About Lillian Levens

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Writings about Lillian Levens

-1949-

May 1949—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: "Mother's Day" was the theme of the May meeting of the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood. Mrs. Abe Ratner, assisted by Mrs. Monroe Levens, arranged an unusual fashion display. Fashions for grandmother, mother and daughter made available through the courtesy of the Sanford Dress Shop and Chenkins Youth Center were previewed. Models were Mesdames Louis Addelson, Harris Rubel, Betty Solomon, Harry Mallen, Morton Thaler, Misses Andrea Beck, Sherry Rae Newman, Elene Gordin and Pauline Ratner. Mesdames Sid Smith, Morris Pomeranz, Lester Cooper, Fred Kaufman, Morris Levenson and Ben Mallen were gracious hostesses.

August 1949— (separate, no headline), Southwestern Jewish Press, page 3: Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens and their sons are vacationing in San Francisco and points north. The Levens will be away for about three weeks.

2) "Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5: A hilarious comedy entitled Women in White will be the attraction on the calendar of events for the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon to be presented Nov. 10, at 12 o'clock noon at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 30th and Howard Streets. The cast will include Sisterhood members: Mesdames Sidney Smith, Harry Wax, Marco Ratner, Jennie Siner, Abe Smith and Sam Druskin. The play will be directed by Mrs. Abe Ratner and Mrs. Monroe Levens, program chairman.

December 2, 1949—"Temple Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: The Tifereth Israel Sisterhood extends an invitation to the congregation and their friends to participate in the Jewish Home Beautiful Pageant, on December 13th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue. The Jewish Home Beautiful Pageant is to symbolize the proverb "The Wisdom of Women Buildeth the Home." Together with the Father, the Mother creates the sanctuary which has been the Jewish pride through all the ages, the Jewish Home Beautiful...In charge of the program are Mrs. Abe Ratner and Mrs. Monroe Levens, co-chairmen, assisted by Mesdames Earl Brodie, Its Penter, Alex Newman and Harry Mallen. Narrator for this program is Mrs. A.P. Nasatir, with table hostesses as follows: Rosh Hashanah, Mrs. Sam Brenes; Yom Kippur, Mrs. Rod Horrow; Sukkot, Mrs. Woodrow Ratner; Chanukah, Mrs. Sol Chenkin; Purim, Mrs. Herman Tulchinsky; Passover, Mrs. Milo Berenson; Shabuous, Mrs. Eddie Cantor, and Shabbat, Mrs. Max Gardner...

December 16, 1949—"'Home Beautiful' Program Impressive," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: Tifereth Israel Synagogue was the scene ofa most impressive program on Tuesday, December 13, the Jewish "Home Beautiful," a pageant presented by the Sisterhood, in cooperation with the synagogue and its affiliates, as attended by more than 600 people. Mrs. A.P. Nasatir was the narrator and the various Jewish holidays were vividly portrayed with tableaus depicting the role of the woman in the house. The candle lighting ceremonies added a warm glow to the meaningful, living pictures of each festive occasion. Mrs. Sidney Newman, president of the Sisterhood, announced that the proceeds of this affair would be donated to the building of a Hebrew school, in the names of Mrs. Abe Ratner, chairman of the program committee, and Mrs. Monroe Levens, wife of Rabbi Levens. More than 85 persons were involved in the production of this successful undertaking. The artistry displayed in costumes and decorations drew special commendation. At the conclusion of the pageant, Rabbi Levens invited the guests to partake of delicious refreshments, including the traditional latkes. This evening of inspiration will be long remembered and it is hoped that members of the community will emulate the beautiful scenes in their own homes —J. Kaufman.

