The National Jewish Post &Opinion Volume 75, Number 21 • July 15, 2009 • 23 Tammuz 5769 Two Dollars www.jewishpostopinion.com ALEPH:ALEPH: AllianceAlliance forfor JewishJewish RenewalRenewal KallahKallah 20092009 To read about it, see pages NAT 2 and NAT 11. (Photos by Jennie Cohen.) NAT 2 July 15, 2009 to explain if one has not experienced it. Editorial I’m not an expert on Jewish Renewal, but About the Cover my first Kallah was in Berkeley in 1993 so I have some history. I offered one suggestion These photos were taken at the 13th biennial ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal What I liked most about the 2009 he could tell his friends. Kallah. It was held on the Ohio Wesleyan University campus near Columbus, from ALEPH Kallah was simply being together One major difference between Jewish June 29 – July 5. To give more people an opportunity to attend, each time the Kallah is with like-minded people for six days and Renewal and all other Jewish practice is held on a different college campus around the country. The next one in 2011 will take nights – learning, praying, singing, dancing, the Torah service. In the former, the rabbi place in the Pacific Northwest. drumming, chanting, eating, studying, focuses on three themes from the Torah Some statistics on this year’s Kallah given in an opening speech by Debra Kolodny, schmoozing, and enjoying all kinds of portion of the week. Just before it is time executive director of ALEPH: performances such as music, dance, to read those verses from the Torah, he or Two-thirds of those in attendance were women. and storytelling. she describes it and then makes it relevant to Three communities came as minyanim – more than 10 people (Pardes Hannah from It seemed like everyone I met had the what is taking place in the world today.Then Ann Arbor, Mich.; Havurah P’nai Yisrael from Charlottesville, Va.; and Minneapolis, same goals. They were very interested in the rabbi asks anyone who is currently Minn.). the Jewish values, such as tikkun olam experiencing that kind of situation to Folks came from Israel, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, Canada, and of course (healing/repairing the world) in every come for this aliyah. all over the United States. possible way including socially, politically, For example, think of the Torah portion Seven birthdays were celebrated during the Kallah. One-third of the approximately economically, environmentally. where Joseph’s brothers became jealous 430 attendees were there for the first time. Four or five in attendance had been to every On a personal level, the attendees I met of him when he received the coat of many Kallah since the first one in 1985. were seeking to improve themselves and colors (Genesis 37:3–5). Eventually they their relationships, not only with close threw him into a pit. After describing that loved ones. One of the ways this was done section in detail, the rabbi will give an j i j i was through communication, striving to example of a similar situation taking place understand the differences of others, and in the world today. Then he or she would to remember that each person is ask anyone who is having difficulty getting Chassidic Rabbi B’etzelem Elohim (created in the image of along with a sibling, or is jealous of a God). This teaches us to look for the friend, fellow student or coworker to BY RABBI BENZION COHEN divine spark in everyone. come forward for this reading. I suppose this learning could take place Anyone may go to the bimah for that Today I’ll tell you a story from the neurology ward of our local hospital, which I try at many kinds of Jewish conventions and aliyah, and if all three themes relate to to visit every day. I generally go to the same five wards, and the last one on my retreats, but here the striving is given a what a person is experiencing in his or regular route is neurology. A lot of the patients in the neurology ward are suffering top priority. We know the world is in need her life at that time, that person may go from strokes, and Yaakov was one of them. I greeted him with a smile, wished him a of repair and it’s not going to become up all three times. There may be 30 or complete and quick recovery and suggested that he put on tefillin. He smiled back and perfect immediately, but we also know more people reciting the blessings said that he would be happy to put on tefillin, but I would have to help him a little. that we are taking the steps to move in together on the bimah before and after I smiled and told him that’s my job. We quickly became friends. that direction as best we can. We all desire the Torah reading. After each aliyah, the I helped him put on tefillin every day, and gradually heard his life story. He was born to live together in peace and harmony. rabbi will offer a blessing to those who in Transylvania. His family was religious. After WW II the Russians took over, and did The Kallah began the first afternoon with came up. For example, the rabbi might their best to stamp out religion, but his family and neighbors continued to practice a welcome by Debra Kolodny, executive bless them with the strength to recognize Judaism underground. His wife was born in Russia, grew up under Communism, and director of ALEPH, inviting everyone to their own goodness and to not compare got very little Jewish education. When the iron curtain fell in 1990, they came to Israel, truly live for a week of in the light of G~d themselves to others. together with another million immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU). – the theme for this year’s Kallah. She There are many ways in which Jewish (see Chassidic Rabbi, page NAT 3) emphasized the opportunity that awaited Renewal is similar to Reform, Conservative, the participants with several teachings and Reconstructionist Judaism. For example, from the Piaseczner Rebbe. Her talk also Jewish Renewal allows women to have The National Jewish included the statistics in the “About the every kind of leadership role and welcomes Cover”on this page. Rabbi Steven Silvern, people of every lifestyle, relationship and immediate past chair of the Board of sexual orientation, and allows drumming ALEPH, also spoke that afternoon. His and guitars and other musical instruments Post &Opinion speech about ALEPH’s accomplishments to be played during religious services. in the past 16 years is on page NAT 11. Also similarities exist with Orthodox and www.jewishpostopinion.com That evening a celebration of Jewish ultra-Orthodoxy.The founder, Reb Zalman Renewal was facilitated by Rabbi Hanna Schachter-Shalomi had been an emissary Editorial and sales offices located at The Jewish Post & Opinion Tiferet Siegel. Stories were told by several of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Published biweekly by office: (317) 972-7800 • fax: (317) 972-7807 The Spokesman Co., Inc. current leaders about how they got their Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory. (USPS 275-580) (ISSN 0888-0379) start. Speakers included Rabbi Burt Therefore one of the hallmarks of Jewish [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at Jacobson, Rabbi Jeff Roth, Rabbi Yitzhak Renewal is the teaching of values through Address correspondence to: Indianapolis, IN 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Husbands-Hankins, Rabbi Arthur Waskow, the telling of stories about the Chassidic All circulation correspondence should be addressed to Bobbi Breitman, and Rabbi Shefa Gold. Rebbes. Another hallmark is the joyous Publishers Advertising Director Accounting The National Jewish Post & Opinion, That was one of the highlights of the and festive experience of life through Gabriel Cohen, z”l Barbara LeMaster Vivian Chan Subscription Department, Kallah for me. Perhaps in a future issue observing the holidays and simchas with Jennie Cohen 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225. Advertising Sales Editors Postmaster send address changes to: we can publish that or at least a link for it singing, chanting and dancing at every The National Jewish Post & Opinion, Graphic Design Mary Herring Jennie Cohen on the Internet. possible opportunity. Subscription Department, Charlie Bunes Grechen Throop 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, One afternoon at lunch, Bob Leventhal In this small space there isn’t room to Indianapolis, IN 46225. of Dayton was sitting at my table and he say more, but if you look on page NAT 11, Subscriptions $36.00 per year, back issues $2.25, single copies $2.00. asked the question, how does one two sidebars offer more information and All advertisements designed and prepared by The Jewish Post & Opinion are the sole property of the newspaper and may not be describe Jewish Renewal? He wasn’t sure the ALEPH website is given. reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2005 Spokesman Co. Inc. All rights reserved. how to tell his friends about it. It is difficult (see Editorial, page NAT 3) July 15, 2009 NAT 3 has traveled with her from Lincoln to four CHASSIDIC RABBI Shabbat Shalom different residences in Maryland. I can’t (continued from page NAT 2) Obituaries tell you the last time the envelope was opened and the words read, but she knew Seven years ago their daughter began BY RABBI JON ADLAND what was in them and that they were to seriously search for her Jewish roots. Dr. Gary Tobin, 59 important to her. She studied for three years in Machon July 2, 2009, Chukat-Balak Her grandparents helped establish and Alte, a Lubavitcher school for women in Dr. Gary Tobin, (Numbers 19:1–25:9), 10 Tammuz 5769 build this small Reform Jewish congregation Tsfas, Israel. Four years ago she got founder and president in Lincoln. She loved telling us about her married and now they live with their of San Francisco- We, the confirmants of this season, feel Jewish roots and the Jewish families of three children in Tsfas. Yaakov’s children based Institute for that the day would be incomplete if we did not Lincoln. Those names were a part of our and grandchildren bring them a lot of Jewish & Community express gratitude to you, the congregation. lives growing up many miles from nachus. He told me with great pride how Research (IJCR) passed You have given us the chance to learn the Nebraska and now the legacy is ours to his oldest grandson, who is only three, away on July 6, 2009. meaning of our faith and to study its great hold and cherish. What she wrote for already knows which blessings to say Dr. Tobin was an innovative teacher, history. You have come to receive us into its her Confirmation is what I hope would over all foods. writer, researcher, and community builder fellowship, this morning and we thank you. be written by any member of the Baruch Hashem, Yaakov recovered who worked courageously and passionately We should have been very much poorer if we Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation’s quickly, and after a few days was already to help the Jewish people grow and thrive. had not had this chance. We are sure that confirmation class today. walking a little holding on to a walker. In all his work, Dr.Tobin challenged the Jews who fail to receive instruction in I know that it is summer and our minds One day after he put on tefillin, he said he status quo of institutions for which he cared Judaism or who do not use the opportunities drift away from Sundays at IHC when our had a question. Why does Israel have so deeply yet always believed could be better. open to them lose the finest possession they building is filled with the sounds of the many enemies? Iran, Syria, Hezbollah, Whether it was the Jewish Federation might have had. next generation, but my hope is that my Hamas (to name a few)? I sat down next system, American academia, or the State mom’s words will resonate a bit with all to him. He wasn’t the first person to ask of Israel, Dr. Tobin was never afraid to At the beginning of this week, Sandy of our IHC families especially those with me the meaning of the difficulties and challenge and provoke, always expecting and I flew to Chevy Chase, Maryland to children. Make learning about Judaism a threats that we face, so I didn’t have to better and more. He believed the greatest help, a little bit, in the organizing of my priority. Study the meaning of what it is to think hard. expressions of affection came not through mom’s condo. While my older sister live a Jewish life and to be a Jew. Embrace I explained to him that everything that blind praise but through thoughtful Susan and Sandy folded clothes to be our rich history by learning about the ups happens in the world is part of Hashem’s criticism and unlimited optimism for the given away, I went into the den to and downs and that we have survived, plan. Hashem is good, and everything things that meant the most to him. straighten shelves, go through files and grown, and prospered. that happens is really for the good. What Gary Tobin was a wise community clean out the separate desks my mom and This weekend is our nation’s celebration good is there in enemies and wars? Many leader, loving husband, and father. He dad used. As I worked my way through of Independence Day. This date on the of those who founded the state of Israel devoted his life to his wife and business drawers and slots in the desk I came calendar is more than just a memory of our were very secular. Some even made a partner Diane, his children Adam, Amy, across an envelope with my mom’s name 13 colonies Declaration of Independence point to work on Shabbos and Yom Sarah, Aryeh, Mia and Jonah, and his written on the front. from British rule, but it is the founding of Kippur, and eat Chametz on Pesach. They grandson, Josiah. I opened it up and my jaw dropped to a nation where we, Jews, could come and believed only in communism, socialism The Institute for Jewish & Community the floor as I unfolded an old, typewritten live Jewish lives free from the oppressions and work. The first time in their life that Research will continue to advance his piece of paper. It began with the we faced in so many places throughout they prayed was when the bullets started visionary research. To read more about paragraph above. It was my mom’s the world. This independence allowed for to fly by their head. For many, that first Dr. Tobin’s life and work or to make a confirmation speech from around 1935 or a small group of Jews in Lincoln to organize prayer was said from the very depth of donation in his memory to the Institute 1936 to her Lincoln, Neb., congregation. a Jewish community, build a synagogue their soul. In one instant, they found both for Jewish & Community Research, visit There were several other pieces of paper and give thanks for the opportunities to Hashem and their soul. Their life would www.GaryTobin.org. in the envelope that must have been her learn freely about Jewish life. We should never be the same. We are all brothers, parts in the service. She wrote and read all treasure this gift as we celebrate and the fighting in Israel brought many something about the sixth commandment this weekend. of the Jews of the Diaspora to join them j i “Thou shalt not kill,”though technically it When you light your Shabbat candles in prayer. Rabbi Eliezer said “If the Jewish people says in Hebrew “Thou shalt not murder.” tomorrow evening, light one for freedom Our purpose in this world is to live a repent, they will be redeemed. If not, they There was a short note that indicated the that is ours to be Jews openly without the life of Torah and mitzvahs. For one reason won’t be redeemed,”Rabbi Yehoshua said gift to the congregation of “four dozen fear of government or religious oppression. or another many of us have forgotten this, to him.“If they don’t repent they won’t be hymnals to you in the hope that they will Light the other for all the Jews who or never learned it in the first place. We redeemed? Rather, the Holy One, Blessed add to your participation in the services.” understood the meaning of this freedom – take life for granted, until it is in danger. be He, will put upon them a king whose There was a promise of loyalty to live a not taking it for granted – and gave thanks. Yaakov looked at me. He said “Maybe decrees will be as harsh as those of Jewish life. Rabbi Adland is senior rabbi of that’s why I just had this stroke?”I agreed. Haman. Then Israel will repent. He will Finally, on one last piece of folded Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation. He and wife decided that from now on he bring them back to good.” paper was the closing prayer. It began, is going to put on tefillin every day, his We want Moshiach Now! Now is the “Heavenly Father, before departing from j i wife is going to bless Shabbos candles, time to repent, to start doing more the Temple we pray that we may never EDITORIAL and they will go to shul on Shabbos. mitzvahs, to bring our redemption. Let’s forget those who toiled with us and for (continued from page NAT 2) Recently I was thinking about the new get on the ball. For sure we’re going to us, who have tried to make us worthy and president of the U.S. Why did Hashem repent, sooner or later. We are Hashem’s useful. Help us to deserve the affection This was my third Kallah. Another make him president? I was reminded of children. He wants to redeem us, to take that is within their hearts.” highlight for me was meeting and talking my friend Yaakov, and a discussion of the us out of this exile, to bring us home to Though we found a lot of pictures, to Eliyahu McLean of Jerusalem rabbis in the Talmud. The rabbis were Him. If we don’t wake up today, then some very old ones, including one of my Peacemakers. Some of the readers had discussing our times, the end of days. tomorrow we might be rudely awakened great-grandfather taken in Germany in asked me how he could be Jewish with Today we are waiting for Moshiach, for by even harsher decrees. 