A merica, ' yewish Periodical Carter

Friday, January 11, 1946

CLIFTON AVENUE - CINCINNATI 20, 01110

DETROIT JEWISH CHRONICLE and The Legal Chronicle

Personal. Problems

So They Tell Me--

Director, Counselling Service

Copyrighted, 1946, by W. A. Goldberg, Ph.D.

All rights reserved

Your questons in personal problems will be answered
by mail as far as possible or in these columns. Send
your question and a stamped, self-addressed envel.
ope to Dr. W. A. Goldberg, 1314 Eaton Tower, De-
troit 26, Mich. or to the Detroit Jewish Chron-
icle, 525 Woodward Avenue, Detroit 26, Mich.

MAN OF THE WEILIK

By LOUIS W. ENFIELD

By W. A. GOLDBERG, Ph.D.

The Thompson family after a
week's discussion reached an
agreement to take in a roomer be-
cause hours and hours spent work-
ing over the budget had still
found them fifteen dollars a month
short. It could be done. If Henriet-
ta would move back into the large
bed room with Shirley and Olive,
the little room would be vacant.
It would be hard on Henrietta but
it was only for a year.

Page Five

Tall, husky, goodnatured Samuel J. Rhodes, first editor of the
Detroit Jewish CHRONICLE Is saluted by this paper as the Man of
the Week. Rhodes became the Chronicle's first editor back in 1915 a
few months after he was graduated from the University of Michigan
Law School.
Although he had not had much journalistic experience, the new
editor of the only Anglo-Jewish paper then in existence in Detroit
made a success of his venture almost from the start.
Born in Poland in a little town called Pablanice near the city of
Lodz, Rhodes came to this country with his parents at the age of five.
They stopped for a while in New York City and then came to Detroit
in 1900. He started school in this city and went to Cass High School.
From there, he went on to the University of Michigan and took his
Bachelor of Laws degree in 1915.

