to compile a complete list of them.
An interesting example of a man who rose
to high favor was recalled in Detroit a few (lays
ago. One of the automobile center's most pic-
turesque characters, who died in 1917—William
Saulson—was Mayor of St. Ignace, Mich., (the
home city of United States Senator Prentiss M.
Brown, one of the genuine liberals in the land)
half a century ago. Saulson was a very pious
man. He never broke a law affecting either die-
tetics or the Sabbath, or anything else enjoined
upon Jews. At a ceremony of the unveiling of
a plaque in his memory, Dr. A. M. Hershman
of Congregation Shaarey Zedek, of which Saul-
son was president 48 years ago, recalled that
when this venerable man retired from the mayor-
alty of St. Ignace his townsmen came to him
and told him that they knew they could not
give him a banquet because he disapproved of it.
Furthermore, he would have to hatrtsnpecial food.
Therefore, they proposed that the honor should
take this form: Saulson was to name his own
successor, and he would be elected unanimously.
That actually took place.
Could this recur today, in spite of the Euro-
pean-made poison that has saturated the land?
Your conclusion is as good as this Commenta-
tor's.
•
Robert Gessner's View of It
Robert Gessner, now on the faculty of New
York University, has an authoritative view of
the pioneering Jews who have come to the north
and west of this great land. Himself a native
of northern Michigan, he has had some interest-
ing experiences. He comes from Escanaba, where
his father, Herman Gessner, has been a leader
for many years. For more than two decades, the
elder Gessner has served on the executive com-
mittee of the Zionist Organization of America.
He has been the mainstay in relief and educa-
cational activities. No one who has ever appealed
for it Jewish cause in the Upper Peninsula of
Michigan has failed to get sonic help from Her-
man Gessner.
The son—Robert—inherited the prophetic urge
of his people. Ile became the champion of the
rights of the Indians, and his books on the sub-
ject influenced government action for the im-
provement of the status of the Indian, during
the past decade.
New York must have brought Robert Gessner
close to the Jewish masses, and he took a deep
Iterest in two experiments: Soviet Russia and
Palestine. The latter did not fare so well in his
book "Some of My Best Friends Are Jews". Ile
was severely condemned for it, back in 1933.
But Coughlin, the Ku Klux Klan, the various
Christian Front manifestations, played an impor-
tant role in shaping present judgment. Now, in
his "This Is My Home", (an Alliance Book Cor-
poration work) he is not as antagonistic to Zion.
What he aspires to, however, very naturally, is
that Jews should fight their battles right here
for justice and their rights.
The value of "This Is My Home" lies in its
description of Jewish pioneering efforts. He
knows of their development from the ground
floor. His youth in the small community gave
him the necessary understanding of Jewish crea-
tiveness.
It is a big topic, and if it were made known
among Americans—Jews as well as non-Jews__
PONTIAC NOTES
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Kovinsky
are spending several weeks in
Tucson, Ariz.
The Junior Congregation met
Tuesday evening with Rabbi
Morris Adler of Detroit as guest
speaker.
Mrs. Joseph Barnett of Stoepel
Ave., Detroit, was the guest of
her daughter, Mrs. Robert Moore,
at a family luncheon celebrating
her 72nd birthday.
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Gold-
stein, formerly of Pontiac, re-
cently celebrated their 35th wed-
ding anniversary. A gift to Tem-
ple Beth Jacob was presented by
the m in honor of this occasion.
Mrs. Adler to Speak
At Mlawer Affair
By Philip Slomovitz
DR. ISEL GOLDSTEIN
RA PRESIDENT OF
CHOSEN
SYNAGOGUE COUNCIL
Dr. Israel Goldstein, rabbi of
Mrs. Morris Adler will be guest
it would help in strengthening our position as speaker at the third annual donor Temple Bnai Jeshurun, 88th St.
co-builders of this great commonwealth.
luncheon sponsored by the Ladies' and West End Ave., New York,
Auxiliary of the was elected president of the
MI a w err Umge- Synagogue Council of America,
It Also Happened in Russia and Germany
zend Verein, on following Dr. Max Ant of the
Wednesday, Feb. Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr.
