Family Album publication on the 40th anniversary of Temple Beth Sholom (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Temple Beth Sholom Anniversary Celebration TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM This is Your Life 1948-1988 April 23,1988 'ALEXIS PARK RESORT SCHEDULE of EVENTS 8:15pm- Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction 9:oo pm - Welcome - Herb Pastor Star Spangled Banner, Hatikvah - Cantor Simon Bergman Invocation - Rabbi Louis M. Lederman Dinner 9:45 pm - Gene Greenberg - Presentation of Crown of the Torah to Past Presidents 10:15 pm- Mr. Theodore Bifeel 11:00 pm - Live Auction Auctioneer: Eric Nelson Celebrity Auctioneer: Herb Kaufman 12:00 Midnight - Raffle of Automobile Benediction CELEBRITY GUEST OF HONOR THEODORE BIKEL Bom in Vienna, Bikel was thirteen when he and his parents left Austria for Palestine. Being fluent in Hebrew Yiddish and German, he intended to teach comparative linguistics, however, the theater beckoned, and in 1943, he joined the internationally famous Habimah Theater which he left a year later to help found the Israel Chamber Theatre. Among Bikel's best-known screen roles are "The Defiant Ones," "The African Queen," "The Little Kidnappers," "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," "My Fair Lady," "The Enemy Below," "I Want To Live," and "The Little Art? " His most personally satisfying performances include the southern sheriff in "The Defiant Ones," for which he received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor, "The Love of Four Colonels," and "Fiddler on the Roof." Bikel's Tevye, acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, was hailed by the Hollywood Reporter as "the most enchanting night of theater that has ever been awarded an audience." For many years a recording artist for Elektra Records, with sixteen albums on that label, his most recent recordings are "Silent No More," a collection of freedom songs of Soviet Jews based on tapes smuggled out of the USSR. "For The Young, an album for children, and "The Fifth Cup," a contemporary Seder. He is currently a Vice-President of the International Federation of Actors, and a Senior Vice-President of the American Jewish Congress. He has been on the board of Amnesty International and was appointed by President Carter in 1977 to serve a five year term on the National Council for the Arts. An American citizen since 1961. Theodore Bikel divides his time between California and Connecticut where he resides with his wife, Rita, and two sons. A Message From The Rabbi A Message From The Cantor A MUSICAL TRIBUTE TO TEMPLE BETH SHOLOM Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100 Eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart! Ecclesiastes 9 Gladness of the heart is the life of man, and his joyfulness lengthens his days. Ben Sira 30 He who lives happily does his Creator's will. Baal Shem Tov How does one serve the Lord with gladness? Our tradition speaks loudly and clearly about the se'udat mitzvah, the festive meal which accompanies the performance of certain mitzvot or commandments. Can there be a greater mitzvah than to serve God with gladness? A story is told in our tradition about one who completes the fulness of his years and goes to his eternal reward. God asks him: Did you take advantage of all the good things that I provided for you? If one answers yes, God is pleased. If one answers no, God then asks: Why not? From the foregoing we should conclude: To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the House of God known as Temple Beth Sholom of Las Vegas - is indeed a mitzvah. To have a se'udah, a festive meal accompanying the fulfillment of the mitzvah of celebration, is a most splended way for us to serve the Lord with gladness. It is our hope and prayer that we may all be blessed to eat our bread with enjoyment, and to drink our wine with a merry heart. May the gladness in our heart bless us with life and may our joyfulness lengthen our days. We who live happily do the will of our Creator. May we all serve the Lord with gladness this Saturday evening, April 23rd, as we perform the mitzvah of celebration and enjoy the se'udah, the festive meal, on this occasion. Amen. DR. LOUIS M. LEDERMAN, Rabbi In honor of our 40th Anniversary, I thought it would be nice to write a musical tribute to all of you. "Our Congregational Family." These words should be sung to the melody of "L'chayim" from Fiddler on the Roof. To Life To Life L'chayim L'chayim L'chayim to Life If we are lucky and things go well Our fate we can foretell. Drink L'chayim - To Life to Life L'chayim A toast for 40 years that have gone by We all worked hard with