December 30, 1949—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," A "Nu Fong Shoyn Un" luncheon meeting will be held January 10th by the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood at the Synagogue, 30th and Howard...Chairman for the luncheon will be Mrs. William Moss assisted by the Mesdames: Sara Shelley, I. Teacher, Harry Wax, Itz Penter, Sidney Smith, Herman Tulchinsky, Herman Sarfan, Bill Solof, Abe Ratner, Harry Weisberg, Henry Price, Sam Sklar, Jennie Siner, Monroe Levens, and Miss Sara Judd

-1950-
February 24, 1950— "Defy Income Tax Blues!" Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: Using "Fashions that Survive Income tax" as the theme of their program for the afternoon, the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood will hold their third annual installation of officers on Tuesday, March 14, at 1`2 o'clock luncehon at the synagogue at 30th and Howard Streets. Rabbi Monroe Levens will install new officers. An origianl humorous skit presented by Mrs. Zel Greenberg, Mrs. Sam Sklar and Mrs. Julius Levine will introduce the cleverly planned "Fashions to Survive Income Tax" style show to be presented by Ballard and Brockett...The program is under the chairmanship of Mrs. Monroe Levens and Mrs. Abe Ratner, assisted by Mrs. Its Penter...

March 10, 1950—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: In tune with the times, the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood program theme "Fashions to Survive Income Tax" will be presented at their annual installation of officers March 14th—a 12:30 p.m. luncheon at the Synagogue, 30th and Howard. Rabbi Monroe Levens is to officiate in seating the following officers: Mesdames Sidney Newman, reelected President for the ensuing year; Herman Sarfan, 1st Vice President; Edward Cantor, 2nd Vice President; Sidney Smith, 3rd Vice President; Henry Price, Corresponding Secretary; Marco Ratner, Recording Secretary; Herman Tulchinsky, Treasurer; Lawrence Cantor, Financial Secretary; Zel Greenberg and Alex Newman, Parliamentarians; Moss Addleson, Auditor; and Board Members Sam Addleson, Wm. Breitbard, David Frank, Sam Geller, Sidney Goldstein, Moe Hershey, Julius Levine, Harry Mallen, Wm. Moss, Paul Nestor, Frank Pomeranz, Itz Penter, Abe Ratner, Woodrow Ratner, Harris Rubel, S. Rubin, Abe Sackheim, Sara Shelley, Joe Spatz, I. Teacher, Harry Wax, Harry Weisberg with Mrs. Monroe Levens and Mrs. Al Neuman as Honorary Members...

March 28, 1950—1) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 2: A delightful surprise party was given March 16th by the Board members and officers of the Daughters of Israel in honor of Ida Pearl who moved into her new home recently. She has been recording secretary of the Daughters of Israel for the past six years. Guests at the party were Rabbi and Mrs. Levens, Mrs. Lillian Newman and Miss Merien Rose. A beautiful floor lamp was presented to the family.

2) "Surprise for Rabbi Levens," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 10: March 14th was a big day for the Tifereth Israel Sisterhood. After a delicious luncheon, over 300 guests observed the Installation of Officers conducted by Rabbi Monroe Levens. He referred to the officers of the Sisterhood as members of a symphonic orchestra each one with a part to play and together creating symphonic harmony. The fashion show presented by Ballard and Brockett brought the ladies present the latest in spring fashions and judging by the comments they liked what they saw. The afternoon was climaxed by a surprise presentation to Rabbi and Mrs. Levens of a large oil painting of the Rabbi. This beautiful work was done by Mrs. Al Doctor, a member of the Sisterhood.

3) "Emphasis Placed on 'Plus Giving' By Women's Division of U.J.F.," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 24—group photograph, in which Lilian Levens is in third row, fourth from left.

April 28, 1950—"Sisterhood's Kitchen Jamboree," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 9: Tifereth Israel Sisterhood will close its very successful season with a gala luncheon and program at the Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 30th and Howard Streets, on Tuesday, May 9th, at 12 o'clock...(A) novel and hilarious musical variety will be presented. To quote: "The Lettercarriers Auxiliary Kitchen Band and Show is unique in the entertainment world. It gives Kitchen utensils a "lift" into the aesthetic realm of Art and Music." Come and hear this unusal band composed of 18 ladies who have converted the lowliest kitchen gadget into an instrument of rhythm and melody. Mrs. Abe Ratner and Mrs. Monroe Levens are program chairmen who will present this very unusual program for the day's entertainment...

