The Coral Gables Times

THE CORAL GABLES TIMES Thursday, August 17, 1961 25

You've Got to Pick a Line; He's a 'Reformist'

By BECKY DOYLE-QUINN Times Reporter Two things make an immediate impression on one who for the first time meets Mordecai Podet, who was recently called to take over as rabbi for Temple Judea here. One is that his eyes are unusually penetrating. They almost seem to photograph everything he sees. He reads your face as though it were an open book, yet leaves you feeling completely at ease. The second impression is that he is surprisingly young, or at least appears to be less than the 39 he is. Yet he speaks and acts with the manner and assurance of a man of many more years' experience. Rabbi Podet, who was called here from Salt Lake City, Utah, has been in Coral Gables only two weeks. The family is busy getting settled in their new home at 3709 Monseratte St., into which they moved this week. The rabbi is doing all he can to learn about the city and its people, particularly his new congregation, which numbers about 300 families. Rabbi and Mrs. Podet have been to Florida once before, on their honeymoon, 11 years ago. They have two children, Ethan, 7; and Eve, 17 mos. "Everything has changed so much, particularly on the Beach. We couldn't even find the hotel where we stayed then." Rabbi Podet has been busy with preparations for the services for the High Holy Days, beginning Sept. 10. Temple Judea is a liberal or reform temple. In the past there has been some dissension about the degree of liberalism or conservatism of the congregation. The problem was somewhat resolved by the resignation of Rabbi Skop, and his formation of a new temple, operating as "Reconstructionist." Rabbi Podet is a "moderate" Reform or liberal rabbi. He feels he must further the liberal viewpoint of his temple. He is organizing the temple's schooling program "along the lines of liberal philosophy." Another plan in the developing stages is to have a "rather intensive adult education program," beginning after the High Holy Days. The aim of the program is, in part, to explain the basis for liberal approach in Judaism and its consequences for the individual Jew. Rabbi Podet is doing his best to get to know the members of his congregation, "better than just a handshake-after-services relationship." He hopes to begin a series of "Sabbaths with the Rabbi" meetings, where a few families at a time would be invited to meet for a meal preceeding the service. His wife, Mrs. Norma Podet, is a social worker by profession. Before they left Salt Lake City, she was working in group therapy with women in the Utah State Prison. She and Rabbi Podet are both very interested in psychiatric research. Will he become as involved with civic organizations here as he was in Salt Lake City? He does not know. Right now he's busy enough getting established in his new home, and learning the needs of congregation of Temple Judea MOVING DAY for Rabbi and Mrs. Mordecai Podet means throwing open the front door of their new home at 3709 Monserrate St., letting the movers bring in the furniture after a long trip from Salt Lake City, and taking a breather when you can. Rabbi Podet is the new spiritual leader at Temple Judea. (Staff Photo by Raymond Lang)

H. Hentz & Co.

Established 1856 Members New York Stock Exchange and other leading stock and commodity exchanges Edmond E. Dorit Wendell J. Brown Co-Managers Coral Gables office: 452 Biltmore Way Telephone HI 6-0841

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WALTER H. JACK J. PAUL H. Combs Funeral Home INC.

Serving Faithfully since 1896 Northeast Chapel 1539 N.E. 2nd Ave. Coral Gables Chapel 1661 S.W. Douglas Rd., (37th Ave.) Paul H. Combs, Sr., Mgr. Glen H. Spencer, Mgr. PHONE FR 3-2101 DADE COUNTY'S OLDEST FUNERAL SERVICE

Philbrick Funeral Homes

CUT OUT Important Telephone Numbers POLICE FIRE MY DOCTOR MY FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTOR FR 3-6363 CUT OUT MIAMI 860 W. FLAGLER CORAL GABLES 237 PONCE DE LEON BLVD. SOUTH MIAMI AT KENDALL U.S. 1 AT S.W. 104TH ST. MIAMI SHORES 11413 N.E. 2ND AVE. HIALEAH-MIAMI SPRINGS OLIVE DR. AT OKEECHOBEE RD. FR 3-6363 "The Cost is a matter of Your Own Desire" all (5) Locations COMPLETE Funeral Cost Index The PHILBRICK FUNERAL HOMES 145. 205. 275. 305. 345. 390. 425. 445. UP Metal Caskets from $450. Hardwood Caskets from $460. Guaranteed Prices Cremation - add $50. Our Educational Department will furnish Detailed Information upon request without obligation... CUT OUT

Deaths in the Gables

Mr. Flanagan, Here Six Years Funeral services were held Aug. 11 at Van Orsdel's Coral Gables Chapel for William F. Flanagan, of 442 Alminar Ave., who died Aug. 9. Mr. Flanagan who leaves his wife, Etta, came here six years ago from San Francisco, and was a retired civil engineer. Mrs. Mudd, Was Former Gableite Funeral services were held Aug. 7 at the Church of the Little Flower for Mrs. Margaret S. Mudd, 66, a former long-time Coral Gables resident who lived until recently at 1711 SW 83rd Ave. Interment was in Woodlawn Park Cemetery. Mrs. Mudd is survived by her husband, Leo E. Mudd; one son, Leo E. Mudd Jr., and two grandchildren. 1-Year-Old Dies In Pool Mishap One-year-old Louis Enrique Goicoechea drowned in the family pool at 1109 Sevilla Ave. Monday as members of the family were busy with housework. The little victim was found in the pool at approximately 11:30 a.m. Josefina Dojals recovered the body and Juan M. Mora drove the boy to Veterans Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

First Church of Christ, Scientist Coral Gables 410 Andalusia Avenue

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH SERVICES Sunday Services 9:30 and 11:00 A.M. Sunday School 9:30 and 11:00 A.M. Wednesday Testimony Meeting 8:00 P.M. Free Public Reading Room Weekdays: 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. except Monday and Friday 9 A.M. to 9 P.M. Sunday: Reading only 2:00 to 4:30 P.M. 400 Andalusia Avenue

University BAPTIST CHURCH

EVERY WHERE SUNDAY IS SUNDAY A DAY FOR * Public Worship * Bible Study * Spiritual Growth YOUR CHURCH ATTENDANCE IS IMPORTANT WORSHIP 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. Msg. By Rev. Gent Cofer "Let God Be Free" 7:45 P.M. Mr. J. W. Cooper "Sunrise Tomorrow" 9:30 A.M. Bible School 5:45 P.M. Fellowship Supper 6:30 P.M. Training Union and New Member Fellowship Wednesday, 7:30 P.M. Prayer Service RIVIERA DR. & SEGOVIA ST. Coral Gables T. Rupert Coleman, Ph.D., Pastor

FOAM RUBBER FOR ANY PURPOSE

LEWISON INDUSTRIES 2230 S.W. 8TH ST. PHONE HI-8-4390