1860 when he was a year old, I didn’t find McLean as a last name. I now have the our redemption. According to the rabbis, Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel. many documents from my mom’s life.Yet, answer to that and other questions and in order for us to be redeemed, we He can be reached by email at bzcohen1@ for some reason, she held on to this one will include them in a future editorial. first have to repent, and come back neto.bezeqint.net. He and his wife Malka envelope with these typewritten words. It Jennie Cohen, 7/15/09 to Hashem. now have 10 children and 26 grandchildren. NAT 4 July 15, 2009 Rod Carew married a Jewish woman and Letter to the Editor raised his children Jewish, but never converted. Tisha B’Av Go on the Judaism 101 website where it is written: “It is important to note that Freedom of the Press – The Post & being a Jew has nothing to do with what An excerpt from the book: Jewish Opinion encourages readers to send letters. you believe or what you do.”Although your History – The Big Picture. All letters to the editor should be addressed to synagogue’s union would state Kinsler is The Jewish Post & Opinion, 238 S. Meridian Jewish, I respect your view and the view on The Fall of Jerusalem St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225, or www.jewfaq.org that he is not part of our tribe. The Romans must have watched in by e-mail: [email protected]. If you agreed with my point of view that a amazement as civil war brought their person is Jewish if he has a Jewish father, enemies to the verge of self-destruction…. Who Is a Jew? you had a lot of company. If you disapproved By the spring of 70 CE, Titus and his army To the Editor: (i.e., your mother must be Jewish or you go had Jerusalem under siege. Famine quickly Re: Your May 13, 2009 issue and its story through a suitable conversion process), overwhelmed the city. The surviving “Kinsler’s Bat Is Hot.”I am a big baseball you also have a lot of company. Many if factions tried to fight off the Roman fan. I am a big Ian Kinsler fan. But Ian not most Orthodox and Conservative Jews invaders, but Roman battering rams Kinsler is not Jewish, as Mr. Migdol’s take the more traditional view. cracked the city’s walls. story seems to indicate. I barely put down the “Who Is a Jew?” For the next three weeks the priests Kinsler’s mother was not Jewish, so he is article when I opened a parcel containing fought courageously to keep the Romans not Jewish by the Orthodox or Conservative The Second Jewish Book of Why. Opening out of the Holy Temple. As the fighting definition. Kinsler has one Jewish parent, it to Chapter 1, the title is “Who Is a Jew?” raged on the ninth day of Av, a Roman but he was not raised in any faith, so he is What a coincidence! soldier threw a blazing piece of wood into Jewish roots into a new religion and the not Jewish by the Reform definition. It starts by quoting David Ben-Gurion the Temple sanctuary. Flames shot into revival of Hebrew as a spoken language. The It is true that according to the editor of (1886–1973), the first prime minister of the air. The Temple burned into the next text is filled with colorful anecdotal detail a Jewish sports newsletter, who contacted Israel, often referred to as the George day, until there was nothing left but cinder about Jewish communities throughout Kinsler’s uncle, Kinsler had “no problem Washington of Israel. I was with a Jewish and ashes. history and around the world, such as how being listed as a Jewish athlete in the Federation group that met with this Passover was celebrated on the Civil War newsletter.”That is a pretty weak basis for prominent Jew at his kibbutz around Mourning Jerusalem: Tisha B’Av battlefield and the origins of Beta Israel, the claiming that someone is a Jew. 1972, shortly before he died. Today, centuries after the fall of Ethiopian-Jewish community. Adult readers Does Ian Kinsler have Jewish ancestry? Ben-Gurion claimed that anyone who Jerusalem and the destruction of the will appreciate this epic story of the Jewish Yes. Is he a Jew? No. says he is a Jew, lives a Jewish life, and is Temple, Jews continue to mourn their people rendered as a concise, accessible, and Rabbi Daniel Pernick, Beth Am Temple, interested in the well-being of Jews is a Jew, losses on holy days that commemorate engaging narrative. Pearl River, N.Y. regardless of his mother’s faith. He reasoned: historical events. “We have been Jews without definition Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of Av, which j i Migdol’s response: for the last 3,000 years and we shall remain falls in the summer, is a day of mourning The baseball player’s father, but not so…By one definition the Jews are a religious on the Jewish calendar. For a full 25 hours, Bit of Wit mother, is Jewish. The distinguished rabbi community…There is a definition that Jews from sundown to nightfall, it is a tradition states Kinsler is not Jewish. are a nation…There are Jews without any to fast. It is not a fast of atonement. Three men were sitting around brag- It reminds me of the fabulous Crown definition.They are just Jews. I am one of them. Rather, it is a fast of grieving. The Book of ging about how they had given their new Prince of Baseball, Al Schacht, “There is I don’t need any definition. I am what I am…” Lamentations, which was written after wives duties. talk that I am Jewish, just because my Prof. Raphael Pataiu shares a similar the destruction of the First Temple, is The first man had married a Catholic mother and father are Jewish, I speak view in The Jewish Mind. He claims that chanted mournfully in the synagogue, woman and bragged that he had told his Yiddish, and I studied to be a rabbi and to be a Jew one has to know or feel that like an ancient ballad telling a tale of love wife she was to do all the dishes and cantor. Well, that’s how rumors get started.” he is a Jew and he must be considered by and loss. For the 25 hours of this holy day, house cleaning that needed doing at their As Rabbi Pernick knows, the Reform others to be a Jew. Being born of a Jewish Jews are prohibited from wearing leather, house. He said it took a couple days, but movement made a patrilineal descent mother is not the only determining factor. listening to music, and bathing. Those on the third day he came home to a clean ruling in 1983. The children of a Jewish Must one completely observe all of the prohibitions, too, are signs of mourning. house and the dishes were all washed father are Jewish. In Reconstructionist mitzvot (commandments) to be a Jew? Jerusalem and the Temple were and put away. Judaism, the view is the same. Older readers may recall the Israel law case destroyed. The surviving leaders of the The second man had married a Kinsler qvells in his Jewishness and of Brother Daniel (born Oswald Rufeisen), Jewish factions were led to Rome in Mormon woman. He bragged that he had Jewish heritage. Kinsler autographs who requested citizenship under the Law chains. Taken with them were the sacred given his wife orders that she was to do yarmulkes. He and opposing players of Return. The monk was born to two Temple vessels, captured as spoils of war. all the cleaning, the dishes and the cook- exchange Jewish greetings on and off the Jewish parents in Poland in 1922. He was Jewish tradition teaches that the underlying ing. He told them the first day he didn’t field. A Jewish base runner is sliding into a Zionist during World War II and saved cause of Jerusalem’s destruction was not see any results, but the next day it was second base and grins at Kinsler with a Jewish lives. In 1942 he became a the Roman rulers but rather the disunity better. By the third day, the house was “Good Pesach!” They know the score. Christian but still also considered himself among the Jews and their baseless hatred, clean, the dishes were done, and he had a In terms of social consciousness, he praises Jewish. Pointing to having a Jewish moth- sinat hinam, for one another. Had the huge dinner on the table. the admission and feats of Jackie Robinson. er, the monk appealed his rejection. Sure, Jews been unified, they might have saved The third man had married a Jewish By the way, Kinsler has been in a slump. according to halacha (Jewish law), Daniel the Temple. girl. He boasted that he told her that her He recently hit home runs in first two was a Jew. But Israel’s High Court argued: © Behrman House; used by permission. duties were to keep the house clean, dish- consecutive turns at bat. He’s the leadoff “When so many Jews throughout history www.behrmanhouse.com es washed, lawn mowed, laundry done hitter. But his batting average lately has have sacrificed their lives for their faith, Jewish History – The Big Picture presents and hot meals on the table, every day.He been under .270. Shall we disown him? how could one who turned his back on the full range of Jewish history, from biblical said the first day he didn’t see anything, Lou Boudreau (St. Louis Cardinals) had his faith be considered a Jew?” to contemporary time. This book provides a the second day he didn’t see anything, a Jewish mother, but his adopted parents Was Brother Daniel more of a Jew than fast-paced account of Jewish History that is but by the third day most of the swelling raised him in the Christian faith. Is Kinsler because he had a Jewish mother? grounded in scholarship and brimming with had gone down and he could see a little Boudreau more of a Jew because his In my mind, no. information on topics as diverse as the out of his left eye. mother was Jewish? Marv Migdol at [email protected]. development of Christianity beyond its Submitted by Marvin Migdol, Dallas. July 15, 2009 NAT 5 The effort to teach tolerance in our camping sites on rainy weekends and Jewish intolerant society has gone through some Parent endless sports tournaments in far away interesting changes. Many of the formerly- cities! Travel expenses not reimbursed. not-tolerated have gained a foothold. Job Extensive courier duties also required. America Jews, African Americans, Asians have Responsibilities: found some new acceptance. The Gay Description The rest of your life. Must be willing to be BY HOWARD W. KARSH movement has battled for it. But I would hated, at least temporarily, until someone like to draw your interest to a sub-category needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue Teaching tolerance of intolerance related to fear and crime. Position: Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma, repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical I live in a growing and vibrant Jewish Emma, Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop, Abba stamina of a pack mule and be able to go in an intolerant community in a fragile urban setting, and Long-term, team players needed for from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds flat in world one of our constant efforts is to keep our challenging permanent work in an often case, this time, the screams from the neighborhood safe. We do this with block chaotic environment. Candidates must backyard are not someone just crying We knew a lot about intolerance and clubs, programs with the police department, possess excellent communication and wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating prejudice when we were growing up. cooperation with alderman, the mayor organizational skills and be willing to technical challenges, such as small gadget In Denver there were neighborhoods and everyone who can be an ally. Our work variable hours, which will include repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and with covenants that prevented sales to efforts are community efforts with no evenings and weekends and frequent stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, “Coloreds and Jews.”There were resorts racial or religious barriers. 24-hour shifts on call. Some overnight maintain calendars and coordinate that were blatant in refusing would-be The problem is that often the perpetrators travel required, including trips to primitive production of multiple homework guests with Jewish sounding names, and are adolescent African American males, projects. Must have ability to plan and restaurants, country clubs, hospitals, and because of the threat of a few, the j i organize social gatherings for clients of all colleges and even professions where Jews whole is feared and labeled. Responsible mind. They were simply sales people who ages and mental outlooks. Must be were not allowed. for the safety of our children, our families wanted to sell, but secretly wanted all willing to be indispensable one minute, What Jews were looking for was and our community, we needed to find Israelis dead. and an embarrassment the next. Must tolerance, equity, a level playing field. some way to talk safety without talking Lunch in the new mall, Memilla, just handle assembly and product safety We were not dreaming of acceptance or about perpetrators, and in a community outside the Jaffa Gate turned out to be testing of a half-million cheap, plastic celebration. Those were beyond our of White victims and Black perpetrators, another adventure. First, we had to find toys, and battery-operated devices. Must conceptual range. What we wanted was that is some slippery slope. “kosher supervision” that was up to always hope for the best but be prepared to be a part of the American dream, and In the end, after lots of consultation, we Meir’s standard, then when we sat down for the worst. Responsibilities also we did everything we could to be like simply told people to trust their “guts.” on the balcony overlooking Yerushalayim, include floor maintenance and janitorial everyone else. We talked in hushed tones, When they felt unsafe, don’t think, move we both realized that we were the only work throughout the facility. wore fashionable clothes, gave up any to a safer place. Go up to a house and ask Jews sitting in a cluster of Arabs. I was Possibility for advancement & promotion: semblance of being different, at least for help, walk into a store. Don’t test the there to celebrate his birthday, not to None.Your job is to remain in the same publicly, and even in our Synagogues and situation. The lesson went well, but the desensitize his fear of Arabs. position for years, without complaining, Temples, we made an attempt to adopt underlying message was still clear. Black He wanted to stay, and we did, and we constantly retraining and updating your what we believed with accepted values. adolescent males are a threat, but not my did talk about what had just happened. skills, so that those in your charge can Our rabbis reviewed current fiction. neighbor’s kids. They are great, polite and The restaurant – Arabs were upper-middle ultimately surpass you. They shortened the mechitza, which helpful, but how do I keep them separated class, dressed in the latest styles, but Previous experience: divided men from women, added English from the perpetrators. spoke in Arabic. The food was good, and None required. On-the-job training prayers, built Temples that looked like The truth is I can’t. The reality is I must we wanted this time together. And here is offered on a continually exhausting basis. churches. But America was not watching continue to work for a better community, the Israeli challenge. Wages and compensation: and was very slow to change its culture. better schools, better family life, more jobs, I have many grandchildren in Israel, Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent We relied on a strong family structure, a more recreation, but first and foremost, I almost 25 counting the married-mates, raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is devotion to the idea that education would need to equip our families and children and seven great-grandchildren, and so due when they turn 18 because of the make a difference, and we simply built with safe habits and hope that they will there I was again, thousands of miles assumption that college will help them around the intolerance. We built hospitals modulate their expressions of fear and hate. from home, dealing with the same exact become financially independent. When where Jewish doctors could practice. And then there was this moment issues. I grew up suffering because people you die, you give them whatever is left. Jewish pharmacists opened drug stores, recently in Israel. My young Israeli grand- refused to make a distinction between The oddest thing about this reverse- accountants created Jewish CPA firms. children are convinced that “Arab people and simply made class decisions. I salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it Jews built country clubs and city clubs, Gonovim (thieves)”come into their houses didn’t want my American grandchildren and wish you could only do more. and whatever we saw, that we liked, at night and take their Lego pieces, the to hate and fear all African American Benefits: we copied. It is no wonder that so many ones they can’t find. They are frightened adolescent males, nor my Israeli family to While no health or dental insurance, of the original Hollywood producers of all the Arabs with whom they come hate and fear all Arabs, but that is what I no pension, no tuition reimbursement, were Jewish. We were already experts in into contact, the garbage men, the servers want, and I need to find ways to promote no paid holidays and no stock options simulating reality. in the restaurants, the passengers on the that kind of world, but what about their are offered, this job supplies limitless But we never accepted intolerance in bus – well you get the idea. safety in the world in which they live. opportunities for personal growth, any form, and when we saw it in our On this last trip, one of my grandsons, Should I ask them to be less suspicious? unconditional love, and free hugs and children, we reacted with fervor. It was Meir Pinsky became 18, and we wanted Everyone in Israel knows victims and kisses for life if you play your cards right. one characteristic of the general society to do something special. We met at the survivors who weren’t concerned enough Footnote: that we did not want to incorporate. In Kotel, and then I wanted to walk through on the street, in the shuk, on the bus and There is no retirement – Ever! But… if those days we took pride in the small the shuk (market). Meir was fine with they were killed and maimed. Can I you are fortunate enough to live through numbers of drunkards, wife-beaters, drug that until he began to understand that I expect them to make distinctions that are all this, you will become grandparents. addicts and criminals in our community. meant the Jerusalem Arab Shuk and not sometimes difficult for me? I am better Maybe! Unfortunately with more freedom came the Old City Jewish Shuk. He agreed to at distinctions during the day, in my This was Rabbi Roy A. Walter’s less pride, and we now have every go, reluctantly. He had never been there, neighborhood with one teen-age African column for the June 9, 2009 bulletin deviance present in the general society. didn’t want to go there, and was filled American, than I am walking at night and of Congregation Emanu El in Houston. Just having Mezzuzahs was no guarantee with fear for our well-being. Walking coming across a group. I am more relaxed Rabbi Walter has been their senior rabbi of safety. through the Shuk didn’t change Meir’s (see Karsh, page NAT 8) for more than 30 years. NAT 6 July 15, 2009 here shortly.They brought to Chautauqua their degrees from Ball State University. The Art of Baroness Julia Neuberger, the progressive A special The two individuals were part of a group of rabbi ordained at London’s Leo Baeck some 25 individuals that received degrees. College when I taught there and who is graduation The correctional facility allowed one Observation now a member of the House of Lords; family member to attend per graduate. Rabbi Professor Jonathan Magonet, One of the men I work with said to me,“I BY RABBI ALLEN H. PODET quondam principal of that institution; Bill BY RABBI ARNOLD BIENSTOCK have no family in Indiana. Would you Clinton; Hillary; Sandra Day O’Connor; come to my graduation?” One of the Everett Jewish Life Jane Goodall (whom we met and whom On June 9, 2009, at the ungodly hour mothers whom I know left her house at Valerie Jill actually touched); Margaret of 7:30 a.m., I attended a very special 2 a.m. from Northern Indiana to attend Center opens at Mead; Balfour Brickner; and other political graduation. Pendleton Correctional her son’s special day. She told me she Chautauqua and cultural stars, the great and the famous. Facility held its annual college graduation even had some time to stop at Wal-Mart There is a small Jewish congregation of ceremony in the Family Visitation Room to get grape juice for Kiddush for the The long-awaited opening of the Chautauquans that, mainly for the summer of the prison. The correctional facility has Friday service I conduct. She was upset multi-million dollar Everett Jewish Life season, uses the lovely stone Hurlbut a relationship with Ball State University and that the prison authorities would not let establishment at Chautauqua brought Christian Church on the Institution campus. Grace College whereby these institutions in her gefilte fish because it comes in a out, as expected, dignitaries local and of higher learning offer classes in the glass jar. national. That the venerable Chautauqua prison. I was very proud of two members Just like any other graduation, Institution of Chautauqua, New York, of my Shabbat prayer group that received the music of Elger’s “Pomp and should be home to such an establishment Circumstance” filled the visitation room is in itself noteworthy. of the prison as the graduates marched The Chautauqua Institution is located j i down the aisle.The incarcerated men were on Lake Chautauqua, on some of the Rabbi David Saperstein of the Reform permitted to wear cap and gown at their most beautiful rolling glacial scenery in all Religious Action Center spoke, followed ceremony. However, it had to be worn of upper New York State. It was founded by the eminent rabbi and author Joseph over their prison uniforms. We were in a as the Chautauqua Lake Sunday School Telushkin who will also be a Chautauqua room with one little fan. The graduates Assembly in the late 19th century as a lecturer at the Hall of Philosophy. A were pretty hot, but overjoyed to be vacation retreat for impecunious ministers program is laid out for four weeks of dressed like college graduates elsewhere. and teachers of religion, courses for almost daily lectures, programs, films, Two offenders graduated with academic Sunday school teachers. Methodists panels, and