Beth Israel Confirmation Witnessed by Over Seven Hundred People
Six graduates of the Beth Israel Religious School were confirmed Sunday night, October 24, in the Beth Israel Synagogue by Rabbi David C. Kogen in the presence of 700 to 750 friends and well wishers. The confirmants performed a cantata entitled "I Believe" under the direction of Cantor Fred S. Gartner. In addition each confirmant delivered an original talk or prayer. Below are the texts of these talks and prayers.
OPENING PRAYER PRAYER OF
THANKSGIVING
By XfAOm SEAPIBO
By XBENE COHBIT
Our God and God of our Fathers, •we ask your blessing for all assembled here today. We, the Confirmants, pray that your kindness, your blessing: and guidance will enable us to carry out our tasks in life to the best of our ability.
Help us to be kind, merciful and tolerant. Guide us in our daily living so that we may be proud to say 1 am a Jew."
, We thank thee, dear God, for the achievement of our own homeland, the State of Israel, and pray that you, in your righteousness will help us understand how much our brothers and sisters have suffered and sacrificed to achieve this goal May the coming year bring peace and plenty for Israel and all mankind.
Amen.
WHAT CONFIRMATION MEANS TO ME
By VCTSUl XiBE GBEBST
Confirmation has often been called the end of Religious School, almost like a street ending in a blind alley.
But confirmation to me is rather a beginning for my future life as a .Jewish woman. It is a bend In the road. It is the closing of the door of thoughtless childhood and the opening of that to the life of a responsible adult.
I have only been a member of this Religious School for a few years but I believe the learning I have gathered within that small portion of time will have a great Influence in molding my character and mind. It has left me better equipped to live the life of a conscientious Jew.
Through the council of the Rabbi and my teachers I have learned the fundamentals of truth, hope, charity and understanding.
In these few years I have learned to understand my people by delving deeper Into their past and present problems.
Knowing these I am better fit to play my part in Jewish life and participate for the common good. I can proudly raise my head high and declare that I am a Jew.
Confirmation Is one of the Important occasions in my life. , I believe it can rightfully be compared with the Barmitzvah of a boy. • Through the learnings of these few years I hope I will better be able to fulfill the fond hopes of my
garents. If I am able to make them appy, It will be but a small reward for all they have done for me.
If one. day I become a mother I think I shall be better prepared to answer my children's questions and I hope to be able to lead them along the right road of life as my parents have done for me.
My years at Religious School climaxed by my confirmation have been like a door left slightly ajar allowing a small ray of lig:;t to enter. Now my duty Is not to close the door but to open It wide and embrace the light. So confirmation is not the end but only the beginning of my everlasting search.
My teachers and parents have given me a glimpse into this. It Is up to me to carry on and delve even aoapor Into this vast abyss of life.
We thank thee, O Lord, for all the blessings which thou hast bestowed upon us. Help us to preserve the Jewish way of life, based on the Torah and its interpretations. May our homes and our children in the years to come, become a stronghold of Judaism influenced by its ideals. We thank thes for the blessings of freedom, for the opportunities given to us as Jews, to develop unhindered our religious and communal life. Strengthen our religious school in which a new generation, our generation, is being trained to know the value of their Jewish heritage. Pill our hearts with faith, courage, and spirit that knows no fear, but goes forward confidently, trusting In Thee. Dear God, we thank Thee for the privilege of seeing in our time the rebirth of our homeland, Israel
Amen.
THE VISION OF THE FUTURE
By SBSmA BBOD?
"And It shall come to pass In the end of the days.
That the mountain of the LrORD'S house shall be established as the top of the mountains.
And shall be exalted above the hills; And all nations shall flow into it."
These are mighty words. These are the words which our forefathers wrote many years ago, words which echo God's vision of the future. The Bible says "And many nations shall come and peoples shall flow into It." This Is a call to many peoples. People of every race, every colour, every creed. They will come and they will learn. They will see in the light a nation which is still existing now, a nation whose heart and soul has been dedicated to the freeing of their people. We, the Jewish people are that nation. Israel shall set an example for other nations to follow. Israel's law and justice shall be extracted from the Bible. The words of Jacob, Isaac and Aaron shall influence our walk of life.
