The Jewish National Edition Post &Opinion Volume 77, Number 12 • September 14, 2011 • 15 Elul 5771 www.jewishpostopinion.com

Seven Wells, Seven Oaths Collage, watercolour, 2009 By Anna Fine Foer (see About the Cover, p2) Article 2 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 Editorial About the Cover Inside this Issue This collage illustrates Vayera, the Torah Editorial...... 2 One goal I have had since my father died portion read on the first day of Rosh About the Cover ...... 2 four years ago was to try and resurrect his HaShanah. It was made for Foer’s son, Rabbi Benzion Cohen sense of humor. He had a knack for cracking Raphael for his bar mitzvah. (Chassidic Rabbi)...... 3 a joke in tense situations. Then everyone “Take these seven ewes from my hand, Melinda Ribner ...... 3 would laugh and the tension would dissipate. replied Avraham. It will be my proof that I Rabbi Jon Adland I remember once standing with him dug this well. That area was therefore called (Shabbat Shalom)...... 4 while he was talking to a well-known, Be’er-Sheva, since the two had made an oath Rabbi David Wolpe distinguished rabbi who had been leading there.” Vayera 21:30-31 (Celebrating Shabbat)...... 4 his congregation for many years. That year This passage is depicted in this piece with Amy Hirshberg Lederman the High Holidays were coming early. The seven sheep and a well for each sheep. (Jewish Educator) ...... 5 rabbi tells my father he is concerned about Sheva means “seven”and it means “oath,” Ted Roberts finding time to write his sermons. this passage is the connection between (Spoonful of Humor) ...... 5 My father looks at him completely the two meanings of the word. The sheep Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso...... 6 straight-faced and says,“I didn’t know you are the sacrifice to seal the oath and the Rabbi Irwin Wiener were Jewish.” well,“be’er,”is the proof that the land can (Wiener’s Wisdom)...... 6 In a telephone conversation with Rabbi be used by Avraham and his descendants. Howard W. Karsh Israel Zoberman of Virginia Beach,Va., this Anna Fine Foer decided she was going (Jewish America) ...... 7 week, he talked about the world not being to be an artist when she was 11 – the year Jim Shipley in such a good place right now with all she lived in Paris for a summer, visiting (Shipley Speaks) ...... 7 the unrest in the Middle East, the harsh every museum and gallery in the city. As a Rabbi Moshe ben Asher weather and so forth. But he also said that fibers and crafts student at the Philadelphia and Magidah Khulda bat Sarah...... 8 as Jews we are to stay hopeful. I concurred College of Art (now University of the On This Day...... 8 and replied, “Isn’t there a saying that it’s Arts), she became fascinated by the Eliyahu McLean always darkest before the dawn?” relationship between maps and the land (Jerusalem Peacemaker)...... 9 I don’t know what my father wrote they represent, embarking on a lifelong Rabbi Eli Mallon about the Israelis and the Arabs before I interest in maps and collage. (Jewish Spirituality)...... 10 was born or when I was growing up but in Foer immigrated to Israel, where she Avi and Adele his last editorials at age 96, he was always worked as a textile conservator in Haifa (Confidentially Yours) ...... 11 optimistic that peace would eventually and at Tel Aviv’s Ha’Aretz Museum. She Irene Backalenick happen. What wouldn’t hurt right now, for studied at the Textile Conservation Centre (Jewish Theater)...... 12 sure, is some of my father’s humor. Since at London’s Courtauld Institute, and Rabbi Benzion Eliyahu Lehrer I’m not quick-witted like him, I’m not able then worked in conservation for many (Healthy & Kosher) ...... 13 to make a joke on the spot. So I figured museums, including the United State The Shofar (a poem) ...... 13 out another way to ease tension. It is to Holocaust Memorial Museum. Morton Gold not take every little mistake that happens Foer’s work has appeared at the (As I Heard It)...... 14 so seriously. Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Maryland ShivaConnect.com...... 14 Before I tell the following story that took Governor’s Mansion, and the Israeli Rabbi Elliot B. Gertel place recently, let me make a disclaimer. Embassy; one of her pieces is in the (Media Watch)...... 15 Usually when I write about being positive, permanent collection of the Haifa Museum Rabbi Israel Zoberman the readers think I go around upbeat all of Art. She was awarded the Encouragement (Book Review)...... 16 the time. Like everyone else, I have to of Young Artists prize for work exhibited Arnold Ages work at being optimistic as much or more in the Artist’s House in Jerusalem and (Book Review)...... 17 than the next person. This time it was a received a Maryland State Arts Council Sybil Kaplan gut reaction without my striving and my grant for Individual Artists in 2008. (My Kosher Kitchen)...... 18 hope is for more outcomes like it. Foer grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. and Dr. Morton I. Teicher I usually make my own dinners from now lives in Annapolis, Md., with her (Book Reviews) ...... 18 scratch, but in case I don’t have time, I father and two sons. Please visit her Sybil Kaplan keep some in the freezer. All my stainless website: www.annafineart.com. (Seen on the Israel Scene)...... 20 steel pans were dirty so I put my frozen packaged dinner in my toaster oven using j i The Jewish a Pyrex (glass-like) pan. I had done that Usually I would have been upset at seeing before with no problem. This time it was a glass flying everywhere and also having to Post &Opinion new dish with fish, Ratatouille and rice. throw out what would have been a good Ratatouille is an Italian vegetable dish made meal, but instead I broke out laughing. 1427 W. 86th St. #228 with eggplant and zucchini mixed with We can be upset by the daily barrage of Indianapolis, IN 46260 tomato sauce. Since I was especially hungry, hindrances that come our way. In the long email: [email protected] it seemed to be taking too long to heat. run, it might be easier if we simply chalk I started thinking that the Ratatouille them up to experience and be glad that phone and fax: (317) 405-8084 would burn the pan so I decided to add we learned something new. So if I have a website: www.jewishpostopinion.com some water. What I didn’t realize is that resolution for 5772, let it be to look at the hot dish and cold water would not be challenges as opportunities to grow and & Opinion wish all of you, our dear readers, happy with each other. The instant the not as another reason to get distraught. a happy, healthy and humorous New Year. water hit the pan, the pan exploded. The staff and the writers of The Jewish Post Jennie Cohen, September 14, 2011 September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 3 that comes from You is the very best for me Chassidic Rabbi and designed especially for me in precision Thank and exacting Divine Providence, of which BY RABBI BENZION COHEN only the King of Kings is capable. You! Thank You for the periodic times that are difficult for me for only that way they enable Visiting Vancouver Part 3 BY MELINDA RIBNER me to fully appreciate the good times, for only after being in darkness one can appreciate In my last column I wrote about Pesach I received permission for the sharing of the light. in Vancouver. Now I’ll tell you about our this affirmation below in italics from the Thank you for the wonderful life You have trip home. The day after Pesach we were Chesed Kindness and Learning Foundation given me. scheduled to fly to Toronto at six in the ([email protected]).They have printed Thank you for always listening to my morning. We would wait for four hours in it on a beautiful laminated card so it is prayers. Toronto and then catch our flight to Israel. easy to recite each day. If you would like a Creator of the World, I apologize from the We started to pack our suitcases, happy card or cards with this message printed on bottom of my heart for all the times that I did to be going home. However, soon some it, please contact me or them directly. not appreciate what You gave me, and disturbing thoughts crept into my mind. I Thank you Hashem, King of Kings and instead of thanking You I only complained. I started to worry about the problems we Master of the world! am dust and ashes, and You are the entire would be facing as soon as we got home. Thank you for the infinite times that You universe. Please do not ever cast me away. I said to myself “Oy Vey! That’s my evil have helped me, supported me, rescued me, It is the expression of gratitude to God influence coming to bother me. I thought encouraged me, cured me, guarded over me and each other that places us in the flow that I was finally free from him.”“You wish,” and made me happy. of blessing. It is the expression of gratitude my evil influence said.“I just let you have Thank you for always being with me. to God that makes us joyful, no matter a vacation, so that you could enjoy Pesach.” Thank you for giving me the strength to what is happening in our lives. It is the “Hey! Take it easy,” I told him. “At least observe Your commandments, to do good greatest gift we can give ourselves. leave me in peace until we get home.” deeds and pray. Thank You for all the times Let us all make a pledge to take time Baruch Hashem, we arrived safely in You helped me and I did not know how to say each day to express gratitude to Hashem. Toronto. I found myself a quiet spot in the “Thank You.” How joyful we would be if we lived each terminal, put on my tallis and tefillin, and Thank You for all the loving kindnesses moment in the consciousness of the gift of said the morning prayers.As I was finishing, You do for me each and every moment. life itself. How joyful we would be if we a young man approached me. He smiled Thank you for the breath I breathe. knew that everything is for the good. and said,“Shalom.”I answered,“Shalom.”He Thank you Hashem for all the things that Let’s seize all the opportunities we are asked whether I spoke Hebrew or English. I do have and thank you Hashem even for the given each day to do something beautiful I said,“both.”Then he told me his story. things I don’t have. to someone. It could be a word, it could be “I grew up here in Toronto. My parents Thank you for my periodic difficulties, my a smile, and it could be an action. are observant. When I was 12, I started to occasional setbacks, and for the times when I You never know how a simple smile or a take drugs. No one knew about it, and for don’t feel happy, because everything is for good word even from a stranger can a while everything went fine. However, my ultimate benefit, even if I do not see that open gates for a person. How much more after a while the drugs stopped affecting it is always for my best. so for people we love. If couples and me, so I started to take a double dose. Deep in my heart, I know that everything (see Ribner, page 4) Then after a while I had to double the dose again. When I was 16 I started to j i j i have stomach aches from the big doses. I days I had another miracle, and my brain I hear it from? From the person who would lie in bed in agony, and pray to miraculously healed. Then I had another experienced it himself. And where did I Hashem to take the pain away. I promised miracle, my kidneys started to work again. hear it? In the middle of my trip home, in never to touch the stuff again. Eventually “I was in the hospital for two weeks, the airport in Toronto. Amazing! I asked the pain went away. However, I couldn’t and gradually I recovered, and the pains myself “What am I supposed to learn from control myself, and after a few days I was went away. Soon I was back on the drugs. this? What is Hashem telling me?” Ah! I back on the drugs. My mother tried her best to stop me from felt a flash of revelation. If this young man “When I was 18 I couldn’t take it taking drugs. She was getting on my can overcome his evil influence, then so can I! anymore, and decided to commit suicide. nerves, and after a while I left home. I We are now in the first stages of our I went down to the garage and drank a went downtown and became a drug dealer. complete and final redemption. We still bottle of anti-freeze. I thought that my My mother would call me and plead with have an evil influence to overcome, but his troubles were finally over. I went to my me to go to rehabilitation. Then I had power over us is getting weaker. Soon he room, and collapsed on the floor. another miracle. One day I decided to go will disappear completely. The forces of “A miracle saved my life. Just then my to rehabilitation. So far I have succeeded.” evil around us are slowly disintegrating. mother walked into the room. She saw me A big smile came to his face. “I have Evil regimes are falling one after another. unconscious on the floor and thought that been clean of drugs now for one year, two Just like the young man I met in Toronto, I had overdosed. She rushed me to the months and 18 days! people everywhere are coming closer to hospital. They checked my blood and “I am now learning a trade in Israel. Hashem. It is up to us to learn more Torah found the anti-freeze. They put me on a Four or five nights a week I go to meetings and do more Mitzvahs to speed up the dialysis machine and cleaned my blood for of N.A. (Narcotics Anonymous). We process and bring Moshiach now! eight hours. realize that by ourselves we are no match We wish all of our readers and all of “They saved my life, but the anti-freeze against this addiction. So we give our lives Israel a good and sweet year. damaged my brain and kidneys.The doctors over to Hashem, and do what we can to Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, said my brain would function like a six- support each other.” Israel. He can be reached by email at year-old for the rest of my life. After a few What an amazing story. And who did [email protected]. 4 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 RIBNER Shabbat (continued from 3) Why Faith family members would express gratitude Shalom to each other each day for all the Matters kindnesses they receive from each other, From his Facebook posts. BY RABBI JON ADLAND they would be happy with each other. BY RABBI DAVID WOLPE Let’s not take anything for granted. September 9, 2011, Ki Teitzei Everything and everyone is precious. When Why do good? We sometimes think (Deuteronomy 21:10–25:19), 10 Elul 5771 we receive a kindness from another person, good should be rewarded, but if one can let’s also be mindful to express our gratitude count on payback, then it is not pure Sometimes when I sit down on Friday to Hashem and to them as well. We are all goodness.