public performances on honors from Ball State University – cum according to an informant. Jewish themes, all to be held at the laude and magna cum laude. One of the Unable to afford a summer vacation out Jewish Life Center, but meant for all men I work with was a little upset. He of town, these clerics and teachers came to Chautauquans. Many of the speakers will missed graduating cum laude by a six- a retreat, which inevitably became a self- be housed at the Center itself, which is thousandth of a percent in his GPA. contained community with a comfortable – Chautauqua looks like a Victorian very conspicuously located so that when I was struck by a remark by one of the but not fanatic or oppressive – religious village – which it is – frozen in time from one approaches the main gates of the speakers at the graduation. He quoted coloration. The offerings broadened to the 1880s. The houses are simple wooden Chautauqua Institution, it is one of the Helen Keller who once commented on include art, music, and academics. Fairly structures, small-townish, immaculate and largest buildings visible from the road. the oft-repeated phrase,“One door closes, simple wooden houses were built in the splendidly maintained, and the gardening Edith did not do this alone. The list of another one opens.”Helen Keller insight- Victorian style, both because they were and landscaping are professional or as contributors includes Edgar and Charles fully noted that we are often so fixed relatively inexpensive and because they good as.Valerie Jill, asked why the nearby Bronfman and many other Jewish upon the closed door, that we never were not intended to be permanent, year- Jamestown, N.Y. congregation does not luminaries from near and far. Thus far, take the opportunity to focus on the door round residences. By 1880 Chautauqua meet through the summer, said the reason although the Center proudly proclaims that is open. This comment is particularly was becoming a national forum for politics, is clearly “God goes to Chautauqua.” itself “inclusive” (which may mean that apt for incarcerated individuals. They arts, and science. Where He dines one presumes with gentiles are welcome to use it and often are so fixed on what might have From early times, Chautauqua was white bread and mayonnaise. schedule their events here, or that it is been in their lives that they fail to look at opened to certain people from other Doors are not locked; auto use is strictly meant to be nondenominational) it is what choices they can make. Of course, religious persuasions, in keeping with limited; some children are visible, but one strictly kosher and usable by progressives this lesson applies to us all – especially as the liberal, humanistic orientation of the is impressed by the seniority of the bulk or Orthodox groups. Or others. we age. Many of us focus on the closed founders. A number of Jewish people of the residents. Nonetheless, the Chautauqua congre- doors of our lives that we do not open received the impression that Jews were, Many Jews have come to Chautauqua gation that meets at Hurlbut Church has new ones. Life can be a prison of our own for a long time, not welcome. for day visits – for example, to hear not moved toward becoming part of it. In making. Whenever I lead the Shabbat In the 20th century, Chautauqua, cool Goodall or the Clintons – or in some part, that is because Edith wants this service at the prison, I am particularly in summer and eximious in appearance, cases to live. Some of them, like Edith and Center to be for all interested in Jewish struck by the words of the Amidah – attracted the attention of upper-middle Henry Everett of New York City, have felt life at Chautauqua, not a captive of any “matir asurim.” G-d is the one who class Christians, and eventually became a very much at home here with the cultured one denomination. Symbolically, the releases us from prison. There are many unique kind of playground for wealthier and elite people that the place attracts reception featured petit fours and cookies prisons in our lives – both physical and patrons. At the present time I am and the something like Wasp culture that and little fruit sections on toothpicks. spiritual. It is truly a life of faith and hope informed by a Chautauqua resident – is in evidence. The visible – even conspicuous – Jewish that may release us from these prisons. there are a number of full-time year-round But that Edith would endow a 7,700 sq. presence at Chautauqua is a blessing for The day ended on a note of hope. I met residents now – that a purchaser of a home ft. residential Jewish conference center the Institution, and to some of a young man who served his time in here is likely not very far from a millionaire. and program facility in memory of Henry Jamestown’s congregants who attended it prison, was released, and is now working Accordingly, Chautauqua in the was hardly expected. I led a delegation of indicates perhaps a coming of age on full time. He also earned his A.A. degree. summer season provides a wealth of congregants from Jamestown’s Temple both sides. One hopes for great things Sometimes, if a person works diligently, music both symphonic and opera, theater Hesed Abraham to be present at the from this establishment. The Everett even a prison door can open. I was truly (extra charge), and a range of lecturers dedication of the Everett Jewish Life Center and the Chautauqua Institution honored to be at this special graduation. and programs that would do credit to a Center on July 5, to listen to two hours of are fortunate to have one another. Rabbi Bienstock is the rabbi of small university. Elie Wiesel will speak Klezmer music, and to tour the facility. Comments? [email protected]. Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel, Ind. July 15, 2009 NAT 7 In 2004, Nir Barkat, now mayor of accommodations, attractions, events, tour Seen on the Jerusalem, established a nonprofit packages and more.... Funsmith organization called “Start-up Jerusalem.” Four years later Jerusalem.com was Tel Aviv is 100 years old Israel Scene founded under its auspices. After a year, In April, Tel Aviv launched its centennial it was converted into a private company celebrations. Learn more www.tlv200.co.il. BY SYBIL KAPLAN focused on collecting data, market BY BERNIE DEKOVEN research, and setting up the operation. Back on the Political Front Summer on the beach A few weeks ago, the website was We recently attended a press conference I can’t complain launched followed by a public launching for on the highly controversial subject of Summer is here in full blast, and we the foreign press. There are six different Jewish communities in Judea/Samaria, During a recent conversation with Reb decided to take off a day and go down to hubs run by hub directors responsible for which, according to Israel Harel, former Zalman, I asked him how he was feeling – Tel Aviv to the beach. This involves taking content, marketing and sales. chairman and CEO of Yesha Council, the a perfectly reasonable question, considering a bus to the Central Bus Station, boarding The six hubs are: council of Jewish communities in Judea what getting older does to people. He an air-conditioned bus and riding 1. Holy Jerusalem, the biggest and Samaria, has become an issue above said something like: “For a man as old as perhaps 45 minutes to Tel Aviv. From challenge, offering information for and beyond what’s going on in Iran. I am, everything’s fine.” I knew this was the bus depot, we took a local bus to the Christians, Jews and Muslims such as He chose to put it in proportion by not a good report. And so ensued a area of the beach, decided it was now vocal prayers where one may record a saying he could not understand “why dialogue about getting old, about the time for lunch and found a lovely health prayer online and send it to be heard in everybody [particularly the world media] failing body and the increasingly apparent food–type sidewalk cafe in which to enjoy Jerusalem (7,200 people sent prayers in is so much concentrated on this issue and justification for kvetching – Zalman being lunch. Finding a place to eat in Tel Aviv the first weeks of the launching). One why they put it at the top of the agenda.” stolidly anti-kvetch, Bernie, nevertheless, amounts to deciding which restaurant on can also choose from 10 to 12 virtual “My son is a founder of Migron, with 42 pointing out the actual fun, if not necessity, the block out of many to choose. tours of Jerusalem holy places; and one families in caravans. Is this going to make for a good kvetch. From there we walked a short distance can peruse the calendars of the major a difference in the Palestinian acceptance It can most definitely be fun, don’t you to the beach below the Sheraton Hotel. religions’holidays. of Israel as the national home of the know, kvetching: embracing the abject We settled down on blue canvas and Jewish people?”he asked. He added that agony of existence – in particular, yours; white plastic chaise lounges with white Migron is authorized from the minister of rejoicing, in your miserable way, at the plastic table, all for $3 and began to How much would it cost defense who saw it as a strategic place. extent of your daily suffering. survey the scenery. Putting it in proportion, he said, we have For Zalman, however, it turns out to be Soon a man with a scarf wound around to purchase a domain? The to ask ourselves what is this issue of a joy best denied. For him, it is better to his head and a huge Mexican sombrero “settlements” and isn’t the real issue spend life celebrating life. on top came by with a bell, carrying a box, answer was $75,000, the Palestinian recognition of Israel. Which reminded me – as I apparently selling ice cream; others from a nearby “Why did the American administration needed to be – of why I chose to get so kiosk or restaurant stopped people to most expensive domain put it on the top of its agenda? I suggest involved in the fun business. Sure, I know show them their menus. the settlement issue is not a main issue to the joys of kvetching, believe you me, and What one can see on the beach: the ever bought in Israel… resolve the problem of war and peace how much fun a good group kvetch can skimpiest of bikinis on all age women; between Israel and the Arab states be. On the other hand, kvetching isn’t paddle ball all over; some teenage 2. History hub has an interactive including the Palestinians. The issue is something you do with a guy who calls American boys offering smokes of their timeline of the seven main periods in Jerusalem. The issue is Tel Aviv. The issue himself a “funsmith.” Laughing. Playing. Nargila (water pipe) to passing teenage Jerusalem’s history and a library of books is Haifa. The issue is the education the Being silly. Not wallowing in the muck of girls; male joggers in shorts and tennis on Jerusalem. Currently, there are 20,000 Palestinians give to their students and their misery, not delving into the depths of shoes. A few pigeons scampered for books on Jerusalem in English. denial of the Holocaust. A generation has despair – but jumping as high as you can, food but had trouble for the beach is 3. Tourism includes an events calendar been raised with hatred and denial.” for joy. surprisingly clean of litter. Boys empty and a guide to restaurants, night life, Debating Mr. Harel was Mr. Mosi Raz, Times being what they are, I need to be the waste baskets often. attractions, hotels and more. an activist and former secretary-general constantly reminded. And if you remind A strong wind made the sun feel 4. Connect Jerusalem is a Jerusalem of Peace Now. me, maybe I’ll remember to remind you. warm but not hot and besides, we had mailbox, which costs from $4 to $7 a “I come to the issue of settlement as an So yes, call me a funsmith, please. And intentionally arrived after 3 to enjoy the month; also offered is the ability to create Israeli who served in the army and one when you ask me how I’m doing when late afternoon sun. The water was online diaries. who pays taxes,”he said. To him the issue I’m not doing well or feeling well or pleasant but not cold and the beach was 5. Real estate will show neighborhoods is, were settlements good for Israel or bad acting well, I’ll probably say something not crowded especially; no children and prices of available opportunities and for Israel. The creation of settlements is a like “I can’t complain.” Because, see, as a around, just adults. After an hour and give backgrounds of neighborhoods. question of security and economics professional funsmith, I can’t complain – a half, we were ready to leave and go 6. Shop Jerusalem will promote and because “they have changed reality and not as a funsmith, not now, not when visit my daughter and plan where to encourage Jerusalem artists. What more can changed the borders.”He maintains that the there’s so much fun to be made. eat dinner. one say? Type in Jerusalem.com and enjoy.... government is afraid of moving settlers DeKoven calls himself a “funsmith” The choice was obvious – the restaurant/ from their homes but settlers are a danger to because it’s the easiest way he can define the bar where she works, interestingly titled, Take a Virtual Tour of Israel the security of Israel. He also maintains, last 40-plus years of his career. In brief, he MASH (More Alcohol Served Here). It’s a From a totally different resource, the from an economics point of view, that they helps people make things more fun: work, real sports bar with only sports on the TV Ministry of Tourism is now offering have been given government subsidies and school, games (of course), marriage, parent- and fast food nicely prepared (and served by virtual tours of Israel on the website, investments and when they are dismantled, hood, exercise, healing, toys, recovery, my daughter, the bartender/waitress).... www.goisrael.com/vt or www.goisrael.com. the people are given compensations so retirement, life. He does this by helping people There are ten 10-day tours including: they are costing the country. look at things from a fun perspective, which Jerusalem.com general interest, Jewish interest, Christian Mr. Harel added that this phenomena is usually turns out to be something people How much would it cost to purchase a interest, culture and history, nature, food not just political but that the communities under stress would never think of. And he domain? The answer was $75,000, the and wine, family, archaeology, active in Judea and Samaria are in the heart of happens to know a lot about this particular most expensive domain ever bought in interest and mobility challenged. The site Israel and the vast majority of people living perspective. Which is what he hopes you Israel and bought by Mr. Michael Weiss, is available in 11 languages and offers there are secular not religious. will conclude from reading more about him CEO. The domain? Jerusalem.com. updated, comprehensive information on (see Kaplan, page NAT 19) on http://deepfun.com/about.html. NAT 8 July 15, 2009 Israel was not only born out of the ashes of uniforms for fear of antagonizing the we are doomed to repeat it.” Have we Wiener’s the Holocaust. The State of Israel was Muslim population. He acknowledged not witnessed this before, in our time? always a part of the history of our people that 1,200 Mosques can be found in The 20th century contained some of the and acknowledged by the world going America, but show me one synagogue or darkest moments in our history. Are we to Wisdom back to World War I.Does no one remember church in Saudi Arabia. experience the same in the 21st century? the Balfour Declaration? Declaring that Nowhere in his remarks did he review the The recent events that have brought the BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. the birth of Israel was directly related to history of Jerusalem and its significance to horrors of hate to the forefront are the Holocaust is a perversion of true Israel and the Jewish People. Jerusalem was symptomatic of the illness of prejudice Let’s not prejudge – historical fact. Israel existed before the founded by King David as the capital of a that is rampant in our society and around United States, before there was such a united Israel in the year 990 BCE, 1,600 the world. We can’t eradicate distrust by but! Chapter three thing called Palestine, before most of the years before the advent of Islam. The encouraging the repetition of falsehoods countries now settled in the Middle East. Temple, which was erected by Solomon or the distortion of history. We can’t bring Review: In my first article (dated Jan. That is not fiction – that is truth. stood on Mt. Moriah and was destroyed about peace and harmony by denigrating 7, 2009), I indicated a concern regarding Now we hear conversations from all by the Babylonians in the year 586 BCE, one people to appease another. the outreach to the Muslim world: “I am corners of the Arab world justifying 1,200 years before the birth of Islam. Where is the openness, the honesty, the concerned about recent statements coming its comparison to the plight of the The second Temple was destroyed by change in our fight for equality that was from the president-elect (he was not Palestinians and equating the suffering of the Romans in 70 CE, 700 years before promised to us by our president? All I see sworn in yet) indicating a desire and more the Jewish People to the misery experienced Islam became a religion. Jerusalem has is arrogance and deceit. All I see is a than that a commitment to establish close by Arabs and Muslims used as pawns in always been central to Jewish thought and different kind of disaffection shrouded in ties to the Muslim countries in general the never-ending policy of destroying life. To suggest otherwise is to legitimize the words of a salesman trying to offer us and individual Muslims in particular. The Israel and the Jewish People. That is not the myth that the Jewish People have no a different kind of utopia that contradicts bells are ringing in my ears.” I indicated fiction – that is truth. claim to the land or its capital. all that was pledged. that while dialogue is essential for people to Nowhere in his pronouncements did George Washington proclaimed that understand each other, I was concerned that he bring up the systematic attempt to this land gives no comfort to bigotry. this would lead to further hatred because I listened and could not destroy the State of Israel economically All of our founding fathers had a clear truth would not be the message received. with boycotts and embargos that include understanding of the value of life, liberty In my second article (dated Feb. 18, understand the message threats to companies and countries who and the conviction to change the course 2009), I indicated in more explicit terms are involved in free trade with Israel. of history, not with lies but with honesty the stark facts of the far left wing making because it was sprinkled In my follow-up article, I wrote: “If I and integrity and a faith in the human every attempt to pacify the extremists in were to write a letter to the president of spirit as given to us by God. order to feel more secure: “…There is a with innuendos and the United States, it would flatly state that I don’t know about you but I feel feeling in the left wing liberal community the lessons of history are still fresh in our betrayed and confused at the same time. I that we owe an apology to the Muslim untruths as to the minds. Appeasement is an invitation for feel betrayed because I had visions of a world for all the so-called missteps made disaster. The open hand is an invitation new chapter in the history of humanity by America.” Where are the apologies historic aspect of not a declaration. Clenched fists need to designed to bring us together as never from the Muslim world for the attacks on be neutralized so that they do not strike a before and not separated with such a our country? Where is the appreciation Israel’s right to exist. blow that begets another blow. Learn to vengeance. I am confused because I never for our country coming to the aid of their accept separation as a way of life not a thought that I would live to see the fellow Muslim countries, such as Kuwait On and on our president explained his testament