The Jewish National Edition Post &Opinion Presenting a broad spectrum of Jewish News and Opinions since 1935. Volume 78, Number 11 • August 29, 2012 • 11 Elul 5772 www.jewishpostopinion.com

LL’’ShanaTova!ShanaTova!

Cover art by Alex Levin (see About the Cover, p.3). 2 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 Editorial Inside this Issue Editorial...... 2 Synchronicity is not a common word Rabbi Benzion Cohen but it is the best one to describe what (Chassidic Rabbi)...... 3 happened for me on Aug. 21, 2012. About the Cover ...... 3 Miriam Zimmerman, Holocaust educator Rabbi Jon Adland and mediator, who has penned a column (Shabbat Shalom)...... 4 for this newspaper since 1988 was visiting Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso ...... 4 Indianapolis. She is the daughter of a Amy Hirshberg Lederman German Holocaust survivor and many (Jewish Educator) ...... 5 of her columns have been about or related L-R: Eva Kor, Jennie Cohen, and Miriam Rabbi Irwin Wiener to this subject. Zimmerman meeting at Indianapolis airport. (Wiener’s Wisdom)...... 6 I will save the details about her trip in of seeking revenge, she has taken the high Melinda Ribner case she would like to write about it road by forgiving him. (Kabbalah of the Month) ...... 6 herself, except to say that she came to This has been a bone of contention with Howard Karsh Indianapolis for a corneal transplant, many Jews and one of the reasons the (Jewish America) ...... 7 because in researching, she found one of surviving twins will not talk to Kor. She Rabbi Moshe ben Asher and the most respected doctors in that field remarked that she is never depressed Magidah Khulda bat Sarah works here. yet all of them except one are taking (Gather the People)...... 8 She wanted to be sure we got together anti-depressants and tranquilizes. She Rabbi Avi Shafran while she was here so she contacted me in believes that by forgiving the evil doctor (An Observant Eye) ...... 8 advance. A few days after her surgery on she was able to be released from the hold Ted Roberts the above date, we met for lunch. I asked he still had on her even decades after her (Spoonful of Humor) ...... 9 her what else she hoped to do while physical liberation. Jim Shipley here. She told me she had plans to meet Kor suggests another reason for their (Shipley Speaks) ...... 10 Eva Kor at the Indianapolis International refusal to talk to her. They think she is Seth Ben-Mordecai Airport in a couple of hours. using their story for her own purposes. (The Roads from Babel) ...... 10 Kor is one of approximately 200 sets of They along with other Jews believe that Sybil Kaplan twins out of 1500 who survived the genetic according to Jewish law one can only (Seen on the Israel Scene)...... 11 experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele in forgive if the perpetrator asks for their Irene Backalenick Auschwitz Concentration Camp during forgiveness. This is not possible in her (Jewish Theater)...... 12 World War II. She has lived most of her case because he is no longer alive to do so. Morton Gold life in Terre Haute, Ind., where in 1984 Kor insists that she is not telling others (As I Heard It)...... 14 she founded the CANDLES Holocaust what to do, but for herself, forgiveness was Rabbi Elliot B. Gertel Museum (www.candlesholocaustmuseum the best way to finally be freed from her (Media Watch)...... 15 .org). C.A.N.D.L.E.S. is an acronym for the perpetrator. She said she has spoken to Rabbi Israel Zoberman words “Children of Auschwitz Nazi many young people who have been (Book Review)...... 16 Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors.” abused. Even if every one of those abusers On This Day in Jewish History...... 16 Another event for which Kor is known was caught and punished, the pain they Dr. Morton I. Teicher more recently is leading tours of Auschwitz. caused would not suddenly disappear if (Book Reviews) ...... 17 Zimmerman has probably known Kor all those perpetrators were brought to trial, Sybil Kaplan her life and in 1995 she had the privilege sentenced, and penalized for their crime. (My Kosher Kitchen)...... 18 to travel with Kor on one of those trips. I, The images and memories would still Jews in Sports ...... 20 on the other hand, have never met Eva be there to haunt these victims. She said Kor even though I have wanted to for forgiving the criminal does not mean the The Jewish several years especially after Oct. 2006 victim believes that what the perpetrator when I saw and reviewed a movie about did was acceptable, and it is not saying Post &Opinion her life titled, Forgiving Dr. Mengele. that the criminal does not need to pay for I was thrilled when Zimmerman asked his or her actions. 1427 W. 86th St. #228 me if I would like to join her at this Even though Kor was liberated from Indianapolis, IN 46260 meeting and ride to the airport with her. Auschwitz in 1945 at age 11, it wasn’t until email: [email protected] Since this is a High Holiday issue, I many years later that she was finally able to phone and fax: (317) 405-8084 knew I would hear some opinions from feel and express the terrifying emotions from website: www.jewishpostopinion.com Kor about forgiveness that would be being tortured in Auschwitz. In 1978 she appropriate for this season. began speaking out about her Holocaust their mother showed up to take her I had high expectations of Kor after experiences to school children and others. daughters with her. Kor pleaded to those reading much about her, but she topped About seven years into these speaking twins to please ask their mother to also take those. She is knowledgeable about all engagements, the emotions she had Kor and her sister. That mother eventually kinds of Jewish history, especially World repressed began to come out. She said her agreed and was able to take them by telling War II and the Holocaust, but also current speeches became interrupted by her sobs. those in charge that she was their aunt. events such as the upcoming US elections. I learned by observing Kor that this is Kor stated that she did not treat those She is so full-of-life, the exact opposite of an ongoing healing process for her. For twins well because she was so jealous what Dr. Mengele set out to accomplish example, she was explaining that she was of them. They had a mother and Kor with her. He treated her worse than an sorry about her behavior to one set of twins desperately longed for hers. As she said animal and yet she has triumphed. Instead she knew in Auschwitz. Upon liberation, (see Editorial, page 3) August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 3 Chassidic Rabbi About the Cover Welcoming BY RABBI BENZION COHEN Rosh Hashanah Marriage Part 2 (Oil on canvas 40”x 30”) by Alex Levin, Art Levin Studio – In my last column in the July 25, 2012 www.ArtLevin.com. edition, I wrote about marriage. One of my readers asked to hear more about the Alex Levin comes from Kiev, the capital meaning of marriage. I am devoting this of Ukraine, where he was born in 1975 the United States, Israel, France, Italy, column to marriage, with the hope that and later attended Art Academy, from Ukraine, Switzerland, and Belgium. it will inspire those who are not married which he graduated with honors. This young artist, who just turned thirty to get married, and those who are not In 1990 Levin immigrated to Israel, where years old, was directly acknowledged by happily married to make their marriage he continues to live in the city of Herzeliya. many influential figures including actor happy, and those who are happily married With a most productive and hectic and producer Richard Gere, Madonna, to make their marriage even better. schedule, Levin finds additional time to grow Canadian Jazz player Oscar Peterson and According to Chassidic thought, marrying as an artist and studies new techniques former president of Israel Ezer Weizman. the right person unifies two halves of one with Professor Baruch Elron who was the After serving 3 years in the Israeli Army, soul. When a boy is born the masculine