THE DETROIT JEW IS H NEWS—Friday, March 13, 195 9- 12 The Suburban Community Jews in Suburban Politics: Beware of Popularity Polls By the Oak-Woodser The game of politics has always been particularly intrigu- ing in our American system of government, and, for as many years as our country has existed, there have been Jews who have been active in the political arenas. In past years, with only rare exceptions, Jews worked as party people, mostly behind the scenes, content to receive oc- casional appointments but not too actively seeking elective office. Mishkan Israel Starts Drive for Membership Cong. Mishkan Israel, which was dedicated at 9 Mile Rd. and Parklawn, Oak Park, only a few months ago, is currently em- barked on a membership drive. Under the chairmanship of Sheldon N. Salzman, the mem- bership committee is available from 2 to 5 p.m., each Sunday, at the synagogue. Working with Salzman are Nathan Wolok, past president of the Chesed shel Emes. The synagogue is guided spir- itually by Rabbi Isaac Stollman, national president of the Miz- rachi-Hapoel Hamizrachi Organi- zation of America. Plans are currently- being made for an ex- tensive program of educational and social activities on the adult and child level. For information on member- ship, call Salzman, LI. 8-1396, or Wolok, LI. 7-8290. Oak-Woods BB Lodge Sets Paid-Up Party A combination paid-up mem- bership party and initiation of new members is being planned by Oak-Woods Lodge of Bnai Brith for 8:30 p.m., March 21, at Young Israel Center of Oak- Woods, Coolidge and Allen Rds. According to Irving Lopatin, chairman of the program, mem- bers and their wives are invited to participate. Special features of the party will be dancing to the music of the Keynotes and refreshments. Initiating the new members will be the degree team of the Metropolitan Detroit BB Coun- cil, comprised of Walter Berlow, Alfred Bounin, Hy Crystal, Eli Springer and Harry Seifert. Beth Shalom Women Slate Purim Dance "Swing into Spring" is the theme of a Purim dance being held by Cong. Beth Shalom at 9 p.m., March 21, in the syna- gogue, 14601 W. Lincoln, Oak Park. Music will be provided by the Dominoes, and there will be a lesson for all in the popular cha-cha-cha. Sponsored by the Sisterhood, the dance is under the chair- manship of Mesdames Sidney Fishman and Louis Goldman. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are available at sev- eval Oak Park stores or by call- ing Mrs. Robert Lewin, LI 5-3555. They also will be sold at the door the night of the dance. PWO Whether it was fear of the snub from voters or perhaps just a case of not wanting to make politics a full-time career is a debatable question. And while Jews have held office in all ages of this country's devel- opment, they have been in small numbers, unequal even to the percentage of the popula- tion. Today, the Jew no longer avoids public office. Through. out the nation there are U.S. Senators and Congressmen, judges, state, city and county officials elected at every level and there are a great many more who run for office but are defeated. We read all this as a healthy sign—that the Jewish commun- ity has become aware of its obligation to serve in elective positions and to actively con- tribute to the progress of all strata of government. It is particularly interesting that in the suburbs the Jew is especially active as an office seeker. At each election the list of Jewish candidates in sub- urban Detroit areas grows longer—in Oak Park, Hunting- ton Woods, Southfield, Livonia and many other communities. Much of this interest is obvious—it's merely a matter of wanting to make each of these communities better towns in which to live. And the same interest, it may be pointed out, exists among all peoples, Jews or non-Jews. We sometimes, however, question the motives of both our fellow kinsmen and others who run for these offices. We wonder at their sincerity in wishing to serve, to devote a goodly amount of time and attention to govern. ment matters. At other times we get the feeling that suburban areas are staging one great big popularity contest, and the candidates who know the most people are bound to win. In the instance of our Jewish community, we question the wisdom of organizations, or individuals obviously represent- ing organizations, using mem- bership in these groups as levers to pry votes at the polls. And we personally dislike phone calls reminding us that Brother Harry is a candidate for office, so let's all get out and vote for him. More often than not, these candidates are as fully qualified as any other, but we are not asked to vote on the basis of qualifications, sincerity and judgement, but solely because they happen to be members of the same group. In the coming election in April we feel certain that some of our Jewish candidates will be elected. We hope