“The reward of a mitzvah is the morning to write my Shabbat Shalom I the hands and feet of Hashem. mitzvah,” say the Rabbis. The story is told find that it is writing itself and I think this Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a that once, as Mother Theresa cleaned the is one of those times. Ten years ago today spiritual psychotherapist and healer in private wounds of a leper, an onlooker said, “I the world was a different place for us all practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). wouldn’t do that for a million dollars.” to live in. Traveling on a plane wasn’t as She is a teacher of Jewish meditation Mother Theresa answered,“Neither would I.” complicated. We didn’t need 3 oz containers and Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of Our mission is one of both heart and of anything or Ziploc bags. We didn’t take Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age hands, to believe and to do. Each of us has off our shoes or take our laptops out of our Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is an obligation to gather the broken pieces bags (at least I don’t think so.) We could also the founder and director of Beit Miriam of God’s world and knit them together. carry a bottle of water through security. (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be reached Since every individual is unique, every The country wasn’t involved in two wars by email at [email protected] or contribution is needed. I cannot do your and I wasn’t being sent the list of those [email protected]. Kabbalah work, nor you do mine. But we can join military personnel who died each week. Month by Month offers guidelines, hands, raise sparks, embolden hearts, The Adland family was living in meditations, strategies, stories to promote feed, clothe, encourage and inspire. Do not Lexington, Ky., at least most of us. Josh personal growth and healing each month. be indifferent to your own skill and spirit. was studying in Israel participating in the Take your soul seriously. We need you. URJ’s EIE High School semester abroad j i The month before Rosh Hashana is about program. He was living at Kibbutz Tzuba. that had lingered on the outside of the renewal, recreating ourselves to be better. Sandy had received word that her aunt group not knowing exactly how to The Kotzker Rebbe once told his disciples: had passed away and she was making become a part of interfaith gatherings was “I was given the power to resurrect the plans to travel on Tues., Sept. 11, to Dallas now thrust into the center and we went dead, but I choose to do something more for the funeral. Sandy’s mom, who had from dialogue to trialogue. difficult – to resurrect the living.” As we relocated to Lexington, had gone to New I heard Eboo Patel, founder and approach the Jewish new year, in goodness, Jersey for a family wedding. In a month, president of the Interfaith Youth Core, say in caring, in creativity, in faith and in love Rachel would start preparing for her May in a speech that terrorists aren’t Muslims, we can come to life anew. bat mitzvah. I was in the midst of my High Christians or Jews. They are terrorists, as Rabbi Wolpe is the senior rabbi of Temple Holy Day preparation and anticipating the no member of a religious group would Sinai in Los Angeles and author of several first event of The Interfaith Alliance of the blow up other people in the name of God books including Why Faith Matters. Bluegrass on Tuesday evening. Normal. or their religion. He is absolutely correct Everything was normal and life was as and those people who hijacked planes and j i usual and then Sandy called me from the flew them into buildings intent on murder bomb can destroy. Pittsburgh airport and said,“Turn on the TV.” or people in Israel who strap bombs to Tonight in Canton at Temple Israel we Nothing was normal or the same after that. their chests and walk into a restaurant or will add some prayers to remember 9/11. A rabbi friend of mine who serves a people in the Middle East who pack We will take some time to talk about that congregation in a state that was devastated explosives into cars and drive them into day and the last ten years. I believe that by tornados earlier this summer asked on crowds are terrorists and murderers. Every from the smoke that choked New York a listserve why people were making such a religion should denounce those who murder City, the fire that consumed a part of the big deal over this 10th anniversary of the and not give them places in whatever Pentagon, and the bravery of those who day we now call 9/11. Though many rewards exist in their religion after death. died in Shanksville, we have begun to responded on the listserve publicly, I When I build bridges with Christians or understand our neighbors better and communicated to him in a private email Muslims, I am working with those who see appreciate that people of God truly seek and wrote,“That day did change America a better tomorrow from our good works today. and pray for a better tomorrow. There is and maybe even the world. This is a great For ten years and in three cities now still a long road to walk, but for me the moment for us to say to those who ‘hate’ I have worked to build bridges of road has been enriched by new friends that all of us suffered on that day and all of understanding and cooperation. In that have joined me on this journey. us have had to move to a new theological Canton, this is just beginning, but in When you light your Shabbat candles this and sociological place. Now with all that Indianapolis and Lexington I am proud of Friday, light one to help us remember all has gone on in your state this year you what I tried to accomplish. Xenophobia those whose lives were directly impacted may have had enough of tragedy, but will just rip the fabric of a moral, just, by 9/11. That list is much too long. Light don’t dismiss this and miss an opportunity loving, respectful, and tolerant society and the other candle as a beacon of hope for a to build more bridges.” I am not interested in that path. Beyond better tomorrow that is filled with the The Interfaith Alliance of the Bluegrass the security issues and all the other things goodly presence of God. held its event that night, but we used the that have changed our lives, I am going Rabbi Adland is senior rabbi of Temple opportunity not only for a speech, but to to reach out my hand to other people of Israel in Canton, Ohio. He may be reached at build bridges. The Muslim community faith and create a bridge that no plane or j.adland @gmail.com. September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 5 fellow humans must also come from Jewish Spoonful the victim. So says the Talmud. That’s why murder is such a heinous crime. of You’ve destroyed the only source of your Educator Humor absolution. You’ve burned down your house and your insurance agency with BY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN BY TED ROBERTS the same torch. When Jewish and Christian interfaith Ten ways to Forgiveness is a groups get together on Sunday for punch, cookies, and fellowship they talk for hours be a mentsch sometimes thing about the many similarities of the two sister faiths. “After all, we worship the One New Year’s Eve when I was Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – as same God – we share the Five Books of six years old, I stayed up way past my every Hebrew Day School student Moses” That’s the mantra of unification. bedtime and, crouching behind the living learns in pre-kindergarten – are about But eventually the talk comes around to room door, looked on as my parents forgiveness. Jews of all theological stripes areas of delicate disagreement. And after celebrated the night with friends. I – even those whimsical souls who spread an invigorating debate on the identity silently watched as they twirled to the mayo on their pastrami, devour sweet and timing of the Messiah, the next topic music of Tony Bennett, drank champagne rolls on Passover, and think the is forgiveness, the balm of Gilead. Soon, from elegant glasses and toasted Happy Pentateuch is an Olympic event – regard both sides are metaphorically throwing New Year when the clock struck twelve. these holy days with extreme gravity. oatmeal cookies at each other. I couldn’t wait to be grown-up – to wear Actually, the High Holidays, as they’re “Redemption must be earned like your black and gray silk lounge pants like called, are a ten-day period beginning daily bread,” says Jewish doctrine. “It my mother and have parties where I with Rosh Hashanah (The New Year) and droppeth from the sky like the gentle served tiny hotdogs wrapped in pastry. ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of rain,” says Christianity. Raise your face From my young vantage point, the night Atonement). On Rosh Hashanah the fate and it will wash away your tears. Faith is seemed magical, filled with celebration of the penitent for the coming year is the catalyst that metamorphs repentance and friendship. written by the Celestial Judge and on Yom into redemption. As Americans, we wish each other a Kippur it is sealed in the Celestial Ledger. This easy absolution is a cop-out to the happy new year on New Year’s Eve and The earnest penitent – during those Jewish mind that meditates on the Yo m toast to a year of good health, friendship tense ten days when even the angels Kippur message of repentance. If it’s and success. Yet when the Jewish New tremble, we are told – pleads with the pardon you’re seeking, says Judaism, Year rolls around, we wish each other Creator for absolution. But deep down in there’s no dodging the plea to the something quite different. At Rosh the midnight of his soul there’s a rumbling aggrieved party. Hashana we say: “L’shanah Tova!” – may discontent. A distracting angst that Though prayer, the pleading with you have a good new year, not a happy darkens his hopes. The rub, you see, is the Judge – is an essential element of one. Why is that? that forgiveness for sins against one’s (see Roberts, page 11) Although Judaism values joy and happiness as an important part of j i j i spiritual wholeness, we seek something what traditional Jewish wisdom has to say 5. Do not separate yourself from the more as the cornerstone of each New about things like caring for our parents, community. (Pirkei Avot 2:5) Year. To be a mentsch – a good, loving and helping the needy, raising our children or 6. Do what is fair and good in the eyes of caring person is what the Jewish New Year dealing with business matters. Once we the Lord. (Deuteronomy 6:18) is all about. When we wish each other a know more, we can use the tools we have 7. Do not hate your brother in your heart. good new year, the message we pass along been given – the Torah, our inner wisdom (Leviticus 19:17) is one of hope; that this year we will and free will – to enable us to act on what 8. The world stands on three things: Torah become more compassionate, loving, we know is good and right. The net result study, service of God and acts of loving responsible and honest human beings and is that in studying more about what kindness. (Pirkei Avot 1:2) in doing so, make the world a better place Judaism has to say, we create more 9. He has told you what is good and what for everyone. opportunities for ourselves to become the Lord requires of you: To do justice, love So how do we go about becoming a better parents, friends, professionals, mercy, and walk humbly with your God. “good”person? Judaism does not provide community leaders and volunteers. (Micah 6:8) a singular rule, definition or value that What are some of the Jewish guidelines 10. You shall be holy, for I, the Lord God, categorically defines goodness. It that help us become better people? They am holy. (Leviticus 19:2) understands the complexity of being are found throughout the Torah, Talmud This year when someone wishes you human and that the variety of situations and other sacred Jewish texts. While the L’shana Tova, remember that within those we will face and the many relationships following is by no means an exhaustive two words lies a deeper, more profound we will have will make our ethical list, it is must-read for any syllabus on meaning. For in those words is the hope decision-making complicated, challenging “How to be a Mensch.” that this year will be a year of learning, and not amenable to rigid rules and 1. Love your neighbor as yourself. opportunity and commitment to becoming standard regulations. (Leviticus 19:18) a good (or better) person and the The beauty of Judaism is that it provides 2. Do not do to others what is hateful unto knowledge that the world will be enriched us with a system, a framework of morals you. (Talmud, Shabbat 31a) because of your efforts. and values that can help us in the daily 3. Do not stand idly by while your Lederman is an award winning author, choices we make in our efforts to be a neighbor’s blood is shed. (Leviticus 19:16) Jewish educator, public speaker and attorney good person. As in any system, the first 4. Justice, justice you shall pursue. who lives in Tucson. Visit her website at step is to learn more about it – to study (Deuteronomy 16:20) amyhirshberglederman.com. 6 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 Sometimes we would wish others to make Meditating Wiener’s choices for us so that we would not be on somber bothered even thinking about our actions. Wisdom That too is a choice. anniversary All this leads us to the time at hand. It is a time for introspection as well as evaluation. BY RABBI DENNIS C. SASSO BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. The choices we make at this season will impact us for the foreseeable future. Most of us can vividly and painfully The choices we make Our liturgy tells us that it is a time for remember Sept. 11, 2001. Where were we? responsibility – “Who shall live and who What were we doing? Who were we with During our lifetime we are faced shall die”is a call to action. It is not written when news of the devastating terrorist with many choices that affect not only our as a challenge but rather as an admonition attacks reached us? lives but those around us as well. Some to take charge of our lives and create It was a bewildering and incredible choices we make have lasting influences for ourselves a life of happiness and joy, sequence of events. Nineteen men boarded to the extent that they can alter our fully appreciating the fact that there are four airplanes and turned them into lethal understanding of the beauty of living and upheavals and sorrows. weapons of hatred and destruction. We also our happiness and sadness as we We have the ability to choose life by living saw the Twin Towers of the World Trade journey from youth to age. a wholesome life, and we certainly can Center crumble to dust as two planes Many choices are insignificant such as determine our destiny by understanding penetrated them like spears. In an open what to wear or when to retire or that a path has been given that affords us this field near Shanksville, Penn., another wake-up. And then there are selections ability. Each Shabbat we repeat the words: plane crashed, and a fourth dove into the that truly determine our future and even “It is a tree of life to those who hold it fast, Pentagon. In all, 2,973 people died and 24 the present. For example: Taking care of and all who cling to it find happiness. Its are still listed as “missing.” our health – some of us are inclined to ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its The losses and the grief affected people ignore signs that indicate the need for paths are peace.”The text, of course, refers of many faiths and ethnic origins. It medical attention or advice. And even to the study and understanding of Torah, cut across socio-economic and cultural when we understand the ramifications of of education and interpretation. differences. It impressed upon us the our decisions, we still have a tendency to There are many choices in a lifetime, as significance of the values of freedom and push them to the back our minds and stated before, and we do not always make democracy we hold dear and it confronted instead go into denial. the right ones; again, not because we are us with the need to respond to this Another example of poor judgment denying anything, but because we tend to challenge with justice and prudence as we would be involvement in issues that create ignore what is obvious. Here is where protected the nation’s security and safety. havoc in our lives such as interference in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are Much has happened in America and the other lives and of course being judgmental. designed to awaken us to our duty as world since Sept. 11, 2001. Our lives have These surely are determinations that will human beings given the gift of life by a not been the same. Getting on an airplane surround us and all those around us with caring and loving God who wants nothing is no longer pleasant. Going into a public agony and despair.The results of these could more than for us to enjoy that life and building or to a large gathering often