Jewish
PUBLISHED BY
The Vancouver Jewish Administrative Council
Vol. 3. No.-«r4<^
VANCOUVER, B.C., THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1933
$1.00 per Year
Alpha Rho Sigma Fraternity of the University of British Columbia
The Alpha Rho Sigma Fraternity of the University of British Columbia v.'elcomes this opportunity of making known its name and purpose and personnel to the Jewish community of Vancouver and British Columbia.
This organization is one of the two Jewish Greek-letter fraternities on the Campus. The session of 1931 saw its inception, official recognition and charter being obtained November, 1932, at the hands of the Inter-F^aternity Council, the Senate and President, L. S. Klinck.
The Alpha Rho Sigma has for its purpose the election of desirable Jewish students of the U.B.C. to its membership for their social and intellectual benefit. The fraternty is proud to declare that it goes one step beyond social activities, undertaking intellectual endeavours of high order for the cultural benefit of its members. Dr. J. Allen Harris, late of the Department of Chemistry at the University has highly commended the Alpha Rho Sigma on such endeavours.
Through its existence this fraternity strengthens the' bonds of later-Jewish affiliation am'ong Vancouver and British Columbia students on the campus. In 'addition, tnembers are taking an active and important part in the activities of. the ..campus, and the high scholastic plane which the fraternity has gained has been highly commended. The member^ are, moreover, without exception, taking an extremely active interest in Jewish activities in the community itself and intends to continue and e.Ktend such activities.
Isadora Pelman holds the chair of chief executive. Harry Katznelson, Sidney Aqua and Percy Saltzman numbering among its officers.
The Alpha Rho Sigma thanks the editorial staff of the Jewish Western Bulletin for this opportunity of making itself known to the Vancouver
Jewish Community.
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B'NAI B'RITH'S NINETIETH YEAR IS CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY
Young People's League To Be Formed By Beth Israel Con-gation
The organization meeting of the Young People's League of the Congregation Beth Israel will be held in the Community Centre building on Sunday," January 22, at 3 p.m. The main objective of the League will be the affording of opportunities for self-expression to the members and participation in the religious and welfare work of the community. Through a program of forums, lectures, debates, dramatics, etc., young people will not only be able to satisfy their cultural cravings, but they will also be able to come closer to an appreciation of their Jev/ish heritage. A number of social functions will also be organized. In addition it is hoped that the League will give its moral and material support to the Congregation of which it will be a part.
The League will be affiliated with the Young People's League of the United Synagogue of America, which has now more than 130 affiliated societies.
No individual invitations have been extended. Young men and women of the ages of IS and up who sympathize with the objectives of the League, are invited to attend. Membership is open to all, whether their parents are members of the Congregation or not.
FOUR hundred B'nai B'rith. lodges and 100 women's auxiliaries throughout the United States and Canada are holding special meetings, cultural gatherings, and membership drives, and are sponsoring special events, in honor of the Order's entry into its 90th year of existence, which began October 13.
On that date, in 1843, twelve men, headed by Henry Jones, met at Sinsheimer's Cafe in Essex Street, New York City, and resolved to found a fraternity patterned after the many friendly societies of that time. In the nine decades which have elapsed since that humble beginning was made, B 'nai B 'rith has groAvn to be the oldest and largest and most representative Jewish fraternal Order in the world. It has 400 lodges in the United States and Canada, and 200 more in 25 other comitries encircling the globe.
The Central Administrative Board of B 'nai B 'rith has officially authorized tJiis nation-wide observance of the Order's 90th year. Special meetings, featuring programs of Jewish music, written or oratorical accounts of the Order's rich history and achievements, and reviews of American Je\Wsh history generally since 1843, are being held, and in all cases are community events,; open to the general public. Special membership drives are under way to induct "Ninetieth Anniversary Classes" into the Order. Many of the B'nai B'rith lodges ancl their auxiliaries have already observed the occasion; others are planning to do so throughout 1933.
The eight B'nai-B'rith Hillel Foundations have reopened in as many universities, and the oldest,, the. one at the.University of Illinois, is in its ninth year of existence. Aleph Zadik Aleph, the Order's auxiliary for boys of from 16 to 21, ar.eJlikewise devoting nieietingsJp'B'nai,B'rith'? approaching'niiietieth birthday.
