he Jewisn wesiem DUiieun
PUBLISHED BY The Vancouver Jewish Administrative Council
Vol. 4, No. 5
VANCOUVER, B. C, THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1933
$1.00 Per Year
B'NAI B'RITH NORTHWEST CONFERENCE
The Third Annual Conference of the B'nai B'rith Lodges on the Pacific Coast from Spokane to Vancouver— ten Lodges in all—will meet in Vancouver on Sunday, May 28thi and Monday 29th.
Some eleven years ago the convention of Grand Lodge District No. 4 was held in this City and is still the talk of those who attended as the outstanding convention of^he District. It is the aim and ob|^ct of the Committee in charge tpfe'niake this conference equally niemorablo. P.P. E. M. Goldsmith AArill be Chairman and is ably assisted by members of Samuel Lodge No. 668, The Ladies Auxiliary and the A.Z.A. Chapter,
The tentative programme is as fol-loAVs:
Sunday, May 28th:
10 a.m.—Registration.
10:30—Business Session.
12:30—Luncheon.
i2:00 p.m.—^Business Session.
7:00—Lecture by Dr. Sacher, Director of the Hillel Foundation. Monday, May 29th:
10 a.m.—'Business Session. '
1 p.m.—'Sight Seeing.
6:30 p.m.—Banquet.
8:00 p.m.—Grand Ball.
The headquarters of the iConference will be the Hotel Vancouver. About 150 members of the Order from the United States are expected to be present. The business meetings are open to all members of the Order. Keep these dates open as an enjoyable and instructive time is assured. Be prepared to help entertain our guests.
Beth Israel Congregation Fraternity to Take Service of Congregation
The members of the Vancouver Chapter Pi Tau Pe Fraternity will take cliarge of the service on Friday evening. May oth in the absence of Rabbi Bokser,
Pi Tau Pi fraternity is an international organization of Young Jew-is]i| men in the United States and Canada and was established 25 years ago in St. Louis, Missouri. Since then it has acquired chapters in thiry different cities on this continent.
The fraternity conducts services on or about Mother's Day in Temples and Synagogues throughout the United States. Friday nights service although a week in advance of Mother's Day will be in'honor of the mothers of this Community,
A cordial welcome is extended to the mothers and children. The members of the Fraternity include Joseph Genser, Bernard Lazarus, Norman Brown, Harry Pearl, Paul Edwards, Bert Lando, Alfred Evans and David Wodlinger.
The Author of
"Magnolia Street"
Seattle Jewry Observes
President's Day
; With' prayers, -sermons and musical features, Seattle Jewry expressed its loyalty and gratitude to President Eoosevelt with Divine Services on Saturday, April 29th and with special programmes on Sunday, April 20th.
The services in the seven Seattle places of worship, included sermons on the President's leadership, and special prayers for his welfare and spiritual guidance.
On Sunday, April 30th the iSephar-die Community held an impressive President's Day Service at the Ezra Bassaroth Synagogue. Albert Levy, Talmud Torah, Principal and Dr. Harry Tarica, Veteran Sephardic leader Avere the speakers. The programme also included musical numbers and community singing.
B'nai B'rith Kiddies Day
Sunday, May 14, L'og B'Omer, will be the annual B'nai B'rith Kiddies Day.
This picnic is for every Jewish child in Vancouver. Children are requested to be at either the Talmud Torah or the Community Centre promptly at 9.30 a.m., and aars will leave at 10 o'clock.
The picnic vnll be held at Magee Park, and there will be sports, prizes, free ice cream and candy, and everything to make the day interesting and enjoyable for every child.
Remember the-day: Sunday; May 14. Full details will be announced next week.
Young Judaea News
Council of Jewish Women
Tlio Annual luncheon of the Vancouver Section, Council of Jewish Women is scheduled for Wednesday, May 10th, 1933, in the Vancouver Hotel at 1 p.m.
Mrs. Eex Eaton, President of the Local Council of Women will speak on "What constitutes a woman's Home".
Vocal solos will be presented by Mrs. Lorna Campbell, accompanied by Miss Julia Massey.
In observance of an old Council tradition eacli Committee chairman will be called upon to give a final account of her work.
A Burlesque skit "Just anotheir meeting," ivritten by Mrs. H. B. Kahn, President will be offered by a east of Council members.
Mrs. H. B. Kahn will preside at the lunelieon table—this Avill be her last service in an official capacity to the council which she has chaired fca-t'liree years. She is succeeded in ofiice by Mrs. S. Petersky.