also have a detrimental effect on our health live it to the fullest. Who could ask for requires that we be searched. We have because of internal turmoil and frustration. anything more? become more suspicious. Thousands of Having the ability to choose is not This time known as the High Holidays, Americans have died in the unfolding always something we look forward to. offers us an opportunity to look at ourselves wars and conflicts that have engaged our and those around us enabling us to decide nation. The world remains in a continuous j i to what extent we want to embrace God, nervous state of alert. Let us reject prejudice and violence to what extent we can improve our lives, Politics and the economy have not been against those who believe differently, dress and how these decisions are part of a immune to the effects of 9/11. Saddam differently and speak differently; wider picture known as humanity. Hussein and Osama bin Laden are gone. Let us combat stereotypes and refuse to All of the rules and laws found in Hosni Mubarak and Moammar Gadhafi speak or accept words of hatred and acts Scripture are designed not to create are ousted.The Middle East is in upheaval. of intolerance; hardship but to make our world a better Peace seems elusive. Let us build bridges of civil conversation place for all to enjoy. How do we help Many prayer services and memorials will in order to create a just and caring society to achieve this? Simply by starting with take place to remember the events of 9/11 for all; ourselves. That is what God is telling us and honor the memories of those who Let us rekindle hope and trust and let when He says, “Look, I am giving before died and the heroic efforts of many citizens us dream of and labor for a time of under- you today a blessing and a curse.”This is 10 years ago. I offer this meditation as we standing, harmony and solidarity; not an indication that if you choose not to observe the 10th anniversary of 9/11: Let us strengthen the hands of those follow the guide – the path – set out for us Let us remember those who died as victims who defend and the hearts of those who labor that we will die, but rather that if we of terror, each of them an image of God, a for peace; choose to listen and do, we will surely universe of hopes; Let us renew our commitment to the have the ability to fulfill the meaning of Let us recall with gratitude, the heroism values of democracy, “to life, liberty and the the gift of life. and courage of the first responders; pursuit of happiness” for all. We were not created to be destroyed but Let us remember the compassion and Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso and his wife, Rabbi rather to complete the task given us as so altruism of ordinary citizens who turned to Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, have been senior beautifully described by the Prophet Micah: help both strangers and friends; rabbis at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in “To do justly, to love mercy and to walk Let us bring gifts of faith, justice and Indianapolis since 1977. Reprinted with humbly with God.”That is the sum total of mercy to all who yearn for comfort and permission from the Indianapolis Star personal and collective acceptance. renewal; September 6, 2011. (see Wiener, page 8) September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 7 Capitalism, Socialism and Theocracy as Jewish Shipley a formula for success. Nope. Does not, will not work. Want proof? Go count the tents rising all over the nation full of America Speaks young people disillusioned with an unfair system that does not adequately reward its BY HOWARD W. KARSH BY JIM SHIPLEY hard working middle class citizens – those who pay the taxes, serve in the army and A yearning Israel inside go to work every day to keep their heads above water. for change and outside In Israel today, 30 percent of the wealth in the nation is controlled by three families. If there is a common denominator in all The Arab Spring seems to have run into In the U.S. the top one percent controls 42 of the movements, positive and negative, a summer drought. It’s like: Okay, there percent of the nation’s wealth. Believe me, that we are watching, it may be a yearning went the bad guys, what the hell do we those who control the levers of power are for something better. There does not seem do now? You cannot suddenly take a pretty much the same in both countries. anything noble about the riots in London, population from three to five generations Folks in the U.S., are mad as hell. Folks in and they might not, at first blush, seem of dictatorship and suddenly thrust them Israel have had a lot more to be angry related to the Middle East or Philadelphia into democracy. about for a lot more years, and now that or the recent “flash-mob”at the Wisconsin The United States had its problems anger is turning inward. State Fair, but it is undeniable that there is becoming the United States. But at least As long as the State rewards people for something going on. the hearty planters and merchants who not working or not serving in the army We have come to understand that came from England for the most part had and makes it profitable to keep having the street vendor in Tunisia, who self been part of a parliamentary system. The children, those who do not follow the immolation ignited this whole epidemic Arabs have no history of any kind of theory that life is just for studying Torah of change, was not a revolutionary or a representative government and no model are going to get madder and eventually terrorist. He was reacting to what he to follow. Tough times ahead. Count on it. the system will fail. felt was a suffocating system that was The Third Jewish Commonwealth was The U.S. has plenty of Orthodox and preventing him from supporting this born of Socialist parents and by the third even Ultra-Orthodox Jews. But they work. family. He could not have dreamed about generation had decided on a mix of They do not work on Shabbat, they live changes in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and a pious life and mostly observe Tikkun the other remarkable movement that has j i Olam. But, they do not throw rocks at occurred in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and all over is hard to get them back. I keep repeating the those who choose to drive on Saturday. the world to open a window to change. figures that get even more dire. Some say The surprising thing about this present In Europe we have seen reaction to that less than 40% of Jews in the United protest in Israel is that no opposition party financial hardship in Greece and Spain. States connect with anything Jewish. has taken up the cry to bring these In London it was initiated by a single In Israel they are protesting prices and grievances to the floor of the Knesset and interaction with the police, but just like cost of housing. It is surprising that the address them with concrete action. a perfect storm setting in a forest, the Palestinians have not had the sense to The reason Socialism does not work is kindling was all there, dry and ready to peacefully push an agenda. We have been that some folks have the talent and burn. All over Europe there is a new fortunate since 1948, that if we had to have ambition to do better than others who do first generation that wants to be treated an enemy, we had one that is isolated, not. Those who prosper under a semi-free differently than their immigrant parents internally fractious and unable to get it market system deserve to be properly who were docile, and willing to be at the together. It is not a secret that the Israeli rewarded. Yes, the less fortunate should bottom of the social heap. These young government is surprised that in this absolutely be given food, shelter and people were born in England, France and particular time, they still do not understand health care based on their needs and Spain and they want their chance. how to act effectively on their own behalf. ability to pay. The English are astounded at their We can’t even keep score in Africa. We Could it be that the system (like our bad manners. I would imagine that even simply do not know what is happening own, here in the U.S.) is rigged? In Israel 16,000 policeman in London will not be there. It is difficult to understand how the small parties like Shas and others backed the final solution. There is something in the misery goes on, and we are uncomfortable by the Settler Movement can bring down air. And in Philadelphia and Milwaukee, it that the only reason so many children a government. Is it time for true majority may just look like irresponsible bands of are dying and will die is that the world rule to take over in the Jewish State? young African Americans, but these young doesn’t care enough to figure it all out. It The United States. We are the only people appear to be simply trying to bust is 2011, but somehow Black children developed nation in the world where our out, to allow the rest of us to know that starving to death fails to arouse us. We elected representatives serve just two they are alive and very unhappy. We may know it. We see it. But we do not even do years, which means that soon after disapprove of their methods, but all have the minimum to help where we can. they find their way from their office to certainly gotten our attention. To suggest that all of this is somehow the Congressional Gym, they are out Once the window or door is open, it connected may not, at first look, seem raising money for the next election. Does doesn’t close easily. Countries can’t shut plausible, but on the other hand it that mean that large donors can buy it down, and neither can movements. All probably is. the congress? You damn betcha. They over the United States local Federations Howard W. Karsh lives and writes in already have. are finding themselves losing power and Milwaukee, Wisc., and can be reached at In Israel, there have always been rumors of money. In city after city, they are rushing [email protected]. He has recently been pay-offs and out of country money swaying forward with plans to re-enfranchise the named as a community columnist for the votes in the Knesset. Hey – just look at the disenfranchised. But once they get away, it Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. (see Shipley, page 12) 8 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 Adoshem [1] Adoshem [2] – In the WIENER The 13 attributes of Talmud the repetition of God’s name is (continued from page 6) said to affirm that,“I am He before a man God’s compassion sins and I am He after a man sins and The choices are given and now it is up does teshuvah, a God compassionate and to us to pick the path that puts us into a gracious.”(Rosh Hashanah 17b). New Year that will be filled with hope However, we have also learned that and fulfillment. BY RABBI MOSHE Adoshem Adoshem, God is God, represents Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of BEN ASHER,PH.D. the totality of all creation, both the the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation near AND MAGIDAH underlying uniformity that continually Phoenix, Ariz. He welcomes comments at KHULDA BAT SARAH manifests itself in the potential for the [email protected]. moral history and future of humankind, Thinking of the 13 attributes of God’s and the diversity we see, which is simply compassion, the yud gimel midot shel a manifestation of the free will God On this date in rachamim, we’re reminded of the heartfelt has given to us. Yet Adoshem remains davening of them during High Holy Days. Adoshem, ruling the world in a way that Jewish history When we allow ourselves the luxury of encourages us to achieve happiness and simply resonating to them spiritually, salvation (i.e., to save ourselves from all On September 14, 1948 they’re a significant source of comfort. that would degrade and destroy us). The Supreme Court of Israel We imagine that for most of us, most of This inherent goodness of God and His the time, notwithstanding our ardent creation manifests itself as: was inaugurated. response to them, there’s still substantial Eil [3] – God: The source of all energy ~ From The Jewish Book of Days published by untapped spiritual potential in them. As and life-giving force, which is given to us Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York. we know more of the context and content purely as a gift from the Creator; of these 13 attributes of God’s compassion, Rachum [4] – compassionate (from the future, which can be an incredible source we imagine that the spiritual power of our root resh-chet-mem – mother’s womb): of meaning and fulfillment in our own davening may yet increase. God’s compassion is such that, whenever lives; think of Avraham in his tent – which It was in response to Moses that the yud we stop destroying or degrading life while do you think would give him the greater gimel midot were “revealed.” With all that it still lives, God cares for it and returns it meaning, fulfillment, and contentment, he had been shown and witnessed in his to life, including ourselves; getting a new tent, more camels, and a life, Moses – like us, that is, like the search Chanun [5] – gracious (from the root chet- double portion of meat on his plate, or the of modern science – sought, according to nun-nun, we derive anan, the dispensing knowledge that the goodness he shows to Rabbi Samson Rafael Hirsch (1808–1888), cloud): God’s energizing of the Creation others will create blessings in the lives of to understand the unity or uniformity of knows no limits, so while we fritter it his offspring for a thousand generations? creation in all its apparent diversity. Moses away, God endlessly replenishes it (which, Nosei avon [10] vafesha [11] wanted to see God directly and personally, of course, we take for granted); v’chata’ah [12] – forgiving (literally lifting in a manner of speaking – to see the source Erech apayim [6] – slow to anger: We’re up) iniquity, rebellion or willful sin, and of the unity. But what he was actually allowed time to overcome our weaknesses carelessness or error: Not only does shown was somewhat different. and to learn slowly how to use the powers God provide forgiveness, but atonement, He wasn’t allowed to look at God but we’ve been given to uplift morally our effectively short-circuiting – as Rabbi rather to look at what God looks at. That own lives and the lives of those with Hirsch teaches – the natural process of is, as the scripture says, “…God came whom we come into contact; cause and effect, so that when we do down in the cloud and placed himself next Rav chesed [7] – abundant in kindness teshuvah, the usual consequences of to him [Moses] there…”(Exodus 34:5) So, (from the root chet-samekh-dalet, meaning wrongdoing are lifted up from us; and standing in the same place, Moses sees complete devotion to another): To the V’nakei [13] – and Who cleanses: what God sees, has the advantage of the extent we are devoted to extending When our teshuvah is genuine and same perspective. And the verse concludes, God’s goodness in the world, we are complete, the effects of our wrongdoing “…and [God] proclaimed God by name.” given extraordinary grants of energy and on us are completely removed. In Exodus 34:6 we read: “God passed satisfaction for our efforts; Of course, this list serves to describe before him and proclaimed: Adoshem Rav emet [8] – abundant truth (from the attributes of God that Moses was able Adoshem, God, compassionate and the root alef-mem-nun, to care for and to see – the uniformity or unity in the gracious, slow to anger, abundant in bring up): God, however, like a good diversity – by taking God’s perspective on kindness and truth, preserver of kindness parent, does not humor our foibles and the world. for thousands of generations, forgiver of moral missteps, because that would be to It’s certainly true that one would only