our heads held high- My how the time did fly Drink L'chayim to Life - We have worked together Thru all kinds of weather For Beth Sholom we hold so dear Now we've reached this special moment We're all here to celebrate our 40th year. To us and our good fortune For a healthy and happy long life, Here's to the years that are still to come May each be a successful one Drink L'chayim to Life - "Strengthen us oh Lord, With happiness and peace Oh hear tonight, my prayer." Amen With love and best wishes... Cantor Simon Bergman Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors 1987-88 Top Row - Standing Left to Right Ed Bernstein, Isabel Goldberg David Funk Stan Schwartz. Barry Eisen, Gene Greenberg, Dr. Gene Eisenman. Elaine Steinberg. Jared Shafer. Joseph Kadans. Al Schulman. Herb Pastor. Allen Brewster. Sitting Left to Right Cantor Simon Bergman. Herman Youngman. Etta Harmell, Adele Baratz. Beverly Eisen, J. J. Cowles. Rabbi Louis Lederman. Not Pictured: Oscar Alterwitz, Ben Mehr, Todd Marshall. Steven Molasky and Gerald M. Welt. LOUIS M. LEDERMAN Rabbi SIMON BERGMAN Cantor ISABEL J. GOLDBERG Executive Director LEO A. WILNER Executive Director Emeritus OFFICERS 1987-1988 GENE GREENBERG President HERB PASTOR First Vice President STANLEY SCHWARTZ Treasurer EDWARD M. BERNSTEIN Second Vice President ELAINE STEINBERG Secretary BOARD OSCAR ALTERWITZ ADELE BARATZ ALLEN BREWSTER JJ COWLES BARRY D. EISEN BEVERLY EISEN DR. EUGENE EISENMAN DAVID L. FUNK RUTH GOLDFARB OF DIRECTORS ETTA HARMELL JOSEPH KADANS TODD MARSHALL BENJAMIN MEHR STEVEN MOLASKY ALBERT SCHULMAN JARED E. SHAFER GERALD M. WELT HERMAN YOUNGMAN A Message From The Executive Director For forty years Temple Beth Sholom has been the center of Jewish life in Las Vegas. Dedicated to family education and tradition, it has helped to establish roots in a rapidly growing community. In the more than five years that I have had the pleasure of serving Temple Beth Sholom, I have seen growth in many directions. Our membership has increased, our Hebrew School growth is constant and its curriculum much improved. Our United Synagogue Youth program, nearly non-existent just a few short years ago, is now a stimulating and viable youth group. We have a most successful Adult Education program; one which has a capacity attendance each week. The choices of classes offer appeal to a varied group of individuals. The various committees of our synagogue are constantly striving to improve the quality of the many services we offer. It is most rewarding to work with a group of dedicated, concerned and dynamic people. I look forward to many years of sharing the joys and pleasures. Not only do we share this 40th Anniversary with the members of our congregational family, but with the State of Israel as well. May we both continue to grow "from strength to strength". . .Chayil L'Choil. I am both proud and honored to be the Executive Director of Nevada's oldest and largest Synagogue. Ira and I extend best wishes for continued growth and success and for peace for Jews everywhere. ISABEL J. GOLDBERG A Message From The President On September 21, 1948, Mike Gordon and Al Fox signed the Articles of Incorporation for the Jewish Community Center of Las Vegas, and Temple Beth Sholom became a reality. In the 40 years since incorporation Temple Beth Sholom has been the leader in the Jewish community of Nevada. Other Temples and synagogues have grown in Las Vegas over the years, and we've welcomed them to our expanding Jewish community. We have a strong Federation, and a Jewish Family Service, but through the years the synagogue that started in 1948 has been the one everyone looks to for leadership. We go into the next 40 years committed to continue that leadership role as the Jewish Community Center of Las Vegas. We've spent the last two years in a long-range planning study, focusing on the needs of our members and our community. When our study is complete, we hope to be in a position to make the right decisions. Our founding fathers, our past presidents, and our members have made us what we are today. Those of us that are now in leadership positions see a very bright future for Temple Beth Sholom. as we approach the year 2000. On behalf of my wife Melanie, and my children Sari, Elissa and Jaron, I would like to add how proud we are of the small part we've played in the growth of the Temple. GENE GREENBERG Temple Beth Sholom The Beginning Reprinted from VOL 1 - NO. 1 LAS VEGAS Generations come and go, but like the original forefathers of the Jewish Faith, who first kindled the light that has been burning brightly ever since, "Judaism will go on thru eternity." And like our ancestors, who first lit the