Many oppressed and homeless people shall be sheltered by our homeland. Nature shall give us freely of her abundance; her soil shall be fertile and many people shall tread upon her warm earth. We no longer feel as an outcast nation. We shall be united as one. The Word of the L^ORD shall judge his children. Swords shall be laid down. Plows shall be raised, the work of a people shall begin. A great happiness shall be derived from the souls of our people. Work will not seem like mere labour, for every one shall be together, working for our home—^yes, our home, Israel.
We shall be grateful to God. For God has picked us out of rubbles and shambles of the world and set us on our feet. New hope shall be given us. We shall not be blotted out from the rest of the world's eyes. This is a vision of the future.
Tou may wonder when this vision will come true. But to all our people who are fighting and striving for a free Israel this Is what Is urging them on. This—THE VISION OF THE FUTURE.
I AM A JEW
By TiOTSnHA. WEIXTBEBO
We the Jewish people have inherited one of the greatest cultures and religions on this earth, but until less than a year ago we did not have a homeland. We were like exiles who wander the earth in search of a refuge in time of danger. But now we are a Nation having a land, a religion and a culture.
Israel is a narrow strip of land in the midst of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our chalutzim strive to make it more beautiful and productive.
The Hebrew University is one of the finest in the world. It is getting ail the equipment a Jewish youth could wish to work with. Israeli hospitals have the finest trained doctors and nurses. Israel of today is modern and up-to-date.
But we are old in one way; our religion. Since tlie time of Moses our belief in God has not faltered. We chant the beautiful prayers written many hundreds of years ago.
When I think of all the wonderful things I have inherited—our Bible, our books, our old and new land, Israel, I say with pride "I am a Jew."
A CHALLENGE TO OUR FAITH
By EOIiXiBKrBBBG-
When Pharoah let the Israelites go, he soon changed his mind^ With chariots he pursued and overtook them by the Red Sea. Moses, at the word of the Lord, caused the sea to divide while the Israelites crossed, and then returned the sea, overthrowing the Egyptians. When the children of Israel saw the great work the Lord wrought upon the Egyptians, they believed In the Lord and In his servant Moses.
B.B.Y.O. Calendar
Oct. 29—119 Sabbath
Beth Israel
8:00 p.in. Oct. 30—^B.B.Y.M. Teen Town
Community Centre
8:00 p.m. Oct. 31—Convention Meeting
Community Centre
2:30 p.m. Nov. 1—B.B.Y.O. Joint Installation
At B.B. Lions Gate Meeting
7:30 p.m. Nov. 6—119 Stag, Lorie Was-sel's House.
Totem Stag. Nov. 12—119 Sabbath
Beth Israel
8:00 p.m. Nov. 14—119 Mothers' Tea.
119 Goodwill Open House Meeting
Community Centre
8:00 p.m.
. Modern Israel faced a parallel situation. Almost a year ago It was decided to .let Israel go home to peace and security, but this decision too, was soon reversed. Last May, however, Israel's "Declaration of Independence" was proclaimed again invoking the aid of God. The brave forces of Israel have plunged into the sea—fighting for their very existence, for a new freedom and security. These Israelis have faith in the God of Israel and in his commandment of freedom, "I am the Lord thy (Jod who brought thee out of the Land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." When the world becomes aware of this message of freedom we shall no longer be in our present chaotic state of insecurity. The world needs faith in God to help It avoid another world war, for, "By Thy light do we see light," and we must depend upon the Light of the Lord to guide us through the darkness. We must have prophetic leaders imbued with spiritual faith, not just in the formal sense of mere lip service, but in a genuine faith In God, so that the four freedoms, and especially freedom from fear, may include all peoples. And ail nations shall be united in brotherhood under God and "I&ich man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none Shall make him afraid."
NOTICE B.B.Y.O.
Don't forget to attend the joint installation of all B.B.G., A.Z.A. and B.B.Y.M. officers, to be held on November 1, at the B'nai B'rith Lions' Gate Lodge meeting, at the Community Centre.
The time is 7:30 p.m. so be there and bring your parents if they would like to come. Refreshments will be served
Beth Israel Young People's League Contmences 1948-49 Season on October 31
Meetings of the Beth Israel Young People's League are resuming for the coming year on October 31 and will be held every second week thereafter. The first meeting is being held in a home but the following meetings will be in the new Beth Israel Schul Auditorium.