September 8, 1950—1) Rabbi Monroe Levens, "Rosh Hashonah Message," Southwestern Jewish Press, pages 1, 20: ... May the New Year of 5711 bring us closer to this goal and thus help us contribute to the welfare of all mankind. Mrs. Levens joins me in extending to Jewry everywhere and in our Community, as well as to the members and officers of Tifereth Israel, our sincere good wishes for a year of peace and fulfillment, that will merit God's fullest blessings.

2) "Personals," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 4: A surprise housewarming was held for Mr. and Mrs. Julius Meyer in thier new home at 3385 33rd St. by officers of the Daughters of Israel. Among the invited guests were Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens. A gift for the new house was presented to the Meyers.

September 22, 1950—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: ...The first regular meeting of the Sisterhood will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at the Synagogue, with President Mrs. Sidney Newman presiding. A delectable luncehon and an entertaining program is being planned by Luncheon Chairman Mrs. Sam Sklar and Mrs. Monroe Levens, Program Chairman. Circle Captains Mesdames Julius Levine and Abe Smith and their committees are sponsors for the luncheon...

November 17, 1950—"University of Judaism Founders Day Dinner Nov. 19," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 1: The Annual Founders Day Dinner, in honor of the establishment of the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, will be held at the Biltmore Hotel, Sunday evening, November 19th. Dr. Louis Finkelstein, President of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, which sponsors the University of Judaism will be the speaker. Mr. Ezio Pinza, famous Metropolitan Opera singer, will be the guest artist. An original Eternal Light broadcast will also be presented. Attending the Founder's Day Dinner from San Diego, will be Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, Cantor Joseph Cysner, Mr. and Mrs. M.S. Berlin, Mr. and Mrs. Max Zemen, Mr. I Jacobson, Mr. Its Penter, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Newman, and M. and Mrs. Irving Goodman.

December 1, 1950— "Walker's To Have Chanukah Window," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 9: Because of the tremendous response to the Passover window which was exhibited by the Tifereth Israel Synagogue last year, Mr. George Scott of Walker's has requested the congregation to repeat another religious holiday. This year Chanukah, the "Jewish Festival of Lights," celebrated for eight days, to begin the 25tgh day of Kislev (December 4th through 11th) has been chosen. On the Broadway side of Walker's, the window will depict traditional Chanukah scenes. Part of the window will show a Torah, on a draped dais, open at the portion which is read at the Synagogue during this holiday, "The Story of the Maccabees." (sic) Since it is traditionally a family holiday, there will be lighted Menorahs, showing the father, mother and the children lighting the Chanukah Candles. The joy and gift giving will be symbolized the the tiny child opening her surprise Chanukah gifts. Chanukah is celebrated by Jewish people all around the world, and to stress this point, dolls dressed in the costumes of many countries will be on display. These interesting dolls have very kindly been loaned to us by Edith Thayer Deuel and Betty Deuel Monnett. Appropriate Chanukah music will be played throughout Walker's from 12 to 1:30 daily, during the week of our Chanukah Exhibit, December 4th through December 9th. The records for the music and the props were loaned by the Tifereth Israel Sancta Shop and Mrs. Wm. Krone. Signs and show card work by courtesy of I. Jacobson Sign Co. The Committee, consisting of Mrs. Earl Brodie, Mrs. Chas Fleischner, Mrs. Arthur Goodman, Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, and Mr. Woodrow Ratner, sincerely hope that many of the people of San Diego will view this exhibit, and that all will gain from it a wider knowledge of Jewish Customs and Ceremonies.