to failure.” beginnings of a new wave of hatred and who was cowardly attacked by a fellow rational for this historic trip. But a visit to I continued: “If I were to write a letter to suspicion. Muslim country and practically destroyed Israel was not part of the agenda because the president of the United States, I I believe, as Herman Wouk so eloquently its infrastructure? it is abundantly clear that his interests do would encourage dialogue but with the wrote: “As for me, I declare my faith that Recent events seem to bear out my not include bringing peace to the table in understanding that talk alone is not the our history is not meaningless, and that concern: The despicable, indiscriminate a fair and equitable manner. His speech panacea to the completion of a dream. nihilism is a hallucination of sick men. shooting at the United States Holocaust did not include the murder of women and Every country on the face of the Earth has God lives and we are His people, chosen Museum, the murder of an American children or the Muslim world applauding aspirations and not all of them fit neatly to live by His name, and His law until one soldier by a Muslim convert, the attempt their own innocent children being sent as into our understanding of life and liberty. day when the Lord will be one and His to bomb synagogues in New York. These human bombs to kill other innocent You were not elected because you are name one.” are just a few examples of the hate that children. His speech did not include the different but because you shared a vision Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of seems to be permeating our society in facts that previous Israeli administrations and that vision gave us hope.” the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation near more overt ways. offered total peace with land exchange that No time in the history of our relationship Phoenix, Ariz. He welcomes comments at And we have witnessed the president was rebuffed on more than one occasion. with Israel has our country shown such [email protected]. of the United States visiting Muslim Nowhere in his speech did he mention contempt and disregard for the ties that countries espousing the same rhetoric of that Israel is the only true democratic bind us together.These ties were supposed apology and distortion of truth. Nowhere country in the entire region, and the words to be eternal because we believed in the j i in his speech did we hear about the over of encouragement he gave the women same principles of eliminating human 2,000 years of striving for the return to of these Muslim countries in no way suffering through strength of purpose. KARSH the land belonging to our ancestors. resembled the truth of their subjugation. Our American heritage is connected to (continued from page NAT 5) Nowhere in his speech did we hear about Nowhere in his speech, when attempting the conviction that we are under the the 60 years of attempts to destroy the to show that Islam is a tolerant and guidance of a Creator and would be a in Israel than they are, because I don’t State of Israel and even today the charters of peace-loving religion, did he mention beacon for the world. This is what made know about as many tragedies. these terrorist organizations clearly state that our troops stationed in the region to us the inspiration for all to emulate. I hold my children responsible to teach that the ultimate goal is the annihilation protect and defend their sovereignty are Sacrificing our ideals for the expediency their children to survive, and I am working of the Jewish people. not allowed to display the symbols of of connectiveness with those who hate us on how to make the world a better place I listened and could not understand the their faith nor practice it in any place but and wish to destroy us will only make their for them to live. message because it was sprinkled with in the confines of their bases of operation. efforts stronger because of our perceived Howard W. Karsh lives and writes innuendos and untruths as to the historic Even our chaplains are not permitted to weakness. We have seen this happen time in Milwaukee, Wisc. His e-mail is aspect of Israel’s right to exist.The State of display the symbols that are part of their and again.“If we don’t learn from history, [email protected]. July 15, 2009 NAT 9 nuclear threat posed by militant Iran, and aware of the progress that the Jewish Notes from the that polity’s continued willingness to Another View pioneers had made, issued the famous sponsor terrorism. Whilst Australia’s prime “Balfour Declaration,”which announced to minister, Kevin Rudd, fully understands the world that “His Majesty’s government Antipodes Israel’s dilemmas and has general sympathy BY ROBERT SANDLER views with favor the establishment in for the Jewish State, not all relevant Palestine of a national home for the BY RODNEY GOUTTMAN sections of his bureaucracy share his view. Why don’t they know? Jewish people?”In 1921 the newly formed Strong anti-Israel attitudes exist both League of Nations ratified the Balfour Behind the rhetoric within the Department of Foreign Affairs As to the Palestinian-Israeli land issue, Declaration. Not much later, the Grand and Trade, a body akin to the American I ask: Why don’t more people know that Mufti, an Arab-Muslim leader in Amman Maybe it was because Australia is a State Department, and this country’s Israelites (Jews) captured and lived on the (now capital of Jordan) complained to the minnow in the geopolitics of the Middle military establishment. Contributions to land that now comprises Jordan, Lebanon League of Nations that if a Jewish state East. Perhaps it was the congenial atmos- this hostility include personal animosity and Israel, 3,000 years ago...and that Jews was to be established, an Arab state phere of the event. However, Australia’s to Israel, strategic assessment that had their own government, engaged in should also be created. spokespersons at the inaugural Australia- Australia’s support of the Jewish State trade, fought wars…won some and lost Why don’t more people know why Israel Leadership Forum recently held in serves its national interest in the Middle some? Why don’t more people know there has never been an uproar when the Holy Land refused to endorse the East poorly, and close friendships with that during the Middle Ages, Jews were England and the League of Nations historical illiteracy and political myopia people in the region. These friendships persecuted severely by Christians, removed 70 percent of the Biblical Israel that characterized President Obama’s have developed as a consequence of Muslims and Romans? for the Arab-Muslim state of Trans Jordan Cairo declaration to the Muslim world. having several diplomatic missions in the Why don’t more people know that (later changed to Jordan)? Thankfully, the leader of the Australian Arab states, through close military ties, throughout the Middle Ages, the Middle Adolf Hitler comes to power in delegation, Deputy Prime Minister Julia and the training of servicemen from these East was ruled by various empires: Germany in 1933. A prominent Catholic Guillard, someone touted as likely to be states in Australia’s military schools. Egyptians, Syrians and others? In later priest said, in 1960, that from the beginning this nation’s first female prime minister, centuries, the Ottoman (Turkish Empire) of Christianity to 1933, Christians killed refused to follow the Obama line. was the controlling power. Why don’t between seven to ten million Jews, including Australia has long been a partner of the Strong anti-Israel more people know that throughout those 125,000 children – the Holocaust. United States in the Middle East and centuries, no group, no army, no state After World War II, the Palestinians its adjacent territories. Any study of attitudes exist both ever attempted to establish a country or pressured the United Nations to make Australia’s voting record at the United state on the Land of Israel? That land was another state. None of the several Nations will demonstrate this. Her armed within the Department tacitly acknowledged, worldwide, as the Palestinian states were willing to take any forces have been on the front lines in Iraq Land of the Hebrew Bible. The Christian more of their own people. As it is, today and Afghanistan, even though in the case of Foreign Affairs and and Muslim Bible came out of that Jordan is three times the size of Israel. of the latter, Australia is not a member of Hebrew Bible.Throughout those centuries, On November 29 (my birthday) the NATO. One only needs to remember that Trade, a body akin to when Jews were forced away from one United Nations passed a Partition Plan in the aftermath of the Egypt/Israel peace place to another, small numbers of Jews providing for a Jewish state and an Arab accord in 1979, Australia saved the fate of the American State always came back to the Land of Israel. state (in the 30 percent of Biblical Israel). the Multinational Peacekeeping Force in In 1784 Moses Montefiore, a Jewish Neither the Jewish Agency nor the Arab the Sinai when she joined it despite Department, and philanthropist in England, bought large states were satisfied...but the Jewish strong opposition in the United Nations tracks of land in the Land of Israel; he Agency accepted the Partition. The Arab and at home because it was established this country’s financed settlements, schools in Safed, countries rejected it and began preparing by the United States. military establishment. Tiberias and Jaffa.There were 10,000 people for war. Given that political rhetoric is often there. Later in the century, the affluent On May 15, 1948, the armies of Egypt, moulded to suit the interests of the listening Rothschild family financed groups of Trans Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, with audience, Gillard’s diplomacy was quite Unfortunately, Israel is the only highly motivated young pioneers, lovers units from Iraq and Saudi Arabia attacked remarkable when she addressed assemblies Australian non-Arab posting in the of Zion (Judaism) from Poland and Russia Israel from the north, south and east, and of Palestinians after the Forum. She only Middle East, and many of its former and began the task of reclaiming the land announced to the world that they were gave gentle backing to Washington’s incumbents are currently exercising from its historic neglect. The return to the going to eradicate the Jewish presence, hardline stand over Jewish settlements on influence in the Department of Foreign Land of Israel was on its way. and that they were going to drive the the West Bank, which – in its eyes – now Affairs, academia, and the media In 1800 there were very few Arabs Israelis into the Mediterranean Sea. The also includes East Jerusalem. Perhaps, this advocating a fervent anti-Israel line. (Nomads) there: some were attracted to fledgling state of Israel held off these American response reflects a certain What is unusual about the warm what we pioneers were doing. Result? attacks until the Arabs settled for a truce. hypocrisy. She insists that Israel abide by friendship of Julia Gillard toward Israel is They were willing to work and earn some The Palestinians tried two more times previous peace initiatives without question that she comes from the Left faction of the money. Why don’t more people know to kill all the Jews, but they have not while herself refusing to be bound by any Australian Labour Party, not usually known that in 1890, when Theodore Herzl, a succeeded. That is still their primary former agreement with the Jewish State – for this. Given her apparent political Jewish Austrian journalist saw the anti- objective to this day. either formal or tacit – over the settlements. apostasy, it could have been expected that Semitic burst during the Dreyfus case in The issue today is not a matter of a few It is a position that would surely worry she would bear much of the brunt of France, he started to urge Jews around the streets or a farm here and there. The other friends of America as to whether criticism from the ideological Left, the world to work together to reestablish the primary issue is for the Arabs and their mutual understandings sometime in Palestinian lobby. Of course, her fellow Land of Israel.“If you will it,” he said,“it Muslims to understand the real history of the future might be sacrificed to some members on the delegation from the can be done.”In 1897 in Basel, Switzerland, Jews and the Land of Israel, with justice momentary immediate interests of the Liberal-National coalition Opposition he convened the first Zionist Congress. for Biblical territory, and most of all...the United States. were also not immune from their wrath. Why don’t more people know that during recognition of the existence and legitimacy In the days preceding the Forum, the There had been over 700 signatories to World War I, British forces defeated the of the State of Israel. prime ministers of Australia and Israel a press petition begging the delegation army of the Ottoman Empire and gained Robert Sandler, Professor Emeritus, had a long chat on the telephone during not to go. Among them were the usual control of almost all of North Africa, Univ. of Miami, 8107 S.W. 82nd Place, which they discussed the whole gamut bunch of Jews who acknowledge this including the area of ancient Israel? Miami, Fla., [email protected]. of problems involved in the Israeli/ identity only when serving the anti- Why don’t more people know that the Palestinian confrontation, along with the (see Gouttman, page NAT 19) British foreign minister, Arthur Balfour, NAT 10 July 15, 2009 Conservative synagogues continue to be practice by the congregation but as they creativity, and made a difference in our Where we’ve an outstanding catalyst for Jewish growth. move higher up the sulam, the ramp of work because they selflessly contributed By their nature most Conservative Jews Jewish observance, they will want even the best of themselves in order to achieve been, where do not join a synagogue already committed more than we have been giving them. our shared goals. Their friendship and to observing mitzvot, so we can be proud Others – especially young people – will collegiality have helped me to view my we’re going of the great percentage who grow in their have been inspired by our movement’s daily task not as a job but a mission. BY RABBI JEROME M. EPSTEIN commitment as a result of our nurturing. programs, camps, schools, and youth God also has blessed me with lay partners The United Synagogue’s creation of groups, and want to continue their Jewish who unstintingly volunteered their time After serving as United Synagogue’s materials and strategies such as “Jewish growth. By giving them what they need to and energy so that together we could chief executive officer and executive Living Now” and “The Eight Behavioral continue their quest, we create a momentum help make Conservative Judaism the vice president for 23 years, I retired on Expectations of the Conservative Jew” that will engage others, even people who phenomenal success that it is. I fully realize June 30. Although I announced my have stimulated the Jewish growth of have not yet been at all engaged. In order that because they do not earn their living retirement eight years ago, as the our congregants. to engage those Conservative Jews who from the United Synagogue, every moment finally comes for me to transfer Hazak has helped to engage senior want a richer, fuller Jewish life, we must moment they devote to strengthening our my responsibility to new leadership I adults so that they can find new and be willing to allocate financial and human organization must come from other want to reflect on what we are today and renewed meaning in Jewish living. resources. priorities in their lives. I feel privileged what we can be tomorrow. Hazak’s innovative programs have given We must be more effective in creating that they each made a conscious decision For the past few years, the media has new perspectives on Jewish living to this Jewish community within our congregations. to permit me to work alongside them in been very critical of the Conservative important group, which might be forgotten We claim building such communities as a the holy task of creating a vibrant Judaism movement. Such criticism – some of it without us. goal, but we don’t expend nearly enough that would not exist without them. deserved – has had a negative affect on resources to transform our congregations They have inspired me with their the morale of Conservative Jews. Many of individual people into a truly Jewish devotion to the values and ideals for who could contribute richly to our I have no doubt community, a place that moves to the which we stand together. strength instead have been prompted by rhythms of the Jewish calendar. Making The United Synagogue enters a new the negativity either to join the bandwagon whatsoever that if that change will take time and money but era as my esteemed colleague, Rabbi or to leave the movement. The time has it can be done. It must be done. Steven Wernick, brings his passion, come to balance the criticism by focusing on Conservative Judaism We must develop a strategy that will commitment and knowledge to his the bold successes and great achievements build bonds of cooperation within the leadership of the organization. His fresh that we often take for granted – and did not exist today, Conservative movement. Movement perspective and the new priorities he will which neither the media nor we talk we would create it. institutions must meet the challenge bring will help him preserve the United about often enough. of working more cooperatively. And Synagogue’s cherished core values and, at Our teen program, USY, and the congregations also have an obligation to (see Epstein, page NAT 19) movement’s Ramah camps transform We have worked hard to promote the practice partnership. They must not only lives and create Jews committed to viability of day school education in addition take from the movement but give to it as j i passionate Jewish practice. Because they to strengthening the effectiveness of well. Congregations do support it – but have been part of our program for 60 synagogue supplementary schools. the support often comes when they see years, we sometimes take these major Synagogue schools educate the majority an immediate benefit for themselves. If Bit of Wit endeavors for granted, but they have been of our youth from early childhood our movement is to thrive, however, the and continue to be stellar achievements. programs through high schools. United support must be constant even when Morty visits Dr. Saul, the veterinarian, Their success is our success. Synagogue’s expert consultants continually no immediate benefit is apparent. Our and says,“My dog has a problem.” Koach, which inspires college students help make good schools better. At the central institutions can grow stronger Dr. Saul says,“So, tell me about the dog on more than 60 campuses to live same time, we want to offer parents an only when member congregations share a and the problem.” Conservative Jewish lives, has become the alternative to enrich their children’s sense of focused commitment and invest “It’s a Jewish dog. His name is Irving gold standard for denominational living Jewish education and commitment. Our themselves as partners. and he can talk,”says Morty. there. Koach helps young Jews to identify efforts in guiding our Solomon Schechter I have no doubt whatsoever that if “He can talk?”the doubting doctor asks. with Conservative Judaism at a critical day school network creates strategies and Conservative Judaism did not exist today, “Watch this!” Morty points to the dog juncture in their lives, and creates a stimulates the innovation of vibrant we would create it. It represents the best of and commands: “Irving, Fetch!” committed cadre for our future. We have approaches that ensure parents and normative Judaism. I remain committed Irving, the dog, begins to walk toward a right to feel pride in our efforts to students that they are receiving the best to Conservative Judaism’s success and the door, then turns around and says,“So strengthen these students. secular and religious education available. dedicate