Chairman of Israel Artist Association. in 1997 Levin entered the industrial and side of this soul comes down to earth and His main painting styles are Surrealism web design program which was a great is in clothed in his body. The feminine half and Realism – featuring a range of works benefit to his artwork. of this soul enters the body of one of the in oil, acrylic, pencil, charcoal, and tempera He is currently working on two themes: baby girls out there somewhere. When the paints – practicing the original manner of “Tradition of Jewish Heritage”and “Venice right boy meets the right girl and they 16th century technique, which is the through the mask’s eyes”. get married, then a most amazing and multilayered use of tempera and oil (no “Tradition of Jewish Heritage” is a wonderful thing can happen. All of their brush strokes). collection of works of Jerusalem’s holy life they have been only a half. Now they Artworks of Levin are admired worldwide Western Wall and it’s surrounding religious can be part of one whole. and were purchased for numerous private, neighborhood. Through the strokes of his Here we can see some of the ingredients corporate, and institutional collections in brush, Levin has captured the residents of of a happy marriage. First, you have to Jerusalem’s ultra-Orthodox neighborhood realize that you have a soul. Have you j i of Mea Shearim, Jewish attributes, and concluded that marriage is not for you? and start learning Torah and doing mitzvahs, people at the Western Wall, one of Judaism Are you thinking about marriage? Are you you aren’t secular any more. Spend some (see Cover, page 6) unhappy with your marriage? Go to your time in Chassidic communities. There local Chabad house and discover your about 90 percent of the children are j i soul. This is not always easy. Our soul is married by their early 20s and live happily EDITORIAL hidden deep in our heart. Our soul is truly ever after, baruch Hashem. Even in (continued from page 2) a part of G-d above.This is really big-time. Chassidic marriages difficulties and When we consider the greatness of disagreements come up. If we are not able that, she started crying as if this scenario Hashem, who created the entire universe, to come to a solution, we consult with a had taken place last week, not 67 years ago. we can begin to understand the greatness wise and experienced rabbi, who can Kor also mentioned that her book, of our soul, which is a part of Him. This in usually solve the problem. If the problem Surviving the Angel of Death has been turn enables us to truly love our fellow is too serious or complicated for our local translated into German and is now #1 on man who also has a precious soul. And rabbi, we ask the Rebbe for a blessing. I their best seller list. She has been in especially to love our spouse, who has the know of some marriages that were saved Germany talking to young people there other half of our own soul. by the Rebbe’s blessing. about not feeling guilty for the actions of Even though we are living in a material Every successful marriage brings us a their grandparents. She tells them to go and mundane world, we can sometimes step closer to our complete and final and do something productive instead. feel holiness, sometimes feel our soul.This redemption. Our sages said that when a Eva Kor is hoping to create a can happen when we learn Torah and do man and his wife live a life of Torah and Forgiveness garden in Terre Haute. Eli Lily mitzvahs, when we are deep in prayer, dwell together in peace and love, the & Co. has awarded a feasibility grant when we are sitting at the Shabbos table, Divine Presence dwells together with for $50,000 toward this goal. We hope to when we hear the shofar. them. The more good marriages, the have more about this in a future issue. Second, learn about the importance of more Divine Presence. Soon we will reach I came away from this conversation getting married. If you are single, you are the final redemption and the Divine feeling inspired. If Eva Mozes Kor can live missing your other half. Also, it can be Presence will fill the world. As it is written: through what happened to her and very lonely living by yourself. If two “And the world will be filled with the become such an achieving, charming, and people are working together to run and knowledge of Hashem.” life-affirming woman, then I can cope support a household, it is usually much We wish all of our readers and all of with lesser problems. Each challenge that easier. A strong marriage is the best place Israel to be inscribed and sealed for a good a person has is difficult for that person, to raise children. and sweet year, a year of redemption. We but after meeting Kor, I believe that it is It is true that in the secular world want Moshiach now! possible to not only cope with mine, but marriages usually aren’t successful. Even Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, to come out a better person for having those which don’t end in divorce are often Israel. He can be reached by email at experienced them. L’Shana Tova, difficult. However, once you find your soul [email protected]. Jennie Cohen, August 29, 2012 4 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 Nation needs stronger There is something seriously wrong with Shabbat this picture. There need to be rules. rules on purchasing Objectors would say that gun ownership Shalom is a constitutionally protected right. True, guns, ammo but every right has sensible limits. We can drive a car, but we can’t drive drunk and BY RABBI JON ADLAND BY RABBI SANDY EISENBERG SASSO we need to obey traffic signs. We can travel by plane, but we need to go through Pirke Avot 3:19 – Rabbi Akiva said: All My mother recently security, take off our shoes and put is foreseen, but freedom of choice is given. moved to Indianapolis 3-ounce liquids in a small plastic bag. I The world is judged in goodness, yet all is from Philadelphia. She can’t take my Starbucks latte through proportioned to one’s work. needed to change her address and obtain airport security nor pack my favorite a new identity card. aerosol can of mousse in my carry-on, all August 24, 2012, Shoftim Naively, I thought this would be easy. in the name of safety. Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9, 6 Elul 5772 After all, she didn’t drive; all we required We have free speech, but we can’t yell was a new card to prove she was who she fire in a crowded room. There are rules. “Seven Israeli teenagers were in said she was. We went to the Bureau of Somehow when it comes to guns many custody on Monday, accused of what a Motor Vehicles, waited in line for half an want the rules to be as few and as lax police official and several witnesses hour, only to find that we did not have as possible. described as an attempted lynching of the correct paper work. We were told to Objectors say, “Guns don’t kill, people several Palestinian youths, laying bare the return after we had collected appropriate do. If guns were outlawed, deranged undercurrent of tension in this ethnically documentation. I told the clerk that my individuals would find other means to mixed but politically divided city. A 15-year- mother was elderly; it was difficult for her terrorize and to kill innocent people.”But old suspect standing outside court said, to have to wait in line, but there was no we know that people with guns are more ‘For my part he can die, he’s an Arab.’” sympathy. I explained that all we wanted apt to murder than people without This quote began an article in the Aug. was proof of her identity and her old card firepower. People may find other means 21, 2012 New York Times. I read it with with her photo and her presence should to destroy life, but guns make it easier. sadness and asked myself where this be sufficient. “There are rules,” the lady Shouldn’t we make it harder? outrageous act came from. It wasn’t the behind the counter insisted. There are a few things we should be first time I had asked these questions to However, if my mother and I had wanted able to agree upon. No one