May 25, 1951—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood to Honor Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 6: Tifereth Israel Sisterhood has planned a thrilling and stimulating day for its closing luncheon meeting of the season to be held Tuesday, June 12th, at Twelve noon in the synagogue. Honoring Rabbi and Mrs. Monroe Levens, and the happy occasion of their twentieth wedding anniversary, a most unusual surprise program will be presented. The skit, written by Jeanne Camiel and Frieda Mallen will hold your interest every minute, and Ruth Ratner, program chairman, will keep you up to date as she narrates the events. Cantor Cysner has done a bang up job of arranging the musical accompaniment. All this and a most delicious luncheon too, prepared and served by the members of Circle Three with Mrs. Murray Haber and Mrs. Max Kaufman as co-chairmen. Reservations really are a must—phone yours in early—as this is something you just can't afford to miss. Call Talbot 4259—Talbot 4048—or Randolph 1852 for reservations.

October 12, 1951—"Committee Formed to Honor Dr. Sachar," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 7: Dr. A.P. Nasatir, chairman of the Brandeis University Committee, today announced that a dinner would be held on Tuesday, October 30 at the El Cortez Hotel for which Dr. A.L. Sachar, President of the University, would be present as the guest of honor. Arrangements for the dinner are being handled by Morris Kraus. Serving with Dr. and Mrs. Nasatir and Mr. and Mrs. Kraus as a Brandies University Committee are: Rabbis and Mesdames Morton J. Cohn, Monroe Levens and Baruch Stern. also Doctors and Mesdames J.A. Kwint, Robert Stone, and Ernest Wolf, and Messrs. and Mesdames Samuel Addleson, Abraham Abramson, Elias Berwin, Edward Breitbard, Morris Douglas, Harry E. Farb, Jerome Freedman, Murray Goodrich, Rodin S. Horrow, Albert Hutler, Maxwell Kaufman, Edward Kitaen, Eli Levenson, Harry Mallen, Lou Mogy, Maury Novak, Sol Price, Milton Roberts, David Schloss, Victor Schulman, Wm. B. Schwartz, Isadore Teacher and Henry Weinberger. This is the first occasion on which Dr. Sachar will speak to the San Diego community on Brandeis University.

December 7, 1951—"Daughters of Israel," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: Daughters of Israel cordially invite you to attend a Hanukah program, to be held at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, December 23rd at 7:00 p.m., with the traditional latkes party, followed by the skit "The Five Milestones in a Boy's Life." It is a fine musical. Ruth Douglas, general chairman; Lillian Levens and Cantor {Joseph} Cysner, program directors, promise a very interesting evening. Don''t miss this program, it's delightful...it's different. We are looking forward to seeing all of you there.

-1952-

January 11, 1952— "Dr. Charles Falk To Speak At Tifereth Israel Services," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 5: Tifereth Israel Sabbath Services will have as guest speaker Dr. Charles J. Falk who will speak on the subject; "Religion and the Public Schools." Dr. Falk is Assistant Superintendent of the San Diego Public schools, and Secretary of the Board of Education...At the Sabbath Morning Service January 12, 9:00 a.m., Rabbi Monroe Levens' sermon will be "Let Us Deal Wisely." An Oneg Shabbat will follow the Service. Our hosts will be Mr. and Mrs. Moe Berlin and Mrs. Monroe Levens. Sabbath Morning Service, Jan. 19, 9:00 a.m., Mr. and Mrs. Harold Keen announce the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Lawrence David. The Congregation is cordially invited.