iniquity, willful sin, and error, Who cleanses.” our ultimate detriment, and so the Creator see these attributes when looking at the So how, precisely, do we get 13 has arranged instructive consequences for creation if some significant portion of attributes out of this list and what do us as a people – not simply for me, which humankind was living in the image of they represent practically? we find particularly painful because God. So we have our marching orders if Our traditional Torah commentators, they entail punishing outcomes for the we want to see God or rather, as Moses not surprisingly, have many different innocent as well as the wrongdoers; did, see God’s attributes. views of how to add up the 13 and Notzeir chesed la’alafim [9] – preserver © 2011 Moshe ben Asher & Khulda bat Sarah what they mean – but our focus is on of kindness for thousands of generations: Rabbi Moshe ben Asher and Magidah understanding them naturalistically, The love that we receive from God, the Khulda bat Sarah are the Co-Directors of without reference to supernatural simcha shel mitzvah, the blessings and joy Gather the People, a nonprofit organization phenomena, relying instead on what we receive from doing the mitzvot, act like that provides Internet-based resources for we can comprehend with our intellect, the seed of a tree of human fulfillment to congregational community organizing and rationality, and common sense. the thousandth generations into the development (www.gatherthepeople.org). September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 9 from his wheelchair to dance with Haj Jerusalem Ibrahim at the wedding celebration. Boombamela Festival, April 21–22, 2011 Ibrahim and Eliyahu were guests of the Peacemaker Boombamela Festival in Eilat. At the central stage of the festival, we led a BY ELIYAHU MCLEAN ceremony in front of hundreds of young Israelis on the subject of unity between Building bridges the religions. Ibrahim blessed the audience, many of whom are soon to join between people the Israeli army, to become “soldiers of Photos (above and below) from the peace and love.” in the Holy Land Jerusalem Hug 2011. By Rob Schrama. One year memorial for Sheikh Kukhari, May 30, 2011 In a time of momentous change in Sustainability.”Over 40 Palestinians came Gathering on May 30, 2011, Jews, the Middle East, Jerusalem Peacemakers from Gaza, joining Israeli academics and Christians and Muslims came together to continues the work to build bridges NGO leaders in workshops about the role honor the memory of Shekh Abdul Aziz between religions and peoples in the Holy of civil society in improving the economy, Bukhari, on the first anniversary of his Land. Inspired by protests for change in health, and ecology for people on both death. The event was hosted at the Israel and the Arab world, our circle of sides of the border and region. Joining Lutheran Redeemer Church in the Old religious peacebuilders continue to hold us from Gaza City were Sheikh Bukhari’s City. Leading the evening was Izzeldin the prophetic vision of a shared future daughter Amina and her husband. Bukhari, the sheikh’s son, with wife and in the region. With the recent escalation Together we led a workshop about the late daughters of the sheikh present. Everyone in southern of Israel and Gaza, it is Sheikh Bukhari’s message of non-violence. was inspired to continue the work that important to hear also the positive stories. More about this conference at: www. Sheikh Bukhari started. Projects and meetings continue the spirit gazasderot.org/main-e.htm. Jerusalem Earth Walk, June 21, 2011 and vision of the late Sheikh Abdul Aziz Eretz Shalom event to honor We held the Jerusalem Earth Walk as Bukhari, the co-founder of Jerusalem Rabbi Froman, February 25, 2011 part of the global Earth Walk 2011 event, Peacemakers who left us over a year ago. Rabbi Menachem Froman, pioneer in based in Tucson, Ariz. Coming together Arab-Jewish youth delegation dialogue with the Muslim world, is ill with were 30 Israelis, friends from the USA to Auschwitz, November 2010 cancer.“Eretz Shalom”is the settler peace and Palestinians from the Hebron area. The late Sheikh Bukhari initiated this movement the rabbi initiated, promoting We started with an opening prayer and project: last Nov. 1–10, we sent a group dialogue and co-operation with their dialogue circle in ‘Gai Ben Hinnom’ valley of 8 Arab and Jewish Israeli youth to join Palestinian neighbors. Some advocate below the Cinemateque, walked together 14 youth from Germany, Switzerland, continuing to live in their homes in the up Mt. Zion, through Zion Gate. We held Poland and Italy at the ‘Bearing Witness West Bank as Jewish citizens in a future a closing peace circle on the Old City Retreat’ at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death state of Palestine. rooftops overlooking the Holy Sepulcher camp. The youth encounter was a part of Eretz Shalom hosted an event to honor church, Dome of the Rock and the Mount the larger annual retreat led by the the legacy of Rabbi Froman on Feb. 25 at of Olives. Zen Peacemaker community. The event the Tzavta Theater in Tel Aviv. Joining Upcoming updates about: the fifth included reading names of victims of the were 100 Israelis and Palestinians, including annual Jerusalem Hug, the Abrahamic Shoah, prayers from different traditions, settlers and Palestinians from the West Reunion at the Tent of Sarah and Hagar listening circles, chanting traditional Bank. Palestinian and Israeli musicians in Faradis, interfaith Ramadan iftar melodies in the children’s barracks, a performed including Ehud Banai, Barry in Jerusalem. forgiveness ceremony. Even with all sides Sakharov and Shlomo Gronich, blessings Pictures from these events: www.flickr coming with feelings of victimhood, each were offered by national poets of Israel .com/photos/jerusalem_peacemakers/sets side attempted to understand the pain of A.B. Yehoshua and Amos Oz, Rabbi We are planning a USA speaking tour, the other. All the youth came to feel a Melchior and Sheikhs Abdel Salaam and Eliyahu and Muslim peacemaker Ghassan shared humanity, agreeing that rather Ghassan Manasra. More about Eretz Manasra this November and December. If than deepening the wounds with Shalom: www.eretzshalom.org. you are interested in hosting an event for violence, we should create places of Rabbi Froman’s close friend and Muslim one or both of us, contact us. We can offer healing. Support came from the Religion partner is Haj Ibrahim Abuelhawa. presentations and workshops about religious Today Film Festival in Trento, Italy. Throughout the rabbi’s illness, hospital peacemaking in the Holy Land, and tools Bridges with Gaza: Gaza-Sderot stays, Ibrahim has been at his side. In May, for peace in the Judaism and Islam. Conference, February 15, 2011 Rabbi Froman married his son, groom We can barely cover basic expenses Jerusalem Peacemakers participated in a Tzuri Shalom. Even in frail condition, for our projects. We urgently need your conference at the Sapir College in Sderot: Rabbi Froman stood on his feet to offer his financial support to continue the work, to “Gaza-Sderot: Moving from Crisis to blessings at the huppah and later to get up (see McLean, page 10) 10 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 But if we take the Zohar literally, it’s not MCLEAN Jewish Nadav’s and Avihu’s deaths that atone, (continued from page 9) nor simply the reading of it alone. Only those who become “upset” by reading/ keep alive the flame of hope and peace in Spirituality hearing about their deaths, are given the Holy Land. atonement. It’s our reaction to their deaths To donate with a credit card by PayPal, BY RABBI ELI MALLON that brings us atonement; not their deaths visit www.c-r-t.org/donate.php#nogo and alone, as in the Talmud. click “Jerusalem Peacemakers.” The deaths of Nadav It’s as if the Talmud is saying: The deaths In the USA, to make a tax-deductible of the righteous are a loss to us all. To contribution, write a check to: Center for and Avihu recounted which the Zohar is adding: Especially if Religious Tolerance, make a note on the we’re selfless enough to realize it! memo line: for Jerusalem Peacemakers, on Yom Kippur; why? I’ve found myself having more empathy and send it to: The Center for Religious for Aharon, who experiences worse pain at Tolerance, 520 Ralph St. Sarasota, FL 34242. The Talmud teaches the general principle: losing his sons, than for Nadav and Avihu, In the UK, to make a charitable donation, The death of the righteous atones for sin: who didn’t seem to experience suffering in write a check to“Jerusalem Peacemakers UK” “Rabbi Ami said: Why is the death of their deaths. and send it to: Jerusalem Peacemakers UK, Miriam next to [the laws of] the Parah For that matter – in the course of the 35 The Dene, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1P. Adumah [*]? To tell you that just as the latter part of Torah, Mosheh experiences To offer a donation in Euros by Paypal Parah Adumah atones [**], so too, the death the deaths of his brother, sister, nephews or bank transfer, visit: www.globalhope of the righteous atones.” [2] and (presumably) his wife. Isn’t he fund.net/index.php?page=spenden-donation “Rabbi Elazar said: Why is [the death of] suffering, too? Shouldn’t we feel some or contact: [email protected]. Aharon [next to laws of] priests’ clothing? rachmanut for him? Is it atoning, or at least Shalom, Salaam, Eliyahu McLean, [To tell you that] just as priests’ clothing purifying, for us to do so? Jerusalem Peacemakers, director, www. atones, so too, the death of the righteous Who are the “just” or “righteous?” jerusalempeacemakers.org. atones.” [3] Those who are innocent of sin. It doesn’t In parshah Acharei Mot, (Vayikra/Lev. mean that they never sinned; it means j i 16), mention of the deaths of Nadav and that they’ve repented of their sins, to the for Yom Kippur reverts back to using the Avihu are immediately followed by the greatest extent possible. standard Torah mode. account of the atonement procedure using What if we’re troubled by the sufferings Rabbi Mallon first came as an adult to the “scapegoat.” The same principle as of those who die – innocently – in natural Jewish learning, after experience with above would seem to apply. or man-made disasters (not of their Transcendental Meditation (TM), yoga, and “Vicarious atonement” is denied by own doing)? Even if we believe that this other growth-producing modalities. He also Yehezkiel/Ezekiel: “The soul that sins shall is their “karma,” aren’t we purified to studied Jewish Science and Visualization at die. The son shall not bear the sin of the some degree – in our hearts, at least – the Society of Jewish Science in New York. father, nor shall the father bear the sin of when we’re upset by news of tragedies – Over the years, he has taught people of all the son: the righteousness of the righteous especially to children? Like the death of ages as a bar/bat mitzvah instructor, Hebrew shall be upon him, and the wickedness of a child at the hands of an abusive or school teacher, cantor, pastoral counselor the wicked shall be upon him.”[4] neglectful parent; the deaths of children in and rabbi, in addition to his work in But the Talmud doesn’t seem to be pervasive famines (as in Africa, now), or in public education. saying that the “righteous”die because of abusive, dangerous (child-)labor practices Mallon received Jewish Science our sins; rather, their death is a loss to us, (especially where otherwise illegal, too)? Practitioner (certification) in 1987, M.Ed. and thereby atones for us. It also seems to me that the narrative of (Master’s Degree in Education) in 1994, The Zohar explains why the selection from the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, and LMSW (Licensed Master of Social Work) “Acharei Mot”is recited on Yom Kippur: Aharon’s quiet acceptance, echo the theme in 2007, and Rabbinical ordination in 2008. “All who have distress for the suffering of the of the Akeida, which is read on Rosh He attended the Wurzweiler School of just will have their sins pass from this world.” HaShanah. Especially for the m’kubalim in Social Work and Rabbinical Seminary “For this reason, on Yom Kippur, we recite Sfad, there was only one day of RH and International. He resides in New City, NY. [perek Acharei Mot]: ‘After the death of the one day of YK; thus the two Torah readings View other works by him at http://rabbi two sons of Aaron,’ so that people will hear could be thematically “bookended.” elimallon.wordpress.com. and feel distress for the loss of the just, and Regarding cantillation (the melody of [*] Red Heifer their sins will be forgiven.” the public Torah-reading) on Yom Kippur, [**] i.e. brings atonement “For all who feel sorrow for the loss of the only the Ashkenazim, among all other [1] illustration: http://en.wikipedia.org/ just, or who shed tears for them, the Holy Jewish traditions, use a special nusach or wiki/Nadab_and_Abihu One, Bless Him, announces, ‘Your iniquity musical mode for this Torah-reading. The [2] Mo’ed Katan 28a is taken away; your sin is purged’ [5].” [6] others all use the same mode as for any [3] ibid Note: The Zohar doesn’t mandate this other Torah-reading during the year. [4] Yehezkiel/Ezek. 18:20 reading for Yom Kippur. Rather, it According to Idelsohn, [7] because of the [5] Yishiyahu/Isaiah 6:7 comments on why it was in place – i.e. it Zohar’s statement regarding the atoning [6] Zohar; Acharei Mot; vol. III, 56b; was already customary when the Zohar power of our tears, it became the Soncino vol.V, p. 35: see also the following was taught. It should also be noted that Ashkenazic custom to read the Yom link: http://www2.kabbalah.com/k/index. Nadav and Avihu don’t die in this passage; Kippur-parshah in the mode used by php/p=zohar/zohar&vol=32 (#9) where the passage begins “After the deaths…” Sephardim for reading “Job”on Tisha b’Av it’s said that if we “contemplate” their The association between the Zohar’s – a mode that Idelsohn says “expresses deaths, we’re “credited”as if we’d brought teaching and the Yom Kippur parshah isn’t complaint and sadness.” Its use was later the Yom Kippur korban. “arcane.”It’s mentioned in many popular, extended to the Rosh HaShanah readings [7] Idelsohn, A.Z.; Jewish Music in Its accessible sources. as well. The Minchah (afternoon) reading Historical Development; p. 57 September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 11 something about you when you haven’t ROBERTS Confidentially told him or even giving an old story an (continued from page 5) embellished encore. So be sure to note which major stories and details you’ve Judaism, it’s not quite the same as Yours shared with him too. amnesty or even restitution: like fixing One strategy that Avi uses with his the fender of your neighbor’s car that you BY AVI & ADELE first dates is to make sure to cover family, bashed one midnight – inviting to supper job and world travels before the check your wife’s cousin who you’ve ignored How to juggle suitors hits the table. That way, he can treat all for years – returning the Social Security future conversations as informed about overpayment – praising the office Dear Avi and Adele: his personal life. competitor who you’ve routinely degraded I’m a 26 year-old female with an odd Also, consider creating a post-date around evaluation time. Which is more problem. I’m having a hard time juggling checklist to review before future dates. important, prayer or restitution? If the my very, very active dating life and have Too much to handle? Then maybe the question comes up on “Who Wants to be a already begun to make blunders between the big leagues aren’t for you and you should Millionaire”, who knows? Use a Professor different dates I am having. For example, I scale down your efforts to give your dating of Comparative Religion as your lifeline. was out with one guy for the second time the life