Mr. Lou Zimmerman, Director for Yputh' Activity in Vancouver will be the guest'speaker of the evening and will deal with some phase of his work.
The meeting is being held at the home of Mrs. Charles Korsch, 1408 West 47th Avenue, at 8:15 p.m. Co-hostesses are Miriam Teitelbaum, Doris Barish and Seda Korsch.
As in the past a social hour will follow the meeting.
We are looking forward to seeing our last year's members and many new ones this coming year. Come and bring your friends on Sunday, October 31, at 8:15 p.m. The address once again—1408 West 47th Avenue.
n»»n ana 'n» .n'-jpn (X9.8.4d)
UJ.P.O. Youth Division
The opening meeting of the season will be on November 11, at 8:30 p.m., at Ben Chud's residence. There will be a musical after the meeting. All old members and prospective members are welcome.
Totem Flashes . . .
By M. BURNSTEIN
The next regular Totem general meeting will be held on November 1 at the Vancouver Jewish Community Centre. Totem phone committee will contact all members, telling them the starting time. Leo Levine is gueist speaker.
Totem basketball team play a practice game against a crack team, Tuesday, November 3. at the old Magee gym. Game starts at 8:30 p.m. Come out and cheer for your favorite basketball team (Totems).'
Totem AZA Football League
By BOY SILVERSON FIREBALLS HOT, SHMOOS HEAD FOR CELLAR!
Sunday, October 24, saw the Totem Fireballs whitewash the Shmoos by a score of 21-14 in a gruelling battle on the King Edward campus. This was the second game of the series, the first being played the previous week when Fireballs won 9-7.
There will be no official game this week but on November 7, the Fireballs will probably play a 119 team or else an All-Star game will be arranged.
For those who fail to remember what team they are on, here is the lineup:
FIREBALLS—Claude Kovin, Irving Sirlin, Stan Beck, Harry Miller, Phil Swartz, Roy'Silver-son, Al Barad and Aaron Mos-covitz.
SHMOOS — Harold Rozen, Gordon Biely, Danny Goldsmith, Myron Golden, Jerry Grad, Bunny" Lotskar, Ben Kurtz and Harry Hammer.
IF IT'S TOTEMS-IT'S TOPS!
One-One-Nine Highline
Vancouver AZA Chapter 119 By ALEPH SOPHER MORRIS HAZAN
New Executive Director Guest at Meeting
When Vancouver A.Z.A. (remember it's 119) met Sunday, October 10, in the Youth Room of the Centre, an honored guest was present in the person of Lou Zimmerman. Lou is our Community's new Executive Director.- He hails from Toronto.
Giving his impression of our chapter, he stated that A.Z.A is far ahead of any other organizations of its type he has seen. DODEK REPORTS ON NATIONAL CONVENTION
Mort Dodek, P.A.G. of 119, and Regional Representative at the National Convention, gave his "Informal Report" on the Convention.
All of the Alephs should have been present as what Mort had vo say was very important to the future of A.Z.A. He spoke of a present crisis in the A.Z.A. directorship and their policies. Mort asked that the exact content be not carried from the meeting, so
any Alephs interested please contact Mort,
MR. MAX DODEK ADDRESS ON FUR INDUSTRY OCT. 24 MEETING HEARS 2nd OCCUPATIONAL TALK
Irving Grad, cultural chairman- of 119, presented the second in a series of vocational talks at the chapter's last meeting on October 24th.
Max Dodek, well known Vancouver furrier, was selected to cover the fur industry for us. A master craftsman in the art for many years, Mr. Dodek is well qu-aJified to speak on the profession.
The entire industry was covered in each step, from the trapping of the fur-bearing animals in the North, through their selling at auctions at greatly varying prices (he spoke of the different types of furs and their popularity), and of the furs travelling thousands of miles to be treated and made up for sale.
Montreal is the leading city
for furs, said Mr. Dodek, but
he also said that he saw a great
future for Vancouver, which
at present has over 75 furrier's
establishments.
* * *
Is your friend on the"Biil-letin'* mailing list?