Of course, the instances we mention are not
Goldstein is president of the Jew-
1, at 12:30 p.
exceptions to the generally known rule. Jews
at the Wilshire. ish National Fund and of the
have been pioneers in Spain. More recently, they
Mrs. Joshua S. Jewish Conciliation Board of
pioneered in community-building in Russia and
Sperka, honorary America; vice-president of Zionist
Germany. When the bigots commenced their
member of the Organization of America; chair-
work, the facts in the respective cases did not
auxiliary, will man of the Jewish Section of the
help. Perhaps, on the contrary, they hurt, since
pronounce the in- Interfatith Committee for Aid to
professional and business jealousies are so harm-
vocation.The the Democracies; co-chairman of
ful; and since the sight of one prosperous Jewish
program will also the United Jewish Appeal, and
business man or one successful professional man
feature Bob Hall of the United Palestine Appela;
arouses the hate of the oppressed under-dog
and songs and member of Executive Committee
who becomes a good candidate for the Black
Mrs. Adler dances by pupils of the National Conference of
Hundreds squad or the Storm Troopers.
of the Miltmore School of song Christians and Jews.
•
and dance.
Jewish Influence in Germany
Last minute reservation can be For Sale--Apartment Property
A brief note is in order at this time regarding made by calling Mrs. Abe Shan-
Jewish influences on German literature. Early bom, To. 5-7984, Mrs. J. Klayman,
in 1935, the notorious Nazi journal, Westdeutsche Ty. 6-4717, or Mrs. Burnstein,
Beobachter, published an article by the Nazi Tr. 2-4053.
Mrs. H. M. Figot is the presi-
Adolf Bartels berating Jewish literary works in
Germany. He was angry with Lessing for "Natan dent of the Auxiliary and Mrs.
der Weise". He condemned the memory of Moses J. Klayman is secretary.
Mendelssohn. He admitted half-heartedly that the
salons established by Dorothea Mendelssohn and Sach's Auto Club to Meet
Henrietta Herz (lid some good, but he was furious
Jewish Center Varsity
that Germans should have collaborated with them.
You just wait until release
Team Sunday
And then he let the cat out of the bag: he listed
of war restrictions—a free
1183 Jews as having been active in German lit-
market again. We advise--
Basketball fans here should
erature, as against 6619 non-Jews. A pretty good
get in now. Facts and
percentage for a small percentage of Jews in the witness an interesting . struggle
Figures from Mr. Bedford:
entire population, but that's the thing that prob- Sunday, Feb. 1, when Cincy
Sachs' Auto Club five engages the
ably gets the Nazis' goat.
Jewish Center Varsity team at the Step to Jefferson
•
Holy Redeemer gym, West Ver-
Chain store Theatre Center.
In Italy. Too
nor and Junction, at 9 p. m.
12 apt two to three rooms.
With possibly the greatest team
An apologist for Fascism, a Jew, wrote several
Impressive buff bk tile ga-
pamphlets about five years ago, listing Jews who in their history, made up of
ble 78 ft frontage. New
had a share in building the glory of the Italian former Wayne University and
stoves new refrig. A
kingdom. Is that, too, something for which we local high school stars, the Cen-
$60,000 property. Compare
ter boys stand a good chance of
have not been forgiven?
with any $27,500 apt in all
But then, even in France the clerical party scoring a Will over the strong
this great city. Must raise
refused t3 have a liking for us because we have Auto Club team. Included on
cash take $22,000 terms
their roster is their able playing-
pioneered in so many fields.
$10,000 dn.
But they were also pioneers who aflirmed in coach Carl Bayer, former cap-
tain
at
Wayne
U.
and
one
of
their
song, in the "La Marseillaise":
$15,000 Down
all-time greats; Leonard Tigay,
Popular rental center near
another
Wayne
U.
luminary
and
"Too long our country wept, bewailing
teammate of Bayer on their great
Fisher Bldg. Tile marble
The bloodstained sword our conquerors wield,
teams ' of 1937 and 1938; Big
lobby. New stoves new re-
But freedom is our sword and shield,
Joe Bale and Morris Taub, mem-
frig. new blower heating
And all their arts are unavailing.
ber of Central High's strong team
vacuum steam. Rent $20,000.
last year, when Bale was chosen
Replacement cost t o (I a y
To arms, to arms, ye brave!
as center on the All-City team;
$150,000. Our foreclosure
The avenging sword unsheathe!
