(Jewish Daily Bulletin)
A decision to organize a Kehillah to represent the Jewish population in Los Angeles on the basis of a broad, democratic platform, was taken at a mass meeting held here.
A provisional committee was elected for a term of six months charged with the task of preparing a constitution for the organization. One hundred and sixty three delegates representing 21 congregations, 5 Zionist societies, 6 charitable institutions, 5 business men’s associations, 4 social organizations and 5 newspapers were present at the meeting which was presided over by M. I. Grossman.
This move, which was opposed by certain elements in the Los Angeles Jewish community, is the third attempt made here to organize what is termed a Kehillah. The first attempt was made nine years ago; the second four years ago. And agitation for the organization of the Kehillah as the spokesman of the Jewish population was carried on by a number of leading Los Angeles Zionists and was sponsored vigorously by the “California Jewish Review”. During the campaign which preceded the holding of the mass meeting, it was frequently charged that the Federation of Jewish Welfare societies of Los Angeles was opposed to the plan.
The provisional committee elected at the mass meeting consists of Dr. George I. Sayling, president, Dr. L. G. Reynolds, J. A. Rosencrantz, Moses Tanenbaum, Aaron Shapiro, Mrs. A. Melinkoff, vice-president, and A. Fisch, treasurer.
The fight around the Kehillah issue which divided many groups also had its repercussions in the Zionist group which as a whole appeared to be the sponsor of the movement. Because of these differences, difficulties developed in the organization of this year’s United Palestine Appeal in Los Angeles. Here the fight was on as to whether the United Jewish Appeal embraced the Palestine cause, the European relief and local funds. To straighten out these difficulties and to pave the way for the organization of the United Palestine Appeal, the Los Angeles Zionists appealed to Louis Liusky, president of teh Zionist Organization of America, to come here to restore harmony. He is on his way here now.
The controversy which developed here was precipitated by the differences of opinion which arose in the Jewish community over the issue of Cecil de Mille’s production, “King of Kings”, which has agitated the leaders of the various groups here for the last few months.
The 65th annual convention of the Independent Order of B’nai Brith District No. 4 has been set for June 24-26 at the Davenport Hotel, Spokane, Wash. District No. 4 comprises the Pacific States.
The present officers of the district grand lodge are Zach Swett, Portland, president: Rabbi Edgar F. Magnin, Los Angeles, first vice-president; George M. Lipman, Los Angeles, second vice-president: Joseph L. Goldsmith, San Francisco, treasurer and Rich E. Gutstadt, San Francisco, secretary.
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