Paul Schwartz AZA
From Wikibbyo
The Paul Schwartz chapter, AZA in Columbia, S. C. was chartered Dec. 27, 1936, the 13th year of the formation of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization.
The charter members, those who belonged to the chapter when it was organized, include: Dave Baker, Lee Baker, Abram Berry, Edwin Caplan, Raymond Finkelstein, Stanley Fisher, George Gottlieb, Henry Levkoff, Melvin Levkoff, Sylvan Meyer, Fred Ravdin, Irving Stebbins, Henry Stern and Joseph Winter.
Our charter is signed by Sam Beber, the founder of AZA and Julius Bisno, executive secretary of the Supreme Advisory Council, the governing body of AZA.
Our chapter is named in honor of Paul Schwartz, a member of the Army Air Force during World War II. His plan was shot down while on a bombing mission over Germany Nov. 4, 1945. He was 21 years old.
AZA members who, as adults, became the leaders of the community held offices during the formative years of the chapter. They included: Harold Kline, Aleph Godol; Harvey Golden, Aleph S’gan; Marshall Katz, Aleph Mazkir; Alvin Levine, Aleph Gizbor; Charles Reyner, Aleph Shotare Godol; Sol Kline, Aleph Shotare Katone; Barnett Goldberg, Aleph Kohen Godol; Melton Kligman, Aleph Sopher; Manuel Lifchez, B’nai B’rith Coordinator. Sweetheart was Helen Ravdin.
A few years later, Dave Baker became Aleph Godol; Joseph Winter was elected Aleph S’gan; Henry Stern was Aleph Mazkir; Isadore Bernstein became Aleph Gizbor; Mitchell Weiner was Aleph Shotare Godol; Ralph Friedman was Aleph Shotare Katone; Joe Ravdin was Aleph Sopher; Lee Baker was Aleph Kohen Godol and Jacob Freed was Advisor.
Some of the chapter’s sweethearts were Jane Rubin, Esther Lifchez, Annette Berry, Kathline Walberg, Joan Cremer, Susan Stein, Barbara Bank, Jane (Rubin) Nathan, Paula (Gross) Vernon; Rita (Berry) Mellichamp; Ruby (Ravdin) Harris; Bonnie (Glass) Foster; Hillary Bernstein; Debbie Niestat; Kim Ginsberg; Melinda Milman; Cara Bedford; Robin Drucker; Sarah Greenberg; Leila Nadel; Katie Drucker; Emily Sonenshine; Gabrielle (Gabi) Maris; Laura Golson, and our current sweetheart, Robin Goldberg.
On April 4, 1987 the chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala at the Marriott Hotel in Columbia. Master of Ceremonies was Aleph Godol, Kevin Marks. The keynote address was given by Dr. Leon Ginsberg, AZA Grand Aleph Godol, 1955-56. Seventy-four past AZA members and spouses attended. Among those honored were past Aleph Godolim, advisors and sweethearts.