Henrietta agreed and the whole
family composed the ad for the
On Debating Team
paper. The roomer had to be a
"My children are all married. Sometimes they visit me and
While at the University, he played handball and basketball. He
student at the medical university.
sometimes not. When my husband was living, I had someone to
He had to be honest and it would also went out for debating and oratory. He was on the debating
talk to. I gave my whole life to my children and now they neglect
he nice if he were poor so that he team at Michigan for three years and during that time, his team en-
me. All my relatives say my children have been everything I have.
wouldn't expect too much. But he joyed a spotless record, never suffering even one defeat. He also held
Now I am all alone. Has this generation become selfish? Have
an editorial position on the Michigan Daily, the college news-
had to be neat and not too social down
they lost all respect for old age? Have they forgotten the com-
paper.
minded. The family didn't want
mandment: "Honor thy father and thy mother?" —Mrs. O.W.B.
Once out of Law School, he hung up his shingle and entered into
too many visitors. And he should
The Bible also says: "Therefore, shall a man leave his father and not stay out too late at night and the profession of law here. A few months later, the opportunity to join
his mother and shall cleave unto his wife." (Gen. 2:24)
then wake the whole family when the CHRONICLE came and Rhodes became a one man editorial staff.
He entered into community affairs and joined the Pisgah Lodge of
You followed the Biblical passage exactly, when you married. You he came in.
Bnai Brith.
separated yourself from your home and parents. You took on a new
The ad brought Harvey Hull.
At that time, the bulk of the
task of building a home of your own for your husband and yourself The whole family accepted him at
members of Bnal Brith were Ger-
and parents. You took on a new task of building a home of your own first glance. He was a freshman at
mans who insisted they were not
for your husband and yourself and some day for children. You must the University. His clothes were
Jews but "Yehudim." They were
have done a fairly good job of raising your children.
inexpensive and yet painfully neat.
very proud of their origin and
Your children are doing exactly the same as you did. They are Above all, he looked like such a
despised the eastern Jews, par-
starting new households, just as you did. To them, the new home is nice boy.
ticularly Russians. However, the
most important. The duty of a son or daughter lies first with his own
And he was a nice boy. He was
driving energy of a few Russians
home and only second with his parents. Too often parents, and some quiet and refined. He went to his
who entered the organization be-
children, forget this necessary order of life.
room and stayed there. Very sel-
gan to give new life to Bnai
I sympathize with your lot. It is not a healthy situation. But it is a dom did he go out evenings and
Brith. In no time at all, Rhodes
matter of selfishness. Every step you took in raising your children was when he did, he always returned
was president of Pisgah Lodge.
a step toward their independence, toward their breaking away from early. He studied all the time. The
you. You raised them so they could stand on their own feet. You had Thompsons were proud of him.
Joins Army
the temporary care of the children.
They congratulated themselves on
A
short
time thereafter, the
A well-balanced parent is selfish. You haven't been selfish enough his discovery.
World War came and Rhodes left
for your own sake. You have anticipated the marriage of your children.
On Saturday, Harvey came down
both Pisgah and the CHRONICLE
Ordinarily, you would have had the company of your husband when while they were getting breakfast
to answer his country's call. After
the children grew up. As a widow, you haven't the company of a man ready. He sniffed at the appetizing
the war was over, he was re-
of your age, a man with whom you may enjoy life. So you lean on the odors and said, "My, all that
elected president of Pisgah. He re-
children, more so than you should. Since they have their own homes, smells good." Then he turned and
turned to the practice of law and
you don't get the attention you think they should give you.
went back upstairs where he
has earned a comfortable living
Haven't you wrapped yourself up too much in your children? stayed until noon. All this
at it ever since.
Where are your friends? Which books do you read? Where are your Mrs. Thompson was uncomfort-
Still very much interested in
clubs? Or didn't you take time to keep friends, read books or join able.
community affairs, he is a mem-
clubs?
"You know," she said to her hus-
ber of Bnai Brith and of many
Many parents enslave themselves by raising a family. They over-
band, "that nice boy didn't have
veteran's organizations including
protect the children to the harm of both parents and children. They any breakfast at all."
SAMUEL J. RHODES
the American Legion and the Vet-
rob children of the necessity of making decisions, of initiative and
So on Sunday, when Harvey erans of Foreign Wars. He is also a member of the Zionist Organiza-
self-reliance. They weaken the child's personality.
tion and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Jewish Com-
Such parents try to run their children's lives. They visit often and came down again, they invited munity
Council.
stay too long. A wise mother or mother-in-law comes only when asked him to breakfast. He accepted
Of
the
Community Council, he had this to say.
very
graciously.
From
then
on,
he
and stays a short time. Thus she insures a welcome for herself on her
breakfasted with the family regu-
"The Jewish Community Council of Detroit is a 'must' organiza-
next visits. A wise mother minds her own business.
larly. He was never asked, nor did tion. It is the only organ of expression of the local Jewish community.
Jobs For Idle Hands
In short, it is the community voice and is based on the principle of
he offer, to pay.
You can find yourself very quickly. Pick up a newspaper. Read the
democracy which is as old as Jewry itself."
For
three
evenings
in
a
row,
he
society or club columns. You will find many clubs which welcome visi-
came
in
at
supper
time
and
made
Principal Interest JWV
tors. There are lectures, book reviews, plays right around you. Not all
His principal interest, however, is his work with the Jewish War
of them are expensive. The Red Cross needs people to knit. The the same remark, "My, that
institutions for the old folks and for children, the hospitals and other smells good," and then went up- Veterans. He is now the president of the JWV Memorial Home Asso-
stairs. Each time the supper was ciation. He has also been Post Commander of the Lawrence H. Jones
agencies need people who can make simple gifts, tell stories or just
help out. The newspapers are full of ideas for idle hands and idle like ashes in the mouths of the Post, State Department Commander for Michigan and Judge Advocate.
minds. You will find something to keep you busy. Moreover, it will put whole Thompson family. It was He is now a national executive committeeman.
Rhodes first became interested in veterans work with the advent
you in touch with other people of your age who enjoy the same things. obvious that the boy had nothing
You may get your name and picture in the paper. You may even to eat. Finally, in self defense, they of Hitlerism. He joined the JWV in 1936.
invited him to supper too. So now,
marry a man you meet.
"Hitler," he chuckled, "should get the credit for being the best