myself to working with all who why are you talking to me like that? You Every year, the Conservative Yeshiva in Synagogue leaders are better able to share that goal. With your help and always order me around like I’m nothing. Jerusalem attracts more engaged Jews guide their congregations as a result of a commitment, it will enhance our lives and And you only call me when you want from 18 to 80 who enrich their lives panoply of programs that include Sulam, the lives of future generations. something. And then you make me through intensive Jewish study and Imun, and synagogue board training. I have now worked at United sleep on the floor, with my arthritis. You practice three weeks to a year and then Without Conservative Judaism, world Synagogue as a professional for half my give me this fahkahkta food with all the return to their congregations better able Jewry would be greatly diminished. The life and have been honored to serve as salt and fat, and you tell me it’s a special and more willing to help them meet their movement has been successful, and we CEO for over a third of my life. The work diet. It tastes like dreck! You should eat it missions. Their contagious enthusiasm should be very proud of it. I am. What a that I have done has been rewarding yourself! And do you ever take me for a will ensure our future. shame it would be if we let others distort because it has permitted me to devote decent walk? NO, it’s out of the house, a The creation of passionate engagement our self-worth to the extent that we do my energies to a mission to which I am short pish, and right back home. Maybe with Israel on the part of Conservative not appreciate our own value. totally committed. And even more, it has if I could stretch out a little, the sciatica Jews has become a priority. The Still, there are things we must do better. enabled me to interact with professional wouldn’t kill me so much! I should roll over Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center has already We must make a place in our congrega- and lay colleagues of whose dedication, and play dead for real for all you care!” forged bonds between North American tions for people who seek more learning, commitment, passion, and energy I stand Dr. Saul is amazed,“This is remarkable! Jews and their Homeland that will enrich more passionate services, and more in awe. I am grateful to all those current So, what’s the problem?” their lives. By engaging in a personal way, opportunities for meaningful and active and past professionals on the United Morty says,“He has a hearing problem! Israel becomes a part of their lives rather roles in those services. Some of them will Synagogue staff who challenged me with I said “Fetch,”not “Kvetch.” than a detached value. have been drawn toward higher levels of their ideas, impressed me with their Submitted by Scott Levine, Indianapolis. July 15, 2009 NAT 11 ALEPH, AJR and Boston Hebrew. early 30 somethings performing, teaching, ALEPH and In 1993, 30 rabbis and six rabbinic helping run our kids Kallah and playing About ALEPH pastors had been ordained by Reb key volunteer roles in planning this event, not to mention running the Kesher Jewish Renewal Zalman. Today, we have over 125 History leadership program itself. BY RABBI STEVEN B.SILVERN musmachim – rabbis, cantors, rabbinic ALEPH grew out of the P’nai Or The Center for Devotional, Energy and pastors and spiritual directors, with 60 Religious Fellowship founded by Rabbi Ecstatic Practice serves those on a The following was Rabbi Silvern’s speech, more students in these programs Zalman Schachter-Shalomi in 1962. devotional path, committed to live from opening night of ALEPH Kallah 2009. Sixteen years ago there was no cantorial, ALEPH is a core institution in the Jewish the heart and grow in love daily using hashpa’ah or rabbinic pastor program; Renewal movement, dedicated to the ecstatic states to expand their perceptive Welcome to ALEPH’s flagship event, today they are all thriving. Jewish people’s sacred purpose of and creative potential. Retreats have the Kallah where every two years partnership with the Divine in the included: A Song of Songs Initiation and hundreds gather for a taste of Olam Israel inseparable tasks of healing the world the Kol Zimra Chant Leaders training, HaBa. Now in its 24th year, the teaching, Sixteen years ago ALEPH had no and healing our hearts. davenning, music, art and culture just systematic Israel presence. Now we have which began its third cohort in July 2008. The Sageing Project is a multidisciplinary keep getting better and better and that’s biennial Birthright trips and adult Mission and multigenerational project designed to because the world of Jewish Renewal is Renewal Israel tours every other year. We ALEPH supports and grows the serve Jewish elders, their loved ones and growing, deepening and maturing. have an Israeli affiliate, Nava Tehila, who worldwide movement for Jewish renew- people in the caring professions. Its vision I’d like to take a few minutes to celebrate we are celebrating at this Kallah, and our al by organizing and nurturing commu- of Eldering, its trainings and its source where ALEPH, the flagship organization Rodef Shalom project is co-led by an nities, developing leadership, creating book is based on Reb Zalman’s book of the Jewish Renewal movement has Israeli director. liturgical and scholarly resources, and From Age-ing to Sage-ing. come in the 16 years since we were working for social and environmental Ruach Ha Aretz has established itself officially founded. In 1993 there were Bet Midrash justice. as the premier intermediate-size Jewish fewer than 20 Jewish Renewal communities In 1993 the ALEPH Bet Midrash was a ALEPH has attracted and energized Renewal Retreat, taking place in off Kallah and the Network of Jewish Renewal small collection of the works of Reb thousands of seekers returning to years and growing in participation and Communities (NJRC) – now called Zalman and others, compiled haphazardly. Judaism, including many whose journey sophistication as it serves other ALEPH ALEPH affiliated communities – was an There was no comprehensive collection has led them through other spiritual projects in their retreat management. all-volunteer organization. of Jewish Renewal thought. The ALEPH traditions. Now ALEPH serves 42 thriving affiliates siddur, Or Chadash, was out of print and The Institute for Contemporary Midrash supports the use of contemporary around the USA, as well as in Vancouver incomplete. ALEPH’s affiliated projects include: midrashic techniques in the literary, British Columbia, England, Brazil, In the past six years the Bet Midrash • The Kallah, Jewish Renewal’s performing, and visual arts to create a Germany, Switzerland, Australia, Peru has published two major Reb Zalman premier biennial international vital, living connection with Tanakh and Israel. Communities range from 6 books, Integral Halacha and Credo of a gathering, held in the summer of through –Training Programs and to 370 households, with five Renewal Modern Kabbalist, along with the Kol odd-numbered years. Immersion Experiences, a Presenters Synagogue buildings, another community Koreh siddur in multiple formats. There is • Ruach HaAretz: leadership train- Bureau and Referral Service and the on a capital campaign, and 30 with a comprehensive body of Reb Zalman’s ings and a biennial summer retreat, provision of resource materials. rabbinic support from 1/4 to full time. teachings and thought in well-edited held in even-numbered years. publications and high-quality recorded • OHALAH: The Association of Outreach In the realm of Spiritual Leadership formats, both CD and DVD, as well as Rabbis for Jewish Renewal. Sixteen years ago we had no Caravans, Sixteen years ago, no Renewal rabbinic other core materials for any Jewish • Rabbinic Pastors Association: an no relationship with the Jewish association existed. Now OHALAH Renewal library. offspring of OHALAH, serving Telegraphic Agency, PBS, Newsweek, has over 180 members from across all Rabbinic Pastors and Chaplains. Moment Magazine, not to mention of the denominations as well as those Tikkun Olam • ALEPH’s Ordination Programs: dozens of local Jewish Press. Jewish with private smichot and those from Sixteen years ago, when The Shalom Rabbinic, Cantorial, Rabbinic Pastor, Renewal was a well-kept “secret” among transdenominational seminaries like Center and ALEPH were merged, its Spiritual Director. individuals and isolated communities. tikkun olam work was the entirety of • The Bet Midrash: offering Today Jewish Renewal is not quite a ALEPH’s social justice work. publications, prayer books, CDs, household word, but we are getting About Jewish Since The Shalom Center became inde- DVDs and TeleCourses. there. We have a regular contribution to pendent again four years ago, we have • Affiliated Communities: Jewish Renewal Moment: PBS has done a segment on us partnered on their Green Menorah Renewal congregations and havurot in their Religion and Ethics News Weekly; Jewish renewal is a worldwide, campaign and the Olive Branch Interfaith worldwide. a reporter at the Jewish Telegraphic transdenominational movement grounded in Peace Partnership. In addition we partner • Sage-ing: empowering elders as Agency covers us regularly; and Judaism’s prophetic and mystical traditions. with Rabbis for Human Rights, Coalition mentors and wisdom-keepers. Newsweek has profiled Reb Zalman. Jewish renewal carries forward on the Environment and Jewish Life • Kesher: outreach, programs and As I leave the role of chair to the capable Judaism’s perpetual process of renewal. (COEJL), Mazon, Hazon, American Israel trips for young leaders in hands of Rabbi Lori Klein, I move into Jewish renewal seeks to bring creativity, Jewish World Services, the GLBT National their 20s and early 30s. a new phase of serving Jewish Renewal relevance, joy, and an all-embracing Religious Leadership Roundtable, • C-DEEP: (Center for Devotional, as the program directer of Isabella awareness to spiritual practice, as a path the Women, Faith and Economic Energy, and Ecstatic Practice) spiritu- Freedman/Elat Chayyim. One of my goals to healing our hearts and finding Development Initiative and we pursue al retreats and chant leader training. in that role will be to make a closer balance and wholeness – tikkun halev. our own initiatives such as Sacred Foods • Rodef Shalom School for Peace: connection with ALEPH and her projects. Jewish renewal acts to fully include all and the Rodef Shalom School for Peace. empowering peace builders in I invite you to come visit and learn in my Jews and to respect all peoples. American Jewish communities. new home that is designed to keep the Jewish renewal helps to heal the Projects • Tikkun Olam: interfaith and juices flowing from Kallah to Kallah. world by promoting justice, freedom, In 1993 ALEPH had no projects.Today we Jewish communitywide efforts to Rabbi Steven B. Silvern, professor emeritus, responsibility, caring for all life and the are bursting at the seams with innovative heal the planet, seek peace and work Auburn University, past chair of the earth that sustains all life – tikkun olam. two-year programs and other initiatives for justice. board of ALEPH, program director of For more information visit the ALEPH for those engaged in Jewish Renewal. For more information visit the ALEPH Isabella Freedman/Elat Chayyim. Email: website at www.aleph.org. In 1999 one person in her 20s attended website at www.aleph.org. the Kallah. Today we have over 60 20 and [email protected]. NAT 12 July 15, 2009 The performers include: Julia Bentley, My father, over more than fifty years as As I mezzo soprano (who while singing most An Observant a synagogue rabbi, has had a ready smile musically tends to be a bit screetchy in and a reservoir of encouraging words for her upper register in some of the songs); all, and continues in semi-retirement to Heard It Stewart Figa, baritone (and cantor); Eye offer the same to the many who value his Iordanka Kisslova, violin; Ilya Levinson, friendship and counsel. REVIEWED BY MORTON GOLD arranger and pianist; Stewart Miller, BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN And I vividly remember Rabbi Yehudah bassist; Hank Tausend, percussion; and Leib Nekritz, may his memory be a blessing, Jury still out Philip Mohlman, artistic director. With a The Novardhok the religious leader of the Novardhok few exceptions already noted, the Siberian exiles, who in the 1950s and 60s on this one performances were quite good. paradox would occasionally visit my parents’home in Baltimore. Even when I was still too I received a new CD from the New Despite the economic downturn, I little to know much about the man with Budapest Orpheum Society on Cedille recently made a financial investment that the black hat, white beard and peaceful (pronounced Sadie!) records and frankly resulted in a fantastic return. It was a CD. smile who was so eagerly welcomed into the jury is still out on this one. The title of No, not a bank certificate. A compact our house, I was mesmerized by his aura this CD is The Jewish Cabaret in Exile. The disk. It cost me $15 (including postage of happiness. Cabaret they refer to was located in and handling) and featured Yiddish songs On one of his visits, bashful child that I Germany, judging by the material on the that were sung by the students and was, I ran to the far end of the house and CD. The booklet has much scholarship in faculty of the famed Novardhok Yeshiva in hid under a table. From my safe distance, it but also much editorializing. On the pre-war Eastern Europe. I studied his bright, cheery countenance. plus side, aside from the original texts Founded at the end of the 19th century To this day, five decades later, I remember there are also excellent translations of the in what was then the Russian Empire, suddenly bounding across the house – texts that do much to add to the under- Novardhok spawned satellite branches in only a few yards, but many little-boy standing of the songs. many other cities. After the Bolshevik steps – and hurling myself onto the The time frame of the composers and Revolution, the yeshiva relocated to visitor’s lap. Everyone was surprised – their songs spans the years from roughly Poland, although not all the students including me. My feet had received orders 1900 to 1945. With few exceptions the made it; the Soviets shot or captured and directly from my heart. Although Rabbi language of the songs are all in German If the title of the CD indicated a exiled many. At the start of World War II, Nekritz had been through much in his life and deal with sociological matters. If compendium of works by mostly Jewish the yeshiva moved to Vilna and other that was not pleasant, he radiated joy, there were any cabarets (nightclubs?) composers in Germany, especially in the cities in Lithuania. When the Soviets and it was a powerful magnet. anywhere else they didn’t seem to matter decades from 1920 to about 1940, this moved into Lithuania, some students Years later, when I learned about if they existed at all since there is no would have been more accurate and fled, others were killed and a small group Novardhok and its approach to life, I mention of them. Included in the booklet convincing that the title of “Jewish of Polish nationals – my dear father, may thought it paradoxical that Novardhok is a large bibliography. There are three Cabaret In Exile.” Because, frankly, the he be well, among them – were exiled self-criticism and relentless contemplation Jewish songs that have nothing at all to content as well as the style of the songs to Siberia. of life and its limited span could coexist do with cabarets. All are performed by suggest Berlin more than any shtetl Some of the songs on the disk were with the smiling eyes and joie de vivre of a Steward Figa. or even any city located elsewhere than familiar to me from a recording my father Rabbi Nekritz. What I came in time to The first two songs “In Cheder” (In in Germany. made for his children years ago. Others I realize, though, is that it wasn’t a matter Hebrew School) by Martin Milner and Dr. Gold is a composer, conductor, pianist heard for the first time. I was moved by of co-existence but of cause and effect. Mordechai Gebirtig’s “Avreml der and retired educator and may be reached at: the music and, especially, the lyrics. The songs, too, display the apparent Marvikher”(Abe the Pickpocket) are given 6 Webster Street, Springvale, Maine 04083 Novardhok had a reputation for a paradox. Their lyrics are about things like excellent and characteristic performances. or by email at [email protected]. pietistic and morose – to some even readiness to be persecuted for one’s The third, Abrahams Ellstein’s poignant morbid – philosophy. It is an ungenerous commitment to Torah, the brevity of and sentimental ballad “Tif Vie Die j i characterization. The yeshiva was a human existence, the need to seize every Nacht”(Deep As the Night) was arranged serious place, to be sure, and its students day – every moment – we have; yet the in the style of an Argentinian Tango and I not only studied Talmud but placed self- melodies as a rule are spirited, lively, filled felt that this really missed the mark.There A Thought… criticism and personal improvement with trust and hope and joy. are three other songs in the Yiddish prominently on their spiritual agendas. It might be hard to imagine a chorus language by Viktor Ullman who died in Stories about the lengths to which like “Now [we’re] here; later, there” set “Meaning, or having a sense that 1944 in a Nazi concentration camp. He Novardhok students went to embarrass or to a swing beat. But somehow, strangely, was a significant composer whose life one's life has meaning, involves the discomfort themselves in order to “break it works. was tragically cut short. conviction that one is fulfilling a the will”and rise above human traits like I think the solution to “How can Under the heading of Nostalgia and unique role and purpose in a life anger, conceit and indulgence are legend Novardhok seriousness yield joy?” lies in Exile, there is a song by George Kreisler – and many are surely exaggerations. contemplating a converse-question: How called “Poinsing Pigeons.” No date is that is a gift; a life that comes with a But while few if any Novardhokers may can a society like ours, with all its given for this song so I do not know if responsibility to live up to one's full actually have requested a loaf of bread opportunities for physical pleasure, Tom Lehrer got the idea (and title) from potential as a human being, and, in from a hardware merchant or placed raw avenues for escapism and creature Kreisler or vice-versa. There are non- so doing, being able to achieve a peas in their shoes, every Novardhoker comforts, yield the sullenness and Jewish composers included in this spent considerable time daily studying depression that is the hallmark of so anthology, which is strange in a CD sense of peace, contentment, or ethical texts, critically analyzing his much of the contemporary world? purporting to deal with Jewish Cabaret even transcendence through con- personal behavior before G-d and man What occurs is that embracing distractions in Exile. Despite the passion of the article nectedness with something greater and trying to press his will and actions to avoid realities – like the fact that even if in the booklet, I do not feel a case was into line with the highest ideals we are fortunate to become centenarians, than one's self.” made for any cabaret in Europe to almost of Judaism. our this-world lives are not forever; that exclusively have German texts. Also, why Surprisingly, though, what resulted we are here for a purpose, one we ignore were these German composers thought ~ Victor Frankl were not broken, depressed, neurotic at our peril; that we have responsibilities to be in exile in Germany? souls but joyous, determined, soaring ones. (see Shafran, page NAT 19) July 15, 2009 NAT 13 month is the moon. The moon is always saw that the land was good were alive to Kabbalah changing, making Tammuz an emotional enter the land. The incident of the spies is Spiritual time with many ups and downs in an example of the mistake in “seeing”that moods. One has to