Rabbi Silver in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM—Babbi Abba Hillel Silver was feted here at a luncheon at the King David Hotel, which was attended by Government officia'ls, members of the Executive of the Jewish Agency, and other leading Jews of Palestine. Emanuel Neumann presided.
Dujring his visit to the Hebrew University, Rabbi Silver was presented by Dr. Magnes to the faculty and students.
On Sunday, May 7, the tAvo senior Judaean Groups will inaugurate tlie commencement of the summer season with a .joint social meeting, to be held at the Community Centre at 8:00 o'clock.
Elaborate plans have been made to make the program delightful and entertaining to all concerned. A prominent speaker has consented to address tlie gathering on a topic of extreme interest to every individual present.
Again the Judaeans have been very fortunate in obtaining one of the best known musical talents in the city, Marvin Darrach, 1st prize winner at the Canadian Pacific Exhibition held at Hasting's Park. Mr. Darrach has been recognized as a master of the violin and in being given the opportunity to hear him the Judaeans will acknowledge that any praise 'tendered liim is only too well deserved.
Another highlight of the evening will be the presentations of past president's pin, and the debating trophy.
Members will please take notice that at this meeting the Hebrew University Scholarship raffle tickets will be drawn. A full report concerning the drive will be delivered by Mr. Youngson, chairman of campaign.
A short business session will follow. To round off the meeting several short skits and musical selections will be iield.
The parents and frieiids of Judaean members and all Zionists are invited to attend this meeting.
'Partners in the Judaean inter-club tennis tournament have been drawn. ^7amcs of partners and opponents may be obtained from H. Halperin at this meeting. It is not too late to enter and any member desiring to do so may get in touch with the tennis chairman.
To-night, Friday, the Judaeans will be playing their second sof tbail game of the season against the White Eagles at Tobson Park at 6:il'5 p.m. Tlie wholehearted support of the Community is requested. Two games will be held next week on the 8th and 11th at Douglas Park and Strathcona, respectively.
INTERVIEW WITH MR. LOUIS GOLDING
He is a great traveller, is Louis Golding. He has followed in the foot-isteps of Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees to the banks of Jordan. He ha'S gone across Spain and all the way to Lepanto, in Greece. He has followed, stage by stage, tlie wliole of the Odyssey. He has amused himself by turning a barrel organ in the streets of Corinth. He has travelled steerage in a tramp steamer in and out of the Ionian Islands mth an Albanian 'Cut-throat ne bedfellow. But his greatest journey has been from an elementary school in "Doomington" (better known under its alias Manchester) to the ranks of best-<sellerdom via Oxford and war-fevered Salonika.
It was actually during hisi university days that Golding published his first novel "Forward from Babylon," in 1919; it was declared at the time to be the best first novel published for many yeans,
"Magnolia Street" All the time he had been preparing for "Magnolia Street," in wihieh this mucli-travelled young man journeyed back to the industrial city of his childhood, to that Doomington which is also the background of "Forward from Babylon," "Day of Atonement" and "Give Up Your Lovers." He has had his reward in a magnificent Press. It is long since a work of fiction has been so enthusiastically received.
To a representative of The Jewish Chronicle, Mr. Golding has talked about "Magnolia Street" and told of how it was launched.
"Not a 'Jewish' Novel" " 'Magnolia Street' is not a Jewish novel," Mr. Golding said. "I have merely attempted to trace the fortunes of a typical working-class street in which half the inhabitants happen to be Jewish. Probably, because I am a Jew thei-e is a special vividness in the portrayal of the Jewish characters, but I should like to think that the Gentile characters are no less vivid and true to life. I have—^again because I am a Jew—attempted to depict the comedy and pathos, the gaiety and passions, the nobility and meannesses of Jewish life, for they all exist. But it is Life (all of it) which really interests me."
A Theory Repudiated
Have you any theoiy of assimilation which you have tried to put over? our representative asked.
"No theory underlies any of my work," Mr. Golding replied'. "From the point of view of assimilation, there are tAvo love affairs in the novel in which the Jow-^Gentile problem is involved. One ends in tragedy and the other works out exitremely happily; so the two neutralise one another. I may have personal views on the subject of Jews and Gentiles intermarrying, but I always try to get out of my own skin and into that of my characters. You may agree or disagree witli what they do, but my plea is that people behave like that."
