June 1, 1917
Sept. 7, 1906
From editorial, “The Seating of Congregations”
In the American Israelite of August 30, Mr. Harris Weinstock of Sacramento contributes a sentiment regarding the seating of visitors in the Synagogues on the holidays. In a previous issue, which we have not seen, a Mr. Albert Goldie of Melbourne, Australia, complains that he was refused admission to one of the Synagogues of San Francisco. Mr. Weinstock, in comment, makes the statement that on a certain Day of Atonement, when visiting New York City, he was refused admission to several Reform Synagogues, but was courteously received in one of the downtown institutions of the orthodox denomination. We regret not having seen Mr. Goldie’s communication, but we might have expected our friend, Mr. Weinstock, to contribute just a word of defense on behalf of San Francisco. At first glance it looks queer that anyone should be refused admission to a house of worship, but when that question of admission is somewhat analyzed a few facts become patent… For one thing, before the recent [earthquake] the seating capacity of the Synagogues of San Francisco did not exceed five thousand, about 1,200 members, while the [Jewish] population was fully 25,000… Now these twelve hundred members bear the financial burden of the congregations, whilst the rest of the Jewish community contributes very little, if anything, to their maintenance. Yet this eighty percent of the Jewish community, having some qualms of conscience on two days in the year, indulges the sophistry that a place of worship must be open to all comers…Personally we are much in favor of admitting the stranger within our doors, even at the risk of inconvenience, but the administration of the Synagogue has at times another point of view, and it deserves to be considered.
Sept. 19, 1958
From “Paul Muni aids Judea Building Fund”
Paul Muni, celebrated actor of stage and screen who appeared at the Curran Theater in the new musical “At the Grand,” made one of his rare off-stage appearances recently to urge support of the building fund of Congregation Judea. Congregation Judea is preparing to begin construction on its new temple on Brotherhood Way. Mrs. Muni, nationally known for her efforts on behalf of cultural and humanitarian causes, also spoke. Benjamin Swig, honorary chairman of the campaign, encouraged sacrificial giving to speed the completion of the sanctuary.
From “Sabbath Services at Chevra Thilm”
Services by Congregation Chevra Thilm for the Sabbath of Pentinence will start at 8:45 a.m. Saturday. In place of the usual Sabbath morning sermon, Rabbi Stanley Wexler will deliver the traditional discourse on Jewish Law at 6 p.m. This special sermon will be delivered in Yiddish and the entire community is invited.
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