requires an myself this summer. First there was to purchase thousands of rounds of assault rifle in his or her home. For those Aurora, Colo., and then there was the hate ammunitions for an assault rifle, shotgun who practice target shooting, a safe and crime in Milwaukee. Now we see teenage and semiautomatic pistol, we wouldn’t secure place at a shooting range could be hate in the center of Jerusalem where have to stand in line, but could have gone provided. No one should be able to buy mounting tensions exist between online and done it in a matter of minutes. thousands of rounds of ammunition Palestinians Arabs and Israeli Jews. My within a short period of time. There are heart ached for the beaten Arab boy and j i those who claim that it is cheaper and my soul wept for the City of Peace. I did stranger in our midst.” more convenient to buy in bulk. It also is read this morning that the Arab boy is out That this article appeared during the more convenient to buy prescription of critical care and has been moved to a week of Parshat Shoftim is even more medication in bulk, but the U.S. Food and normal hospital room. ironic. We read at the beginning of the Drug Administration has determined that A report in the Jerusalem Post said, parashah, “Justice, justice shall you it is unsafe and may lead to potential “Jerusalem Mayor, Nir Barkat, on Sunday pursue.”These words have motivated us to abuse. There are rules. Amassing large came out strongly against violence in the seek to create a better world for more than amounts of ammunition should require at nation’s capital, releasing a statement 2,000 years. It hasn’t always been easy as least as much supervision. saying, ‘I unequivocally condemn any for much of this time in most of the places If my mother needs four pieces of expression of violence, both verbal or we did well just to take care of ourselves. identification and has to be physically physical, by any party.’ The mayor added Yet, when the opportunities existed, we present to prove that she exists and that she that he is confident police will bring the followed this Deuteronomic principle lives where she says she does, shouldn’t attackers to justice, while calling for and worked to create a better society someone who wishes to order ammunition continued co-existence in the city.” remembering and teaching the ethical be required to submit to rigorous I applaud his remarks, but much more mitzvot of the Torah. background checks, and not simply needs to be done to find a way for these When we learned that a Jew deviated provide an anonymous e-mail address? two communities to co-exist. I can cite from this path the whole community felt It is not enough to express deep too many examples that condemn either shame and when a Jew was rewarded for sympathy and grieve for the loss of life side for hate crimes against the other. the justice he or she pursued we were whenever tragedy occurs. A reasonable Hate is a learned behavior. We aren’t born exalted. As Rabbi Akiva said in the Pirke form of gun control might not eradicate with it, but acquire it from others who Avot at the top of the page,“…freedom of such calamities, but it might make them learned it as well. As a Jew and a Zionist, choice is given.” Teaching the path of less likely and less deadly. There need to I am ashamed of my people when I read justice, the path of goodness, kindness, be rules, and we need legislators with of these incidents. This is not what compassion, and mercy, is the responsibility enough courage to make them. Torah teaches. This is not what our of one generation to the next. When teens Mazel Tov to Rabbi Sasso and her husband tradition teaches. It doesn’t matter to in Jerusalem beat an Arab boy or any Rabbi Dennis C. Sasso as they begin their me whether it is an Israeli hate crime person is hurt by another, then we must 35th year as senior rabbis at Congregation against an Arab or a Haredi crime against hang our heads and acknowledge our Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis. This column a fellow Jew. Torah teaches us to “Love failure. Whether we like someone or not, is reprinted from the Indianapolis Star, our neighbor” and to “Embrace the (see Adland, page 5) August 1, 2012. August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 5 minds and lives in the year ahead? And if ADLAND Jewish so, doesn’t it require us to take a closer (continued from page 4) look at what each word means and how together, they can help us in our own hurting someone undermines everything Educator efforts to change? Judaism believes and teaches. Repentance requires us to recognize The Jerusalem Post reported, “At a BY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN that we have done something hurtful or conference held in Jerusalem ahead of the wrong and to feel badly, maybe even new school year, the Minister of Education Rosh Hashanah guilty, about it. But awareness is not Gideon Sa’ar said: ‘This is a very serious enough. Repentance demands that we event, both in terms of violence and reminds us: we have commit to behaving differently in the racism. The high number of teenagers that future. In essence, it demands that we participated in the incident adds to that the power to change become a “new” person the next time we concern. The education system must and are tempted to gossip, cheat on our taxes will put out an educational and ethical It’s that time of year again. Backpacks or misrepresent the truth. statement on the subject which will be and school binders tumble off the shelves Prayer means different things to sharp and clear,’ Sa’ar asserted.”We must at Target, crossing guards in bright orange different people but many of us intuitively teach the values that have sustained us and vests patrol the road and parents are feel that prayer has the power to heal, root out the hate that is permeating too bemoaning the frenzied schedule that comfort and even change circumstances. much of the modern Israeli community. “back to school” requires. But there’s a Whether we pray formally using the Shabbat liturgy is a great place to begin. positive energy in the air as kids, tanned words of our liturgy or informally with Whether you read the traditional prayers and freckled from the summer, greet each words from the heart, prayer is a language of the siddur or modern interpretations in other in the school yard as they begin a and a pathway that lets us be in contemporary siddurim, the words will new school year. relationship with the Divine. remind us of God, peace, kindness, love, The fall is a time for new beginnings Prayer also helps us focus our attention and working toward a better world. and the Jewish calendar is right on track. on what is most important to us at any Racism, intolerance, hate are not words Rosh Hashanah, which in Hebrew literally point in life. A sick parent or a marriage that should be a part of our vocabulary as means “head of the year,” kicks off the on the rocks, the birth of a child or the when they are we can see the results and parade of holidays with a spirit of perennial purchase of a new home; all of these can impact it can have. Thank God the young optimism. When we wish one another elicit an urge to speak to God. Words of man didn’t die, but a part of the Israeli L’shanah tovah tikatevu v’taihatemu” gratitude, requests for healing, prayers soul suffered a terrible bruise that will take (May you be inscribed and sealed for a for strength or comfort, all give us an some time to heal. I hope that this bruise good life), we are saying that we hope opportunity to articulate and affirm the never returns. this year will be a good one all around; a feelings we have deep inside. But even When you light your Shabbat candles year of good health and well-being in more than this, prayer can help us change this week, light one to be a symbol that relationships, family, work and life. our perceptions about what is possible reminds us of the words of Torah that help But if that isn’t enough, we are given in life because it enables us to be in move us