' That which fundamentally distinguishes B 'nai B 'rith. from, all other Jewish-fraternities is its historic traditioii of having no set program,' but' raither of concerning itself with anything of Je^vish interest in any part of the world. Thus, beginning as a purely Germain society to aid in the Americanization of Jewish immigrants from Europe, it later developed an, interest in Jewish orphans, :;yvidows, and the aged, and built numerous institutions for, their benefit. Still latter it recognized the need of combatting Jewish defamatoin, and organized the well-knoAini Anti-Defaniation League twenty years ago.
As the twentieth century began, the Order dropped its insurance and benefit features^ and became altogether a Jewish cultural, philanthropic, and unifying influence in world Jewiy.
Natural,and political disasters always claim the Order's attention when Jews are involved, and the Emergency Relief Fund has come to the aid of Jewish victims of flood and earthquake, v/hilo B'nai B'rith's official representative in Washington has rendered invaluable service to terror-stricken Jews in other lands when they have been discriminated against or maltreated by their fellow-eitizens or governments.
As B'nai B'rith enters its ninetieth year, it completes ten years of the most significant work in Mexico ever undertaken there by a Jewish organization. Ten years ago, when the immiigra-tion laws of this country were barring thousands of Jews from the United States, many of them settled in Mexico. A tremendous social problem arose. These immigrants, for the most part, knew no Spanish, had little or no money, and suffered many hardships. B 'nai B 'rith established its Mexican Bureau. A competent Director was placed in charge. Classes in Spanish were begun. Lodgings and food were provided for hundreds until work could be obtained for them. Legal services Avere given the immigrants, gratis. The Bureau protected them against injustices of all kinds. Social affairs were held, as well.as Jewish services, and all the Jewish holidays were observed. Free medical attention was another feature of the Bureau, from which the newcomers could borrow to start themselves in business or study for the professions.
So comparatively well-established has the Jewish community in Mexico.become that B'nai B'rith is novv'- able gradually to withdraw, confident that the Jews there will be able to build for themselves happy, stable lives.
World Jewry is coming more and more to see that B'nai B'rith is the only organization representative of world Jewry, and recently the American Hebrew and Jewish Tribune editorially declared tiiat "B'nai B'rith is the one international Jewish organization that is definitely and authoritatively representative." As a result of this growing appreciation of the Order's services and need, Jewish communities all over the world are continuing to request charters for new lodges. In the past three years lodges have been installed in Shanahai^ China, and Buenos Aires, South America, as well as in Honolulu, Hawaii, while only this year the Order was established in Paris, France, and Tunis, North Africa. Other groups are being installed throughout France, and still others are now being planned for the colonies of the French protectorate.
Bialik, National Poet Celebrates Sixtieth Anniversary
By Joseph Youngson A national poet is one who expresses the thoughts of the people, who speaks for them reflecting the very souls of his brethren. Such a man is Bialik, for his works tell us of the joys and sorrows of our nation. Bialik's poetry glcv/s with Jewish spirit, its past trials and future hopes.
The poem,' "The Field," is exemplary of Bialik's poetry. In this work Bialik becomes enchanted by a beautiful cornfield and sings of nature's beauty, but his soul grieves for—
"My hands sowed it not. My strength worked it not. And not I shall gather it." The Jew Is not productive, he is torn from Mother Earth, and nature, with all its produce, does not nourish him;
"Tell me, Mother Earth, so bounteous and overflowing, Why do you not nourish me? Poor, thirsty soul.
A stillness falls about him in the twilight, a breeze wafts the ripen." iiig grain and Bialik finds hope growing within his breast for even at that moment • the Jewish farmer is working his own field in Palestine, .
In another poem, "The Bird,'; Chaim Nachman Bialik expresses his love to- Zion and the new undertaking.. His heart yearns for the land, wherein "almond and date trees grow." ...
At the first Zionist Congress in Basie, Switzerland, Bialik honoured those assemhled,
"The miseries of your people has
gathered you,, Frora-'the corners of the exile. These cries have wakened you." But the poet felt that only a few had been inspired; that the National movement had not touched the souls of the prosaic masses, and again Bialik becomes embittered. "The voice of God thunders from
here and there. But the people's hearts do not rejoice."
Bialik does not judge his brethren and  even  though  he  accuses his
Samuel Lodge, No. 668 B'nai B'rith
At the last regular meeting of the Lodge held on Tuesday, the 17th inst., the President announced the following as chairmen of the various committees for 193,3:
Intellectual Advancement............
