~—Jr NEBRASKA LT/.11: Hi:7:or;lCAL SOCIL Lincoln, Nebraska
NOV 1 1963/
>. ill AT. U (I \nl.• vM.II—No.
Publication (Hflre, 101 N.i. 2'.-(li Oin.utin, NeUr.isk;i, I'liuni' :na-1.1i,ii
The following is Lhr- tribute delivered by Morris !• Jacobs, at the funeral .sn vic( for Di. Philip Slier on*""™ Friday, October 25. Mr. Jacobs is a longtime friend of the Slier family and a past president of the O m a h a Jewish Federation. (A World - Herald editorial, a tnb ute to Dr. Shcr, is reprinted on page 4.) M. Jacobs Thirteen years ago—almost to the day—I had the privilege of speaking for our community at a city-wide dinner honoring Dr. Philip Slier. It was his 7;")th birthday. As I related numerous of his hunu.iiitarian activities, his communal contributions, and c i v i c incidents in his life, he whispered to me—and not too softly—"You have the wrong man." His eyes twinkled. Even on that occasion he could not suppress his humor of which he had m n c h and which served him well at times. We gathered then —i:t years ago—to express to this outstanding gentleman the appreciation of a grateful community; to thank him for his limitless hours of public service; to thank him for his unselfish leadership and his personal sacrifices — all made so that all of us could lead happier, more contented, more fruitful lives. T o d a y , we are assembled here in the 'same building—in the very same room—to again pay tribute to this extraordinary individual: to give again expression of our gratitude to him for all that he has done for us; to bid fond farewell to him on his journey from us. But-
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Ion;; lon'j after he is gone from our midst, we will remember, and we will recall his good deeds, his words of wisdom, and his ingenuity and his inspiration which set a pattern that made of our city the ideal Jewish community of our country—-and furnished to the world some of its top Jewish leadership. Many men are honored by their fellow citizens lor their fine contributions in founding, expanding or carrying forward a single effort in which they iiave concentrated all of their energies, time and support. This is laudable. But, Dr. Slier had the power of concentration; he had the heart and the desire and the great Herculean mental might rind energy which enabled him to concentrate on numerous communal and civic activities— every one of them important— and—most important—in every one of them, he continued his interest and support year, after year, after year. To recount the civic works of our dear friend is to relate the history of Omaha Jewry since l!l():i when ho first took up residence in our city. 1 remember,-in my youth as a newsie, his interest in young people. I remember his keen interest in the old YMHA, the forerunner of our present Jewish Community Center of which lie v/as one of the i n s p i r e d f o u n d e r s . Even in his own struggling years, he took time out for important youth work. Later, as a newspaper reporter, I watched him week after week in the bitter cold of winter and in the hottest of our .summer, sitting through weekly sessions of our juvenile court. It was his inspirational leadership which helped bring about this exclusive court for youth-quite a
Center Activities for Everyone
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revolutionary idea at the time. The juvenile court judges constantly called on him for guidance. His heart and his thinking were always concentrated on children of misfortune; to those seemingly less able to adjust to the mandates of our society, and whose young minds frequently were filled with confusion . . . for them and with them lie toiled and counseled and persevered, As a result: Many good citizens in our midst today benefited in their youth from Dr. Sher's inspirational words of advice; his helping hand, his encouragement, and his guidance. Because of his intense interest in all of his fellowman, long, long before anyone ever heard the expression, "Bi-Racial Committee," Dr. Slier furnished annual money awards to the University of Omaha for th(; best student essays on the subject: '•Racial and Religious Mutual Respect." His first award was given in" liJ.'M — nearly thirty years ago. Just consider the vision and the depth of the man — encouraging our youth to think and write about mutual respect for race and religion— more than a quarter of a century ahead of'our time. Yes, his humanitarian activities were legion. He was one of the organizers of our Jewish Philanthropies and our original Jewish Welfare Federation. He served twice as president of the Federation and our Community Center, and has been continuously elected honorary president of our Federation for better than thirty years. Dr. Slier was the founder of the Free Loan Society which during its time proved of valuable assistance to persons who needed temporary financial assistance, f happened to be one