toward the messianic age. Light another ten days between Rosh Hashanah conversation with something much the other for all those who have suffered and Yom Kippur (called the Days of Awe greater than ourselves, a divine source in a because of hate in this world. May the or Yomim Noraim), to reflect on where we universe where anything is possible. candle be a sign of hope for a better day. have been, where we are going, and what Tzedakah is most often translated in Rabbi Adland has been a Reform rabbi for we want to do differently in the coming English to mean charity, but in truth, it is more than 25 years with pulpits in year. It’s a time of personal and spiritual much more than that. Charity suggests Lexington, Ky., Indianapolis, Ind., and introspection grounded in the idea that benevolence and generosity and is purely currently at Temple Israel in Canton, Ohio. we have the continuing capacity, each and a voluntary act. Tzedakah comes from He may be reached at [email protected]. every year, to change the way we live. the Hebrew word Tzedek, which means The Temple Israel “Journey to Israel” trip Judaism promotes and is based upon this righteousness or justice. The justice we is Feb 4-17, 2013. Contact him if you are powerful idea: that in each one of us, at speak of stems from the idea that interested in going. every age and stage of life, is the capacity everything we have or possess comes from to change. This power of personal God who is, in a sense, the Ultimate j i transformation is not beyond us but Landlord of the earth. As tenants, we must do more simply because it is the within us, and Judaism gives us guidance don’t really “own” anything we have; right thing to do. Knowing that we can by which to the make it real. rather, we are given the gift of using it and must do the right thing requires us to We encounter this wisdom in a prayer for our benefit during our lives. But this admit to ourselves what we already know: that is unique to Rosh Hashanah and privilege comes with responsibility and we that we have the power to become the Yom Kippur called the Unetaneh Tokef, are commanded by God to care for the person we want to be. which inscribes our fate for the coming world and those in need. That’s why in No one ever said change is easy, year on Rosh Hashanah and seals it on Judaism, we don’t give to the poor because because …it isn’t! But knowing that there Yom Kippur. This prayer tells us that we want to. We give tzedakah because we is a time each year to think about the through repentance, prayer and charity are obligated and have to, whether we want changes we want to make and commit to (teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah), we can to or not. making them is the first step. Repentance, change the severity of God’s decree and In its broadest sense, Tzedakah prayer, and charity are part of our tradition alter our own fate. means acting righteously, which in the that can help us in the process. I ask you: If repentance, prayer and Jewish tradition means following the Lederman is an award winning author, charity are strong enough to change God’s commandments. Tzedakah reinforces our Jewish educator, public speaker and attorney mind, then shouldn’t we consider them as humility and our humanity; it reminds us who lives in Tucson. Visit her website at worthy tools to help us change our own that regardless of what we want to do, we amyhirshberglederman.com. 6 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 Just imagine, the secrets of creation Wiener’s contained in this discovery.Yet, it reminds Kabbalah us that the shadow is seen, not the actual particle. Is the Biblical rendering an of the Wisdom accurate description of what science is Month now declaring? Can it be that the truth BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. is that man can never really see God, but BY MELINDA RIBNER not stop trying to reach out to catch a How it all began glimpse, even a shadow? Who is in charge How extraordinary! Throughout history, When Rosh Hashanah arrives, our humans have endeavored to not only of your gates? thoughts go to something that is new and describe God but also to understand the renewed. Our imaginations travel even universe and our part in the “Grand “Judges and officers shall you appoint further by wondering how it all began. In Design.” We have gone from idols, to an for your gates.”With these words the Torah the Book of Genesis, we read,“When God invisible spirit to those who proclaim that portion Shoftim (Judges) begins. For a few created heaven and earth – the earth God does not exist but is a figment of our moments, close your eyes and envision being unformed and void, with darkness imagination. We have heard repeatedly yourself as a city with seven gates. These over the surface of the deep and a wind that man created God, God did not create gates are your two eyes, your two ears, from God sweeping over the water….” man. However, it is inherent in us to your nostrils and your mouth. These are (Genesis 1–2, Etz Hayim translation) believe in someone, something that is the seven passageways to the soul, The summary of creation explains that stronger than we are to give us faith. according to Rebbe Nachman. everything started from nothing to form Creationism vs. evolution is the classic Are your gates open or closed? What do what we know or think we know. debate. Trials have taken place to you allow to enter you? On what basis do The Book about origins captures the determine the validity of both. Passions you make that determination? Who is in imagination and has been debated time take hold and sides are drawn. There are charge of your gates? The ego or the soul. and again, from the beginning until this the “literalists,” those who claim that When our ego is in charge, we are very day. We learn about hope and dreams everything found in the Bible is to be judgmental, frightened, careless or too because our lives are involved with various understood as written. There are those lenient. Whatever happiness we experience wishes and desires. Will I be healthy? Will who proclaim that the Bible is a living does not last long. When our ego is in I accumulate wealth? Will I be happy? book that requires interpretation and charge, we are self critical and even Our lives not only center on others but reinterpretation for each generation so harsh with ourselves for our imagined mainly involve our desires for a good and that it remains relevant. failures. We berate ourselves with “I could long life. It is no wonder that the Book Then we read in a simple news article have, I should have, I would have”. We containing the origins of all we see and that if the calculations are correct regarding worry, and are filled with all kinds of fears, know and those yet to be born, gives us a the God particle, then perhaps, in a sense, doubts, and regrets. We judge ourselves sense of wonderment as well as bewilderment. we may have reached the mountaintop. and others. But, when we ‘beat up’ on Then we read further: Sound familiar? Moses reaches the top of ourselves, who will carry the torch forward “Oh, let me behold Your Presence!”And the mountain and witnesses the Glory for us? This is not the kind of judge that He answered, “I will make all My that is God. The Biblical text dramatizes God wants to be appointed for our gates. goodness pass before you, and I will this revelation by describing thunder and I reminded an ongoing client yesterday proclaim before you the name Lord, and lightning. The picture is mesmerizing and who began his session by engaging in an the grace that I grant and the compassion has captured the imagination of humanity old pattern of self criticism with words that I show. But,”He said,“you cannot see since its introduction. Moreover, here, in something like this.