Your answer is simple. You can no longer devote your energies to Harvey ate two meals a day regu- recruiting agent we ever had. He got us a lot of members."
larly
at
the
Thompson
table.
And
Then he became soberly thoughtful as he explained the philosophy
your children. You may start a new home of your own. You may give
paid nothing.
of the JWV.
yourself to the community, to the poor and the sick. You will find
Literally nothing. For Septem-
"We are doing a job that no other organization can do for Jews,"
much enjoyment and soon realize how worth-while life really can be.
ber went by and October went he said. "We have entree to circles as members of a veterans organiza-
by and Harvey paid no rent. He tion that no other Jews have.
was impervious to hints at the
"You must remember," he continued, "that the most influential
table about bills being due and un- single element in American life for the next twenty-five years is the
paid and about how bothersome veterans group. It is important that the group which will dominate
the collectors were. He was polite- the political and social scene in this country must be kept true to the
By LEON SAUNDERS
ly sympathetic. No more.
basic ideals for which we fought. There must be a feeling of under-
November passed and December standing, goodwill and brotherhood for all Americans regardless of
started. In desperation, Mrs. their racial origin or their religious affiliation. It is our specific job
Thompson asked him if he was to see that this tremendously important group of American veterans
expecting any money. "Oh, yes," does not turn to anti-Semitism."
Visits Europe
Some time ago in my capacity as a reviewer of books for this was the reply. He was expecting a
paper I expressed a few innocuous opinions about a book entitled check. Maybe there would bt ,
During
the
1920's,
Rhodes
traveled all over the United States. He
"Mother Goose Rhymes for Jewish Children." The work consists of enough to go home for a visit. took a trip back to Europe where he visited the little Polish town
If
not,
he
would
have
to
spend
familiar rhymes paraphrased to suit the Jewish lore and ,satiated with
where he had been born. The thought of his trip brought a grin to
Hebrew words, which in my opinion were out of place and disastrous the Christmas holidays here. Thus his face.
ended December. January started.
from the view point of poetry.
"I didn't know anybody there but they all knew me," he laughed.
Not only did I believe the children would not enjoy them but my Still not one penny of rent.
"My father was a painter and he had decorated the town synagogue.
When six months had passed, the Almost all the Jews in town turned out for the celebration held in
aesthetic taste was offended when I read The sheleg is falling on
eretz and tree."
Thompsons held another confer- my honor. Of course," he added, "it was almost all paid for by me."
My doubts of the possibility of Jewish children who speak English ence. The budget was knocked
At this point, he waxed philosophical.
getting any "Joy and Delight" as assumed by the author's preface completely haywire. The new
"It is important for Jews to remember," he went on, "that it is
provoked the author's ire to the point where she felt called on to washer was out of the question. from those little towns in the old world that we drew our spiritual
write to the editor heatedly demanding an apology from this reviewer The college fund for Henrietta sustenance. They are all gone now and it is too bad for they are ir-
was not even started. The food replaceable. That seat must be transferred to Palestine. There is no
for his "unjustified" opinion and for many other wrongs.
This letter the reader will find in this issue in the Letter Boy:, bill was higher than ever before. other place."
Page 4 of this issue. Miss Levy, the author, will have to get used to Harvey had a good appetite. He
Rhodes enjoys a moderate amount of exercise. He doesn't play
have people differ with her, or, using the vernacular, she will have to was gaining weight.
golf because he regards this game as "walking under false pretenses."
learn to "take it."
A decision was finally reached. He likes to play squash and enjoys an occasional game of bridge.
There is an old Latin adage which reads, "Jupiter, you are angry, At supper the next night, Mr.
"However," he said seriously, "I feel that all my spare time be-
longs to my fellow man, particularly my fellow Jew."
therefore you are wrong." Of course, I am flattered by this proof Thompson spoke up directly.
that my criticism was right, for, people resent the truth more than
"You know, Harvey," he said
Fears Rising Anti-Semitism
the untruth. Somehow, I cannot rid of the suspicion that there is mildly, "You're a good deal be-
On the subject of anti-Semitism, Rhodes feels very pessimistic.
something wrong. Miss Levy, in her letter, is "too indignant" to be hind on the bill for your room."
"No one can deny that it is rising in the United States," he said.
sincere. Frederick the Great wrote once to Voltaire, "Your works de-
"Yes, I know," was the quiet
serve a statue but your conduct the galleys." This humble scribe reply. Harvey said no more. Nor "Just look about you. I wish I could be optimistic about the imme-
diate future but I am a realist. I think it will get worse.
really does not deserve so much indignation.
did the flabbergasted Mr. Thomp-
"But I beleive in fighting it with full force," he thundered, squaring
The inability of Miss Levy to "take it" is so deep that she de- son.
his jaw. "We need a militant approach and eternal vigilance. Ameri-
clared that this writer is not a "scholar, a psychologist or educator."
Came the end of the semester. cans love a fighter. They expect you to hit back. Ultimately, I have an
I may not be a scholar or an educator, but I am a psychologist.
Because I know what she really wanted to say and did not say. What The Thompsons finally admitted abiding faith in the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship that is
she really meant was that I am not a gentleman, so there! For how defeat. They surrendered abjectly. characteristic of the American people. The Jews must maintain their
could a gentleman treat a lady like that! A gentleman would have Mr. Thompson went down to the self respect and their courage and eventually, they will win out. "Of
used up all his vocabulary in praise of a lady's work. That would be railroad station and bought a tick- course," he continued, "the solution to this problem is tied up with the
of our economic problem. If we solve one, the other will solve
logic, if I may be allowed to say so, to the femininth degree. Yes, Miss et to Harvey's home town. The solution
itself."
Levy is not obsessed by a superstition called justice either. I stated next day they bundled him and
Rhodes is married to a Detroit girl named Arlene whom he met
my objections to her book and ended that in spite of that I find the all his belongings into a taxi, pay- in 1929.
ing in advance the fare to the
book as a whole fine and well done.
"I knew the first time I saw her that she was the one for me," he
But there is where Miss Levy had me. On contradiction. And be- station.
"Anyway," sighed Mrs. Thomp- said with a chuckle. "I made it my business to meet her and to marry
coming "outraged," she stamped my opinion as a "paradox."
her and I have never regretted it. We have no children but I regard
son, "we'll not see him again."
the children of all my friends and relatives, in fact of all Jews, as
(Continued on Page 13 )
And they never did.
dear to me as if they were my own."

EMANCIPATE YOURSELF FROM YOUR CHILDREN

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