May 30, 1952—"Tifereth Israel Sisterhood," Southwestern Jewish Press, page 8: Tifereth Israel Sisterhood's final meeting, before the summer recess, will be on tuesday, June 10th at 11:30 when Mrs. Sidney Newman and her corps of hostesses will serve a most delectable brunch, a wide variety of foods to choose from, and plenty of it. Mrs. Monroe Levens, program chairman for this happy event, has planned a novel and inspiring Biblical Installation. Rabbi Monroe Levens will install the following for the year 1952-1953. President, Mrs. Alex J. Newman; 1str Vice Pres., Mrs. Harry Wax. 2nd Vice Pres., Mrs. Henry Price. 3rd Vice. Pres., Mrs. Woodrow Ratner. Recording Sec., Mrs. Max Zemen. Corresponding Sec., Mrs. Victor Weiss; Financial Sec., Mrs. E. Warren Oglesby. Treasurer, Mrs. Harold Garvin. Auditor, Mrs. Sol Frank. Members of theBoard: Mesdames Moe Berlin, Irving Goodman, Moe Hershey, Celia Jacobs, William Moss, Rose Mackall, Sidney Naliboff, Abe Ratner, Herman Sarfan, Dave Schloss, Sam Sklar, Sam Solomon. Following the installation, cellist Eugene Sacks, member of the San Diego Philharmonic and of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, accompanied at the piano by Irene Urner, will give several selections. Our own Cantor Joseph Cysner will sing a special song for the day. Remember, this is at 11:30 on June 10th at the Synagogue. Call Roanne Oglesby, talbot 1-6034; Lillian Newman, Talbot 1-6961.

-1992-
September 6, 1992—Eulogy for Katherine Fleishner delivered by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal

-2005-
October 31, 2005—Visit to the gravesite of Lillian and Rabbi Monroe Levens, Shalom Lawn, Greenwood Cemetery, San Diego:

Levens family monument Close-up, Lillian Levens' epitaph

December 9, 2005—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, "Centennial Rededication Service," December 9, 2005/ 9 Kislev 5766, page 10: Centennial History Project—Tifereth Israel Synagogue, founded in 1905, has embarked on a unique venture to commemorate its centennial. The Centennial History Project was created at the direction of the Centennial Committee, charged with producing a comprehensive history of Tifereth Israel Synagogue since its founding at the beginning of the twentieth century. The book is scheduled to be released on March 1, 2006, just prior to to Tifereth Israel Synagogue's Gala Centennial Ball. Drawing on the professional skills of numerous volunteers, the History Project will create a beautiful, scholarly and personal volume that combines in depth research with oral histories. By recording this moment in our story, we hope to embody the spirit and character of the community that will take us into our second century. Those who are working on the Project see the history of Tifereth Israel Synagogue as falling into three natural eras reflecting its three congregational homes: 18th and Market Streets; Howard Street, and its present location on Cowles Mountain Boulevard. The History Project is researching these periods anew, using resources never before consulted, to tell our story. The Project has already found details, once thought lost, which help us better understand the congregation's history and growth. Further, by emphasizing the voices drawn from interviews and shared anecdotes, we expect to produce a lively and wholly original history. The book will also include a full-color section detailing the many pieces of fine art that adorn Tifereth Israel Synagogue's current building. Explanations of the artwork, as well as details about their creators and donors, will further enhance the publication. A measure of the quality that can be expected from the completed project is the quality of the volunteer who are working on the project. Donald H. Harrison is a prize-winning journalist who has covered San Diego's political and religious news since 1972 for numerous publications. Currently a columnist for the San Diego Jewish Times, he is the author of the biography, Louis Rose: San Diego's First Jewish Settler and Enterpreneur and is a member of the City of San Diego's Historical Resources Board. Rabbi Monroe Levens served as spiritual leader of Tifereth Israel from 1948 until his death in 1981. Monroe and Lilliian Levens had three sons, all of whom are contributing to this book. Jerry Levens, who holds a Ph.D in economics, taught at Berkeley before specializing in the economics of health care systems. David Levens also taught college before becoming a real estate broker. Raphael Levens practiced law locally before entering the field of non-profit administration. A native of Los Angeles (Temple Knesset Israel in Hollywood), David Ogul has reported and edited at Southern California newspapers since graduating from San Diego State University in 1981. In September, 2000, he was hired as an assistant metro editor by the San Diego Union-Tribune to lead the paper's crime and public safety coverage, and helped oversee coverage of the Santana High School and Granite Hills High Schoo9l shootings and the massive Cedar fire. Earlier this year, he took on a new challenge, supervising a team of reporters covering San Diego neighborhoods and San Diego Unifed School District. As a noted collector of contemporary art, Karen Hjalmarson has been a participant in the Visual Arts scene in San Diego for over twenty years. Hjalmarson holds a B.A. in history from University of California, Los Angeles, and an M.A. in art history from San Diego State University. She has written numerous essays on contemporary art while serving as co-director of the Hyde Gallery at Grossmont College. Hjalmarson is the author of Twenty Years Later: Four Sculptors from San Diego. Currently she teaches English at Parkway Middle School and is also the editor of "Intellectual Ludicrous," a young writers' anthology. Gail Rice, associate editor of the Centennial History Project, is a professional editor with 18 years' experience, primarily in developing content for scholarly encyclopedias. At Harcourt, Inc., and at Academic Press, a division of Harcourt, she was recognized as a detail-oriented and efficient project manager with a reputation for producing reference materials of the highest quality and marketability. In 2004 Rice established her own consulting business, Open Book Editorial Services. Laurie Gore, chair of the Centennial History Project, worked as a production editor at Academic Press, a division of Harcourt Brace, Inc., and at University of California before training as a graphic designer. Her volunteer work at Tifereth Israel Synagogue has been recognized by regional and national awards. In addition to these, numerous other volunteers are working on cataloging the primary sources at Tifereth Israel Synagogue, reaching out to the business community for their support, and in many other capacities to make this book an unparalleled collaboration. We are especially appreciative of those members and friends of Tifereth Israel Synagogue who have shared their memories and mementos. We welcome all members of the community to participate in this project by contacting Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