flame in a desert country, so in a land - with similar scenery - (for parts of Nevada are still barren, dry, and uncultivated) and a band of dedicated pioneers carried the torch of their belief steadily and high and between their efforts and endeavors, today we have as living proof, the beautiful house of worship, Temple Beth Sholom. It started way back, let us estimate about 1931, when people like Sally and Mike Gordon, with others like A.J. Schur, Bill Mendelsohn, Harry Summit, the Friedmans, the Macks, (approximately 25 persons), used to gather in the back of a store, to pray and teach the light of Judaism and Torah to their children and generations that followed. After many set-backs, when the "Sons and Daughters of Israel", as they called themselves had even disbanded, in 1943, the B'nai B'rith formed a chapter and started to work for a definite House of Worship. Funds were raised through the usual channels, bazaars, rummage sales and whatever legitimate ways any organization can authorize. In the years 43-44, the High Holidays services were held in the Rectory of the Catholic Church at 2nd and Bridger, and in 1945, in the old Elks building, where was raised the initial funds to start what is now known as The Jewish Community Centre. Many persons responsible for this are, and always will be, familiar figures in our city. They are - Dr. Coblentz, Murray Wollman, Harry, Nate and Louis Mack, Lewis Abrahams, Harry Levy, Mark Shulman, Al Salton, Sam and David Stearns, Ira and Les Schway, Al Goot, and those already mentioned earlier. There must be many more. Nevertheless, this courageous band of men, and their women, started the beginning of a dream, that was to be built on a plot located at 13th and Carson streets. On September 22, 1946, the Temple became a reality. Witnessed by representation of every denomination in the city, and with many officials along with members of the Jewish faith. Rabbi Max Kurt dedicated the Jewish Community Centre. Now began the regular routine of administrating, working and growing, and at the helm was the first Temple President, the late A.J. Schur. But even in those days, as now, there was not enough room. Services were held in the Huntridge Theatre. Growth was imminent, for which we can Thank God. and during the term of Jake Kozloff, plans were started for a larger House of the Lord. These plans were completed during the term of one of our well known members of today, Harry Levy. Architect Ira Marshak drew up the plans and supervised the construction of the Temple on the lot on which it stands today. It wasn't easy. Among other setbacks money ran out. Private donations from $1,000 were given by separate individuals. The groundbreaking eventually took place in 1956, and the dedication in 1958. Today, as then, ten strip hotels and the Fremont Hotel, underwrote the balance, which through the Gin Rummy Tournament, held annually in Las Vegas, and sponsored by the same hotels, pays part of the diminishing mortgage. To the original building, much has been added. One of the most popular is the Pre-school. Originally it was housed inside the old building, today it has it's own facilities, with a waiting list from one term to the other. The Danny Kolod Youth Centre, dedicated by Ruby and Esther Kolod in memory of their son, is a haven for all the Junior groups. Then came the tennis courts and softball courts and better custodian quarters (the original being small cramped space in the back of the grounds.) To this original band of true pioneers, our humble and heartfelt thanks. May we, the Jewish Community, under the guidance and tempering of our Rabbi and Cantor, continue to grow from strength to strength, in the ways of the Lord and His Torah, in the beautiful House of Worship, dedicated to His way of Life, Temple Beth Sholom. Since this beautiful article was written, Temple Beth Sholom has indeed grown and flourished beyond the dreams of those early pioneers. We now have such programs as: MOMMY & ME, ages of 18 to 30 months. PRE-SCHOOL, ages three to five years old. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL, classes available from kindergarten to seventh grade. SECONDARY LEVEL, Hebrew High School program. YOUTH ACTIVITIES, fourth through sixth graders Kadima program, seventh through twelfth graders USY. ADULT EDUCATION, classes in Hebrew, Bible, History, Literature, Traditions, Customs and Ceremonies. SUMMER PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN, Kinder Kamp and Camp Sholom. YOUTH LOUNGE. ENTRATTER SOCIAL HALL, LIBRARY, MEMORIAL PARK, MEMORIAL TABLET AND YARZHEIT SISTERHOOD, MEN'S CLUB, BETH SHOLOM SENIORS and BETH SHOLOM SINGLES. Temple Beth Sholom has been, and continually strives to be, all things to all people Yesteryears: EXCERPTS FROM TEMPLE MINUTES OF YESTERYEARS... or everything you always wanted to know about your Temple but were afraid to ask. September 8, 1952 "Louis Mack and Hank Greenspun were appointed to telephone people prior to the High Holidays, relative to buying aleyas." March 13, 1953 "Charles Saltan, Harry Levy and Dave Eisenberg volunteered to sell tickets to the seder at their respective business places." January 29, 1954 "Lloyd Katz suggested in the future. . .only Rabbis available for employment be invited to conduct Friday night services." February 14, 1955 "David Goldwater asked that President Lloyd Katz send a letter notifying Max Goot of his absence of three consecutive meetings." Yesteryears: September 9, 1956 "New slate of officers: President - David Zenoff 1st Vice President - Melvin Moss 2nd Vice President - Louis Mack Secretary-Treasurer - Morris Engel Treasurer-Morris King January 7, 1957 "Merv Adelson reported on the progress of the Gin Rummy Tournament. The dinner to be held by Moe Dalitz for big gifts should be postponed till after the Tournament." September 8, 1958 "Jack Entratter moved and David Zenojf seconded that no non-kosher food be permitted into the kitchen. Motion carried." January 12, 1959 "Jerry Mack was appointed to take care of the financial followup of the bookkeeping work." Yesteryears: September 12, i960 "Art Lurie reported that the service man who inspected the air-conditioner unit found the difficulty due to neglect." April 10, 1961 "Max Goot announced that the original Temple on Carson Street has been sold to the Greek Orthodox Church for $77,500." February 12, 1962 "Dan Goldfarb reported "Make A Million" play to be ?given by Sisterhood and Men's Club on March 17 at the Flamingo. Tickets are $2.50 each." August 5, 1963 "living Fields reports seats for the High Holidays will be on first come first serve seating basis." December 9, 1964 "Arlene Hepler reported that the Gift Shop is open on a regular basis, thanks to the efforts of Bea David. Sara Saltzman. and Rose Mack." July 12, 1965 "Irwin Molasky moved and Art Marshall seconded that Brookman Construction be awarded the bid to build additional classrooms." October 3, 1966 "Jerry Engel presented the report of the Board of Education Committee Religious School, enrollment is now 294, up from 265 for last year." July 10, 1967 "Irwin Kishner stated that USY will sponsor a swim-dance party August 5. Madelyne Posin offered her home for the event." Yesteryears: April l, 1968 "Jack Entratter reported that the mortgage on the Temple is ready to be paid off." March 3, 1969 "Mike Katz. President of Men's Club, reported on the success of their recent Gin Rummy Tournament, held on February 23. Their treasury was enriched by approximately $400." July 13, 1970 "President Mel Exber called a special meeting of the Board to discuss the feasibility of the Cantor acting as the principal of the Hebrew School for the ensuing year." Julys, 1971 "Art Marshall wrote from London he had seen the Torahs rescued from the European Holocaust and that he would make his report to the Board at the next meeting." May l, 1972 "Theodore Bikel will entertain at the May Ball Dinner at the Dunes Hotel. May 25. 1972." May 7, 1973 "Abe and Sara Saltzman will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this Friday evening at services." March //, 1975 "Neil Beller, President of Men's Club, reported that approximately 300 people attended the Men's Club Family Brunch and Movie this past Sunday afternoon." August 5, 1974 "Edythe Katz writes re: The American Israel Public Affairs Comm. would like names of people who can contact Senator Bible and seek favorable action for Israel on said committee" Yesteryears: September 13, 1976 "Herb Kaufman reported that the "Night with the Astronauts" has been postponed from the original date but working on two major fundraisers, a "Night with the Astronauts" in June 1977. and an evening honoring Totie Fields, possibly in February. 1977." March 14, 1977 "Marc Voge Day Camp Comm. Chairman, reported that day camp will be held again this year." June 26. 1978 "OLD BUSINESS: Regarding the property of the Temple located in the Valley. Mr. Goldfarb reported that Mark Fine had informed him that the offer to purchase the land had been withdrawn. It seemed to be the feeling of the board that the land will be more valuable in a few years." January 4, 1979 "The board was reminded that our Executive Director, Leo Wilner, was going to celebrate his "Bar Mitzvah", 13 years of service to the Temple tomorrow evening at services." MOmr t Smarts k April 14, 1980 "Jerry Shafer, Chairman Pre-School Board, said Pre-School was expanding again, and hours would be extended during the summer months. Pre-School now has 114 youngsters." May 20, 1981 "One of the nicest things which ever took place in our temple occurred a short time ago when 12 adult women each celebrated a Bat Mitzvah." April 5, 1982 "Harry Hornberg. Vice President of Seniors, reported that the group now has 180 dues-paying members. 