P.P. Dr. J. I. Gorosh
Sick and Visiting............Ralph Myers
Relief..........................P.P. N. C. Levin
Publicity................S. A. Goldston, B.A.
Public Institutions and
Social Service....................J. B. Jaffe
A.Z.A.............................Charles Swartz
Boy Scouts............................Ben Davis
Entertairiment..........................I. J. Kay
ITinance..................................Nat. Davis
Refreshments....................Ben Shapiro
Degree Team..............P.P. J. Ablowitz
North West Conference................
P.P. E. M. Goldsmith
Wider Scope..............P.P. N. C. Levin
Lodge Welfare....................Phil Lesser
A full list of the other members of these committees will be published next week.
Bro. Ralph Promson, President of the Victoria Lodge,' was a visitor to the City over-the week end and was entertained- by the President, Brother Potter and the District Deputy Brother, J. Ablowitz.
Dr. J. I. Gorosh, the Zone Deputy, accompanied by the Eixecutive of the Lodge, will visit Bellingham on Sunday next, the 22nd inst., to in-stal the oft'icers elect for 1933.
At the next meeting of the Lodge on Tuesday, February 7th, the Financial Statement and Balance Sheet for 1932 will be presented and the budget for 1933 submitted. During the'evening "Current Events" compiled by the Constitutional Lodge,-will-be read-by-'Bi-other-Isaac Lipovsky.
Dr.   Chaim Weizman Re-Elected President Of Anglo-Zionist Federation
Vancouver Talmud Torah
The first meeting of the newly organized Community Talmud Torah was held on Thursday, January 12, 1933,   at   the   Jewish Community
people he excuses them, saying that Centre.    Mr. J. B. Jaffe presided.
The J e w i s li "Western Bulletin on behalf of the «7 e w i s h Coro.niunit}^ of Vancouver extend to the Hon. S. F. Tolmie and his family their sincere sympathy and condolence in their recent sad bereavement.
Council Noodle Factory To Start Next Week
The Council of Jewish Women are sponsoring a Noodle Factory as practical work in connection with alleviating unemployment amongst Jewish women in the city.
The work of making the noodles will be done in the Community Centre, where space has very kindly been given for this worthy project
The noodles will be marketed through channels of leading grocers and department stores, and will compete in price with the factory made noodles.
Mrs. Gerald Plant is Chairman of the Noodle Manufacturing Committee; Mrs. Charles Swartz is Vice-Chairman and Treasurer; Mrs. Wm. Fisher is Chairman of Sales; Mrs. H. Rosenhaum Chairman of Publicity; Mrs. I. W. Chess, Chairman of Deliveries; Mrs. C. Korsch Chairman of Equipment; Mrs. I. u. Kost-man Chairman of Supplies; Mrs. M. Plant Chairman of Production.
Work on this project will commence early next week, and orders for noodles may be placed through Mrs. Wm. Fisher, or they will be on sale at the Jewish Community Centre.
thousands of years of exile has hardened Je-wish hearts.
In the 1903 Kishenof pograms many Jews were slaughtered in most tortuous ways and it was then we heard the echoes of the dead through Bialik's wrathful poem, "In the Slaughtered City." There, in most prophetic form, he pictured the result of the devastation. Here and there he saw scattered torn limbs of Jewish victims and felt Jewish blood on many walls. The poet's heart sorrowed for the victims who were innocently slain, but his humiliation vv^as even worse than his sorrow, because the survivors do not feel their shame enough to go and fight a.eainst their miseries and enemies. Bialik called the people to waken and create a better future for the generation to come.
As a poet, Bialik has not only come to the people with beautiful gifts of poetry, but in many instances has elevated his readers to his world by creating for them original thought and producing new words which he took from the Talmud and Midrash and clothed in a modern form. Bialik has created a new period in the Hebrew literature and his prophetic words and rich style of writing has served as an inspiration to many young writers.
At present Bialik resides in Tel Aviv and takes a great interest in the affairs of the National Movement. A few years ago he toured the United States for that cause. As a citizen of Tel Aviv he is often heard lecturing on different cultural subjects. He originated the "Oneg Shabbos," a movement advocating relaxation and rest for the people of Tel Aviv who gather Saturday afternoons at the "Beth Am" and close the Sabbath listening to educational talks by Bialik and other prominent leaders.