............â– ......^,.^._.A-;Paxty: .....
The great final episode in "Magnolia Street," is a party given by two former Magnolians who have attained fame in different Avays aicross the Atlantic. Mr. Golding, told how on the eve of publication of his book he gave a party to his friends in which he attempted to reproduce the atmosphere of the gathering in the novel. Doomington sent him supplies of krepiach and ingber strudel; a little Jewish caterer from Netting Hill prepared the viands; Mr. Victor Gollanez, his publisher, attired like Reb Shulman of the novel with cap and beard, besprinkled the book with champagne. Besides his Jewish friends his guests included John Drinkwater and Beverley Nichols and many others wlio fed with gusto on stnidel and gave the book a hearty send off. On tlie followiug day the first edition was exhausted!
A Jewish Saga
Asked as to his plans for the future, Mr. Golding said: "I am meditating on the production of a Jewish saga, in which I hope to trace the vicissitudes of Mr. and Mrs. Finkelstein and their Six Daughters, who, though they may be rooted in Doomington, may flower—as they do in 'Magnolia Street'—in after years in New York or Soviet Russia, in Mesopota'mia or Berkeley Square."
You aspire to be the Jewish Galsworthy?
"I aspire to be nothing but Louis 'Golding. I know that i>eople try to compare me with Zangwill. But while I am an intense admirer of ZangwiW's work there is a big difference between us. Zangv>-ill was a prophet and propagandist. He strove for things like freedom and justice and tolerance. I strive to be merely an artist. So far as I am anything at all I am primarily an artist. My characters are more flesh and blood to me than my own people."
Vancouver Community Talmud Torah—^Reports Of the Examiners
WELCOME TO VANCOUVER
PHrLDIP G-U'BDELLA, the brilliant young writer, historian and poet, will be a visitor to Vancouver on Thursday and Friday. He is travelling under the auspices of the National Council of Education and will be the guest speaker at a luncheon under the
Council's auspi<;es on Friday, May 5th.
Mr. Guedella is one of the cleverest of the younger British literary men and is expected to be a force in the next few years. He became legal adviser to the Governments departments immediately after being called to the bar and since the Great War has made a steady annual-output of literature in history, politics and criticism.
Mr. Guedella is a member of a Sephardic Jewish family whose name is a household word in England for its charity and support of all Jewish institutions.
Junior Judaeans
The 'last meeting of the Junior Judaeans was held at the home of Norman Rothstein. After the regular business Samuel 'Rothstein gave a reading on Theodore Hertzel. Two small presentations were then given by Jackie Davie. There were also a few inpromptu speeches.
'Sports are being held very often. A tennis tournament within the club is being held. David Braverman is sports manager and Bennie Izen the sports captain. Gymnasium lias been discontinued and in its place baseball practices are held Sundays between
meetings. Previously they were held at Model School, but in tlio future the boys will turn out at Britannia High School. During the Easter Holidays u hike was held which was led by David Braverman, another one is being planned to take place in tlie near future. A baseball game will soon be lield with the Sunday Seliool.
Those wisluing to join please phone Samuel Rothstein, at Fairmont 4:707L.
Tlie next meeting will be held at the Talmud Torah Hall. This is important and therefore members are urged to attend.
The Junior Judaeans wisli to congratulate Harry Aqua on his Bar Mitzvah.
We are in receipt of individual reports of the examiners of the pupils of the Talmud Torah all of which are of a complimentary nature. It is the concensus of opinion that every class is in excellent shape and doing good work. Many complaints are made that the atmosphere of the school is not congenial to good teaching and a strong recommendation is made for a more suitable building. Complaints are also made of the small number of eluldren attending the classes with the suggestion that a Central Talmud Torah be created so that children from all parts of the City could attend and tlius branches might be eliminated. By so doing the work of teacher and pupil would be made easier and time saved. The folloAving are extracts from the examiners reports.
"I examined,the children and found the work fertile. In all classes' questions were answered promptly and tlia pupils had a thorough acquaintance with the work. A greater enroUmenl is needed." (Signed) Sabbi M= A, Jaffe.
"I am much satisfied with the progress of the children." (Signed) L. Rome,
"The children have shown a proficient knowledge in the study of Hebrew, Yiddish, History and Ueligious Customs and it should be a pride to the parents to know that children are being trained to be real Jews and Jewesses." (Signed) J. B. Jaffe,
"The progress made by the children is truly excellent. They find it harder to translate the Bible into English than to Hebrew." (Signed) A. Asoff.