17 are over 80 years of age and do not pay dues." February 7, 1983 "Mrs. Sabbath reported that the kitchen has been washed and scrubbed and the silverware re-koshered. Mr. Shafer thanked Sisterhood for getting in the kitchen and putting it in order. Kitchen regulations will be printed and given out to groups that use it." Yesteryears: January 9, 1984 "Mr. Shafer said the ceiling is not going to fall down. However, it can be repaired; the cost would be $640 to replace part of the ceiling, $3300 to replace the whole area, and $1600 to paint. It was agreed to leave the ceiling as it is for now." May 6, 1985 "Allen Brewster stated that the chairs on the bimah have been recovered and work on the roof will begin this week. Next project will be the cement walk into the parking lot." April 7, 1986 "Gerald Welt stated that the Youth Group had their first Israeli Dance and it was very successful. We have hired Susan Weinstein as the New Youth Director." April 6, 1987 "A letter was received from United Synagogue of America informing us that the "Wall of Creation" on our Bema will be included in the New United Synagogue Calendar for 1988. Only 14 photographs were selected out of over 300 entries in the contest. It was created by our member, Rita Abbey." February l, 1988 "Herb Pastor said the gala is scheduled for April 23rd at Alexis Park. Theodore Bikel has been asked to entertain." A SALUTE TO PAST PRESIDENTS Abraham I. Schur Date Unknown Was born in Cleveland, Ohio, October 15, 1882. His wife was Pauline and they had two daughters, Mrs. Mike Gordon and Mrs. Irving Samuels. Abraham moved to Las Vegas in 1928. He was an attorney, active in the Democratic Party of Clark County, and was the first Justice of the Peace of Nelson County (Boulder City). This early pioneer helped organize "Sons and Daughters of Israel" in 1931. He was the first president of Las Vegas Jewish Community Center, now known as Temple Beth Sholom. President Schur's favorite project as president of "Sons and Daughters of Israel" was to help Jewish families relocate in Las Vegas and help travelers reach their destinations by raising funds for gas, bus or train tickets for them. Nate Mack 1945-1949 Nate Mack was born in Austria, January 27, 1891. He arrived in Las Vegas in 1929 to "stake his claim." Before long he was deeply involved in city affairs. First with an auto supply tow truck in Boulder City President Mack was a pioneer in the development of the Jewish Community in Las Vegas. The first services were held in his home and he was the driving force in causing Jewish leaders to join together to build the first temple at 13th and Carson Streets. He was the President of the Las Vegas Jewish Community Center for 13 years. As State Chairman of the UJA, his dream to visit Israel was realized in 1949 when he was sent there on fund-raising business as a delegate from the Western area of the United States. Nate Mack and his wife, Jennie, had one son. Jerome. This beloved businessman, pioneer-land developer and father often told people who asked his age - "Just consider me as old as Las Vegas." The first Chairman of the Board of the Bank of Las Vegas, now Valley Bank, died in 1965, but the "Legend" lives on and we are the beneficiaries of the wonderful mind and the wonderful manner of this pioneer Las Vegan. Mike Gordon 1949-1951 Bom in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, President Gordon was the youngest of eight children. He moved to Las Vegas with his wife, Sallie in 1932, feeling that Las Vegas had something to offer because of the building of Hoover Dam. Their daughter, Roberta, is believed to be the first Jewish child born in Las Vegas; they have three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. During the early 30s President Gordon was Civil Deputy Constable, under Joe May, in the Credit Department of the Las Vegas Hospital. He was appointed the first Old Age Administrator for Clark and Lincoln Counties for the State of Nevada: the oldest G.P. of the Eagles Lodge (FOE 1213); past President of the Young Democrats of Las Vegas: member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Las Vegas B'nai B'rith Lodge; past President of the "49er" Lions Club, and the oldest living past President of the Las