who k n o w a from experience, and appreciates to the fullest what this fine humanitarian activity has meant to persons who had no other place to go for such assistance and support! Also I recall vividly the time I spoke to a group concerning plans for launching a Jewish Home for the Aged in Omaha. We were considering a large home on West Dodge, which we planned to remodel. Dr. Slier heaped shame on us and told.us nothing but a new home — a h o m e that was scientifically laid out-—was good enough for our aged. He said we must furnish to our senior citizens a residence in which to live rather than a place in which to die. Simulated and inspired by him. we created this home of which we are all justly proud and we justly honored him by calling it the "Dr. Philip Slier Home for the Aged." Small in stature—never robust—yet Dr. Slier had energy and intellect of gigantic proportions. F r e q u e n 11 y, he overwhelmed us with his startling new ideas and irritated us with his i m p a t i e n c e because we didn't act quick enough, but he never looked back. He constantly moved forward with stimulating programming for a better community. Too numerous are his other contributions for me to relate. He was a scholar and an author; he was interested in p r i s o n work; he was a builder of hospitals; he was all that a good man should be. In 1945. when Dr. Slier was honored by our community on his 70th birthday, a testimonial scroll was presented to him. The w o r d s , beautifully and truly penned by Louis Lipp, summarize the greatness of the man to
whom v/e pay tribute today. The Dr. Slier testimonial scroll read: "To a faithful and fearless champion of all that is good; to a constructive and farsigiiicd leader; to a mini who lut»> made Jewish living a privilege and not a problem; to a scholar who dwells in the Tents of the Tornh; to a pliysisician whose warmth of heart and b r e a d t h of spirit has brought health and comfort to the .sick, to the poor, and to tin' needy. To one who in his life testifies that the noblest work of God is a good man." While we all know that this testimonial declaration is completely accurate, it is still wholly inadequate either to express our gratitude or to comprehend the scope and significance of his. endeavors. Posterity will view with pride the contributions of this gentle architect of humanity. They will know that he helped chart the course and guide the first steps of a unified Jewish community. They will be touched with its grandeur and their travel will be lighter and their life will be fuller because of his influence. For all, at some time, we must unfortunately say farewell. So, to you, dear Doctor, we say: Goodbye dear friend; goodbye outstanding humanitarian; goodbye fine c i t i z e n of sympathetic understanding and greatness of heart. Your fellow c i t i z e n s shall be profoundly grateful to you, always. Your deeds shall continue to set examples for all that follow in your footsteps. Your son David and your grandson Michaelhave been carrying forward and will continue to carry forward their heritage. God bless you and keep you.
Judith Beilin Is Israeli Diplomat At Bond Affair
Besi Silvers esf
Coach Reef K a n u s
For more information on the following activities call the Center Activities Office, 342-1.'JUG. the three session series is $3.00. ADULT PROGRAM Other classes now open for 'SEND ME NO FLOWERS' Judith Beilin, Israel diplomat registration are a c o u r s e in and Consul in New York since TRYOUTS, NOV. G-7 Tryouts for the 15 parts in the property management, a short 19G1, will appear at a reception popular comedy. "Send Me No course in photography, a real on behalf of the F l o w e r s , " will he conducted estate course, and swimming in- Omaha Commit eve tee for the State Wednesday and Thursday eve- struction plus a Wednesday evening, November 0 and 7, at the ning chess group and physical of Israel Bonds, J. Harry Kuhi Jewish Community Center, Al fitness and slimnaslio classes. * • * k o f s k y , chair DiMauro, Director of the Cenman, announced CHILDREN ter's Resident T h e a t r e , announced. The play will go into PHOTOGRAPHY AND The affair will rehearsal following the tryouts TROPICAL FISH CLUBS be Tuesday eve for production December 21 A photography club plus a ning, November and 22. tropical fish club meeting once 5, 8 p.m. at the The Resident Theatre, open each month for grade and jun- home of Mr. and to everyone will later stage the ior high students, will start Sun- Mrs. Al Mayer, musical "Three Penny Opera" day. November 10. 