learn to ride the roller is characteristic of this month. Midwifery of the Month coaster of Tammuz. What helps us to During this month we will be tested to grow through this month particularly is see through appearances and illusions. BY MELINDA RIBNER our willingness to see things clearly. The This may be hard, for what we held as BY RABBI NANCY FLAM spiritual opportunity of this month of dear and true for us may crumble, right in The month of Tammuz is known as the healing of front of us. What is false may masquerade I don’t have when the real pain seeing. Here are a few suggestions from as true in this month as well, so we will a technique starts up, Tammuz (June 22–July 22) my book, Kabbalah Month by Month that have to be mindful and vigilant to see to teach. how your face are particularly important for this month things clearly. We may think one thing smooths Even though the month of Tammuz is of Tammuz. is happening, but in actuality it is the I won’t ever when you breathe known to be a time when life becomes 1. Open to see things as they are and opposite. The divine permutation of the write a book about more fully again. slower, people travel, take a vacation, not as you want them to be. We too often Tetragrammaton is reversed this month. instant enlightenment I can follow relax and have fun, this month is not what see our own projections and not what is. This Chassidic story reflects a profound or even about your labored it appears to be. This is one of the main Ask yourself often this month,“Am I seeing teaching regarding the energy of Tammuz. the hard, slow way metaphors teachings of the month of Tammuz as well. things as they are, or am I simply projecting There was much opposition to Chassidism to get there. about God According to kabbalah every month has its my own needs and desires upon a person in its formative years. An opponent to and speak unique energy and spiritual opportunities. or situation? Before making a judgment, Chassidism had heard many amazing The road in your tongue; To the uninitiated this material may seem take a moment to pray that you may be claims about the Chernobyl Rebbe and I’m traveling on you superstitious but that does not mean that purified to see life as it is. wanted to meet this Rebbe himself to go is mine alone. need not it is not true. Many things exist out of our 2. Do not hesitate to question your see if there was any validity to what his birth new life powers of conception or reasoning. assumptions. Trust that what is true, as followers said about him. He understood The truth is alone. Just as there are various seasons and painful as it may seem to you, will lead that followers see their Rebbe as an angel, I can’t tell you I can live fluctuations in the weather, there are also you to greater freedom. What is true but he assumed that was just wishful how to live. big enough fluctuations in the spiritual energies. brings freedom. thinking on the part of simple people. and fearlessly Those who are attuned to these energies He traveled to see the Rebbe and had But I can listen so when are very aware of these changes and the privilege of even sitting at his table. to you you sit before me know how to use this knowledge for During this month we As he watched the Rebbe eat, he did not with great care to speak your life growth and success. Rather than promoting see anything extraordinary. He simply faithfully you sense fatalism, this knowledge actually increases will be tested to see saw a man eating. When the food was without tiring the presence of our capacity to make meaningful and following out of the Rebbe’s mouth onto over long the vast effective choices for our highest good. through… illusions. his beard, he thought that the Rebbe did periods of time. darkness and light That was my deep intention in the writing not even have the manners of a cultured I can attend of creation of Kabbalah Month by Month, which is the 3. Be flexible. Tammuz is the month of person. He was ready to dismiss the to your tears and trust source of the information in this article. reversals. We expect one thing to happen Rebbe and all the claims he had heard the way you clutch that you, too, Kabbalah divides the months of the and something totally different occurs.You about him, yet he stopped himself. your fists can bear it. year between Esau and Jacob. The first are not in control of your life. Invite God He excused himself from the table, three months (Nissan, Iyar and Sivan) are into your life. Nothing happens by accident. went into the corner and prayed to God. Rabbi Nancy Flam, Director of the Institute given to Jacob. The next three months 4. Be aware of your negative traits. “Master of the Universe, please let my for Jewish Spirituality (www.ijs-online.org), (Tammuz, Av and Elul) are given to Esau. Awareness is the first step toward the eyes be open to see the truth of what is. was a co-founder of the Jewish Healing After many battles, Jacob reclaimed part realization of your most awesome beautiful Please let me see the essence of the Center in 1991. She then directed the Jewish of Av and all of Elul, but Tammuz is still self. Tammuz begins the process known Rebbe and not just the externalities.” Community Healing Program of Ruach totally in the domain of Esau, making it a as teshuvah (repentance) that culminates When he returned to the table, he now Ami: Bay Area Jewish Healing Center in time of challenge for people individually during the period between Rosh saw that the Rebbe was shining from one San Francisco. She has served as a consultant and for the Jewish people as a whole. Hashanah and Yom Kippur. corner of the world to another.The Rebbe for Synagogue 2000 and the National Center Wars against the Jewish people seem to 5. Feel your feelings rather than blame was indeed a great light. His eyes had for Jewish Healing. Rabbi Flam earned her begin in the month of Tammuz. The 2005 others. Make “I” statements about your been purified through prayer so he could B.A. in Religion (Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Israeli war with Lebanon began on the feelings rather than accusatory “you”ones. see the hidden truth. cum Laude) from Dartmouth College in 17th of Tammuz, a most vulnerable day 6. Be calm and trust in Hashem. Before we make quick judgments about 1982; her M.A. in Hebrew Literature from for the Jewish people. Everything is for good, especially the ourselves and others this month, may we the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute Tammuz is still a good month, it is a challenges that make us grow. take a few minutes to clear ourselves and of Religion in 1986, and was ordained in wonderful month, for it is a kabbalistic This year, the story of the spies sent to pray that we see things as they truly are. 1989. She is the editor for LifeLights, a series secret that the greatest light is buried in the survey the land of Israel is read the May our eyes be purified this month to of informational, inspirational pamphlets on deepest darkness. If we know how to use Shabbat before this month. Upon seeing see the beauty of who we are, the beauty of challenges in the emotional and spiritual life. the particularly intense energy of Tammuz the inhabitants of the land, the spies, with the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. constructively, we will be able to grow the exception of two of them report that Melinda (Mindy) Ribner (Miriam through the challenges in ways that may not “we were like grasshoppers in our eyes Shulamit), L.C.S.W. is a spiritual On this date in be possible at any other period of the year. and so we were in the eyes of their eyes” psychotherapist and healer in private Summer is fully upon us in Tammuz. (Num 13:33). They only saw their own practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). Jewish history The sun is shining brightly and the heat of fear projected. They did not see things as She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and On July 15, 1834 the summer is strong.The heat of Tammuz they really were, and most importantly, Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of is not just physical, but also emotional they forgot that the land had been promised Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age The Spanish Inquisition and spiritual. Tammuz corresponds to the to them by God.They were afraid to enter Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is is abolished. astrological month of Cancer. The name to the land and ultimately, their fears and also the founder and director of Beit Miriam ~ From The Jewish Book of Days published by for this month already tells us something desires were fulfilled for they did not (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be reached by Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York. about this month. The ruling body of this enter the land. Only the two spies who email at [email protected]. NAT 14 July 15, 2009 The Theater Jewish

BY HAROLD JACOBSON Theater

West Side Story – its REVIEWED BY IRENE BACKALENICK Jewish connection Dov and Ali How a story about a Jewish-Gentile version of the Romeo and Juliet saga was graces the Off- transformed into a Puerto Rican-American Broadway stage tale called West Side Story. Dov and Ali is a sensitive work by In the remarkably informative playbill Jewish American playwright Anna at the Stratford Ontario Shakespeare Chilina Kennedy (r) and Paul Nolan (l) star Ziegler, which hits at the very heart of Festival, Joel Greenberg notes that in the in the Stratford Ontario production of issues that confront us today. As Jews in original version of the celebrated West Side Story. Photo credit: Stratford a modern multicultural, multiracial, Broadway hit of 1957, West Side Story, the Shakespear Festival web site. multireligious society, we are beset on all Adam Green (l), as Dov, and Utkarsh original plot pivoted on the passionate Stratford’s Julius Caesar is another sides by conflicting values. Moreover, we Ambudkar (r), as Ali. love affair between a teenage Jewish and example of an artistic canvas that will battle with our own inconsistencies. Can Gentile couple in New York City. thrill theater-goers this season. Three we respect our own traditions while claim to be kosher, but have no problem By the time the four collaborators – extraordinarily talented actors, Ben making room for opposing viewpoints? mixing meat and dairy dishes at a Jerome Robbins (the choreographer), Carlson as Brutus, Geraint Wyn Davies as Can a Jew be tolerant of invasive ideas restaurant.) Sameh, who is breaking with Leonard Bernstein (the musical director), Caesar, and Jonathan Goad as Mark while holding fast to long-held practices? the rigid Muslim rules, has her own Arthur Laurents (the author) and Antony electrified a sold-out performance Is there room for compromise? And it is battles with her brother Ali. Stephen Sondheim (the lyricist) – were of a play that is obviously a favorite of not only ideas, but the people who Ziegler is, in fact, dealing with people, putting the final touches on their Shakespearean devotees. The evidence of espouse them, which are at stake. as well as ideas, and her characters – all production, they realized that the this latter observation is the way in which As this spells out in Ziegler’s play, Dov four – come vividly to life. Others in the demographics of Manhattan had audience members seated around this is an Orthodox Jew, who teaches in an story – Dov’s parents, Sameh’s boy friend, changed so radically that they had to reviewer anticipated and then whispered inner-city high school (in Detroit). He is Ali’s father – are never on stage, but are reconfigure the story line to accommodate many of the famous lines uttered on challenged by his precocious student Ali, present all the same. The four on-stage the Puerto Rican presence in the city and stage.“Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry who is a strict (in fact, fanatical) Muslim. characters are beautifully rendered by pit it against the white “American”(Irish, look; such men are dangerous,” was As the play opens, the bright, articulate Urkarsh Ambudkar, Heidi Armbruster, Polish, English) population. The Puerto merely one of these well-known verses. Ali does not hesitate to attack Dov with Anitha Gandhi, and Adam Green – Ricans had their gang, the Sharks, while One of Stratford’s cleverest moves in his father’s anti-Semitic tirades. The Jews and one is drawn into each one’s world, the American counterpart was the Jets. recent years has been to invite Geraint should be pushed out of Israel, which feeling each one’s pain. The result, West Side Story, became one Wyn Davies to migrate to its stage from they stole, according to Ali’s father. But While Ziegler has written a play that is of the most celebrated musicals ever the television world. This English actor Dov forces Ali to do his own thinking, often pure poetry, it is not ornamental mounted on an American stage and it was regularly featured in a series in which not parrot his father. At the same time poetry. The action never slows; the issues later mutated into an equally successful he assumes the role of a good natured Ali challenges Dov’s relationship with never dim. Rigid religious views, whether film. Now the Stratford Shakespeare and virtuous vampire, who despite his his shiksa girl friend. In this constant Jewish or Moslem, can be limiting. Dov Festival, Canada’s preeminent theater unfortunate infirmity overcomes the latter battering, each will have his impact on and Ali makes its emotional impact, dedicated to the bard’s works, has decided in order to help others. It has been obvious the other, gradually forcing the other to leaving one to mull the themes long after to produce its own version of West Side that Davies was wasting his considerable think differently. leaving the theater. Story and it is a stunning tribute to the four talent on this métier. His move to Added to the mix is Dov’s girl friend Theater critic Irene Backalenick covers creators who brought it to life 52 years ago. Stratford has permitted him in Julius Sonya and Ali’s sister Sameh, both of theater for national and regional publications. The musical score is snappy and Caesar and other plays to demonstrate whom contribute further complications. She has a Ph.D. in theater criticism from provocative; the principals, Maria (Chilina the wonderful presence he has on stage. Sonya opts for marriage, but Dov cannot City University Graduate Center. Her book Kennedy) and Tony (Paul Nolan) are One other actor at Stratford this year go that far, will not introduce her to his East Side Story – Ten Years with the Jewish formidable and exciting in their depiction of who has that indefinable presence parents. (He’s rather like those Jews who Repertory Theatre won a first-place national the tensions inherent in intra-community dimension is Colm Feore who, like Wyn book award in history. She welcomes bigotry and violence. But the real triumph Davies, inhabits both the television and comments at [email protected] and of this production is found in the vitality film world (in the TV series 24, he plays invites you to visit her website: nytheater of the 31 male and female dancers and the husband of the first female president scene.com or at: jewish-theatre.com. the 49 production people involved in the of the United States, and in Good Cop Bad technical aspects required in creating Cop, he stars as a detective). In Macbeth j i this brilliantly kinetic staging of West he demonstrates on the Stratford stage a Side Story. masterful comprehension and exhibition of For this reviewer the two outstanding a homicidal mind determined to eliminate Bit of Wit segments of the Stratford musical are all possible pretenders to the throne. Chilina Kennedy’s magical rendering of “I Feore’s diction, body language, and facial No Pressure! Feel Pretty,” and the Jets’ rambunctious gestures are all perfectly calibrated to A man is laying on the operating table, parody of “Gee, Officer Krupke.” These reflect the inner turmoil that animates his about to be operated on by his son, two selections, however, are merely parts behavior. Feore will also be featured in Anitha Gandhi (l), as Sameh, and Utkarsh the surgeon. of a beautiful artistic canvas that, in its Edmond de Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac Ambudkar (r), as Ali, in The Playwright's The father says, “Son, think of it this entirety, provides endless admiration and this season and this reviewer will report Realm's production of Anna Ziegler's way... If anything happens to me, your enjoyment for the audience. later on his performance in that play. Dov and Ali. mother is coming to live with you.” July 15, 2009 NAT 15 Once when King Saul was angry at For Young him, David had to hide from him in a Book cave. Saul and his men were about to go into the cave and find David. But God People sent a spider to weave its web across the Review entrance to the cave, so Saul told his men BY RABBI MOSHE BEN ASHER,PH.D. not to bother searching in the cave, REVIEWD BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN because the spider’s web was proof that Chayat Hashavua: no one had recently gone into the cave. Novel of Iraq’s and More than two thousand years ago, one God‘s wisdom in of our great prophets, Isaiah, said: By its Jewry’s unfolding creating spiders telling lies we will be tied up in misery, tragic dram like with ropes. Do you know the Hebrew name for But what did Isaiah really mean – and Aida by Sami Michael. Kinneret, the spider? what does it have to do with spiders? Zmora Bitan Press, Dvir-Publishing One of our great rabbis, Rashi, who House. 2008. Pp. 271. (In Hebrew.) lived almost a thousand years after the Sami Michael, counted among Israel’s prophet Isaiah, said that when we tell lies most distinguished authors, was born in we get in deeper and deeper, because at Baghdad, Iraq, in 1926, escaped to Iran in first our lies seem little, like the thin 1948 and a year later arrived in Israel. threads of a spider web – we can hardly Once again he proves his literary genius see them. in a timely and revealing novel of Iraq’s as But Rabbi Assi said that, when we tell well as its Jewry’s unfolding tragic drama. lies, at first our lies are like the thin At the center of the plot with its threads of a spider web, but they soon compelling oriental dimension of suspense become like thick ropes that tie us up. and mystery is Zaki Dali, a 70-year-old even thrive in Iraq’s society.