Vegas Jewish Community Centre, now known as Temple Beth Sholom, serving from 1949-1951. President Gordon remembers at the time he arrived, ". . there were approximately twenty Jewish families in Las Vegas that had no place of worship. They had formed a Jewish organization, the Son's and Daughter's of Israel, which was one way of our people showing the community of Las Vegas that there were active Jews in their midst." In the middle 30s. a ladies group was formed, called the Ladies Hebrew Circle, which was in existence until the forming of the B'nai B'rith Lodge and Auxiliary in 1943. "Our greatest accomplishment during the 40s was our service men who arrived at the Las Vegas Gunnery School, now Nellis Air Force Base, in 1943. We went to the Base every Friday night for services, conducted by a Lutheran Chaplin, and took sandwiches and soft drinks for a social hour with our boys. We held High Holiday Services, Passover dinners, and other Holiday celebrations as long as we had Jewish servicemen." Jacob Kozloff 1951-1953 Bom in Russia, he moved to Redding, Pennsylvania in 1905, and came to Las Vegas with his family during the 1940 s. He oversaw the operations of the old Thunderbird Hotel, the Frontier Hotel and the Golden Nugget. President Kozloff was involved in many civic organizations in Las Vegas during the 1940s and 1950s. He was active in Israel Bonds, and most other Jewish organizations of that time. It has been stated, "If there was an organization around, civic or Jewish, Jake Kozloff was involved in it." He started the first Kindergarten School at the old Synagogue on Third Street and Carson, the first Nursery School on the West Side, and the first school for crippled children, with his wife Fern's help in teaching. President Kozloff served as President of Temple Beth Sholom from 1951-1953. He is survived by his wife, Fern, and three sons; Theodore, corporate lawyer for Citibank; Charles, a Computer Programer and TV Emmy Awards winner for writing; and Bert, Financial Banking. Harry C. Levy 1953-1954 Born in Rochester, New York, September 12, 1910, arrived in Las Vegas in May, 1943, as a supermarket operator. Mr. Levy has two children, Al Levy and Elaine Turk, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. In February, 1988, he married Bebe Wolf. During his term as President, the staff consisted of "one part-time unpaid secretary-bookkeeper." It was during his presidency that the first appeal started for funds to build the present Temple. "Las Vegas has afforded me the greatest lifestyle anyone could ever wish for. I have watched the Jewish Community grow from a mere handful to the wonderful, vibrant community of today's thousands of Jewish citizens." President Levy was on the Board of Directors of such businesses as Nevada Savings and Loan Association, Nevada State Bank, Nevada National Bank, Title Insurance Co., and Transwestern Life Insurance Company. Some of his multitude of civic affiliations are the State Democratic Party, United Fund, N.C.C.J., City Commissioner, Clark County Juvenile Boards, State Tax Commissioner, President of B'nai B'rith, Housing Authority, Elks Lodge, Mason, Shriner, Catholic Welfare Board of Directors, YMCA Board of Directors, City of Hope, N.A.A.C.P., and Clark County Grand Jury. His many awards include Variety Club Humanitarian Heart, City of Hope - Man of the Year, Anti-Defamation League Man of the Year, Jewish War Veterans Community Service Award, B'nai B'rith Man of the Year, March of Dimes Man of the Year, and Civilian Military Award. Lloyd Katz 1954-1955 Lloyd was born in the Bronx, New York, and spent his youth in Brooklyn. He moved to Las Vegas in October, 1951 with his family, and joined Temple Beth Sholom shortly thereafter. He was active in Jewish community affairs, as well as secular and political activities until his death. Among his many affiliations, he was a Charter Member of the present B'nai B'rith, recipient of B'nai B'rith Community Service Award 1965, Chairman of Las Vegas American Jewish Committee, Committee Chairman for Israel Bonds; State Chairman of National Association of Theatre Owners, first Finance Chairman for League of Women Voters, and advisor for FOCUS Youth Services. President Katz headed the Board of Education for Temple Beth Sholom for 13 years. For two years he made it possible for the entire Jewish community to attend High Holy Day services, by donating the facilities of the Huntridge Theatre for that purpose. He also helped found the Temple Men's Club. President Katz served as Temple Beth Sholom President from 1954-1955, during which time plans for the present Temple building were finalized. President Katz loved the challenges of