the love and attention it deserves. According to Jewish doctrine, the other night. In the middle of telling a story, Whether you’re handling your men as contrite sinner, in addition to his I had that awful feeling in the pit of my individuals or looking for the wholesale synagogue devotions, must run the stomach that I had just told him that same discount, remember that your best bet is gauntlet of those he has wronged. Even story a week ago. Oops!! I recognize I’m very to just be yourself. With that strategy, a merciful God is hesitant to pardon lucky, but I desperately need some help you’ll hit a home run every time. transgressions against humanity. He will keeping track of potential keepers? forgive your violations of his legal code ~ Raining Men dealing with diet, Sabbath and worship. On table manners After all, you’re made in his image. But if Dear Raining Men: you malign your friend with slanderous Every girl should be so lucky to have Q: A guy I really like took me out on a accusations or misbehave with his wife, a swarm of men – nay, a veritable 2nd date. He was a gentleman and offered to who’s the virtual twin of Mariah Carey, entourage! – buzzing about her. And, as pay for the meal. However, I had leftovers then God shrugs. Better talk to them first, you’ve identified, with great opportunity and instead of letting me take them home, he he says. Ask forgiveness. If they say okay, comes great challenge. insisted on eating them at the restaurant. then come to me. Mistakes can be made whether you’re His rationale? He paid for them. Should I There’s a rabbinical tale that says on the dating a pair of men, or what Adele calls a feel insulted by this gesture or should I just day after Rosh Hashanah, while the divine “Match.com Minyan.”You not only have be happy that he paid for the meal? decree is formulated but as yet unsealed, to worry about putting your best foot ~ Tacky Table Manners the Magistrate of the universe takes forward, but also keeping that foot out of control of every aggrieved human heart. your mouth. Facts, details, anecdotes can Dear Tacky: And just as He hardened the heart of become the bane of your existence if you Confuciustein say: When you find Pharaoh, he gentles those of the world’s don’t treat the business of dating like a, yourself saying “Should I just be happy victims. They always grant absolution well, business. that he (fill in the blank)” you should if sincerely petitioned by the sinner. Allocate a little brain power to what really be happier moving on. And fast. Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Avi calls “date management.”Go high-tech Your radar for weirdness is in a seekers of repentance fervently rely upon with a spreadsheet or even your phone’s fine-tuned state in the early dating stages, this comforting thought as they solicit contact-tracking capabilities to map out since you have less emotional clutter and their pardoners. critical details. Or keep it low-tech with more sense of normal human decency. Ted Roberts, a Rockower Award winner, every girl’s favorite tool: the little black book. You are picking up on a behavior that is a syndicated Jewish columnist who looks You’ll find peace of mind by keeping a somewhere deep in your psyche is not at Jewish life with rare wit and insight. few mundane details at your fingertips. okay with you. Always – always listen to When he’s not writing, Ted worships at It’s really the mundane you want to that little voice. Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville, Ala., capture, unless you’re a total hussy and In this case in particular, we read this where for 25 years he has served as bar can’t recall which base you’ve rounded situation as a little more than off-putting. mitzvah teacher. His inspiration is his with whom without having to document Your gentleman friend should still be on patient wife, Shirley. Check out his Web site: when, where, and how. best behavior. And, so, if this is his www.wonderwordworks.com. Blogsite: So what to track? Consider any or all of A-game, we find ourselves offering a www.scribblerontheroof.typepad.com. His the following: grade of D-minus. He paid, but that collected works The Scribbler on The Roof Siblings/Parents (How many of each? doesn’t convey ownership of the food. can be bought at Amazon.com or lulu.com/ Where do they live?) And in fact, we wonder what else he content/127641. Past date details (Where did you go? might pull in this same vein: if he brought Who paid?) the challah for your Shabbat dinner, would j i Job/Company name/College he take the leftovers home with him? shampoo souvenirs. Hey, he “bought” Faith (Is he Conservative, Reform, or Tsk, tsk, tsk. them, right? other? Does he fast on Yom Kippur?) We recommend parting ways faster than Livin’and Lovin’, Avi and Adele Passions (What’s his top hobby? What Moses parted the Red Sea. Consider To submit questions to Confidentially countries has he visited?) yourself warned and if you end up sticking Yours: Avi and Adele, please email aa@let Great embarrassment also comes from with him until you say “Ani l’dodi,”we bet mypeoplegrow.org. For additional Jewish repeating stories about yourself. Things that you’ll be coming home from your content, please go to www.letmypeople could get sticky – assuming that he knows honeymoon resort stay with hotel-sized grow.org. 12 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 proceeding to turn lemons into lemonade. SHIPLEY Jewish Instead of using three-dimensional (continued from 7) objects, they offer cardboard guitars, suitcases, and so on. It works. number of past mayors and even prime- Theater So does Barros’s taut direction, and Travis ministers that have been indicted. Ferguson’s script and David Fletcher’s Okay – politics in any country at any REVIEWED BY IRENE BACKALENICK musical direction. Never a wasted word or time is never completely clean. Money moment or musical note! Ferguson has talks. Campaigns are expensive. But in When everything written the book and lyrics, with music and Israel? With its small population, limited lyrics by Dave Ogrin. Jennifer Barnhart, geography and supposedly strong political falls into place playing the lead character with a wild glint campaign laws, it should not be a problem. in her eyes and an evil smile painted But – people are people regardless of The Legend of Julie-Taymor Or The across her face, never falters. But she is well religion, nationality or political philosophy. musical that killed everybody! – at the New matched by the entire cast. Particularly As has always been the case, actions York International Fringe Festival. engaging is Christopher Davis Carlisle as taken outside the land of Israel will dictate In the theater world there comes along critic Lionel Weasel (a take-off on the New the priorities of the State. Based on which an occasional moment when everything York Post columnist Michael Riedel). way the Arab wind blows, Israel will falls into place – a moment in which viewer Of course Ferguson’s plot takes liberties be affected. Turmoil in Syria can be and show join together and soar into the with reality, as they trace the supposed rise good for Israel only if it blunts Iranian stratosphere. In my 30-odd years in this and fall of the Broadway “Spider-Man”(in influence in the region. Hamas and profession, I have rarely experienced such this show called “Spider-Dude”). Who Hezbollah are dedicated to the destruction moments. But when they do come, I’m knows what really went on with Taymor of the State. A vote next month in the ready to fall on my knees and thank the and her company – and the producers. But U.N. on the declaration of a Palestinian Powers That Be. Because then I realize this is satire, and anything goes. State cannot be good for anyone, not even why I pursue this work passionately. And go it does! In all, it is a memorable the Palestinians. Such a moment occurred recently at the moment in theater. But can this satire, so Within Israel, it is long overdue for 15th annual New York International Fringe pointedly (and probably unfairly) pointed things to change. Little, aggressive Festival.The show, titled The Legend of Julie at Julie Taymor, go on to a larger life? minorities cannot hold sway. It will take a Taymor, satirizes the Broadway musical Would it be open to libel suits? Who knows. strong leader and a lot of guts to do it. Is Spider-Man – Turn off the Dark and that But what we do know is that, for this brief Bibi up to that? Who is on the horizon? show’s director herself – the legendary time in history, a remarkable show is Nir Barkat? The present mayor of Jewish-American director Julie Taymor. working on all cylinders. God bless theater. Jerusalem has the right ideas. He is gutsy. Taymor, of course, has received her share Theater critic Irene Backalenick covers Would he root out corruption and the of Tonys and other awards, particularly for theater for national and regional publications. inequities of the system? Am Israel Chai. Lion King. But something went wrong She has a Ph.D. in theater criticism from God willing. when she was given carte blanche to City University Graduate Center. Her book Jim Shipley has had careers in broadcasting, create Spider-Man – Turn Off the Dark.The East Side Story – Ten Years with the Jewish distribution, advertising, and telecommuni- show, in preparation and previews, went Repertory Theatre won a first-place national cations. He began his working life in radio from disaster to disaster, both financially book award in history. She welcomes in Philadelphia. He has written his JP&O and artistically. Actors fell from the comments at [email protected] and column for more than 20 years and is director heights, while the show’s budget rose out invites you to visit her website: nytheater of Trading Wise, an international trade and of sight. Ultimately, Taymor would be scene.com or at: jewish-theatre.com. marketing company in Orlando, Fla. fired, and the show, under new direction would limp into reality. So much for the original show, still stubbornly running on Broadway, while Taymor herself has disappeared into the shadows. But what targets for satire! And indeed the current little show, playing off- Broadway in the Fringe Festival, makes the most of it. Fringe shows usually have serious limitations, given the restrictions of budget, and at best must be seen as shows-in-process – although there are certainly nuggets to be found in the dross. And here we have a remarkable show, perfect in every way – concept, performance, design, direction. It is outrageous and hilarious, spelled out in cartoon style. All the characters are cartoon creations, particularly the larger-than-life Julie Paymore (as she is named in the script). Director/choreographer Joe Barros and designers Michael Megliola (lighting), Rachel Guilfoyle (costumes), and Katie Jennifer Barnhart (of Broadway's Avenue Q) as Julie Paymore, sings about her new White (props), are undaunted by their musical "Spider-Dude" with Lynn Craig (left) & Kiley L. McDonald (right) in The Legend small budget and pocket-size stage, of Julie Taymor. Photo by Dixe Sheridan. September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 13 his land, meaning his conscious brain. Healthy & The food we choose to eat can have a The Shofar very strong affect on our ability to let go of BY RABBI DAVID ZASLOW Kosher our old conscious selves, the paro within us and reach a better vision of a new us. First, we use the horn of a beast Then this will help bring the new light of in order to become the beast; BY RABBI BENZION ELIYAHU LEHRER our pure soul back from heaven to reach no intellect, submissive to its Master. us and cause a real change in our Second, we become the horn itself. A diet for Elul conscious mind here in this world. Not even a beast, but an inanimate horn The way this works is that those times of to be blown by the blower The Hebrew month of Elul is a word year when the light of our soul is, so to just as we are blown into life. which can be rearranged to spell the word speak, very high as it is in the months of Third, we become the sound of the horn. El meaning “to”equaling lamed-vav. Lamed Elul and Tishre, we eat foods which have a Not even matter. has the numerical value of 30 and vav more downward contracting effect on our But sound that fills great spaces equals 6, totaling 36. This corresponds to bodies and mind. However once the light and binds all objects and listeners the 36 lights which begin to reach from is here we eat more opening, expansive, just as the Holy One heaven to this world at Chanukah. The upward energy foods. becomes the Holy Sound at Sinai that we hear. horoscope sign for Elul is the virgin so In general we should eat foods which Fourth we become the air these 36 lights denote a purity from heav- we call “centered” or “balanced.” These inside the sound. en which is untouched by this physical are foods which are neither contractive The silent air before it is blown world. These pure lights bring blessings to nor expansive include the grains of Israel – into sound inside the horn of a beast. our world. wheat, spelt, barley, rye, and oats, and also We become the silence On the first night of Chanukah we begin rice. Millet, Quinoa, and kasha/buckwheat of the Creator before creation. to kindle the lights with a single light. On are also considered to be somewhat of a Last, we return. night two, two lights and so on. After the grain though our rabbis do not consider We become ourselves end of the eighth night of Chanukah we them to be what we call a mazone standing next to one another reach a total of 36 lights, and then it is (sustaining food). in the synagogue remembering “New Years.” Year in Hebrew (yud-aleph- The contractive, downward energy what we had become, rash) means “to shine light”and therefore foods include mainly animal products and where we had been. what the world is declaring shortly after which cause us to feel more earth bound, Only then can we hear the shofar: we have lit the 36 lights of Chanukah on practical, thus holding on to our conscious silence shaken into cries the first of January is that the new light of selves here, remaining more attached on a journey from one end blessing has now reached the world. to this world. Cooking food such as of a bent beast’s horn to the other. Mysteriously, at the very moment we vegetables instead of eating them raw On a journey somewhere between our hearing reach “New Years,”it is exactly when Jews also brings out its downward energy. Up and the sounds we hear, all around the world are reading the energy foods include raw vegetables, fruits somewhere between the blower weekly Sedra (which we read on Shabbat) and juices, coffee, wine, alcohol, and drugs. and the shofar blown, which retells the story of how the new Most of us eat what we call “side to somewhere between the Creator Israel Lights – this year’s Children of Israel side” from contractive to expansive, often and ourselves; are now descending into Mitzriyim. The putting one’s emphasis on either side, between ourselves and ourselves. Hebrew word Mitzriyim (Egypt) shares which has its time and place. Although And from such a Place, the same letters as the Hebrew word after years of continual eating in this way, in such a moment, there is no boundary Metzarim, meaning borders or limitations. G-d forbid, it causes many of the major between the head and its horn, For us, this means not only the borders health problems of today’s world. between the beast and its burden, and limitations of our lives here in this Understanding your body and how to between its cries and the silence beneath its cries. physical world but even more so the help you reach your balance and true From such a Place thoughts in ones own brain. health has many factors. Many aspects we say we hear the shofar blown. This idea is hinted at by the fact that our must be addressed for us to reach And only then is the mitzvah fulfilled, servitude in Egypt was to the children of optimum health. These include such as are we full and filled. Cham (chet-mem) the letters mem-chat topics as time of year, climate, body shape, We glance at each other knowingly, (mo-ach)meaning “brain.” Most of us are different styles of cooking, knowing when hearing the Sound indeed enslaved by our brain, engrossed to eat raw foods, when to eat fruits, and so through the horns of our own bent lives. and living a life in which we are completely forth. I teach and counsel privately and We all hear the same cries: immersed and subjugated by our publicly on the subject of the Jewish Year our own cries to our Maker. thoughts. Our job in the month of Elul is and good health. Our Maker’s cries to us. for us to reconnect to this high pure light Rabbi Lehrer lives in Tsfat, Israel. As a Rabbi Zaslow leads Havurah Shir Hadash to the degree that at New Years in January health practitioner, he has given formal in Ashland, Ore. when it reaches to the borders of this lectures both in Israel and abroad. In world, it will remain pure and intact. addition to counseling about diet, Rabbi j i This new light is the light of change, Lehrer gives concerts with his twelve-string available to provide meals. Other services for the month of Elul is our time of guitar expressing deep words of Torah. The include healing massage, cooking classes, preparation for Rosh Hashanah, literally New York Times wrote about his band: “The consultation and courses for those who in Hebrew, rosh, (head) of the shanah Returning Light” is “Jerusalem’s hottest want to become health counselors. His (change). However, Paro (Pharaoh) the Jewish rock band.” His CD called Come websites are: www.thereturningight.com or ruler of Egypt does not want to change and Home can be purchased on his website. He www.jewishyeardiet.com. To set up a diet his fear is that the new Children of Israel also has a health guesthouse where a counseling session and/or purchase his CD, (the Israelites) will take over and control Macrobiotic health counselor and cook are email him at [email protected]. 