Al Stein, Morton Levitsky, Phil
price a mere fraction.
March on. march on.
Garber. Norman Kohn, Nathan
See hearts resolved on victory or death!"
Moss, George Freedman and Ber-
Grace Hospital
When the complete story of the pioneer and nard Plotkin round out this for-
John R 23 large colored
the lover of freedom and liberty is recorded, midible outfit that will outdo
apts. Good cond. Rent
these words will echo throughout the world, once themselves to gain a victory over
$11,000. $7,500 (In small
again relegating the beasts who mascierade as the Auto Club team.
41/2 % 15 yr terms. Ideal
men to the jungle.
colored location.
•
HOW HIGH
WILL THEY GO
•
A Pamphlet of Great Value
Women's League of Young
Israel Assists in Red
The Anti-Defamation League of the Bnai
Cross Work
Brith has published "a short history of American
of American Jews" under the title "Americans The Women's League of Young
All." It is such an impressive work that it de- Israel announces the formation
serves more than passing mention. In its 20-odd of a Red Cross Unit. Each Tues-
pages, this pamphlet contains the most important day afternoon, the ladies meet
facts about Jews and their participation in the in the home of Mrs. Hy Cohen,
making of America. •045 Buena Vista. Already many
This factual statement is more effective as a garments have been completed and
weapon against anti-Semitism than any other turned over to the movement.
Members, friends, non-members,
work of a defensive nature. Being positive it is
who can't knit, or sew on a
more vital.
The Anti-Defamation League is to be con- machine, are urged to attend this
group each Tuesday afternoon.
gratulated for producing this work.
•
Pinchas Rutenberg's Will
"The division of our people and communities
into parties and sects has always been our dis-
aster," Pinchas Rutenberg's will admonishes the
Jews.
Therefore, he tells the Yishuv of Palestine and
"the Jewish youth growing up in its midst," in
his last testament, "it is not this or that Jewish
sect or party which is persecuted and downtrodden
but the Jew ish people as a whole."
The appeal is so self-evident that it should
fall on understanding ears of Jews not only in
Palestine but also throughout the world.
Mr. Rutenberg's appeal emphasizes the need
for education—and to the end that proper training
may be assured to create understanding among
the youth he provided in his will for a Pinchas
Rutenberg Endownment Fund, to which profits
from his estate are to be transferred. He asks
that no "perpetuating" honors be provided for
his name—either in the naming of villages and
streets in Palestine or through collection of special
funds.
This appeal, incorporated in his last testament,
reflects the greatness of the man.
May his call be heard by Jews everywhere!
a
▪
5
DETROIT JEWISH CHRONICLE and the Legat ChitifIlde
January 30, 1942
, 4
'1•
Free Tour to Miami Beach
Offered by Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel, 220 23rd St.,
Miami Beach, Fla., is offering a
complete Miami Beach tour to
Chronicle readers who will get
10 people to make the 14-day
Miami Beach tour, that they are
offering at 894.50. If you cannot
get 10 people to make the tour,
they will allow you $9 on each
party you get to make the tour,
so that you can earn a part of
your tour. This $94.50 includes
railroad fare from your city,
transportation to and from the
railroad station in Miami to Mi-
ami Beach, accommodations at the
Grand Hotel, which has a private
beach and .t.i.cge swimming pool,
sightseeing trips on land and
water, a fishing trip and other
recreational activities.
Luxury, Comfort at Modest
Rates at Essex House
The Essex House greets its visi-
tors with unforgettable beauty and
charm and serves as a fitting
winter residence for those ac-
customed to finer things. The
smart, modern appointments of
The Essex House are very pleas-
ing to those who love things that
are better. This is a hotel of
luxury and comfort with modest
rates. There is a veranda cir-
culing three sides of the building
and a beautiful tropical patio.
21 Apt
4 to 5 rooms. Fine cond.
Frigidaires new stoves, new
tankless hot water system.
Rent $10,600. Replacement
building cost $90,000. Buy
now only $52,000. Small
41/2 (70 terms with $7,600 dn.
Homer Warren & Co.
is Years' Dependable Servl..e
Dime Bldg.
CA. 0321
FOR A QUARTER CENTURY
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•
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