a growing Las Vegas. Edythe Katz states: "Being a part of Temple Beth Sholom, and the Jewish Federation was like blood in his veins." He was well versed in Jewish education, and loved imparting knowledge to others, exchanging philosophies with his contemporaries, and members of other religious persuasions. "Lloyd tried to give back to his religion, and his community what he felt he had received." President Katz is survived by his wife Edythe, and sons Jeffrey and Barry. Albert Goot 1955-1956 Born in April 18, 1906, in Chicago, Illinois. He and his wife, Etta, had one daughter, Regina Vaughan and four grandchildren. They moved to Las Vegas in 1941, and opened Food Center Market on 8th and Fremont, Park Market on North 5th and a furniture store on North Main. Mr. Goot was a member of the Elks, a 33rd Degree Mason, Shriner, and his favorite charity was the UJA. He was also an Honorary President of Nate Mack B'nai B'rith Lodge No. 2825. 1956-1957 JUSTICE DAVID ZENOFF Born in Amherst. Wisconsin, he moved to Las Vegas in the fall of 1946, with his wife Beverly, and first daughter Terrie. Two more children, Lisa and David Jr., joined the family while in Las Vegas. President Zenoff is Senior Justice of the Nevada Supreme Court, and presently Consultant to various corporate entities in Nevada and Southern California. His extensive public service leaves a memorable mark on our community. Former Chief Justice David Zenoff has been a member of the Supreme Court of Nevada since May, 1965, and prior to that was a District Court Judge in Las Vegas since December, 1958. While on the trial court bench, part of his duties included those of the Juvenile Court. In that capacity he instituted a youth camp project, Spring Mountain Youth Camp, for the commitment of boys between the ages of 13 and 18, who were adjudicated in their early delinquency states; he was chairman of Governor Paul Laxalt's special commission on juvenile concerns; he was a member of the National Council of Juvenile Court Judges Foundation, and has published several newspapers and legal articles on the subject of juveniles and their problems. Some of the long line of awards and services he has been involved with are: B'nai B'rith Community Service Award 1960; United Jewish Appeal Service Award 1965; Past President. National Conference of Christians and Jews, Las Vegas Council of Juvenile Court Judges; member Civil Rights Committee, Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith; member Northern Nevada Board of Directors, and National Conference on Christians and Jews 1974. He has also lectured extensively at several National law schools. Ground breaking for Temple Beth Sholom took place during his presidency. 1956-1957. He states; "We were always struggling, but there was always good companionship." Justice David Zenoff Melvin S. Moss 1957-1959 Bom in Detroit, Michigan, he first came to Las Vegas in 1942 while in the military. He was assigned to the then Las Vegas Army Gunnery School. The population of Las Vegas at that time, he recalls, was about 8,000. He returned to Las Vegas in 1954 with his wife Corrine, and their 2 small daughters, to make this their home. Currently, President Moss is retired, but still active in investments. He has served on the Board of Directors of the Four Queens Hotel, and the Bank of Nevada. He is a member of the Mason Day Lite Lodge #44, the Zelzah Temple, and the Las Vegas Elks Lodge #1468. He notes that "he and David Zenoff were the first lews ever taken into the Las Vegas Elks Lodge." He has been diligent in service to the community, serving as President of Temple Beth Sholom from 1957-1959. It was during his term of presidency that the present Temple building was completed. He states it was financed through the efforts of a dedicated group of members who induced eight Strip Hotels to guarantee a loan of $200,000 to the Temple; thus started the Las Vegas Gin Rummy Tournament. The Tournament made enough money each year to pay the principal and interest charges on the loan. Additionally, President Moss states that some of the most meaningful awards and activities he has been involved in are: the Community Service Award in 1959 from B'nai B'rith Lodge, the Certificate of Recognition from NCCJ in i960, the Plaque of Appreciation from the Home of the Good Sheppard, his Presidency at Temple Beth Sholom, and his current association as Leadership Member of the Boy Scouts of America. Jack Entratter 1959-1963 1966-1967 Was born in New York, February 28, 1914. His wife was Dorothy and they had two daughters, Caryl Palin and Michele Wolkoff, and five grandchildren. Our tenth President was President of the Sands Hotel, 1953 to 1971.