“Believe me, There’s an old saying,“O what a tangled Iraqi Jew who chooses to remain in his Zaki, a lie is better and more compassionate web we weave when first we practice to native land following the hasty exodus of that the dammed truth. Listen to me, It’s akavish, but we don’t know anything deceive (or lie).” expulsion of his fellow Jews in the wake you can play with a lie, the truth is more about the root meaning of the word. Have you ever had that experience and, of Israel’s victorious 1948 independence. stubborn and heavier than a firm stone. Is there anything likeable about spiders? if so, how did you get out of the tangle of The fleeing Iraqi Jews were forced to leave In life you need a bit of flexibility” (My The rabbis 2,000 years ago thought that your lies? behind both their material wealth and translation, p.58). a crushed spider was a cure for a scorpion’s [ANSWERS TO QUIZ: (1) silk; social status, arriving with European Zaki longed for the good old times of bite. I’m not sure that the cure wasn’t (2) anywhere they can find food – one kind Holocaust survivors in a postwar Israel relative harmony that was enjoyed by the worse than the bite! But Spiders eat under water and another near the top of saddled with multiple urgent and diverse population of a secular Iraq. His harmful insects, like flies and mosquitoes Mount Everest; (3) at least 30,000, but complex concerns. Jewish legacy was concretized in safe- that carry diseases. Although they’re not probably more like 50,000 to 100,000; (4) a Zaki aspires to be the last remaining guarding the gift of life as “a supreme picky eaters, they even eat one another. South American tarantula with its legs Iraqi Jew, representing the longest existing command” (My translation, p. 122), even What might we not like about spiders? fully extended can measure up to 10 inches; Jewish community in history for some surpassing the gift of faith. An intriguing All spiders have fangs and most have (5) none – their tough skin serves as a skele- 2,500 years and once the world center of observation is made in comparing Iraqi poison glands. ton; (6) two, four, six, or eight; and (7) some Jewish life with persisting influence. A Jews with their American counterparts. Incidentally, do you know what “fangs” female tarantulas live up to 20 year.] quarter of Baghdad’s population was “Iraqi Jewry learned throughout history to are? (They’re hollow teeth that can put Rabbi Moshe ben Asher is codirector of Jewish, the highest percentage of Jews in enjoy what life offers, to blossom in the out poison.) And do you know what Gather the People (www.gatherthepeople.org), any Muslim capital. Zaki knew from the land where it resides and contribute from “glands” are? (They’re cells in the body an Internet-based nonprofit organization bitter experience of Baghdad’s Armenian a safe distance to the Jewish community that can make things like poisons.) In that provides resources for congregational refugees the high cost of loosing one’s in Eretz Yisrael” (My translation, p. 122). North America, six spiders have bites that community development and organizing. native land and tongue. His youthful Along with the suffering Jews, the author are harmful to humans. love to imprisoned cousin Noor who empathizes with the lot of the Shiites j i eventually was tortured to death by the under Saddam Hussein’s brutal boot. It’s time for the spider quiz. Iraqi authorities, was another factor in Zaki’s life-long neighbors and close 1. What is it that spiders spin when keeping him behind. friends were Shiites whose extended they make their webs? A Thought… While his parents moved to Israel, his family was consumed by Sunni hate and 2. Who can teach us where spiders live? sister settled in England, and his two suspicion. The Kurds too were equally 3. How many different kinds of spiders brothers came to the United States. Zaki’s persecuted without mercy. are there in the world? “The purpose of life is not to win. siblings were professionals who prospered, A transforming figure to enter Zaki’s 4. How big is the largest spider? The purpose of life is to grow and allowing him through general financial life was a mysterious Kurdish woman 5. How many bones does a spider have? to share. When you come to look support to live lavishly. He even used his whom he named Aida (the books’ title) 6. How many eyes does a spider have? material means to form an indulging and for the tragic operatic heroin. Zaki nursed back on all that you have done in 7. How long can a spider live? promiscuous bond with the secret security her back to life, seeing in her plight his own life, you will get more satisfaction head, though keeping a hidden cyanide Jewish one. She ultimately reciprocates, Why do you imagine that God created from the pleasure you have brought tablet just in case. traveling with ailing Zaki to the United spiders? into other people's lives than you From his dream of becoming a great Sates in an airlift arranged by his physician David doubted God’s wisdom in creating author, Zaki is forced to settle for the lesser brother Kamal who worked for the such apparently useless creatures as spiders. will from the times that you outdid reality of a popular television personality United Nations. He thought that they do nothing but spin a and defeated them.” with most people unaware of this Jewish Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of worthless web. But he became completely identity. There were those like his cousin Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia convinced that even a spider’s web may ~ Harold Kushner, rabbi and author Jaliel (Shlomo) who converted to Islam in Beach, Va., is the son of Polish Holocaust serve an important purpose. order to survive, protect one’s family and survivors. He grew up in Haifa, Israel. NAT 16 July 15, 2009 If your offspring is as precocious as and Joshua, my brother, named for one of Book Review Rebecca, you might read these stories to a our prophets, were all there. I was also child as young as three.] I envision this reminded that some popular modern book on a child’s nightstand, reading children’s names are found in the Bible, a chapter (or two) each night. I also like my best friend’s daughter, Abigail. envision this book on adults’ nightstands These Biblical role models provide their REVIEWED BY where we may read a chapter (or more) modern namesakes with inspiration as REBECCA each night. These short stories will their stories are read and reread. GOODMAN & MIRIAM remind adults of the depth and breadth The depth of material is great and the JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible author Ellen ZIMMERMAN of our sacred teachings. variety of the stories diverse, including the Frankel (l), and illustrator, Avi Katz (r). magic of God creating the earth, animals and humans; flooding the earth to blot Modern children, including this writer, A new illustrated out sin and God’s compassion when who had to look up the intricacies of children’s bible people ask for forgiveness. Relationships threshing versus winnowing for this article, between parents and children, competition are not familiar with these processes. “From all who would teach me, have I between brothers, deceit and betrayal of Through these stories and the conversations gained understanding” (Psalms 119:99). friends, murder and war are not ignored. that follow, children can acquire greater You may know me better as “my daughter, These stories are eternal, thus relevant understanding of ancient times, with Rebecca, the Reform Jewish Educator” today. Conversations between parents parents guiding the discussion. This sometimes depicted in this space by a and children will undoubtedly lead to beautiful text cries out for a parent’s doting mother.You read about my wedding better understanding of Jewish teaching manual or teacher’s guide to accompany it. two years ago, some of my trips to Israel, by both. “As you teach, you learn” I am thankful to find the oft-omitted and I am sure you have read that my (Midrash Tehillim 11). stories of Deborah and Yael, Gideon, mother, Miriam Zimmerman, and I share As the book proceeds to later chapters Elijah and Elisha. Authors often overlook an interest in Holocaust education. We of the Bible, the stories become longer. these prophets and focus instead on the also share a love of books. Parents and older children can discuss more familiar stories of Samuel, David It is my privilege to write in collaboration the meaning of the behavior of people in and Solomon in their children’s bibles. with my mother, as we tell you about the stories. The morals and ethics, The writings of Ruth, Esther and Daniel a new addition for the “People of the although sometimes questionable, provide are also included in this volume. Shavuot Book.” The Jewish Publication Society is roadmaps for our own lives and how we and the reading of Megillat Ruth, the introducing a new volume in late July I want JPS to create a series of posters treat others. I want my young children to book of Ruth, need not be inaccessible to titled JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible. for each of the beautiful illustrations by welcome strangers and be compassionate, children any longer. In this volume, the I love books! [Her mother’s observation: Avi Katz. His work provides beautiful like Abraham and Sarah. I want my older story of Esther, our Purim heroine, will be All those years of reading to her as a child color with just enough detail for the viewer children to understand the culture and available for children throughout the year, paid off. Young parents, take note of the to appreciate the story while leaving room lifestyle of desert living and nomadic not only when we don masks and attend importance of reading to your child.] I for additional individual interpretation. I peoples. I want my children to avoid the the local Purim carnival or Megillah reading. have always identified with the metaphor, would hang these illustrations in my own jealousy that drove Cain to murder Abel. After reading every page of this 240- “People of the Book.”I moved 23 boxes of home and in the classrooms of my school. page volume, my advice is to purchase them out of my former office and into The JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible one for yourself and one for a friend, even if another this summer. My husband begins as all such good books begin, with This Bible belongs on a you do not have children or grandchildren. constantly asks, “Do we really need all Bereshit, “In the beginning,” and the The beauty of the artwork will appeal to these books in the living room?” creation of the world. I love these initial living room coffee table to adults as well.This Bible belongs on a living Of course we do. The books on my stories from Genesis for their simplicity in room coffee table to be enjoyed aesthetically shelves dedicated to Torah; Tanach, the the retelling and for the conciseness of be enjoyed aesthetically as well as spiritually. The compelling acronym for Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim each chapter. Original nuance from the stories will persuade adults to read them (Torah, Prophets and Writings) that make Hebrew is not lost. For example, when as well as spiritually. after first attracted by the art. up the Hebrew Bible; and commentary God speaks to our ancestors, they often In keeping with my being part of the are numerous. Why then was I in search answer,“Hineni, here I am.”This repetition For example, parents could have a People of the Book, my living room will of yet one more Jewish Bible? There are exists in each example throughout the conversation with older children about the see the addition of the JPS Illustrated not many Children’s Bibles available from Bible. When Hebrew phrases repeat from differences and similarities between Biblical Children’s Bible in the coming month. Jewish publishing houses.The alternative, one generation to the next, the English also times and today. What is the modern May your library also continue to grow Christian publications, often infuse into repeated so that the reader may make the metaphorical equivalent to the Biblical l’dor vador, from generation to generation. their books Christian theology that is connections our rabbis made and begin to “washing someone’s feet?”A guest today Rebecca Goodman, has an MA in Jewish not in keeping with Jewish tradition interpret these repetitions on their own. I is fed, primarily, with store-bought goodies. education and in Jewish communal service. and interpretation of the Bible. One of my can see these stories being used in my Cheese and crackers can be picked up at [Miriam’s postscript: Dear Readers, please colleagues tells me that she is still reading kindergarten classroom as children are any local market. A child may understand allow this columnist to shep naches from her the “Golden Book”bible to her kids for just beginning to explore the Bible as well there were no markets for Sarah and daughter. I am so grateful for Rebecca’s lack of finding anything better. This void as with our teens as they search for Abraham. But do they understand the expertise in Judaism. Her willingness to will be filled when the JPS Illustrated “reminder”versions of the Bible stories. process Sarah completed before offering proof my columns and offer suggestions Children’s Bible becomes available in late Unlike many children’s Bibles that her guests food and refreshment? Sarah over the years has grounded my writing in July. The Bible stories in this volume are conclude with the story of Moses, nach must have been involved in the process of Jewish tradition in a way impossible retold by acclaimed storyteller and Jewish (Prophets and Writings) is not left out of gathering grain; threshing, which is the without her help. “And thou shalt teach scholar Ellen Frankel and illustrated by this Tanach. I was not at all surprised to loosening of the edible part of cereal grain them diligently unto thy parents....” award-winning artist Avi Katz. find my family’s biblical namesakes from the scaly, inedible chaff that surrounds Paraphrased from Deuteronomy 6:7.] Frankel succeeded in her mission to included in the book.Yours truly, Rebecca; it; winnowing, which separates the loosened Dr. Miriam L. Zimmerman is professor remain true to the original text, while my sister Leah; my father’s Hebrew chaff from the grain; not to mention emerita at Notre Dame de Namur University maintaining accessibility for readers five namesake, Reuben; my mother, Miriam grinding the flower, kneading the dough, in Belmont, Calif. She can be reached by email years and up. [Her mom’s observation: (all from the first two books of the Torah); and baking the bread. at [email protected]. July 15, 2009 NAT 17 necessarily guaranteed by achievement. with her as she experienced the rigors of Book Reviews He points out that the usual benchmarks: her treatment. wealth, fame, power, and recognition do not Not until the fourth chapter of her book guarantee happiness. A chapter is devoted does Radner identify herself as a Jew. REVIEWED BY MORTON I.TEICHER to the meaning of life and Sherwin draws Shortly thereafter, she uses the Yiddish on analysts Viktor Frankl and Erich word “tchotchkes” and then goes on to Fromm as well as Leo Tolstoy for attempts identify her father as “very active in Answering the hard to wrestle with this complicated enigma. Jewish affairs” and listed in “Who’s Who questions with Sherwin explores creativity and human in American Jewry.” One of the pictures uniqueness, emphasizing the importance she includes shows her attending her religion and more of fulfilling our potentialities. This brother’s bar mitzvah. Later, Radner says requires hard work; a study of how our she “was brought up Jewish, went to The Life Worth Living. By Byron L. forbears used their wisdom and experience; Sunday school, learned Hebrew.”However, Sherwin. Grand Rapids, Michigan: 2009. and imagination to visualize what and Radner makes no reference to Judaism or 175 Pages. $18. who we can become. He adds three other Jewish sources as she copes with the dire elements: the need to make choices; to consequences of her cancer diagnosis. focus on what matters most; and to meet Instead of any religious influence on meaningful goals. For each of these six her capacity to deal with cancer, Radner items, he fleshes out his own views with turned to both esoteric and standardized numerous helpful sources from the approaches, including macrobiotics, Talmud and from philosophers. surgery, and new drugs. In painful detail, Similarly, a discussion of seeking wisdom she describes her chemotherapy, including relies on Scripture, the Talmud, poets and the before and after procedures as well as psychologists. Also, demonstrating his her reactions. She also sets forth the ecumenical approach, Sherwin includes a burdens of her illness and her treatment quotation from the New Testament. One Originally published in 1989, Gilda on her family and friends. The sense of of the most interesting chapters in the Radner’s autobiographical account of living humor that characterized her performances book is titled “The Gift of Love.” Freud’s and dying with ovarian cancer has been on stage and TV never deserts her, views are criticized while comments by reprinted with a new introduction by making it possible for readers to follow St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Alan Zweibel, her collaborator in writing what is essentially a tragic story. Plato are favorably cited. A broad-based Saturday Night Live. Also added to this An important source of emotional approach includes love between adults, 20th anniversary edition is a resource guide support for Radner was The Wellness friendship, and parental love. For people for cancer patients and their families. Community in which cancer patients of faith, love of God is crucial. In support The book is basically a frank, blow-by- shared their stories with each other. Her of this view, Sherwin quotes from blow description of Radner’s treatment experiences led her to organize Gilda’s Deuteronomy – “You shall love the Lord from the time of her diagnosis in 1986 Club where people with cancer as well as your God with all your heart, with all your until she died in 1989. Some of the their families meet to encourage and soul, with all your might.” material is inspiring; some is harrowing. sustain each other. This has become a The two final chapters of the book deal Woven into the story are details of national network of meeting places that Throughout history and throughout the with “Ups and Downs” and “Exquisite Radner’s life. The two biographical help patients to live with cancer. The world, people ask the same questions: Why Living.” For the inevitable “treasures and elements that stand out are her marriage development of this program and the am I here? Where do I come from? Where traumas” of life, Sherwin turns to faith- to actor Gene Wilder and her success as principles that guide its functioning are am I going? Their answers are usually based “spiritual rehabilitation,” including a television star. explained in a useful appendix to this new codified into what we call “religion.” “return and renewal”as well as atonement. Radner grew up in Detroit but spent edition of It’s Always Something, along with Byron L. Sherwin has organized a set of His reliance on theological explanations the winter months in Miami Beach. Her a Resource Guide that lists organizations responses to these questions, based will appeal to his more devout readers chopped-up school attendance stopped and readings for people with cancer. primarily on Jewish tradition but also while others may be somewhat skeptical. when she entered a private school in These two additions to Radner’s original involving Christian beliefs as well as the The last chapter, on happiness, includes the Detroit where she completed high school book are extremely valuable, providing contributions of philosophers and poets.The recommendation that one should write an before enrolling in the University of additional justification for reprinting result of his efforts is presented in this well- ethical will.To assist in this process, Sherwin Michigan. She spent time as an acting Radner’s memoir. A new generation of written and readily understandable book. helpfully lists the topics to be addressed student but failed to graduate after six cancer patients and their relatives who Sherwin is a Jewish theologian and in such a document. Some readers will years. In 1969, caught up in the antiwar benefit from treatments discovered since scholar who is a professor at the Spertus find this to be particularly useful. movement and involved with a Canadian her death 20 years ago will find inspiration Institute of Jewish Studies in Chicago. Regardless of one’s degree of faith and sculptor, she moved to Toronto. The in this courageous account of coping Supplementing his clear identification as a religious observance, all readers will be romance broke up but Radner remained with cancer. Jewish man of letters, Sherwin has drawn rewarded by careful study of this worthwhile in Toronto where she became a on Christian and nondenominational attempt to cope with the vital questions professional actress, establishing herself Hair-raising series of sources to augment his down-to-earth raised by all people all over the world. as a comedienne. Her success led her to presentation. Although religiously identified New York, originally with the National electrifying adventures readers will find Sherwin’s approach to be Lampoon Show, then with the Not Ready readily compatible with their beliefs, others Memoir’s new edition For Prime Time Players, and, eventually, The Defector. By Daniel Silva. New York: will also find considerable value in his includes resource guide with Saturday Night Live. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2009. 