Habonim Machaneh Has New Meeting Rooms
Solelim and Solelet—^Meeting 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Tzofim and Tzofot—^Meeting 2:30 p.m.
Elections for both Kvutzot Bonim—^Meeting 7:30 at the Schara Tzedeck.
(All meetings at the Schara Tzedeck.)
We have been very fortimate to obtain the Schara Tzedeck as a meeting place.
We wish to thank Mr. Tenebaum for his co-operation in assisting in the acquisition of these wonderful quarters.
If you are not receiving your issue of Darkenuh, please notify Joe Baruch, 112 West 13th Avenue, FAirmont 4275Y.
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CMPTER 139
,n»i3»a aB»ona»aiK.-»^ii>naa
nVKoa ,n»b.i .tidh 'ua n^a ana»»«a rut n^sooa
:tBp>t nB>nnn ak nVapi n*ia7n nD*o-ia* sixn
n»r,n*i an»a a»>PTj» t»»a - i>»aip nVvoD .x
a«-.aya fiKn >a> »tn>i ri3in> ,min> Tanna-
a»i3ja ao»oi3*^iKa >j 'a ,a>wf»oa n»aip ia>a ,a
• jia loma □»>»n* ima an>Yys nnaVi i«»Da>
.>KTi7» na»TD >»■« >«"ie»-r'»» >• »raTD
-»aiKa oi»p> a«i*fix aif? >a b»bih tutv ntvoo .z .an>i98 *Ba» namnVi anin«B> ,aB»ona
• »na .t'laya ao*oia*aisa ama aiiyna naia .t 3»-iia»V n»3Dra aVvaaa nit-jip inianni •■na»a vsn
• i*d3 aD»on3»3iRa mi»> »ia> >3n ninu >aa
.at»pan
.a-j n = .»a
Hallowe'en Hop
Saturday is Hallowe'en Nite and to commemorate thsi occasion, B.B.Y.M. is sponsoring a dance for the Teen-Agers. We are guaranteeing a good time for all and if you don't believe us, come down and find out for yourselves. You, the youth, are supplying the entertainment in the form of Pie-Eating, Apple Dunking and costume contests. Prizes will go to the winners. Also on the program we have Spot, Elimination and Stop dances. Dress is optional. You can come dressed as Cupid or a clown, we don't care. This is a stag affair, but girls, remember, this is still the Leap Year, so get busy and nab a boy. .May we remind you at this point, fireworks in the building will not be tolerated and offenders, "if any, will be- dealt with accordingly.
The admission is free. Time 8:30 p.m. and the place is the Youth Room in the Community Centre. The date: Saturday, October 30.
Remember fellas and gals, B.B.Y,M. supports your affairs so let you do the same for us.
COKE MACHINE
Since the installation of the coke machine we have realized little profit. For those of you who didn't know, all profits accruing from the machine will be.noted to worthwhile, charitable organizations. The profits up to January 1, 1949, wiU be donated to the PROPOSED Youth Centre. To those of you who take your coke bottles outside the building, please remember to bring them back in.
It was moved and passed at our last meeting that a scrap book of B.B.Y.M. affairs and interests be started. If you have anything for this scrap book, please get in touch with Albert Cohen, KErrisdale 4205L.
MEMBERSHIP
We are still looking for new members. Pledge classes will start Sunday, October 31, at 1:30 p.m. in the Centre for those of you who have just recently joined, and for any new fellas who are interested. The age limit is 19-23.
Our next general meeting will take place at the Centre on Wednesday, November 3_ 7:30 p.m. ,
PLEDGES STAGE STAG!
Pep and Booster to the fore! This coming Saturday, November 6th, our new Pled^o Class will stage the first Pep and Booster Stag at Lorie V» asel's home. 1415 West 39th is the address—^the house is just in from Granville.
Jerome Angel, pledge master of our chapter (remeraiber, it's 119), will hold a special pledge meeting this Sunday at 1:30 p.m., to assist his pledges in arranging the proceeding at this Super-Duper" Stag. Here is where we really get livened up for the *48 Vancouver Convention. Come on down, or up, as it may be, to the November 6th Stag at Lorie Wasel's. Come and learn new 119 yells. Let's have the best showing at the games and banquet!