“Let go of the limiting My face, for man may not see Me and an obscure news release, we see spiritual ideas of the kind of person you thought live.” And the Lord said, “See, there is a history come alive. you were. You are no longer that person. place near Me, station yourself on the rock To me, it is proof that science and You have become a mensch, a leader, a and, as My Presence passes by, I will put religion are compatible. One describes the giver. Celebrate the person that you now you in a cleft of the rock and shield you process and the other outlines the results. are. There is no need to worry. You are with My hand until I have passed by. Then It can be compared to a builder and an no longer the powerless person you are I will take My hand away and you will see architect. The architect lays out the plans imagining yourself to be. Remember after My back; but My face must not be seen.” and the builder produces the finished Tu B’Av of this year, we are in a new cycle.” (Exodus 33:18–23, Etz Haim translation) product using the designs given to him. (see Ribner, page 7) I thought of these passages as I read the The only difference is that God is both the newspaper and learned that scientists have architect and builder. There are always j i discovered what they describe as the God modifications and that is similar to Now we are on the verge of truly particle. This particle supposedly contains creation. Because creation is a never understanding how it all began. But one the answer to the universe’s origin. The ending process and is evolutionary in its thing is clear: “You will not see My face.” article continues to describe that the vast effort to mold itself to the constant We will never completely understand it amount of data compiled show the footprint changes that occur in the universe. all, but we never stop trying. That is the and shadow of the particle, even though it Stars explode and new ones are formed. message of the Scripture and that is the has never actually been glimpsed. Creatures are not the same as they were in message we receive as we venture into The term God particle, the article earlier times. There are no more dinosaurs the God particle.This is Rosh Hashanah in continues to say, was introduced by Nobel but there are Geckos. Humans no longer all its glory. Prize-winning physicist Leon Lederman is have body hair covering all areas. Continents Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the not really used by physicists, but more as are no longer connected but are independent. Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. Comments to an explanation for how the subatomic Things do not stay the same and are in [email protected]. His new book, Living with universe works. constant flux. Such is the process of creation. Faith, will be published in January, 2013. August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 7 RIBNER Adam did not tell a lie. It was the truth, Jewish (continued from page 6) but he blamed Eve and he blamed God for giving him Eve. For this act of blaming, After Adam ate of the tree of Good and Adam was cast out of the Garden. America Evil, God asked him,“Where are you?”Adam When we blame others for the ways we was given an opportunity to repent. But ourselves have sabotaged our capacity to BY HOWARD W. KARSH Adam was hiding because he now realized receive life’s goodness, we are cast out of that he was naked. God then asked him, the garden. We can no longer appreciate On the beginning “Who told you that you are naked? Have the gifts of life. By blaming ourselves or you eaten of the Tree which I commanded others we have forfeited the opportunity of another year you not to eat? Adam responded, “The to grow and heal. We have denied the woman whom You gave to be with me, existence of God. The Jewish calendar gives us the first she gave me of the Tree and I ate.” When our soul is our gatekeeper, we live alert to the coming of the new year. And with faith, trust and acceptance. We take then at the beginning of Elul, the shofar is j i responsibility for our actions. We do not sounded every morning at the end of students recognized that the forced effort blame others or ourselves. We see that Shachrit, and it never fails to bring the had brought rewards, and some even everything is good, even the difficult special kind of focus, that getting ready for shared the results with me. challenges we face. God is within us and the High Holidays demands of each of us. From a Jewish standpoint, my interest is beyond us and we know everything that It is not a time for remembering, but of kindled because the Almighty is constantly happens is designed to take us closer to using the same creative forces that were trying to push us toward our full effort, God and to our true selves. With the soul there in the building of our world, to and this time of the year is when we come as our gatekeeper, we see, we hear, we rebuild ourselves. to terms with how we are doing with His smell and we speak words of Godliness. This brings me to talk about the past goal. The results, well each one of us We are transported back in time, before Olympics, the Olympians themselves, and has the sole propriety over that man-G-d the eating of the Tree. We are given a then throwing in some observations about relationship, and each year I do a great glimpse of the Garden of Eden. being an Eagle Scout. I do this knowing deal of heavy sighing. In the Torah portion Shoftim, God is after all these years, that readers of the What fascinates me most about these telling us to be conscious and careful of how Jewish Post & Opinion have wonderful young great athletes is that once they we judge ourselves and how we execute sources for getting ready, and fewer retire, the majority do not use the same that judgment upon ourselves as well. Let opportunities to see everything through tools in other parts of their lives. I would the soul, the spark of God within you, be “Jewish lenses.” expect them to understand how rare their your gatekeeper and judge oneself and I loved the Olympics. I watched as focus and willingness to gain through pain others with love and compassion. Now much as I could, which was more that I is, but it doesn’t seem to happen. wouldn’t it be great if our politicians should have. I marveled mostly at the But it does happen regularly with Eagle learned to not blame others? determination of the contestants to do Scouts. I never made it through Cub Scouts. Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a their very best to win the gold and bring The moment that I sensed that it was spiritual psychotherapist and healer in private pride to their countries. It is no easy goal. every week and demanding, it was only a practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). She No one, it seems, is good enough to matter of time until my Mother would let is a teacher of Jewish meditation and depend on their natural talent only. They me quit. But I can tell you, because I Kabbalah for more than 25 years. Author of give years of their lives, sweat and strain, watch, that the young men who become Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age and come as close as anyone about whom Eagle Scouts maximize their experience. I Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is we read to performing at their maximum haven’t seen the statistics, but it is there. also the founder and director of Beit level. Then they need poise and luck, So what is the difference we can Miriam (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be because the games are unforgiving, and measure. The goals are personal, create reached by email at [email protected] or there is often no second chance. self pride, and are integrated as life skills. [email protected]. I must admit to you that I watch with a On the other hand, when the practice in great deal of self introspection, because I the pool just hurts, and the medals and j i have never believed that I gave anything- records are within sight, the athletes COVER everything. I tried to give my best effort, created time lines and move on to their (continued from page 3) but my efforts paled when compared to other goals, but not with the same fervor. what I came to see. I cannot even imagine Our sages teach us that G-d would have most holy