469 Pages. attempts to cope with the hard questions After a failed marriage with a musician, $26.95. confronted by all people regardless of the for cancer patients Radner was divorced and wed Gene Since 2000 when Daniel Silva published degree of their religiosity. Wilder in 1984. She poignantly describes his The Kill Artist, his fourth novel but the first Beginning with the initial biblical question, It’s Always Something. By Gilda devotion to her through the tribulations to feature Gabriel Allon, he has released “where are you?”Sherwin asserts that, on Radner. New York: Simon and Schuster, of her illness. Others involved with her – one book each year starring Allon. the continuum of health, success is not 2009. 286 Pages. $14. doctors, nurses, therapists – also suffered (see Teicher, page NAT 19) NAT 18 July 15, 2009 Cherry and Wine Soup (6 servings) MEDAD Kosher Hebrew (continued from page NAT 20) 4 cups sweet black cherries 2 cups water In the early years, we were among the Kuisine 1/4 cup sugar Linguist very few blatantly (in the uniform of 1/2 thinly sliced lemon kippah for him and hair-covering for her) BY SYBIL KAPLAN 1 cinnamon stick BY SETH BEN-MORDECAI Orthodox Jewish attendees. Most years 1 Tbsp. cornstarch there was a “kosher table,”but this year it A legacy from 1/4 cup water The roads seemed even more kosher than usual. 1 cup dry red wine This year there wasn’t just a little food other places whipped cream from Babel with a sign, there were people “guarding” the food. That’s a Halachik requirement. Fruit soup, warm or cold, is good when In a saucepan, place cherries, water, Dagesh. In Biblical, Yemenite, and The food was dairy and parve, which summer fruits are readily available. Berry sugar, lemon and cinnamon stick. Bring Kurdish Hebrew, the dagesh – a dot in the meant that those who wanted the Ben & and stone fruit soups are common in the to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 center of a letter – has two functions: Jerry’s ice cream could have the ice cream Scandinavian countries and Eastern minutes. Make a paste of the cornstarch “Doubling” and “hardening.” A doubled for dessert. In previous years, they had Europe, sometimes with wine, cream or and water. Add to soup. Cook 10 minutes. consonant is pronounced twice its normal Hagen Daz. sour cream added. Mango, berries, Remove cinnamon stick. Add wine. Chill. duration: In English, we hear this in I didn’t grimace because of my diet. It bananas, cherries, peaches, strawberries, Serve with whipped cream. “unnamed”as contrasted with “un-aimed.” wasn’t all the traif; it was the Israeli loony watermelon, cantaloupes and pineapple Like English, modern Hebrew usually Left and Arabs that bothered me. can all be used for fruit soup. Plum Soup (6 servings) ignores doubling in speech, pronouncing I didn’t like the message of the outgoing A specialty of the Scandinavian countries, gannav < ¥ »  > (a thief) the same as U.S. Counsel General Jake Walles. He Russia and Hungary was sour cherry 1/3 cup water ganav < ¥ »  > (he stole). made it very clear that he and the American soup. The Polish made apricot soup. 3/4 cup apple juice The second function of dagesh, hardening, government would do everything in their Danes made orange soup. 2 pounds pitted plums designates a consonant’s “hard” form power to create a [sic] “Palestinian” State. A quick look into ten recent kosher 1 cinnamon stick rather than its “soft” form. A “hard” or He went on and on and yapped and cookbooks shows five had no such 1 whole clove “stop”consonant entails a complete brief yapped and said other nonsense like that recipes; The World of Jewish Entertaining 1/4 cup sugar stoppage of the breath. A “soft” or the United States was founded for by Gil Marks had chilled fruit and 1 Tbsp. lemon juice “fricative” consonant requires only a freedom. Historically that isn’t true. Did raspberry wine soups; Kosher Delicious by whipped cream partial obstruction of breath. Biblical and you ever hear about the Boston Tea Party? Diana Kastembaum and Penny Brenner cinnamon Yemenite Hebrew have six dual-form “No taxation without representation.” has chilled celery pear, iced honeydew consonants: b/v < / >, k <  / >, The American Revolution was all about pear and spiced peach soups; the Joseph In a saucepan, combine water, apple p < / >, g/gh < / >, d/dh < / >, and money, not freedom. The liberty and Kushner Hebrew Academy cookbook, juice, plums, cinnamon stick, clove, sugar t/th < / >.These are the beged kefet letters. freedom stuff came later. The Kosher Palette, has strawberry wine and lemon juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce In modern Hebrew, the hard and soft If a high-ranking American State wild berry soups; Gil Marks’ Olive Trees heat and simmer 15 minutes or until plums forms can interchange without changing Department official can’t get American and Honey has Hungarian wine soup; are soft. Remove clove and cinnamon a word’s meaning. Although li˘sbor History straight, do you really think he and Congregation Agudat Achim’s stick. Puree fruit in blender or fruit <  > (to break) is correct, li˘svor (and they) know anything about the Divine Kosher Cuisine has apple wine, processor. Pour into bowl, cover and chill. <  > will also be understood. (By needs, history, and security of another apple rutabaga, chilled cherry and six Serve with whipped cream and cinnamon contrast, <  > (s)˘ and <  > (s) cannot country? Another part of the world? I was fruit soups. sprinkled on top. be substituted for each other: sar˘ <  > politely silent when attending their event, Marlena Spieler’s Jewish Cooking, which Sybil Kaplan lives in Jerusalem. means “he sings,” but sar <  > means but now I can open my mouth and send I consider very Israeli in recipes, has fruit “president.”) my words out to be read. soup and Hungarian cherry soup. In archaic Hebrew, only the “hard” Batya Medad is a veteran American olah, Looking into four Israeli cookbooks, only Call/Write for Free Books forms existed.Very late in the development immigrant in Israel. She and her husband Joan Nathan’s The Foods of Israel lists We are 100% Judaism; not of Hebrew, speakers began allowing made aliyah in 1970 and have been in Palestinian fruit and melon soups. Try some breath to pass through the vocal Shiloh since 1981. She’s a wife, mother, these for yourselves. disguised of any other science tract when a beged kefet consonant grandmother, EFL Teacher, writer and followed a vowel, unless the consonant photographer. Besides her articles and My Israeli Fruit Soup (6 servings) Jack Botwin was doubled. Thus, gabah (collected) photographs we’ve been featuring in this Books by Morris Lichtenstein became gavah, but gabbah (eyebrow), publication for a number of years, Batya is 3 cups chopped fruit such as apricots, with its doubled b, did not change. very involved in the international cyber peaches or plums FREE BOOK by Hebrew speakers probably never per- community as a Jewish blogger. She has two 1/3 cup sugar Rabbi Morris Lichtenstein ceived the distinctions between hard and active blogs, http://shilohmusings.blogspot.com 6 cups water soft forms. Indeed, certain Hebrew poetic and http://me-ander.blogspot.com, besides 1 Tbsp. cornstarch diluted in Applied Judaism texts match “khaf”<  > with “quf”<  >. having established the Kosher Cooking 1/3 cup water Similarly, few English speakers notice Carnival; details on me-ander. You can 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Jewish Science that the captain of the guard in the contact her at [email protected]. Wizard of Oz “softens”the “k”to a “khaf” Combine in a saucepan the fruit, sugar 11 AM Sunday • 109 E. 39 NYC when he says, “The wicked witch is and water. Bring to a boil, reduce All Welcome/Friendly/Free dead.”) But the scribes who developed j i heat and simmer about 15 Hebrew punctuation were so meticulous Mordecai) merges linguistic analysis with legal minutes. Puree in a 12301 San Fernando Rd. #406 that they recorded minute differences sleuthing to uncover lost meanings of ancient blender. Add corn- Sylmar, CA 91342 that Hebrew speakers made but only a texts. His Exodus Haggadah uniquely starch and water and student of language would perceive. includes the full story of the Exodus in an lemon juice, return to (818) 367-4532 (24 Hr.) An attorney and Semitic linguist with accessible format. When not lawyering or heat and cook a few minutes www.appliedjudaism.org degrees from Brandeis, Stanford and Univ. writing, he tends his 20-year-old ocicat. until cornstarch is blended. of Calif., Seth Watkins (pen name, Ben- Email: [email protected]. July 15, 2009 NAT 19 KAPLAN GOUTTMAN Bancroft. These unusual individuals play (continued from page NAT 7) (continued from page NAT 9) critical roles as Allon’s duel with Kharkov reaches a crescendo of hazardous and Mr. Raz commented that Israel remaining Zionist cause. They would certainly agree lethal danger. a Jewish state is important but perhaps it with the representative of Women for As is always the case with Silva’s isn’t that important for a peace agreement. Palestine (Australia) who delivered an novels, the real world provides a menacing He then remarked that “we”have to give anti-Israel diatribe at the June meeting of background for his story. For example, in up and make compromises [making no the “United Nations Committee for the 2006, Alexander Litvinenko, a former comments what the Palestinians have to Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Russian intelligence operative who give up or what they must compromise]. Palestinian People” in Jakarta, Indonesia. defected to the west, was killed on a He also referred to the Judea/Samaria She accused Israel of practicing the ethnic London street. The Russian government, areas as “occupied,” in contrast to Mr. cleansing of Palestinians, international seeking to regain its superpower status, Harel who said he preferred using the apartheid, racist ideology, and colonialism. tries to quash criticism by the large term “disputed.” The antidote she posed was to hurt Israel number of Russian émigrés who live in Mr. Harel also said that he supported both politically and economically through England and Israel. There are rich the Palestinian state that exists – Jordan – boycotts and economic disinvestment. Russians, protected by the state and there where 70% of the Jordanians are On the other hand, the Zionist rejection are clandestine arms dealers. These Palestinians. His closing remarks were front has had a setback in the Australian ingredients come alive in Silva’s stirring that, for the past 15 years, the Palestinians Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the roof story that hurtles from place to place in a have not wanted a solution; they could body of organized labor in this country. It hair-raising series of electrifying adventures. have had a state with the Oslo Accords amended its previous policy of concern This book demonstrates once again that and Barak’s offer and Annapolis, but they that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict affected Silva is a gifted master of the espionage always backed down.“They don’t want a Palestinian workers only to one which story. He carefully selects its elements, state, they want Israel. If they don’t recog- now also recognizes its impact on their giving them a beginning, a middle, and nize our right to have a state, we don’t do Israeli counterpart. In so doing the ACTU TEICHER an ending while using the material to business with them.” has held the line against the growing (continued from page NAT 17) develop and portray the character of Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, book reviewer, tendency of international labor to support those who people the pages of the book. food columnist and feature writer living in the economic boycott of Israel, its people, Accordingly, The Defector is the ninth in They all come to life for the reader, Jerusalem. and its institutions. the Allon series and it is a rousing sequel showing how Silva possesses the primary However, the question still remains to Moscow Rules, which appeared in 2008. attributes of a fine writer. His many fans that, if in its desperate desire to seek favor The risky exploits of The Defector begin just will be properly enthusiastic about this j i with the Islamic world, the Obama six months after the end of Moscow Rules. latest addition to the outstanding Gabriel Administration should further harden its Allon is a James Bond-like secret agent Allon series. EPSTEIN attitude toward Israel, would Canberra who started his career with the Mossad, Dr. Morton I. Teicher is the Founding (continued from page NAT 10) feel duty bound to follow? Israel’s intelligence service as a young Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Dr. Gouttman is a former senior academic man recruited to help track down and kill Yeshiva University and Dean Emeritus, the same time, respond to new needs and at the University of South Australia, current the Arabs involved in the 1972 murder of School of Social Work, University of North conditions. I am confident that as Rabbi senior political analyst with the B’nai B’rith Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympic Carolina at Chapel Hill. Wernick assumes his responsibility as Anti-Defamation Commission (Australia’s Games. He is a skilled art restorer who CEO, he will use his proven wisdom and ADL), and associate of the School of lives in Italy where he is often called upon acquired skills to help advance our Historical Studies at Monash University. by the Vatican to restore a painting or an SUBSCRIBE TO important work. He is one of the founders of the Australian altar piece. He is highly esteemed by the May the United Synagogue forever be Jewish Studies Association. He is married Catholic hierarchy, having once blocked The Jewish blessed with lay and professional leaders and has a daughter who lives in Jerusalem. He an attempt to assassinate the Pope. who will work together so that the can be reached at [email protected]. From time to time, the Mossad gives him Post & Opinion Conservative Judaism of our dreams an assignment. Send to: will become the Conservative Judaism of j i Moscow Rules, recounted Allon’s series our reality. of perilous adventures in Russia where he Jewish Post & Opinion blocked Ivan Kharkov, former KBG officer, 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502 A Thought… from selling weapons to al-Queda. Indianapolis, IN 46225 j i Kharkov was a rich businessman and a secret arms dealer, protected and Or Online at: May you live to see your world SHAFRAN supported by the highest officials in the www.jewishpostopinion.com (continued from page NAT 12) fulfilled. Russian government. He remained alive at the end of the book. As The Defector I 3 years – $91 (SAVE $17) and cannot afford to waste time – yields May your hope encompass all the opens, Allon suspects that Kharkov is I 2 years – $63 (SAVE $9) not happiness but the heavy gloom generations yet to be. behind the disappearance of Grigori, a of meaninglessness. former Russian intelligence officer who I 1 year – #36 And, turning back to the May your heart conceive with helped Allon in Russia and subsequently (Outside USA, payment must be in U.S. Novardhokers, facing the realities of understanding. defected. He was living in London when funds and you must add US$10.) human existence – squarely, head-on, he suddenly vanished. Name with open eyes – infuses people with joy, May your mouth speak wisdom and Allon’s strenuous efforts to find Grigori born of the immense good fortune of take him back to Russia at considerable Address your tongue be stirred with sounds having been charged with a divine risk. Also involved in his exciting endeavors City State Zip of joy. mission and granted meaningful lives. are several strong women including his E-mail us at: © 2009 AM ECHAD RESOURCES new wife, Chiara; Kharkov’s wife, Elena; [email protected] Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs ~ Talmud Berahot Grigori’s ex-wife, Irina; Russian journalist, for Agudath Israel of America. Olga Sukhova; and CIA agent, Sarah NAT 20 July 15, 2009 prepared me a special cookie. His wife Musings Debbie is one of the friends I’ve known the longest. We were on the NCSY National Board when we were high school seniors.

BY BATYA MEDAD Tel Shiloh, Rosh Chodesh Tammuz

Every month when my friends and I go to Tel Shiloh for our Women’s Rosh But two days after my party, my friend Chodesh Prayers, we take the same route, Debbie Klaff Dan, whom I’ve known but it never looks exactly the same. since we were 17 and elected to the National Board of NCSY, had her 60th birthday party. Debbie lives in nearby Beit As part of the festivities, my husband El and is a geriatric social worker. Her late led a tour of Tel Shiloh. mother had moved to Beit El to be with The Tel has been the location for her and her family, so Debbie established weddings, bar and bat mitzvah celebrations Beit El’s Golden Age Club. and other events. I think that my party That was the location of Debbie’s party, was the first to celebrate turning 60! and all of the present members were invited along with her other friends. Being “only Enlarging the Shiloh Elementary School 60,”we were the younger celebrants. The Shiloh Elementary School opened That bridge The club meets a few times a week and its doors for the first time in modern days, Yes, that bridge again! has a very full program of music, lectures, on Sept. 1, 1981. It had three grades, first As you can see, walking it is nothing to exercise and so forth. It’s conducted through third. There were 18 students in sneeze at! Jerusalem’s String Bridge has Israel is dry during the spring and bilingual in English and Hebrew. Beit El’s total. A few more moved to Shiloh within made some people rich, but it’s also a summer months, so the flora gets paler Rabbi Shlomo Aviner spoke at the party. the first couple of months, expanding the photographer’s dream. and yellow, eventually brown and brittle If you’d like to know how to donate student body by three more. Then one as the summer burns on. to the Moadon Gil HaZahav, contact family left before the year was over, And every month, I’m awed by its [email protected]. reducing it by two. beauty. Tammuz is the first of the solely summer months on the Jewish calendar. Still sixty! Turning 60 is a life-changing event. It has special significance in Judaism. Most important, after the age of 60, one is no longer eligible for the serious Halachik, Jewish Law, punishment of Karet, being banished from the Jewish People. The age of 60 is half the number in the blessing,    (ad me’ah v’esrim), until 120. So, one of the replies All I Did Was Grimace and Mutter by the celebrant is to say: “I hear that the Here’s my husband’s report. second half is shorter.” It was located in the upper (my) We were at the United States Jerusalem neighborhood that first year and used Consulate’s July 4th celebration. We’ve three small buildings. The following year, been invited for quite a few years, at least It’s hard to be one’s own photographer it moved all the way to the bottom, near Tel 15, if I’m not mistaken. On Friday, my kids made me a lovely Shiloh.The classrooms were various caravans, (see Medad, page NAT 18) 60th birthday at Tel Shiloh. I tried to take mobile homes and other prefab structures. my own pictures, but it was hard to double- Then a “proper”school building was built time as guest of honor and chief photog- in the middle of Shiloh. It has since been rapher, so I gave up. Luckily, my cousin’s expanded a few times. Since my youngest husband took some great photos. graduated over 10 years ago, I’ve lost track. And now it’s being enlarged again.

Healthy Nosh, Snack Here in Shiloh the most popular snacks I’ve been celebrating a lot. My movie club are the colorful ones, fruits and vegetables. friends made me a surprise party about a In the winter you’ll see more fresh cut month ago, and I shared a festive neigh- vegetables, and now that it’s summer, borhood Shabbat meal with a neighbor who can resist the fruit? who turned 60 a couple of days after me. I’ve even seen young kids hoarding On Friday, family and friends made it to colorful peppers and berries while ignoring Shiloh for a big party, which included a cookies. And there’s always water to tour of Tel Shiloh.Well-known baker,Herbie, drink, too.