FOUNDERS HAD FUN
Carole Cronig Abrahams
Consultant: Helen Issokson
In addition to the fun of picnics, parties, and feasts, Hebrew Center members put on a show in 1952. Ralph Levinson had seen a mock wedding performed in drag at an off-island synagogue and the idea took off here. Helen Issokson, who was the official photographer, remembers that they had a wonderful time planning it, saying “We had more fun planning it than doing it!”
They laughed their way through many meetings as they came up with suggestions. The show paired a short groom with a husky, tall, pregnant bride and included creative costumes. Bernie Issokson, the bride, had “ugly and gross” teeth over his own teeth and wore Helen’s maternity dress. He had made the false teeth himself when he was stationed in a building with an eye and dental clinic during World War II. The rabbi, Jack Levett, wore a formal suit borrowed from the undertaker next to Brickman’s store. The ring-bearer, Yudal Brickman, wore bright chartreuse socks and carried a bagel on a pillow. They all proceeded to the chuppah along a "white carpet" of toilet paper.
Carole Cronig Abrahams
Consultant: Helen Issokson
In addition to the fun of picnics, parties, and feasts, Hebrew Center members put on a show in 1952. Ralph Levinson had seen a mock wedding performed in drag at an off-island synagogue and the idea took off here. Helen Issokson, who was the official photographer, remembers that they had a wonderful time planning it, saying “We had more fun planning it than doing it!”
They laughed their way through many meetings as they came up with suggestions. The show paired a short groom with a husky, tall, pregnant bride and included creative costumes. Bernie Issokson, the bride, had “ugly and gross” teeth over his own teeth and wore Helen’s maternity dress. He had made the false teeth himself when he was stationed in a building with an eye and dental clinic during World War II. The rabbi, Jack Levett, wore a formal suit borrowed from the undertaker next to Brickman’s store. The ring-bearer, Yudal Brickman, wore bright chartreuse socks and carried a bagel on a pillow. They all proceeded to the chuppah along a "white carpet" of toilet paper.
The Wedding of Shandel Runda Schmerel de Longa at M.V. Hebrew Centre May 18, 1952
Cast:
Bride Bernie Issokson
Groom David Cronig
Ring-bearer Yudal Brickman
Flower Girl Ed Cronig
Rabbi Jack Levett
Father of the Bride Joe Frisch
Parents of the bride Kussell Gordon/ Dave Rappaport
Also Henry Cronig
Audience Carl Cronig, Grace Cronig, Mae Cronig, Marsha Cronig, Phyllis Cronig, Sophie Levinson, Bruce Levett, Rose Levett,
Adeline Rappaport ..and dozens more
Director Irving Kligler
Cast:
Bride Bernie Issokson
Groom David Cronig
Ring-bearer Yudal Brickman
Flower Girl Ed Cronig
Rabbi Jack Levett
Father of the Bride Joe Frisch
Parents of the bride Kussell Gordon/ Dave Rappaport
Also Henry Cronig
Audience Carl Cronig, Grace Cronig, Mae Cronig, Marsha Cronig, Phyllis Cronig, Sophie Levinson, Bruce Levett, Rose Levett,
Adeline Rappaport ..and dozens more
Director Irving Kligler