places. what I might have accomplished in my life created the world only for us. I do not find The artist’s new vision of a Venice up to now and in the future with that kind that particular lesson comforting, because Carnival takes a completely unique of focus and determination. the challenge is so clear. Chose life, we approach and presents the viewer with I never wanted to be okay or mediocre. I are taught. Do the right thing. Dedicate a lavish and most prominent feature of wanted life-options and success, but, yourself to achieving everything. Venetian Carnival – the Mask. never strove with that intensity. Everything? I have begun in these last The earlier paintings from the “Mask Interestingly, at least for me, was the years to include “productive”into my wishes collection” were introduced in 2002 in effort I made when I taught to make sure for the Yom Tov. I am not sure that anyone Venice and were awarded with a that my students were pushed to their hears it or understands it, but what I am scholarship to the Venice Academy of Art limits. I wanted them to know what they saying to them and myself is clear. We to support the artist’s continuing artistic could accomplish if they willed it. That have this one chance. Make it happen. development and enable him to devote goal resulted in moaning, groaning and Howard W. Karsh lives in Milwaukee, substantial time to the creation of new work. not being everyone’s favorite teacher. But Wisc., and can be reached at hkarsh@ In 2007 Levin received the Medal Award I did persist, and after ten years or so, gmail.com. He is a community columnist for for the Contribution to the Judaic Art from when the memories softened, former the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. the Knesset. 8 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 moral, spiritual, and religious character Gather the People traits that define a Jewish life. An Observant Authentic Jewish identity has each of us not only counted in, but also counted Eye upon as a member of a Torah-centered community and the Jewish people. If we BY RABBI MOSHE come to High Holy Day services with the BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN BEN ASHER,PH.D. narrow intention of improving only our own AND MAGIDAH lives and those of our family members, What was KHULDA BAT SARAH indifferent for all practical purposes to the welfare of our congregational community happening there? Striving upwards and people, then we’re not behaving as Jews. That kind of behavior doesn’t fit the With a few predictable exceptions, together next year tradition that we’re claiming in order to media coverage of the mammoth Siyum affirm our identity. HaShas at MetLife Stadium on Aug. 1, was Let’s say you’re an active member of In the Torah reading parashat Yitro there remarkably positive. your congregation – or you’re not. Maybe is a verse that reads: “And Moses came Yes, the New York Times tried hard you come to synagogue regularly – maybe down from the mountain to the people.” to find some woman at the event who not. Maybe it’s your time, energy, and Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak, 1040– felt slighted at being seated separately spirit that keep the synagogue going – 1105) comments,“This verse teaches us that from the men, or who had boldly maybe it’s not. Moses did not [then] turn to his affairs, but undertaken Daf Yomi. But it came up But whichever categories you’re in, the [turned] from the mountain to the people.” empty. (So it resorted to shlepping into its time of year is approaching when all of us Rabbi Yehezkel of Kozmir (Ezekiel ben story a liberal rabbi in Riverdale who come together again in a congregation. Zevi-Hirch Taub of Kazimierz, d. 1856) delivers a Gemara shiur to women, and The ostensible purpose of our congregating inquires: “And what business affairs did cited the grumbling of one of the group’s is teshuvah, which is the necessary condition Moses our teacher have besides the teaching members, a 70-year-old feminist, who has to improve both the coming year and of Torah? What then can I understand been “wrestling” with Talmud’s “attitude us. Presumably, the ideal motivation for when it says, ‘he did not turn to his toward women.”) attending High Holy Day services is to affairs’? This comes to teach you that, even Similarly, even before the Siyum, turn our lives to those ends. Hopefully, ‘his affairs,’which were the affairs of Torah Haaretz tried to force a similar angle into each of us individually comes with the and the desires of Heaven, were not its reportage, focusing on what it called intention to somehow use the liturgy and turned to by Moses our teacher as long as “the female revolution in Talmud study,” ritual of these Days of Awe to become a he dealt with the needs of the community and highlighting a group of 30 women better Jewish human being. and the nation. From here we learn that whose members, it reported, have That’s not the same, of course, as being the affairs of the community are more completed a Daf Yomi cycle (well, most a better Christian or Muslim. Torah and important to be dealt with publicly than of them; a third of the group, it was Judaism present us with a very unique the affairs of Heaven dealt with privately.” parenthetically noted, joined in the middle vision and path for our lives. Those of us We propose that this year we come to High of the cycle). who have studied that vision and path, Holy Day services not as private consumers But the agenda-less media were even superficially, know that they are of religious services, but with the public straightforward in apprising the larger distinguished by substantive differences kavanah – that is, with a focused communal public of what was an unprecedented and from other spiritual traditions. We could spiritual intention – to raise, support, and astounding event: the gathering of some write at length about those differences, sustain our congregation by attending not 90,000 Jews in one arena, under threat of but there’s one in particular that we want only to our own needs, but potentially to inclement weather, to celebrate Torah.Yes, to highlight here. the needs of every other member. the Siyum marked the end of the 12th As the B’nei Yisrael, the children of How could we do that? Much depends cycle of Daf Yomi,but the gathering was, in Israel, we are counted before God as on our attitudes. We could begin by giving the end, a rejoicing in the Jewish heritage. individual human beings, as well as every other person the benefit of the Torrential downpours through the day members of our families. But our standing doubt, especially those people whom reminded us all about Who, despite all our before God at Mount Sinai, when we we’ve judged too quickly and harshly in meticulous planning, is in charge in the became the Jewish people, was affirmed the past. We could focus our judgmental end. But the rain suddenly stopped when when we said “na’aseh v’nishmah” – we eyes on ourselves, on our own missteps the Siyum began, only adding to the will do and we will hear – with one voice. and misdeeds, not those of others. We remarkable nature of the happening. We began our life as the plural Children of could act b’tzelem Adoshem, in the image I was pretty much stuck throughout in a Israel in a covenant with God, emerging as of God, by looking for, valuing, and room where members of the media came a whole people, not simply a collection of encouraging the unique contribution that and went, gathering information and individuals. And as they teach in Gestalt each person is able to make to our conducting interviews. I went outside psychology, the whole is greater than the community and our people. And we could onto the field for Mincha, the actual sum of the individual parts. reach a high point by consciously siyum, and Maariv, but most of the Siyum If we want to claim Jewish identity, for committing ourselves to strive upwards found me, among several colleagues, whatever intellectual or emotional reason together as a spiritual community in all “entertaining”guests. or