Newspapers / The Charlotte Jewish News … / Dec. 1, 1988, edition 1 / Page 6
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Page 6-THE NEWS-December, 1988 Charlotte Jewish Federation Federation Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Kick-Off of ’89 Campaign (L to R) Mike Minkin, exec, director CJF, Herman Blumenthal, Richard Klein. (L to R) Phil Joffe, Marty F. Stein, Maddie Joffe. Marvin Bienstock, past exec, director CJF, and Adrienne Rosenberg, director of Jewish Family Services. Hilda Kirsner (L) and Minnie Sutker, two of the honorees. Photos/Alan Goldberg By Joel Goldman By any standards, 1938 was a year of decisive change, both in the U.S. and abroad. Our country was beginning to see the end of the economic de pression that began in 1929. In Europe, Hitler became more aggressive in his ter ritorial demands. In 1938 the U.S. found itself a country that could no longer take comfort in the belief that what happens across the At lantic and Pacific affects only those living there. We were becoming an international entity. In Charlotte, the Jewish community of 1938 was also in transition. Prior to that momentous year, the Jews in Charlotte were a small loosely united group. Like the country as a whole, they were secure in the belief that their own future was promising. What was hap pening to the Jews in Ger many was mostly a German matter. Then, on Nov. 9, 1938, the event happened that was to shake our Jewish community to its very foundation. We were to become the unwilling witnesses to “Kristallnacht,” the beginning of overt emti- Semitism in Germany, culmi nating in the camps of Dachau, Treblinka, Auschwitz and others, where over six million Jews were to die, Char lotte, emd the world, in 1938 trembled. It was because of the events in ’38 that the Charlotte Jew ish Federation was born. A small group of Jews met that year to respond to both the changing conditions in the country and within their own community. To cause a more meaningful bonding of their mutual interests as Jews, they agreed to establish their own Federation chapter. In remembrance of that event, many of the 1988 Jews of Charlotte met in Gorelick Hall, Sunday evening, Oct. 30. Herman Blumenthal, chair man of the evening’s events, welcomed those attending the 50th anniversary celebration of the Federation’s founding. He invited the audience to reflect on both the past and future of the Federation. Mr. Blumenthal expressed the ap preciation of the entire organ ization to the Campaign chair persons and members of the Allocations Committee for their time and effort put forth in beginning the 1989 Cam paign. Mayor Pro Tem A1 Rousso addressed the audience and paid particular tribute to Representative Alex McMil lan for his support of the Federation. Rep. McMillan was in attendance with his wife Caroline. Rousso read let ters of tribute received from Gov. Jim Martin, Lt. Gov, Bob Jordan £uid Senator Terry Sanford, Federation President Bobbi Bernstein equated 1938 with the infamous Kristallnacht and emphasized that Kris tallnacht was the cohesive force that caused the Char lotte Jews to band together and form the Federation. Bob bi also evoked the memories of I.D. Blumenthal and Morris Speizman, who were giants within the community and were instrumental in creating the exceptional degree of tzedakah and dedication for which Charlotte is known, Richard A. Klein, 1989 Cam paign chairman, reiterated the spirit of tzedakah that origi nated with the founders of Federation, In the early days, Klein noted, there was a very basic method of ceunpaigning. Those involved in the ’38 cam paign simply went out and rang doorbeUs. Now, in 1988, we have the ability to conduct a highly professional cam paign. This will be particular ly important for ’89, Klein em phasized, inasmuch as the goal will be $1.4 million. Klein also recalled how, in 1982, the fire that destroyed the Jewish Community Center building where the Federation offices were located, also destroyed all the archives deal ing with early Federation his tory. Seventeen of the Federation founders (or their surviving family members) were honored at the anniversary. It was on behalf of this memorable group that Adolph “Sonny” Melasky addressed the audi ence. He mentioned that, in 1938, Charlotte was a small southern city with a small Jewish community. The Hebrew United Brotherhood was the sole organization representing Charlotte Jews, and annual dues were $18. The Hebrew Union Brother hood was to become the pre sent day Temple Israel, and it was joined in 1948 by Temple Beth El. Later, a third temple, Shalom, was formed and even tually merged with Temple Beth El. Sonny recalled how, also in 1948, the State of Israel was born, and this act awakened within the community an even further need to tighten bonds for the betterment of all Jews. Herman Blumenthal intro duced Marvin Bienstock, past executive director of the Char lotte Federation. Marvin ceune to Charlotte in 1975 after it was determined that the grow ing activities of the Federation necessitated creation of a pro fessional position. Through Bienstock, Federation growth was phenomenal. A young leadership program was in itiated, ensuring a continua tion of Federation and its goals in future generations. Groundwork was laid for Sha lom Park. Marvin recalled how, in the early '70s, the Amity Club was the focal point for Jews to meet. In 1975, the Amity Club donated a single room for the Federation to use. Later the shareholders donated their in terests in the Club to form the Jewish Community Center. The JCC also housed the Federa tion offices, including Jewish Social Services, until the building was destroyed by fire. The highlight of the evening was the recognition by Rich ard Klein of the founders of the Federation. The Federa tion planted a tree in Israel in honor of each of the 17 founders. The neunes in paren thesis are deceased; surviving family members as shown were honored: Herman Blumenthal, Eli Cohen, Dr, Jacob Freed- land, Katherine Goodman (Ar thur Goodman Sr.), Annie Gorelick (Israel Gorelick), See KICK-OFF next page Specializing in Handmade Diamond Rings and Wedding Bands Engraving Custom Jewelry Design Appraisals Bridesmaids Gifts Ushers Gifts Wedding Gifts Jewelry Repair Watch Repair Gifts Cards v-v (S i -W' JEWE LERS Wachovia Center 705 Providence Road 400 South Tryon Street Charlotte, North Carohna 28207 Charlotte, North Carolina 28285 Phone 332-1605 Phone 332-7508 Todd’s Flowers and Plants Serving Charlotte for almost 50 years Best Wishes For Happy Holidays We have a wide selection of green and blooming plants, wreaths, centerpiece ar rangements, fruit baskets, wine and gourmet food baskets and gifts for the holidays. We also offer world-wide wire service. SouthParfc Mall 364-S697 Eastland Mall 535-2505 Camwl Commons 542-8769 1800 E. 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The Charlotte Jewish News (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Dec. 1, 1988, edition 1
6
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