"It has been gratifying to find the children so proficient in their studies. During my recent visit to Palestine I visited and examined some of the Hebrew Schools and I have no hesitation in stating that the Vancouver schools are equal to any I visited." (Signed) L. Rothstein.
"It was a pleasure and inspiration to hear tlie girls, especially, converse in the Hebrew language, to define hard words and difficult verses in the Pentateuch." (Signed) J. H. Narod, D.S.C.
"It was a pleasure to see the children had made such progress especially in composition." (Signed') S. Klausner.
"I had no idea of the excellent work done and it wiui indeed a pleasure to be present." (Signed) Horen.
COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET TENDERED TO RABBI BOKSER
A.
"I examined all the classes of the main branch of the scliool and found a high standard of teaching. Some of the pupils displayed exceptional ability and are worthy of being recommended for advancement. The teachers possess the higliest qualifications and compare very favorably with the teaching of our other Talmud Toralis in Western Canada." (Signed) Rabbi, N. M. Pastinsky.
"My impression is very favorable. It was a jjleasurc to liear tlie little children recite stories in Hebrew ;ind understand them completely."
The other classes are also doing well particularly in Hebrew, Grammar and Chumish. They all seemed to be thoroughly at home in the work. The fifth class deserve special praise for their knowledge of Rashi. I would recommend the establishment of a â– scholarship for a student to enter the Yesliiva Itzchali Elchanon. This would reflect great honor on the community and would encourage other children to study harder." (Signed) Max Freeman.
Correction
In the report of our last issue re tlie demise of the late Joseph Zimmerman we stated that he loft six brothers to mourn his loss. This should have read seven brothers—the name of Abe Zimmerman being omitted. We regret the ommission and extend to Abe our deep symiiathy.
Babbi Ben Zion Bokser
Rabbi Ben Zion Bokser, the spiritual guide of the Beth Israel CJongre-gation, was tendered a eomplimentary banquet by the member.3 of his Congregation and the Sisterhood on -Saturday evening. April 29th in the Oak Room of the Vancouver Hotel. The tables were prettily decorated with daffodils and narcissus and presented a pretty appearance.
Mr. Nat Bell the President of the Congregation presided, and after dinner was partaken of, explained to the guests the cause of this unique occasion. In his speech he expressed the admiration not only of the Beth Israel Congregation but of the Community at large at the wonderful work done by the Rabbi since he came to Vancoii-ver. Not only was,Babbi Bokser the spiritual guide aiid adviser of this Congregation but he had taken an active interest in every phase of communal life in the 'City. His interest in the Community Talmud Torah and the Zionistie causes were to well known to need mention. The Rabbi was now leaving for a vacation in New York where his parents lived and at the same time would continue his studies and take the examination for Doctor of Philosophy. On behalf of the Congregation and the Community he wished him a pleasant trip, success in his undertakings and a speedy return.
Mr. N. C. Levin, the next speaker spoke of the position of Vancouver Jewry on the arrival of Rabbi Bokser. He claimed that before that time there was a great feeling of discontent because they had no Rabbi who could lead them and were drifting away from the tenets of their failh. Since the arrival of the Rabbi, things had undergone a change, and today the spirit was returning, with the result that many who had driftcl like lost shee^i, liad returned to the fo]d»
'The Rabbi had helped to estabtisTt a Sisterhood, a Men's League and a. Young Peoples League all of which brought the Community into elosor communion. lie was glad to ha%'e the opportunity of paying tribute to the work of the Rabbi and joined in wishing him success and a happy return.
Greetings and good' wishes from llio Sisterhood were brought by Mrs. M. Koenigsberg—from the Men's Club by Mr.| H. Boyaiior and fro.-'i iix; i'oung Peoples League by Mr Isaac Lipovsky, and from the Coiigrcijatiou by A. O. Koch and E. R. Suj;arin;in.
Rabbi Bokser in response tii.inked everybody for their kind expressions and assured those present that he had thoroughly enjoyed his life in thip city, lie had come to them an absolute stranger and )iad been wolcomed as one- of the fumliy. It was small wonder therefore that his work in the Congregation had met with success. Hilt they must not think that the work was finished for as a niat'cr of fact it had barely started. Sonietii.ies, he thought, that more consideration and cooperation was given him as tlie Rabbi than it was to the Congregation, j (Continued on Page 4)