practical purpose, but we have no these ways this coming year. There were notable moments, though, investment and stake in the past and We look forward to striving upwards in the press room too. Small things, future of the Jewish people and its Torah, together with you next year. perhaps, compared to what was then our claim is bogus and self-serving. L’Shanah Tovah! transpiring outside on the field and in the At best it’s hardly more than camouflage © 2012 Moshe ben Asher & Khulda bat Sarah stands, but memorable all the same. Like for the unfortunate loss of midot, the (see Ben Asher/Bat Sarah, page 9) (see Shafran, page 9) August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 9 BEN ASHER/BAT SARAH SHAFRAN Spoonful (continued from page 8) (continued from page 8) of Rabbi Moshe ben Asher and Magidah the tall, ramrod stiff, light-haired state Humor Khulda bat Sarah are the Co-Directors of police sergeant who mentioned in passing Gather the People, a nonprofit organization that he had some “ethnic Jewish” BY TED ROBERTS that provides Internet-based resources for blood, since his mother’s mother’s mother congregational community organizing and had been Jewish. (Yes, he was informed Everybody wins on development (www.gatherthepeople.org). that that made him fully Jewish.) Or the young, non-observant, Conservative- the High Holidays j i raised documentary filmmaker who was prices. He ends up rich as King Solomon visibly moved by talking about Yiddishkeit Does anybody remember Bernard and even better, since he has only one with two observant women, one, a grand- Baruch, financier – advisor to presidents, wife to help him spend his fortune. mother, the other a great-grandmother they called him. A man of great influence You doubt me? Look it up in Jewish and well-known rebbetzin. in the 1930s and 1940s when Jewish Encyclopedia. And then there was a television names like Baruch weren’t common in the This old chestnut of a story popped in reporter’s puzzlement at my response headlines. Well, when I was in my my head last week – a few days before to his most basic question about the formative years, Bernard Baruch was held Rosh Hashonah. Rosh Hashonah fell on a Siyum: “Could you tell me what’s out as a great example for us Hebrew weekend – rich in college and pro football happening here?” School hooligans. (The term “role model” contests. Contests that an adventurous It was every reporter’s first question that had not yet been invented.) type like myself usually enliven with a evening, and my stock short answer He was rich and powerful, said our wager. So, midweek I punched up my “A celebration of Torah study” seemed teachers. He could drop over to the White bookie’s number – but halfway done I to bewilder him. “What do you mean House – without even a phone call – for a remembered Bernard Baruch. No baby – by ‘study’?” he asked. “And why is it hot cup of tea and a bagel anytime he felt I thought – no way I’m gonna wager on being celebrated?” like it. He’d lounge around the oval office Rosh Hashonah games. How will I focus He wasn’t being difficult, it was clear. and kibbutz with President Roosevelt my mind on my few ethical errors this past He simply couldn’t wrap his head around about the economy, the stock market, year while the Southern Cal (favored by the idea of study as anything but the banking system. And the President of this 17 over Stanford) fight song is echoing in means to an end. One studies to pass great (but financially wounded) republic – my limited cranium. I want to visualize a test, he (I think) was thinking, for it was the early 1930s, you know – sipped the Book of Life (with a short, sweet a diploma, to advance a career. But his tea and listened like you listen to your entry about me) not the scoreboard in celebrate study? What was this study doctor when he’s explaining your x-rays. Los Angeles, with “40” by Southern Cal meant to lead to? That was Bernard Baruch! We Jews – so and “0” next to Stanford. A small winged I tried my best to introduce him to the sensitive in those years to our minority creature in my mind, radiantly clothed in idea of study for the sake of study, study status – gloried in the financier’s success. white – I could see him clearly – said, as, in itself, a religious devotion. His next Well, this paragon, our Sunday School “Right,Teddy, remember Bernard Baruch.” question was one I hadn’t heard before. teachers explained, was not only a Another creature with a spiky tail, “Do you know of any other religion,”he hochem, but a reverent hochem. And they carrying a little miniature pitchfork asked, in all honest curiosity, “that treats went on to offer the most famous tribute laughed out.“Don’t be silly, Teddy. This is study in a similar way?” to his character: It’s October 1929. Crash not a business transaction – it’s charity. I’m no scholar of comparative religion, time. Bernie’s staff, with flaming faces You always lose. Bet ’em.” I admitted, but no, I told him, in fact and 185/120 blood pressure, rush to his Then it came to me. Why not a test. Why I didn’t. office. “Bernie, Bernie,” they scream. “The not make my picks – but place no bets. It was a “teaching moment,” as they market’s so far South that penguins are Then check the results afterwards. say. But a learning one, too, for me. A working as brokers and Merrill has moved As a reward for my abstinence, I figured non-Jewish reporter had made me more their corporate offices to Antarctica.” if there was any justice in this vale of fully realize the uniqueness of the idea Then they shout the word “sell” loud tears, I should lose every bet. Right? In of Torah-study as a mitzvah, a devotion, and long until Bernie silences them with other words, by not violating the holiday, a vocation. an upraised hand. my wallet had several sizable bills that The day of the Siyum was the day “Gentlemen,” he says,“it’s Yom Kippur. would have gone to my partner in crime Israel’s Tal Law’s expired, authorizing the I dare not transact any business on this had I yielded to the urge. In the time state to draft full-time Torah scholars and holy day.” honored tradition of Abraham and Moses, students into military service. I wished “Bernie,”says one of his minions. “You I would challenge “you know who”. that the members of Israel’s Supreme don’t have to profane yourself. I’ll make Okay, don’t send a thunderbolt, part no Court, who had brought about that crisis, the call. Just wink and I’ll pass the sell rivers, or tidal marshes; you don’t even could have been there in the media room word. Or scratch your ear – I’ll do the have to straighten my cousin Rachel’s with the reporter and me, and could have, interpretation and the phone calling.” nose and lower jaw so she can get like me, come to more keenly appreciate But Bernard Baruch doesn’t wink and he married – just show me I’d have lost my the uniqueness and inherent value of the doesn’t scratch his ear. One presumes he hindquarters had I placed the bets. lifeblood of Klal Yisrael. went to synagogue or temple and asked So I note my make-believe bets, then © 2012 AMI MAGAZINE the rabbi to do a passionate meshuberach Sunday morning I checked the paper. Rabbi Shafran is an editor at-large for the market. Bernie the Blessed did That’s okay. Nobody says you can’t read and columnist for Ami Magazine. NOT sell. Then, miracle of miracles – the the paper the second day of Rosh Communications to: rabbishafran@ami market recovers, at least temporarily. So, Hashonah. Well, the test was not conclusive. magazine.org. Subscribe to Ami at now he can sell at better than fire sale (see Roberts, page 11) http://amimagazine.org/subscribe.html. 10 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 But you know, there is still an appetite Shipley for the true, self effacing, slightly The Roads obnoxious at times, insulting more than Speaks not humor that can only be labeled from Babel Jewish.You could try it in Polish or Irish or Italian, but it just wouldn’t work. BY JIM SHIPLEY And it’s clean! Jewish humor can and BY SETH BEN-MORDECAI does talk about sex and bodily functions What happens when and getting old and being rich and being Cutting and grafting poor; but it never stoops to get a laugh. they are gone? Obscenities have no place in the Jewish It is commonly said that the nouns and lexicon of humor. verbs of Semitic languages such as I remember my youngest asking me Two gentlemen named Sam Hoffman Hebrew are formed mostly from three- some years ago, “Dad, what happens and Eric Spiegelman must have been consonant roots. For example, S-P-R, when the old Jews with accents are gone” thinking along these same lines when whose basic meaning is “to cut,” yields I asked him what he meant.