14 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 3. “Peace by Piece” with music and ShivaConnect.com As I lyrics by R. Solomon. This selection may very well be an anti-war song but I would helps sit shiva dispute describing it as a “classic song.” Heard It The rendition by Solomon is very good just the same. As with many commercial “There is no REVIEWED BY MORTON GOLD tunes, it does not end, but merely fades out. time more difficult 4. “Prayer for Peace in The State of for a family than The Spirit of Shalom Israel” with music by A. Kaplan. Unlike when they lose a 2nd CD more Jewish the previous selection this composition loved one. We can’t sounds like it belongs to be heard in a ease their pain, but In my last column I reviewed the first of temple. While the style of the music ShivaConnect can help provide information two CD’s in the 10th volume of the Spirit borders on a “pop” style there is no and coordination for sitting shiva,” said Series released jointly by the Cantors denying that it is nevertheless a moving founder Sharon Rosen. ShivaConnect.com Assembly and the United Synagogue of work and one that expresses the feeling is a free resource that features educational Conservative Judaism. The title of this and emotion of the texts.The performance articles, a personal Shiva Registry to release is The Spirit of Shalom. (A subtitle by Hazzan D. Lefkowitz and the Park conveniently post and share funeral and is Voices of the Conservative Movement.) Avenue Synagogue choir is as beautiful as shiva details, and many other services that I did not give it is musically expressive. are helpful at a time of loss. high marks to the 5. “Shalom Aleikhem” with music After more than a year of intricate first of the two arranged by H. Pace and B. Shamash. programming and design, a mourner, CD’s. I felt that When one removes the aural effect of relative or caring friend can now easily too many of the musical wallpaper by the drums this just (see Shiva, page 17) selections chosen might be a very nice tune, if one could reflected an undue only hear it. j i emphasis on the 6. “Hashkiveinu” composed by M. not add to something then it detracts from popular or commercial sort of music. In Isaacson. This significant setting suggests it. I can’t figure out why it was chosen. fact if the text were changed, many of quality from the outset. It is a t’fillah 12. “Sim Shalom” composed and the compositions could just as easily be of musical significance and beauty. The performed by R. Frieder and arranged by performed in non-Jewish arenas. rendition by Hazzan T. King is moving R. Yeddia. While this began as a serious I also tried to go out of my way to separate and expressive. work in a temple, it soon left the temple the soloists (hazzanim all) from the music 7. “Sha’alu Sh’lom/Shalom Al Yisrael” and entered the social hall. Just the same, being performed. The soloists as well as composed by S. Dulkin. This charming the work is entertaining, even moving in their performances were all professional Chassidic type of melody is set in a spite of the ubiquitous drums. and well done. Beauty (visual or aural) “groovy” arrangement. “A tune with a 13. “Oseh Shalom” composed by M. may well lie in the eye or ear of the beat.”It is nicely sung by Hazzan J. Dulkin. Finklestein, arr. by R.H. Dimmock and beholder. In my case I thought most of the 8. “Shalom Aleikhem” composed by sung by Hazzan Emanuel Perlman. The works performed were lightweight and Mike Stein and arranged by M. Asher.This rendition by Hazzan Perlman of this even unsuited to the theme of the CD. pop style of another Chassidic tune was expressive work is nothing short of While several selections in the second offsetting to me at first. I must confess that praiseworthy. CD were of similar character, there were it grew on me despite my misgivings. 14. “Yeish Li Halom” composed by other compositions that surely represent 9. “Shalom Rav” composed by Moshe Wilensky.The lyrics are by Y. Mohat the better, even the more Jewish nature of B. Steinberg. This beautiful setting of the and the soloist is D. Berger. While Hazzan our people. As was the case in the first CD liturgical text is wed to an outstanding Berger sang musically, he should have had I observed that the works I felt were the rendition by Hazzan Louis Danto. As in his part more pronounced and set above best were written by composers who were the Isaacson work, these two, along with the piano part. One must observe that active in Reform rather than Conservative compositions by Finklestein and Wilensky the arrangement and performance of temples. What follows are comments are the best selections on this CD. What is Joyce Rosenzeig at the piano was really (some longer than others) on the fourteen good is very good indeed. If I had my outstanding and a joy to hear. The music selections on this second CD. druthers, there should have been more by Wilensky is a cut above the ordinary. 1. “Shalom Aleikhem” composed by S. like them. I would be remiss if I did not add that Brazil. The tune as well as the rendition by 10. “Sholem Tants” composed by A. the layout of the booklet, done by Julie Jacobs is pleasant enough even Ellstein and sung as well as performed by Hazzan Sam Weiss is truly outstanding. though the drums are much too loud. Sam Weiss. While I have heard different The information about the text, the I realize that the Hebrew letter Chet is and perhaps more spirited versions of this transliteration as well as the original text currently spelled KHet in transliteration. wonderful tune, I would observe they all all add to the understanding of what is This has been the case for several years had their point of inspiration on Houston being performed. As a composer I would now. It remains a visual obstacle. I can’t Street, (pronounced HOWstin) the street state that space permitting, at least some change this but I can state that I think that off Second Avenue in New York, not information about some of the composers it is awful. The folks who did this never (H’YOUston) the city in Texas. The would have been welcome as well. trained a choir. bluegrass section while well done While not intending to deliberately hurt 2. “Dream of Peace” composed and musically was not really stylistically anyone’s feelings, I felt obliged to write performed by A. Bensoussan with lyrics by appropriate. Nevertheless I feel that what I felt to be the case. If I did so in the P. Bensoussan. To my ears this pop style Hazzan Weiss sang it very well indeed. process, s’lach na. arrangement and performance suggests a 11. “Study War No More/Lo Yisa Goy.” Dr. Gold is a composer/conductor, pianist dance floor or stage perhaps in Vegas! The adage that comes to mind after and retired educator. He may be reached at: Shalom anyone? listening to this is that if something does [email protected]. September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 15 what happens in this episode when the Blue Bloods Media young E.R. scheduler decides to undergo Blue Bloods is an impressive family a baptism (of sorts) as a result of her drama/police drama about the New York association with the songstress. City Superintendent of Police (Tom Watch Our singer does express hurt, confusion Selleck), a widower; his father, the former and anger at the challenge to her faith – superintendent, and his two sons, both BY RABBI ELLIOT B. GERTEL indeed, the mockery of her faith through policeman, and daughter, a district sheer irony – by her illness: “Why do I attorney, and grandchildren who are often Jewish women have to choose between my voice and together in the stately family manse for my life when all I wanted [was] to sing dinners.This is an admirable and dignified on recent TV about my faith?”And is it faith or wishful family, dedicated to public service and to thinking to which she gives voice when family. They are also devout Catholics, HawthoRNe she exclaims: “I have to trust God. I have who appreciate and support the Roman to believe that I won’t [lose my voice]”? Catholic Church, and are committed to The popular TNT series, HawthoRNe, Yet, sadly, lose her voice she does.Young preserving the Church at its best, about dedicated nurses at a Richmond Camille regards it as “beautiful”the way according to its highest standards. hospital, presented a curious episode the songstress got down on her knees and The family members also have about a religious Jewish woman, traditional prayed even after losing her voice. This standards, and this makes for touching but not Orthodox, who sings her own inspires the young African American and uplifting television. Needless to say, musical settings for Hebrew psalms and woman to ask a male friend to baptize her they regularly encounter criminals and prayers. A determined young woman, she in a fountain even though he is not an characters who have no standards, and regards herself as in an inspired mission, ordained minister.“John the Baptist was not who would drag them down, if they could. at one point saying of the Psalms: “The an ordained minister,”she says. Of course, This is not only an excellent cops-and- words have been preserved. We don’t know the production and direction crew manage criminals series, but one of TV’s best the melodies so I come up with my own.” to make the scene as erotic as possible. family dramas ever, superbly written, The problem, the tragedy, is that she has While there are good and sincere things acted and produced. tumors on her vocal chords that seem to in this episode, I found it disappointing. There was this one character, a woman be cancerous, and must decide between After all, a fundamental principle of who owns a trendy Manhattan nightclub, singing and living. If the voice box is Judaism is that one must do everything whom the Chief’s son Danny (Donnie preserved, the tumors could return. possible to save one’s life and the lives of Wahlberg) must question after the When we first see and hear her, the others. Even the holy commandments shooting of the club’s on-duty bouncer, young Jewish singer is kneeling and (mitzvot) are operative only to the extent on a busy night, at the door to the place. chanting Esa Einai (“I shall lift mine eyes,” that people can “live by them.” (Leviticus This woman, a society page sensation, is Psalm 121) right in front of a wall. Is 18:5) That the singer and her husband named Sabrina Glick (Gloria Votsis). this camera shot intended to evoke must think twice about this reflects an While nothing is said about her ethnic associations from a hospital room dry wall ignorance of, or at least the ignoring of, a and religious background, her name to the Western Wall in Jerusalem, or fundamental tenet of Judaism. says something. simply to provide the cue for her While I can understand psychological Her conduct says something, as well. one-liner,“I was just praying, but it is more anguish and denial and agonies of faith From the minute she meets Danny, she like talking to a wall”? Her bearded, and doubt in such a terrible scenario, I continually flirts with him and makes kippah-sporting husband quips that this is cannot understand why the opportunity overtures toward him, though he tells one of his wife’s better jokes. was missed here, and in a medical her immediately that he is married with Camille (Hannah Hodson) a young, series, to communicate that tenet in a children. She even writes her phone college-bound African American woman, dramatically satisfying and effective way. number on a slip of paper and hands it to helping out at the hospital as E.R. Isn’t that important enough a concept to him, and practically pulls him onto the scheduler, happens to be the daughter of highlight for general viewers? dance floor, much to the shock of his head nurse Christina Hawthorne. She is Also, in the end, the episode does not outspoken female squad car partner. She genuinely concerned about the risks faced reflect well upon the African American sees an opening after Danny tells her by the Jewish singer and song-writer. Yet women here. Camille actually tries to get (inappropriately, to be sure) that he was a the latter has it all figured out: “I believe the singer to postpone surgery, as if to rather untamable party guy and clubber my life and my voice are gifts from God. I protect the faith that she admires rather before he got married. hope to be a youth director in a few than to encourage the patent to be When Danny’s wife finds out whom he years.”