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Writings about Eleanora Levi
-1922-
September 20, 1922, Clara
Grossmayer, "Temple Auxiliary," The Jewish Community News, pages
7, 17: It was about thirty years ago, when the Jewish community of San
Diego was a mere handful, that the few Jewish mothers felt the need of a Sabbath
School. There was soon organized a Mothers' "Club, the object of which was
the creation and up-building of the school. The only charter members of the
Club, now known as the auxiliary, who are still residing in San Diego are Mrs.
A. Levi, Mrs. H. Wolf and Mrs. S. Jacobs. The first teachers included: Mrs.
Lesem, Mrs. A. Blochman (now deceased), Mrs. Herman Welisch (now of San
Francisco), Miss Celita Mannasse and Miss Celia Schiller. When the
Congregation Beth Israel was formally organized and services were regularly
conducted by the members, the scope of the Club was enlarged. While its most
important work has from its inception to the present day been the fostering and
development of the Sabbath School, it now undertook also to aid in the
maintenance of a choir. As the community increased in numbers, a Temple was
built, a Rabbi engaged and the choir improved. The Sabbath School was turned
over to the congregation that it might become an integral part of that body, but
the Club as before devoted its funds and its best energies to the school. It
supplied the teachers and arranged for a board of visitors. Too much credit
cannot be given for their persevering efforts and devotion to purpose, of both
teachers and visitors. The Club has always provided for the
ever-increasing needs of the school, has given rewards to the children and
little appreciative gifts to the teachers. It must be noted that the
teachers have always protested against gifts to themselves, asking that the
money be used for the children. It is this spirit of unselfishness and
helpfulness that has always characterized the relations between the school and
the Club. For the pleasure and encouragement of the children, there have
been periodical outings and other entertainments. The Purim and Chanulka (sic,
Chanukah) festivals are annual events. These occasions have done much to cement
friendships among the children and between children and teachers. The Auxiliary
has each year the very great pleasure and satisfaction of witnessing the
confirmation of the young people who have completed the course of training given
in the Sabbath School. Always an impressive and touching ceremony, the service
this year was marked by the simplicity and sincerity characteristic of Rabbi
Dubin and his work. The congregation is a unit in feeling it to be a privilege
to be under the leadership of this able, earnest young man. He and his wife
have, with the whole-hearted support of the teachers, accomplished great things
with the Sabbath school. One of the enjoyable factors in the Auxiliary
meetings have been the short but interesting talks given by Rabbi Dubin. The
ladies appreciate his help. An annual event not to be forgotten is the luncheon
which takes the place of the regular January meeting. This usually brings out
the full membership of the Club, including out-of-town members and ex-members.
The luncheon this year was held at the Waldorf Hotel. Several years ago the Club
affiliated with the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. It found a change
of name desirable. As there already existed a "Sisterhood" connected
with the Orthodox Synagogue, it was decided that the Mothers' Club should be
termed "The Ladies Auxiliary to Temple Beth Israel." During its
early history, it was the custom to hold the monthly meetings at the members'
homes, but since the completion of the Welfare Building on the grounds adjoining
the Temple, all sessions have been held at this more convenient center. Here
too, have been given card parties, bazaars, and other entertainments that have
served the double purpose of drawing members of the community more closely
together and of adding to the funds in the treasury of the
Auxiliary. The largest undertaking of the organization has been the annual
community Seder. The very considerable labor required in the preparation of this
celebration of the traditional feast has each time been rewarded by a large
attendance and corresponding financial returns. It is much to be regretted that
the Welfare Building is too small to accommodate the number usually partaking of
the Seder. With the increased and still increasing membership, the
Auxiliary found it possible to increase its monthly contribution to the temple
and to make generous donations to the organ fund, the Hebrew Union College
Dormitory fund and the Joint Distribution Committee fund. It has had the great
satisfaction of seeing a new organ installed in the Temple, of witnessing the
steady growth of the Sabbath School in numbers and in interest, and of including
in its own membership seventy of the progressive public spirited Jewish women of
San Diego. For while, as its name implies, it is an adjunct of the Temple, the
Auxiliary cordially welcomes to membership all women, both permanent and
temporary residents, who are in sympathy with its purpose. The Auxiliary has
gained much through the attendance of the clever, interested and interesting
women who are frequent San Diego visitors. They bring us new ideas and new
inspirations; and in a greater degree than is achieved at national conventions,
serve to foster intimate friendly relations with Jeiwh individuals and
organizations in other cities. The Auxiliary takes pride in the fact that
the plan for a new organ originated within its ranks. Mrs. Herman Wolf being the
prime mover, and Mrs. Simon Levi's bequest of one hundred dollars being the
largest single contribution. Many of the prominent Jewish women have acted
as president of the Auxiliary. Among them being Mrs. L.A. Blochman, Mrs.
Adolph Levi, Miss Laura Schiller, Mrs. M. Schoenbrun, Mrs. Weinstock, Mrs.
Jennie Marks, Mrs. Lesem, Mrs. Rosenfield, Mrs. Herman Wolf and the present
incumbent, Mrs. Ancker. The Auxiliary is looking forward to another year
of renewed activity and greater usefulness.