* «
Our Interfaith Night* is November 14th. We have made a date to show the new World Series films, through Jack Hutchings of the Public Relations, Vancouver Sun. Other films will also be included. Hi-Y groups have been contacted and will be attending. * * *
Sunday, November 7th, is the day Community Service Chairman Harvey Breen will be holding his Clothing Drive.
Alephs are asked to be at the Centre in the "a.m.", where
Harvey will make up teams and supply each with a list to canvass. The people on the list will have already received a circular explaining the drive and asking them to place their donations on their front porch. Each list has approximately 25 names, and these lists cover the South Cambie and Kerrisdale area.
Housing cnairman for the '48 Vancouver Convention, Jerome Angel, would like to have as many homes lined tip as he can. A great many registration forms are being received daily from all of the other chapters in the region. Vancouver must be a good host. The housing already volunteered may not suffice.
As P.A.G. Mort Dodek said
. . you.
at the last ineeting: don't get the spirit of a convention if you don't take someone into your home . . ." Mort's right! Convince your parents that you should take another Aleph . . . and at least one, if you haven't done so so far. See Jerome at the meeting Sunday, November 7th—or before if you can.
* * *
Dave Stein is in charge of transportation, and would appreciate all the transportation
that can be offered.
■•>*>•>
Note: Executive meeting this Sunday, October 31st, in the Jewish Community Centre. Bime, 6:30 p.m. Aleph Signan Dave Tessler wants a full turnout of all executive and comr
mittee heads.
* • ♦
The joint installation of all
B.B.Y.O. officers takes place
this Monday, Nocember 1st, at
the Lions Gate B.B. Men's
Lodge meeting. Time, 7:30.
Members of this chapter are
asked to turn out ni force. All
parnets and friends are invited!
Refreshments will be served by
the B.B.G.'s.
» ♦ *
Your patronage of our senior B.B.Y.O. - B.B.Y.M. "Halloween Dance" this Saturday evening in the Youth Room of the Centre will be welcomed. They come to our dances—^let's all be at
their's. Dance starts at 8:30.
* * *
Alephs are also advised that the regional director, Mr. Leo Levine, will be at the Totem meeting this Sunday.
HUGE CROWD AT TEEN TOWN
Although Dave Stein, our Social Chairman, set the time for 10:15, all the kids were there by 9:45. Approximately 60 turned out. By courtesy of C.H.A.C., our food and drinks were supplied free.
Dave Stein has asked that he be quoted again, thusly "... and it's going to be at 10:15 from now on." So we'll see all you kids at the next A.Z.A. 119 Teen-Town at "10:15 p.m."
PEP AND BOOSTER,
Pep and Booster Chairman Lorie Wassel presented some half dozen original yells at the Chapter's meeting for the approval of the membership. These were the first entries in his contest for "New Fight Songs." Entries are stai being accepted. Here are the rules:
Wording must be of original nature; content of which to be strictly Pro-A.Z.A. 119; the tune need not be orighial. Songs copied from school yells will not be accepted. Entries will be judged on content and presentation by ttie membership body. Their decision being final. HUZBYU
Vancouver 119's official publication, the HUZBYU, is out. If you have not received a copy please see Editor and Circulation Manager Harold Etkin.
The Region's official publication, the NORTHERN LIGHT, i» out. Containing special convention news. If you have not received a copy through the mail, please see our Aleph Mazkir Kotone Larry Estrin at this Sunday's meeting. MOTHERS' TEA NOVEMBER 14
The much-heralded "Mothers' Tea" is being held Simday, November 14. It is designed as a means of having the mothers of the Alephs of our Chapter (remember it's 119) get to know each other. A speaker and special entertainment is being lined up. NATIONAL A.Z.A. SABBATH
November 12 is the date of the National A.Z.A. Sabbath. Volunteers for the Sermon Contest are to submit their names to Irv Grad, Cultural Chairman. Sermons, when written, will be judged by Vancouver's Rabbonim.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP LIONS' GATE BOXING CLUB
Name _ Address
Birthdate
Phone _ Age
FOR PARENTS: I hereby give my consent to above applicant and absolve the Lions' Gate Boxing Club of all responsibility in case of injuries which may occur to the abovementioned applicant.
Parent on GUardiaa
I