-2006-
January 13, 2006—1) photo and caption, San Diego Jewish Times, page 10:

(should read: Lillian Levens and Rabbi Monroe Levens)

2) "Tifereth Israel Celebrates Centennial," San Diego Jewish Times, page 10: "The Life and Times of Rabbi Monroe Levens" will be the topic of Tifereth Israel Syangogue's second Centennial Lecture on Friday, Jan. 12 at 6:15 p.m. Jerry and Raphael Levens, his sons, will discuss their father's life, legacy, and relationships with the synagogue and its members. Rabbi Levens came to Tifereth Israel Synagogue in 1948, as the congregation opened the doors of its second home on Howard St. in North Park. He served as rabbi until 1974, at which time he was succeeded by Rabbi Aaron Gold Rabbi Levens continued to serve as Rabbi Emeritus until his death in 1982. A synagogue spokesperson said, "Rabbi Levens' impact on Tifereth Israel and San Diego's Jewish community cannot be underestimated. AHe was a leader, a scholar, a public figure, and family man. His creativity and devotion helped build Jewish San Diego." The Shabbat service and lecture will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat hosted by the Sisterhood. On Jan. 28 at 7 p.m., Tifereth israel's Men's Club will sponsor a "Rockin' Centennail Sock Hop" in the congregation's newly refurbished Cohen Social Hall. The evening is billed as a "50's Dinner-Dance." It will feature a buffet dinner and dessert, and dancing to the music of the Moon Dawgs Band. The evening is open to the pubic and admission is $25. All proceeds will benefit Tifereth Israel's Camp Ramah Scholarship Fund. Tifereth Israel's Centennial celebration will culminate in a Centennial Ball to be held on March 25. For information, call the synagogue office at 619 607 6001.

2006-01-14—Donald H. Harrison, "Levens saga recalled during nostalgic Shabbat program at Tifereth Israel Synagogue," Jewishsightseeing.com

February 2006—"The Life and Times of Monroe Levens, Part 2," The Shofar (monthly bulletin of Tifereth Israel Synagogue), page 1: Jerry and Raphael Levens, whose appearance was such a success in January, will be returning to continue the story of their parents, Lillian and Rabbi Monroe Levens. Look for an announcement of the day and time.

2006-05-28—Jerry Levens, "Concerts shows how Shostakovitch, though not Jewish, had great empathy for Jews of the Soviet Union," jewishsightseeing.com