they are the ones who are capable and able to expend the effort for the jobs to which they are elected. The annual husbands and wives meeting of the South Oakland County Chapter of Hadassah will be held at 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, at Cong. Bnai David, 24350 Southfield. The program will feature Kalman Benyamini, now study- ing clinical psychology on an Hadassah scholarship at the University of Michigan, as guest speaker. . Also planned is "Hadassah's TV Guide," a preview of the group's annual spring produc- tion, which this year is en- titled, "Now, Hear This." Participants in the preview will be Mesdames Maurice Schiller, Daniel Mandelbaum, Robert Bonus, Stanley Waxen- berg, Herbert Stoorman, Harold Ross, Maurice Reizen, Ernest Mendelsohn, Abel Selburn and Mr. Benyamini and Dr. Herman Bennett. A social hour will conclude the evening's activities, which have been arranged by Mes- dames Abel Selburn, Norman Graff, Marshall Fisher and Ernest Beck. Bnai David Service to Mark Bas Mitzvah of 22 Young Girls A unique service. at which 22 girls who have fulfilled re- quirements of the Bnai David Religious School will be hon- ored at a group Bas Mitzvah ceremony, is planned by the congregation at 8:30 p.m., M a r c h 20, at the synagogue, 24350 Southfield. In announcing the service, Rabbi Hayim Donin, spiritual leader, stated that this is the first time in the congregation's 67-year history that the Bas Mitzvah ceremony will be observed. "Although there is no tradi- tional precedent for any formal ceremonies to mark this reli- giously valid and important oc- casion in a girl's life," Rabbi Donin explained, "it becomes imperative in modern times to give some recognition and pay formal honor to those girls who have been preparing themselves through a full program or reli- gious study to take their places eventually as understanding and practicing Jewesses. The girls to be honored at the Bas Mitzvah ceremony are between 12 and 14 years of age. The ceremonies represent the completion of only their ele- mentary program of studies. The girls will continue in the secondary division, completion of which is marked by consecra- tion services. DRIVING LESSONS LESSON $ 0 7 COURSE S Dual Controls No Permit Needed to Start Professional Instructors Day or Evening Appointments Safeway Driver Training TO. 9-7600 LI. 2-6742 Packed houses on all three many fine performers was Mrs. nights greeted the second an- Sam Zacks at the piano. nual Oak Park Follies, present- ed by the Oak Park High School PTSA, last week, in the school auditorium. On Men's and Women's The 23 variety acts thorough- Clothes. ly delighted crowds on each night, as did the student band Complete Selection of which performed before the Brand Name: show and during intermission. • Suits • Topcoats Harry Mayer, Follies chair- • Slacks • Sportcoats man, stated that the funds re- ceived were sufficient to con- TUXEDO RENTALS I tinue the PTSA's Francis V. Baad Scholarship, which will be given to a worthy '59 gradu- ate and also to help carry out other PTSA activities. Clothiers & Cleaners Parents, teachers and stu- 22155 COOLIDGE dents all joined in the show, SO. of 9 MILE RD. and there was even participa- tion by a community organiza- Free Pickup & Delivery tion, the "Going Like 60 Club." LI 7-1511 James Rachleff emceed the OPEN SUNDAYS 11-3 show, and accompanying the Expert Alterations I RADOM TAILORS Luscious dessert cake . • • wholesome snack! Served plain, it's just plain delicious— a satisfying, energy-rich snack for your family. And topped with fruit, with cheese—with whatever you please— Dromedary Date-Nut Roll makes a delightfill dessert in a jiffy! Stock up . . . and keep it handy! MADE WITH CRISP, CHUNKY WALNUTS AND THE WORLD'S CHOICEST DATES onie a READY TO SERVE ... SO GOOD TO EAT! .DATE-NUT ROLL E-NUT ROLL littdo DROMEDARY CHOCOLATE-NUT ROLL and OR — AiG ? Irish Mist Ireland's Legendary Liqueur a 'brandlisitirta- ste - experience. This delicime after dinner drink is Ireland's only liqueur. Try it. 80 Proof. Sots An ancient mire - Shaw Co., Ncw York 17, N.Y, IL S. Representatives: Munson Q. TO BE FOUND IN YOUR FAVORITE S.D.D. STORES S.S. ISRAEL • S.S. ZION ozet ti°31 SAILING FROM NEW YORK 42 BROADWAY, NEW YORK 4,111 it. DIGBY 4.7600 EVERY THIRD WEEK • FROM MEDITERRANEAN PORTS Zim liners arrive and depart from Israel every week of the year S. S. JERUSALEM • S. S. THEODOR HERZL Sets Convention Date NEW YORK (JTA) — The Pioneer Women, Women's La- bor Zionist Organization of America, announced that it will hold its national convention in Cleveland, Sept. 13 to 16. Invite Husbands to SOC Event `Oak Park Follies' Scores Second Hit WEEKLY SAILINGS BETWEEN MARSEILLES • GENOA • NAPLES PIRAEUS • CYPRUS • HAIFA Consult your travel agent— he's your best source of advice . . . . . . . , . • . :*; .... . • so c K IP *