San Diego, CA (special) -- Sunday, Oct. 21, 2001 -- Congregation Beth Israel opened a Time  Capsule set into the earth over 40 years ago.  

It was on the occasion of the dedication of the Day School, that a collection of memorabilia  was inserted in a long silver tube to be opened at the millennium.  

Rabbi Ben Kamin assisted by Rabbi Sheila Goloboy and Cantor Arlene 
Bernstein officiated over the service, which preceded the unveiling 
of the capsule contents.  

Rabbi Kamin spoke of the 'ruach' (spirit) of the congregation, which he called a "family of families."

Speaking in behalf of the women of the congregation was Connie 
Unger.   Sydney Wexler, the men's spokesperson, underscored the 
connection of our common past and admonished, "Let us not be the 
weakest link."   

A heart-filled description of the life events of 
four generations of Levinsons was an example of the continuity.   

Fred Weitzen called for the several past presidents to stand and be 
noticed.

Very few in the sanctuary's seats were even a gleam in their parents' 
eyes when the Time Capsule was sealed in March 1961. 

On this festive occasion, most were children of the Day School. The Kindergarten 
singers performed with Cantor Bernstein. What might these young 
people know or think of current world happenings?   

The audience, 40 years ago, had been exposed to different events.  Walter 
Cronkite had described the "60s (being) undoubtedly the most 
turbulent years of the Century."  

The Russians had shot down a U.S. spy plane; John Kennedy was elected President and Chubby Checkers had introduced the Twist.  

Some comfort may be gathered from knowing that our country, Judaism and Congregation Beth Israel has seen difficult times before and has survived and grown.

The honor of opening the Time Capsule was that of the longest living 
past president, Al Brooks.  He had been instrumental, as President, 
in the establishment of the Day School.   

Among the sealed contents was a photograph of the then leaders of the Congregation.  The brochure of the Temple Sisterhood was also inside.  Joan Jacobs, who had been sisterhood president, was on the honor stage next to Al 
Brooks.  

Other celebrities who were available to participate were Dr. 
Robert Epston (his mother helped seal the capsule and he had been 
religious committee chairman) and Andy Plant representing Sol Stryker 
(a contemporaneous board member).

Among the display of items removed from the capsule were several 
Award-winning essays written by children of the congregation; a copy 
of the Hebrew Union Prayer book; a listing of congregational members 
and assorted other writings relating to the congregation in that 
period.  

For those old enough to remember, it was sweet nostalgia, 
which was then followed by a bagel nosh.  

As expressed by Mrs. Levenson who spoke of the many life events, which she and her family shared through four generations at Third and Laurel, it was sad to be 
leaving.  

Rabbi Kamin beamed evident pride and hope for an even more 
glorious future in the congregation's new location in the University Towne Center area.