(No one wants to become a cantor pro-active at saving her own life. When is questioning and who is calling him, she any more?) Her husband adds, “We’ve Camille decides that she wants religion, is uncomfortable, a situation exacerbated prayed about this a lot and gotten too, she wants it on her own terms, and by Glick’s celebrity and aggressiveness, and counseling. We walk by faith.”There is a virtually dismisses the African American (or yes, by the slip of paper with her name genuine humility, despite her emphasis any) church in her choice of a baptism ritual. and phone number on it. (The implication on her “gift,” in her confession that she It is suggested in this episode, as well, seems to be, and rightly so, that women stutters except when she sings, tempered that Camille’s mother, Christina who distribute such souvenirs want to by her sincere confidence that she sings Hawthorne (Jada Pinkett Smith), the cause trouble at men’s homes.) If this were not so much to avoid stuttering as to share gutsy and idealistic head nurse, may be an old-time film, the word “hussy” would God with others. hiding from the police and from her surely have been bandied about. It is admirable that writer Sibyl Gardner husband evidence of foul play on the part If anyone has any doubts about Glick’s wants to show that Jews can be as guided of a police officer enamored of her, albeit brazen designs, the worst suspicions of by faith in their daily lives as Christians, against her attacker. But she comes across her motives seem confirmed when she and can even inspire Christians to as more principled and thoughtful than recommends that Danny buy some flimsy embrace their own faith more. That is the singing Jewish woman. (see Gertel, page 16) 16 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 GERTEL For a while it seems that Sabrina Glick Book (continued from page 15) may be a suspect. Then it appears that she was the intended victim because of lingerie for his wife as a peace offering. other inappropriate seductive behavior Review A sheepish Danny complies with this with another woman’s man. In any event, questionable recommendation. Even his we have here in one of television’s most REVIEWED BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN car partner realizes that such a gift is not popular dramas, about a wholesome and appropriate for a wife, but the former dedicated family, a woman with a very Soulful outpouring decides to let Danny go through with it in Jewish-sounding name who represents order to find out the hard way that he the very antithesis of their values. Is this a Falling out of Time. By David Grossman. needs to be faithful and respectful to his genre-in-the-making of (certain?) Jewish Hakkibutz Hameuchad Publishing House. wife on every level. women depicted as seductresses lacking 2011. pp. 187. In Hebrew. It seems that Ms. Glick knew what in moral scruples? Premier Israeli author David she was doing in getting Danny to do Grossman’s latest literary accomplishment something offensive to his wife. Indeed, in Flashpoint is an uncommon, emotionally engaging the juxtaposition of scenes Ms. Glick is At last, at long last, a popular TV series and thought-provoking soulful outpouring compared to a dominatrix who also tried offers an admiring and sympathetic in a very measured manner. Using poetry to seduce Danny. That is not a flattering portrayal of a Jewish woman, or at least and prose while accentuating the former – comparison. Danny is wise enough to the suggestion of a Jewish woman. That “Poetry is the language of my bereavement” resist the advances of both. At one point, series is none other than Flashpoint, one of (p. 153) – Grossman expresses perhaps when Sabrina Glick asks him,“What does the most gripping, suspenseful, affecting better than any Israeli before, the complex your wife have that I don’t have?” Danny and, often deeply moving programs ever psychological condition and dynamics of replies,“Me.” on television, an impressive Canadian loss which so sadly has been an all too production about a SWAT team that frequent phenomenon in the life of the j i rescues hostages with ingenuity, thought- State of Israel. hum/toward each other./How they fulness, care and heart. The Jewish state has endured unending touch/how/intertwined/they are/in their One episode introduced us to Marina cycles of bloodshed with the sacrificial nakedness’ root./How constantly they Levin (Sonya Salomaa), a company deaths of its youth “in our eternal war” pour/and transfuse/from one to the executive, who is bright and beautiful and (p. 79), contrary to other/and back, like a couple,/like two gracious. More impressive, she is willing nature’s law for “a beloved ones,/the essence/of their being to sacrifice herself, if necessary, for the father should not (p. 171–2). The poet-author hints at the welfare of her employees, especially when outlive his son” perhaps exaggerated all too human fear of she is being stalked by a gun-wielding (p. 96). We recall death and what it is all about.“More than former employee whom she had to fire. the tragic killing anything/we are afraid/of the hope. Of Because of her graciousness and kindness, of Grossman’s son, what awaits beyond/the wall we dare not courage and self-sacrifice, even under Uri, and his three think”(p.151). stress, even while terminating a troubled comrades in their Survivor’s guilt is present here to, worker, she is able to help the police to tank in the waning along with an audacious, brutally honest stop that deranged man, who is still hours of the incredible expression of the painful enamored of her. controversial 2006 troubling residue of embedded memory. Writers Mark Ellis and Stephanie second Lebanon “How many years, God-how many tears-/ Morgenstern might have been more war, alluded to in Grossman’s 2008 classic, so take-take-take the bundle/of your explicit than depicting a Jewish woman in Isha Borachat Mibsora (A Woman Fleeing bones-and get out-get out/from our life- name only, but this is still better than all Notification) and its 2010 English edition, did you hear? From l-i-f-e!”(p. 139). the bad characters who suggest Jews in Until the End of the Land, (in which an The book’s title, Nofel Michutz Lazman name only. But should we be concerned Israeli mother refuses to accept the reality (Falling out of Time), reflects the Hebrew that at the end of the episode Marina she predicted of her son’s death on verb Nafal (he fell) when referring to a comes to the police station to personally military duty. military casualty with the author-poet so thank the officer who saved her, and In the present volume the loss notification movingly sharing with us from the depths accepts his invitation to go out for coffee by a special military team, is presented to of his aching and yearning soul. “I see without knowing whether or not he is the shocked parents (The Grossmans) in you/but I don’t touch/I don’t feel you/in married with children? One hopes that language resembling Nathan Alterman’s the time senses/of mine” (p.64). David there are not shades of Sabrina Glick (see, famous poem of the sacrificial young man Grossman, a wounded father of a fallen above, Blue Bloods) in this developing and woman representing Israel’s youth son and hero in Israel’s defense, is a story – and character. who won the 1948 War of Independence. political and social activist becoming Rabbi Gertel has been spiritual leader of “We opened the door for them/this one/ Israel’s conscience regardless of our Conservative Congregation Rodfei Zedek here we stood/you and I, shoulder to particular political ideology. He should – since 1988. A native of Springfield, Mass., shoulder/and they/on the threshold/and we/ with his current literary offering of he attended Columbia University and opposite them/and they/with compassion/ brilliance on a theme so compound and Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the measured/and quietly standing, and relevant to Israel and the human condition author of two books, What Jews Know breathing within us/the spirit/of the dead” – be a serious candidate for the Nobel about Salvation and Over the Top (p.12). Prize for Literature. Judaism: Precedents and Trends in The interconnectedness and close Rabbi Israel Zoberman, who translated the Depiction of Jewish Beliefs and proximity between life and death are all quotes, is the spiritual leader of Observances in Film and Television. tenderly captured. “How they stand/life Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia He has been media critic for The Jewish and death facing each other/how they Beach, Va. He grew up in Haifa, Israel. Post & Opinion since 1979. September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 17 SHIVA online Jewish obituary, it includes funeral Book (continued from page 14) and shiva dates, times, places, interactive directions, mourners’ contact information, enter pertinent information on a private food notes, synagogue affiliations, family Review Shiva Registry page. Much more than an charitable requests, eulogies and who to call if you have a question. A direct link to REVIEWED BY ARNOLD AGES j i the Shiva Registry page can then be was America’s top civilian commander in emailed, texted, tweeted, posted on A wealth of Iraq under the second Bush administration. Facebook or found through a search on A venture capitalist with investments in ShivaConnect’s home page. provocative ideas Israel, Senor is well acquainted with Israeli With “just a click,” family and friends society and is on a first name basis with learn sitting shiva details, find local delis Start-up Nation: The Story of Israel’s hundreds of Israeli business, government to deliver shiva platters, view and post Economic Miracle. By Dan Senor and Saul and military people. His father, the late food already planned, make charitable Singer. A Council of Foreign Relations James Senor, was at one time the head of donations, find helpful resources, read Book. (New York, 2009) 304 Pages. the Israel Bonds office in Toronto, Canada. eulogies and send thoughtful messages to Among the many insights offered by the Saul Singer was for many years an editorial mourners. Each Shiva Registry is typically co-authors of this marvellous book is the and feature writer for The Jerusalem Post viewed by more than 100 visitors, making anticipatory explanation of the unrest that but is no longer with the newspaper. His it convenient to “connect”with people both has swept the Arab world since January knowledge of Israeli society has been near and far. “People have no idea how 2011. Although published two years carefully honed over many years. helpful posting a Registry can be… until before the upheavals in Egypt, Tunisia, The Arab boycott of Israel which began they use it,” added Sharon. “Mourning Bahrain and Syria, and in a book which even before the rise of the State is, as families appreciate fewer phone calls, less deals primarily Senor-Singer suggest, perhaps the main stress, confusion and wasted food.” with Israel’s impetus for the nation’s need to leapfrog Shiva Connect has articles that are of miracle economy, over the attempts on the part of the interest to Jews and non-Jews about the Senor-Singer Arab cousinhood to strangle the country customs, traditions and preparing your treatise nonethe- economically, militarily and politically. home for sitting shiva, visiting the shiva less explains the This murderous ideology has had indirect house, Jewish prayers, poems, and kaddish. malaise in the influences on Israel’s army, on the social Another unique feature is the “Yahrzeit Arab world as the character of the body politic and on the Reminder” which is emailed each year a authors saw it as lives of ordinary citizens. The Arab world’s week before the anniversary date, noting resulting primarily intractable hostility and vast numerical when to light a memorial candle. from massive eco- superiority demanded that Israel’s army in ShivaConnect was developed by Sharon nomic stagnation. particular develop modalities of creativity, Rosen, who turned to the internet for help With the same thoroughness that they ingenuity and strategic thinking. when her beloved Mother passed away. applied to Israel’s economic infrastructure These could only be achieved by ignoring She searched for local Jewish funeral Senor-Singer show that the Arab world the congealed hierarchical structures that homes and information about Jewish was facing in 2009 the need to produce 80 were part and parcel of military thinking shiva customs, sent emails to friends million new jobs in order to meet the from time immemorial. Thus Tzahal or the thanking them for their support and to tell burgeoning Arab population growth indices IDF, as it is known in English, looked for its them of her mother’s passing. Another and that enlightened Arab planners were leadership cadres without reference to rank, email was sent with final arrangements well aware of this predicament. Senor- age or experience. Criticism from everyone information and one more with location, Singer did not necessarily envisage the was welcomed and consensus achieved days, and times for sitting shiva. She revolutionary fervor which erupted in only after wrangling over alternatives. What found the internet to be the most efficient 2011 in the Arab world, ostensibly in might be considered as insubordinate and comfortable way to communicate. pursuit of democratic rights but there is impertinence in other armies was Stress grew as the phone kept ringing no doubt that economics was one of the considered a tactical advantage in with questions about food. Friends triggers to the seismic events. Israel. The winnowing process thus saw continued to call asking what was needed, This information bonus is an illuminating brilliant young recruits taking command when to send it and people from out of by-product of the Senor-Singer exploration of units consisting often of older men. town called not knowing where to of the architecture of Israel’s extraordinary What is the link between this military order from. An abundance of food was profile as a world leader in business – mentality and Israel’s sprint to the top delivered, platters were taken back to which they explain by reference to several in the technology and dot.com wars? delicatessens for overnight refrigeration unique aspects of that nation’s social Senor-Singer show that this way of and others were donated to a local shelter. contract. While many reasons may be thinking was imported by demobilized Exhausted and overwhelmed by this offered to explain the statistical evidence soldiers into their business lives where a experience, Sharon thought, “There of Israel’s stunning presence on NASDAQ readiness to expose every idea to radical must be a better way!” and conceived and other stock markets and its amazing buffeting produced original scenarios and the idea of an all-inclusive online resource profile in information technology and that failure sometimes gave birth to better to conveniently provide information, instrumentation, it is possible to narrow down ideas. The best examples of this are assistance and coordination of the the specific factors which have produced reproduced in the book. Pay Pal, the bereavement period. Israel as the “start-up”nation par excellence. credit car facility and Intel, the chip ShivaConnect.com is a tribute to her Both Senor and Singer have strong manufacture discovered that contentious Mother, who always gave love and support personal credentials to have undertaken Israeli engineers and computer geeks, to family and her many friends. For their study. Dan Senor, a Harvard MBA, though they lacked the courteous civility more information contact: Sharon Rosen, was Paul Bremer`s advisor when the latter (see Ages, page 19) [email protected], 561-289-1028. 18 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 is a brilliant introduction to his consideration My Kosher Book Review of other writers who lived in Brooklyn. Henry Miller grew up in there and inherited REVIEWED BY MORTON I. TEICHER anti-Semitism from his middle-class family. Kitchen Miller moved to Paris where he wrote Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn, both BY SYBIL KAPLAN Literary capital banned in the United States. Ironically, one of Miller’s two unhappy marriages Honey cakes Literary Brooklyn. By Evan Hughes. was to a Jew and Tropic of Cancer was New York: Henry Holt & Company, 2012. eventually published in America by Grove Tishpishti originated in Turkey and 337 Pages. $17. Press, run by Barney Rosset, a half-Jew. was popular for Passover because it has During World Hughes considers Hart Crane, Marianne no flour. The dense cake is soaked War II, USO enter- Moore, and Thomas Wolfe before he in syrup. The Sephardic Jews who lived tainers produced comes to the first of the Jewish writers he in Turkey after being expelled from Spain laughter and hoot- examines, Daniel Fuchs, Bernard Malamud, in 1492 adopted this dish whose words ing when they and Alfred Kazin, all raised in Brooklyn by mean quick and done, a quickly baked began their show immigrant parents. They made the long cake. Some say it was always served on by shouting – “Is trip from Brooklyn to City College with its Rosh Hashanah. there anyone here predominantly Jewish student body and from Brooklyn?” they each made important contributions Tishpishti With their accent to American literature. Following insightful 2 cups ground almonds, hazelnuts, of “dese and dems discussions of Brooklyn residents Richard pistachios, or walnuts and dose,” and Wright, Truman Capote, and William 1 cup cake meal with their hapless baseball team, the Styron, Hughes devotes a chapter to 1 tsp. ground cinnamon Brooklyn Dodgers, residents of Brooklyn Norman Mailer who grew up in the 1/2 tsp. cloves or allspice were often the butt of jokes. Attitudes Jewish neighborhoods of Flatbush and 6 separated eggs improved in 1947 when Jackie Robinson, Crown Heights before attending Harvard. 