Chaim Nachman Bialik was born
There was a full representation present of all the organizations. Owing to several of the organizations not respect and
yet having had time to meet and appoint their proper representatives it was unanimously resolved that a further meeting be held in the Community Centre on Thursday, January 19th, at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of electing officers and appointing the various committees. In the meantime full fower was given to a committee consisting of , Messrs. Jaffe, A. Rothstein, K. Katznelson, J. Reed, and H. Greenstein to carry on the present arrangements. It was further arranged that an order be given for the purchase of Motsas and other Passover products necessary for the coming Passover whicii begins on Tuesday, April 11th, 1933, and that as in former years all profits derived from the sale of these products be devoted Lo the Talmud Torah Fund. In addition to the appointment of officers at the next meeting, the following committees will be appointed.
d) Board of Education.
(2) Finance Committee.
(Z) Motsa Committee.
(4) Budget Committee.
(.5) Propaganda Committee.
in Russia in 1S73. His father died when Chaim Nachman was a child. Poverty prevailed in the home and his childhood was not colorful, but even then he admired the beauty of nature, and in his latter years found consolation in the Talmud.
Now, on his sixtieth birthday, Bialik is still vigorous and his pen is still prepared to offer precious gifts to his nation. It is hoped that the voice of our- people will be heard for many years to come through our National Poet, Chaim Nachman Bialik.
Dr. Chaim Weizman, former President of the World Zionist Organization, was re-elected president of the English-Zionist Organization at a meeting held in London, England, on January 9th. His election was uncontested.
The Federation adopted a resolution condemning the projected establishment of a Legislative Council in Palestine. Another resolution ex-pressedj regret that the Palestine Government has failed to grant the full quota of immigration certificates requested by the Jewish agency.
The conference which opened on Saturday evening, January 8th, and resumed on Sunday, concluding -with a mass meeting attended by a thousand people was addressed by Dr. Weizman, D'Avigdor, Goldsmid, President of the British section of the Selim Jewish Agency and Dr. Selim Brodetsky, member of the World Zionist Executive in charge of political alfairs.
Dr. Weizman, in two lengthy addresses, appealed for wider support for the Keren Heyesod, and discussed the present Zionist position in the light of the crisis In. world Jewry.
Dr. Weizman declined to discuss political questions, preferring, he said, not further to aggravate an already aggravated situation. He emphasized the satisfactory position in Palestine, the absence of unemployment and the influx of capital.
"This satisfactory situation does not, unfortunately, effect the Jewish Agency which today is the -weakest spot in the structure we are 4ng-in ■ Falest'rHeT^'- asserttSd^©!^'^^^ man. "A great many efforts and enterprises have been undertaken in Palestine over the head of the Jewish Agency, which has had the effect of weakening it more.'
The Keren Heyesod and the National Fund are also experiencing difficulties. He appealed to Palestine colonists to make large contributions to these two funds and called upon the rich colonists to make repayments on loans they have received for the Jewish Agency.
He paid tribute to the High Commissioner, "who," he said, "has our has affection for our
home, but we are still struggling to attain a fair share for Jewish labor in the Mandatory public work.
No Arabs think of employing Jews, so we must insist that Jews employ Jewish labor until there is more co-operation between the three elements for the general benefit of the country."
D'Avigdor Goldsmid, Chairman of the British Section of the Jewish Agency, agreed with Dr. Weizman that the Jewish Agency had failed lo fulfil the expectation which its formation aroused. In extenuation, he pleaded, that conditions through-oiif the world, since the establishment of the Agency in 1929, had militated against its'success. He ex-_(Continued on Page 4)
CEalniiiar uf     ^rpk at (Eummmiity (CrntrF
Jan. 20—Friday:
8 p.m.—Beth Israel Services. Jan. 21—Saturday: 9:30   a.m.—Beth   Israel Sabbath
Morning Services. 10  a.m.—Talmud  Torah Sabbath IVlorning Services. Jan. 22—Sunday:
10 a.m.—Beth    Israel Religious Classes.
8:15 p.m.—A.Z.A. Regular Meeting. 8:30 p.m.—Sub-Junior Council "Big
Broadcast." Jan.    —Tuesday:
7:30 p.m.—Beth Israel Choir. 8:30 p.m.—Beth    Israel History
Class available to the public. 9:30 p.m.—Beth    Israel Hebrew
Class. Jan. 26—Thursday: 8 p.m.—Vancouver Hebrew School
meeting to elect officers. Talmud Torah Classes Daily, from
4 to 8:30 p.m.