85 65 C e d a r Judith Beilin and will conclude the season Photography Club will be un- Street. with a production of the first der the direction of B. Gilbert Mrs. Beilin is one of Israel's •run comedy, "Oh, Dad, P o o r Aronoff, nationally recognized most beloved diplomats and culDad, Mama's Hung You In The instructor of modern photog- tural ambassadors, revered for Closet and I'm Feeling So Sad." raphy and photographic equip(Continued on Page 4) Those interested in staging, ment. costuming, makeup and publicTropical VU31UIIIUI£, lliOIVCUfJ *JIIU puuitv.irupiUill Fish F loll Club V*IUM will wtli be uc Chairmen Thank it ti are also l wel i d bby a ddirector it ity andd promotion wel- supervised off one come into the newly formed of the city's adult tropical fish Bazaar Donors tt theatrical group, DiMauro com-' clubs. Both groups are free. Admented. Chairmen for the Federation * * *. vance registration is urged. of Jewish Women's Clubs' booth PAINTING AND BRIDGE • * • at the Children's Memorial Hospital Bazaar (of last Monday), Registrations are still being CENTER DANCE BAND accepted for the Center afterCharles Herzon, director of wish to thank all those who gave noon classes in painting and the Band, is issuing a call for so generously of their money, bridge for women. A Tuesday youngsters between the ages of time and energy. evening class is offered to both 10 and 16 who play the piano In former years, donors were men and women in advanced or drums to come Sunday, No- thanked personally by mail, but Oil painting under the direction vember '3 at 3 p.m. to the Cen- to put the high cost of mailing, to better use by the Children's of Augustus Dunbier, local pro- ter, Room 25. Hospital, this wilt be the only fessional portrait artist, . , » . acknowledgment made by the AMATEUR RADIO FLOWER ARRANGING ' Boys and girls interested in Bazaar this year. Mrs. Arthur Goldstein, Mrs. . A t h r e e session afternoon learning amateur r a d i o and course in /lower;arranging and broadcasting over the Center's Morton A. Richards and Mrs. Corsage making under profes- special 70 watt amateur radio Alfred Sophir were in charge sional Instruction is also being station may participate in tha with Mrs, Hubert Sommer serving as advisor. openei for enrollment, Fee for (Continued on Page 4J :
SiiTiiml CI.iss l'f>stm;e I'aiii .Nllij;le C'i|>y ]0 O u t s »l Omnllp, NH,r. Annual Hale -I Dollars
Red McManus, Creighton University's baseball coach will be guest speaker at the Dad-Lad Day program, Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. file event will kick-off the Midget league basketball season at the Center. All youngsters from the fifth through the eighth grades are invited to attend with1 their fathers. Midget league practice sessions and team organizations are scheduled to begin on Sunday, November 10.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben D. Silver were designated as delegates of the Omaha Jewish Federation to the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, which is to be held on November (i through 10 at Hollywood, Florida, Arthur H. Goldstein, Federation president, announced. The Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds is a national association of all Jewish Federations, Community Councils, and Welfare Funds in the United States. Mr. Silver served as a member of the Omaha Jewish Federation Board for many years. He also served as Chairman of Dr. Simon Segal, Director of the Family Service division of the Federation for s e v e r a l the American Jewish Committee's Foreign Affairs Departterms. ' ment, will visit Mr. and Mrs. Silver have re- Omaha on Moncently returned from I s r a e l d a y, November where they observed present 4, Leo Eisenstatt, day conditions. They also had C h a i rman and the opportunity of visiting devel- Norman Halin, opment areas to which new im- Vice-Chairman of migrants are sent as well as the Omaha Unit economic problems. of the American Jewish Committee announced. Senate Ratifies Dr. Segal will Pact Between be p r i n c i p a l D r Sc speaker at a din- Sal U.S. and Israel ner meeting at the Blackstone Washington OTA)—The Sen- -Hotel, on Monday at 7 p.m. He ate gave final ratific • by a will discuss the situation of Jews unanimous vote to a Lion overseas and present an up to on extradition b e t . . the the minute- report on problems United States and Is. . The facing world Jewry. Or. Segal is responsible for treaty was signed at Washing(Continued on Page 4) ton on December 10, 1962.
Dr. Simon Segal Dinner Speaker, Amer. Jewish Com.