1 cup sugar the first Black major leaguer, joined the Soon after graduating in 1943, he was 2 Tbsp. orange juice team but ten years later, despair and anger married, drafted, and sent to the Pacific 1/2 cup vegetable oil greeted the move of the Dodgers to Los theater where he saw combat. He 1 Tbsp. grated lemon or orange peel Angeles, a symbol of Brooklyn’s decline. returned to his wife and to Brooklyn after Nevertheless, 2,500,000 people live in the war, immediately beginning to work Syrup Topping Brooklyn. If it were a separate city, it on the novel that became The Naked and 3/4 cup honey would be among America’s largest cities. the Dead. After its enormous success, 1/3 cup sugar Its 450,000 Jews make Brooklyn is one of Mailer cultivated his image as a tough 2/3 cup water the world’s centers of Jewish population. man, developing a substantial drinking 1/4 cup lemon juice Many Jewish writers have made and are problem. He kept living in Brooklyn making Brooklyn their home. They are where he raised his eight children, having Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a included in this masterful presentation of been married six times. Infatuated with rectangular baking pan. In a mixing bowl, Brooklyn’s literary history. violence, he continued to write, winning combine nuts, cake meal, cinnamon and Evan Hughes, critic and journalist, and a two Pulitzer prizes and running for Mayor cloves. In another bowl, beat egg yolks Brooklyn resident, has written a lively of New York in 1969. Hughes cites Kazin’s with sugar. Add to nut mixture along with account of Brooklyn as home to many writers, laudatory appraisal of Mailer and offers orange juice, oil and orange or lemon zest. beginning with Walt Whitman,“the grand- his own evaluation, asserting that Mailer Beat egg whites in another bowl until stiff. father of literary Brooklyn.” Hughes’s was determined to show that he was a Fold into batter. Pour into cake pan and analysis of Whitman and his Leaves of Grass “Brooklyn street fighter.” bake 45 minutes. Place honey, sugar, water Jewish playwright Arthur Miller is and lemon juice in a saucepan. Stir until j i among the other writers considered by sugar dissolves. Increase heat, bring to a 3/4 cup sugar Hughes before concluding his admirable boil and cook for 1 minute. Let cool. When 1/4 cup vegetable oil book with a chapter on Brooklyn today as cake is baked and cooled, cut into squares 2 cups honey a “literary capital”whose writers enable us or diamonds. Drizzle syrup over cake. 1/2 cup strong coffee better to grasp “the whole incomprehensible Serve warm or at room temperature. 1/2 cup raisins whirl of American life.” Current, former, 1/2 cup chopped nuts and future residents of Brooklyn, as well Mom’s Honey Loaf Cake as everyone else, will find this to be an I don’t recall my mom (z”l) baking this, Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease two loaf pans informative and entertaining presentation. but it is in my collection as hers. or a rectangular baking pan. Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, 3-1/2 cups flour cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg in a Novel on Brighton 1/4 tsp. salt bowl. Beat eggs and sugar in another bowl Beach community of 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder until fluffy. Add oil, honey and coffee. Stir 1 tsp. baking soda in flour mixture. Add raisins and nuts. Russian immigrants 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon Pour into two loaf pans or a rectangular 1/8 tsp. ground cloves baking pan. Bake 1and a half hours. Vaclav & Lena. By Haley Tanner. New 1/2 tsp. ground ginger Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, food and York: Dial Press, 2011. 295 Pages. $25. 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg feature writer, cookbook author and lecturer, This first novel marks the appearance 4 eggs who lives in Jerusalem. (see Teicher, page 19) September 14, 2011 The Jewish Post & Opinion 19 AGES Tanner successfully loops her readers into romantic concept, and it inspired me on a (continued from page 17) the circle of her chronicle as she amplifies daily basis, especially living in such a her description of the two lovers whose beautiful town that was from the first admired in the West, challenged their status as Russian newcomers complicates pioneers of the First Aliyah in 1882.” American interlocutors to re-think basic and agitates their lives. Their adaptation Esther took the bus to work each day technical concepts – with portentous results. to life in America and to their troubled and looked over the vineyards of the One of the surprises in this volume is experiences evokes a sympathetic and Binyamina Valley and the hills of the the high praise reserved for Israeli caring concern.The author’s well-developed Carmel Mountains. President Shimon Peres, who encouraged originality is fully demonstrated as her “I was in awe at the beauty and proud the authors in their research and accorded novel unfolds with ample humor and fervor. so many Jewish people went to build the them significant meeting time for discussions. Born in the Bronx, New York in 1982, land of Israel.” Start-up Nation contains not only a Tanner earned her B.A. from Clark She worked in Hebrew with the staff, wealth of provocative ideas but is written University and her M.F.A. from the New computers and customers. The first time in an attractive English style which will School. She held a variety of jobs as a she waitressed on a busy day, she ended captivate the reader. waitress, police dispatcher, bank teller, and up crying in the bathroom, asking herself, Arnold Ages is “Distinguished Emeritus tutor. The tutoring involved helping what was a 26-year-old American Professor” University of Waterloo, Waterloo, students in Brighton Beach do their with two degrees and 10 years of work Ontario Canada. A personal note about Dan homework and prepare for exams. During experience doing there? But over the Senor, the co-author of this book. More than this work, she was inspired to write about course of time and support, the staff 20 years ago James Senor, then the head of Vaclav and Lena. They appeared first in a taught her to have confidence in Hebrew the Israel Bond Office in Toronto, and a good short story she composed for a class to waitress, talk to the kitchen staff and friend, called me to ask if I would offer to give assignment while she was studying for her conduct a wine tasting. a d’var Torah at his son Dan’s bar mitzvah, master’s degree. Later, she spent three After eight months, Esther realized the following week. I gladly agreed. Two days years expanding this short story into the there was a demand for organized wine later, without warning, James died. I never present novel. tours in Israel. So two years ago, she got to give the d’var Torah but I have been There is a touching dedication at the decided to start My Israel Wine Tours, following Dan’s career ever since then. beginning of the book to Tanner’s late conducting wine tours in English. Esther husband: “Gavin, my partner in crime, my explains the history of Israeli wine, the j i lovely assistant, my comrade, and the very modern day trends in the Israeli wine TEICHER best husband a girl could have, you are industry and the art and science of wine (continued from page 18) still my rising sun.” After an illness that making. A wine tour takes a visitor to lasted for six years, Gavin died of cancer at three wineries, a brewery, a nice restaurant on the literary the beginning of 2011 when Tanner was 28 for lunch and sometimes a dairy. scene of Haley years old. She now lives in Brooklyn with “From its launching in January 2010, I Tanner, a new her two dogs and with the furniture that have taken 500 people on more than 100 novelist who clearly Gavin made from reclaimed wood. wine tours all around Israel’s wine regions demonstrates here Dr. Morton I. Teicher spent many which are the Golan Heights, the Galilee, her fine talent and summers as a youngster in Brooklyn’s Carmel, Jerusalem and the Negev.” who creates the Coney Island. He married a Brooklyn girl Although there were many challenges expectation of more and lived there briefly after World War II. as an English speaker, Esther hired an good work to His first social work experience was as a accountant, a graphic designer and has come. She is a volunteer in a Brooklyn settlement house. received the support of the wineries. skilled character He has been a frequent visitor to Israel since Esther says the Israelis she has met have portrayer, painting 1963 and helped to establish the School of also given her great support because she is vivid pictures of the Social Work at Bar Ilan University. In 1975, part of building an industry and she had two who give the book its title and of the he served as a visiting professor in Jerusalem the chutzpa to go for her dreams. secondary individuals who are involved and he later co-authored a book on Project In July, Esther married Jonathan with them.Tanner also excels in describing Renewal. Dr. Teicher is the Founding Dean, Amerikaner, a cinematographer from the backdrop for her story – the Brighton Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Yeshiva California, who made aliyah two years Beach, Brooklyn community of Russian University and Dean Emeritus, School of ago. The couple lives in Givatayim. immigrants, many of whom are Jews. Social Work, UNC at Chapel Hill. In the future, Esther says her vision is In the initial part of the book,Vaclav and just for the next two years.“I would like to Lena are young schoolmates who spend a j i run My Israel Wine Tours from behind the considerable amount of time together and KAPLAN/ISRAEL scenes, doing VIP sales, marketing and PR who have agreed that they will eventually (continued from page 20) and have trained wine experts who can be husband and wife. Vaclav helps Lena take people in French, Russian, English with her school work and she has agreed Esther contacted a few wineries in the and maybe even Hebrew. I want to have to be his assistant as he prepares to north of Israel and received a call from five tours a day going out!” perform as a magician. Vaclav’s mother, Jonathan Tishbi, owner of the sixth largest For more information, check out her Rasia, who works as a receptionist and winery in Israel, Tishbi Estate Winery. She website, MyIsraelWineTours.com or email clerk at a medical supply company, soon met with him, and he offered her a her at [email protected]. ascertains that Lena is living under filthy job as an English tour guide, assisting with Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, food writer, conditions with her aunt who is a English marketing, working in the Visitors’ cookbook author and Jerusalem Post columnist prostitute. Eventually, as the narrative Center and waitressing. who leads shuk tours in the Jerusalem Jewish develops, we learn the consequences of A week later, she packed up her bags and Machaneh Yehudah market and has a weekly this discovery, one of which is that Vaclav moved from Jerusalem to Zichron Yaacov. radio spot, Shuk Shopping, on the internet and Lena are separated for seven years. “Working at a winery is somewhat of a radio station RustyMikeRadio.com. 20 The Jewish Post & Opinion September 14, 2011 Seen on the Israel Scene

BY SYBIL KAPLAN Being a part of Jerusalem history

The Kaplans were part of history. We rode the light rail in its first day of operation! The project of a light rail from the suburb of Pisgat Zeev through East Jerusalem, downtown and out to Mount Herzl was initiated in 1995. Construction started to Yehudah, the produce market. I got a seat brochures and making sure people were disrupt Jerusalem in 2002. and decided to ride it a few stops and over far back from the edges of the platforms. For the past few months, the train has the Santiago Calatrava light train bridge Arriving at the first stop after the bridge, I been making trial runs through Jerusalem, located near the Central Bus Station. The got off, crossed the tracks and got on the and booths sprouted up everywhere location is considered as the “modern crowded train heading back to the city. asking people to get their special cards entrance” to the City of Jerusalem. In The 13.8 kilometer line (8 1/2 miles) will with a photo to use when riding. ancient times, this road connected the old take approximately 42 minutes from end Fri., Aug. 19, the trains started running city of Jerusalem with the Tel Aviv Highway, to end. During rush hour, it will run every at 5:30 a.m. and were free for the next two Jaffo at the Mediterranean Sea, and Herzl four minutes; off times, it will run every weeks without showing the card or paying. Boulevard, one of the most important 10 minutes. It will run Sunday through Barry and I met downtown a little after arteries of the new city of Jerusalem. Thursday from 5:30 a.m. until midnight; noon and made our way to the stop at the Calatrava designed this cable-stayed bridge no word on the Friday hours. It will not corner of King George and Jaffa Road. with a single inclined pylon that creates a run Saturday, and it will begin running Do you know what a sardine feels like? clear visual direction towards the city. The Saturday evening half an hour after Or maybe an anchovy? We were pushed on cables are arranged in a parabolic shape Shabbat ends. I can hardly wait to ride to the train along with many, many others which develops three-dimensionally in from one end to the other! including many religious men with strollers, space, thus amplifying the impressive visual holding on to their other children, who impact unique for this bridge. Overall, the The woman and the wine tours were not certain what this was all about. strings and form of this structure suggest When 25 year old Esther Cohen made A beautiful Arab girl in traditional a giant harp – the harp of King David, as aliyah from Peabody, Mass., in June 2008, headdress, blue nail polish and blue eye a symbol of the holy city – inspiring city she took advantage of the five months makeup got on with some young Arab residents to call it the “Bridge of Strings.” living at a residential Ulpan (language- boys; families, senior citizens, young As I rode along, I noticed the buses study program) in Jerusalem then couples, teenagers, people of all ages and running on the streets were noticeably discovered her Hebrew wasn’t what she classes were gathered to take this ride. less filled with passengers. At least three thought it should be to get a job. Barry rode it two stops, crammed white-shirted people were at each station, against the doors, and left at Machaneh on both sides, handing out information

Esther Cohen started My Israel Wine Tours, conducting wine tours in English. “Wine was a hobby of mine from my travel experience in New Zealand and Europe and a friend who owned a liquor store in Boston. I liked drinking wine, I knew that Israel had a developing wine industry and if I was going to learn Hebrew, I figured it ought to be doing something that I enjoyed,”she said. The Jerusalem light rail in its first day of operation. Photos by Barry A. Kaplan/Jerusalem. (see Kaplan/Israel, page 19)