“You know,” they conceived a book titled Old Jews sappar (“a hair-cutter”), saphar (“he he replied,“the funny guys. And the jokes Telling Jokes. You know, every group, club counted”– formerly done by cutting marks like you tell.” or lunch crowd has one person, male or into dirt or wood), mispar (“number”), Well, even then I was indeed one of female who is the designated joke teller. sipper (“he recounted, told”), and so on. those “old Jews.”But yeah, they are going Well, these guys somehow found everyone But the Hebrew language may not have or gone. Gone like the Borscht Belt and from dentists to clothing salesmen to sprung fully formed from the head of the Miami Beach Clubs and so much grandmothers who tell jokes and are pretty Adam. Rather, the evidence suggests that more. Myron Cohen of blessed memory, good at it. In the book they give this talented in the mists of pre-history, speakers of worked clubs in New York like Leon and bunch a chance to show their stuff. Proto-Semitic mostly used two-consonant Eddie’s, also of blessed memory. TV of Problem? It loses its edge on the page. roots. Needing more words than they course shortened the life of any routine he So, what did they do? They took it to Off could form by combining two consonants, did, but on the other hand it also exposed Broadway! No kidding! Get the New York they grafted a third consonant onto thousands of people of a less fortunate Times this weekend and see for yourself. existing two-consonant roots, creating a persuasion to the depth and beauty of This show could run for years.The talent is three-consonant root structure. Jewish humor. out there at every Jewish country club, The following examples of roots that share Red Buttons, Buddy Hackett, all the every “shvitz” (you gotta know what is a the consonants Aleph and R illustrate the others, gone. We got Mel Brooks, but he “shvitz”!) Old Jews Telling Jokes is now point. The root Aleph-R-G pertains to never made a living on Jewish humor. even on YouTube.It is becoming ubiquitous. “weaving”; Aleph-R-H – “gathering food Sure, he used plenty of Jewish “type”gags All this talent that never came forward in items”; Aleph-R-Z – “packing”; and A-R-S in his writing, but no Jewish humor per se. the “Good Old Days”because they felt the – “fiancé”(i.e., joining a man and woman). Although, remember in Blazing Saddles real pros would outshine them is now This evidence suggests that in Proto- when the Indians (led by Brooks) spoke coming to the fore. Semitic, the root A-R meant approximately Yiddish instead of Apache (the famous The sad part? A time is coming when “joining” or “uniting,” and that as people line as he decided to spare the black folk the foils of these classic chestnuts will be wanted to be more specific, they added heading west “Luzem Gay!”…translation: gone too long for the humor to have its a third consonant to the original root. “Let them go!” – oh, you knew that. Ein impact any more. I mean, is this your The new three-consonant root preserved shuldich mer). mother or grandmother?: the basic original meaning, but added It has been said that to be a good “They’re coming out with a Jewish useful specificity. comedian, you have to have suffered or at mother (or grandmother) doll.You pull the A particularly fecund two-letter root least have your people’s suffering in your string and it says “Again with the string?” family is Q-Tet and its progeny. The basic genes. So it figures that Jewish comedians A Twitter, Facebook generation does not meaning of each member is “cutting off”: would flourish from the 1940s to the know from this kind of humor. If you are QaT (“small”), Q-T+B (“destruction or 1970s. Prior to that, the Jewish humor too young, or never partook – do it while pestilence,”i.e., cutting things off from life would be mostly in Yiddish for the you can. Find the old Jew who tells jokes on a large scale), Q-T+M (“chop down”), dwindling population that spoke Yiddish among the fathers and mothers or maybe Q-T+B (“pluck fruit off a tree”), Q-T+L as their first language. even friends of yours. Could be that (“kill,” i.e., cut off from life individually), So, Molly Picon, Menasha Skulnik, and maybe you? and Q-T+Ayin (“amputate”). others brought their Yiddish language to Maybe you could tell the joke about the And this family has a “cousin” in the U.S. to flourish on Second Avenue in lady who goes into the butcher and asks Hebrew which is easily recognized when New York and even to the west coast, for a chicken.The butcher takes one out of we recall that in Semitic languages, Q and wherever that first generation settled. But the cooler and gives it to her. She sticks G sometimes interchange (e.g., Qadaffi – times change. That second generation her hand up the back of the chicken. She and Gadaffi) – just as B and P interchange grew up perhaps speaking Yiddish in the smells it under the wings and the legs. in English (e.g., triple and treble) – and the home, but English in school and on the She squeezes it all over and says to the (see Ben-Mordecai, page 11) street. Nobody, once they had come to the butcher: “Not good enough!” He replies “Goldenah Medinah”wanted to sound like a “Lady? Could you pass a physical like that?” j i “Greener”– a“Greenhorn”– a new immigrant. Bodda – Bing! distribution, advertising, and telecommuni- Jewish humor is self effacing. We make We miss those who are gone and those cations. He began his working life in radio fun of ourselves. Most great ethnic who are leaving. Old Jews who tell jokes. in Philadelphia. He has written his JP&O humor is like that. Jews, Blacks, Italians What happens when the last one goes? column for more than 20 years and is director and Irish find humor in their foibles and May that never happen! of Trading Wise, an international trade and idiosyncrasies of their people. Jim Shipley has had careers in broadcasting, marketing company in Orlando, Fla. August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 11 ROBERTS Seen on the (continued from page 9) Yes, I would have lost, but not disastrously Israel Scene – only 3 out of 5. Now it occurs to me what I should have BY SYBIL KAPLAN done was to remind Him – He who made me, my bookie, and the starting Alabama Summer doings backfield – of my Rosh Hashonah forbearance; and prayed for prophetic Despite the unseasonable high vision the next week. Oh well, maybe He’s temperatures for the capital, there has been got some other reward in mind for me. no shortage of activities in Jerusalem for the “Cube Circus” from Israel performance. Ted Roberts, a Rockower Award winner, milder than normal evenings this summer. is a syndicated Jewish columnist who looks Recently, we attended two – one Ethiopian teenager sang a song he wrote at Jewish life with rare wit and insight. indoors and one outdoors – which were while three other young men danced the When he’s not writing, Ted worships at utterly delightful. traditional shoulder dancing with a young Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville, Ala., The American Center (an information woman and two other young women where for 25 years he has served as bar resource center, part of the Office of Public accompanied the young song writer. mitzvah teacher. His inspiration is his Affairs of the American Embassy) and Although confined to a small space, the patient wife, Shirley. Check out his Web site: Malkat Shva Center sponsored an evening performance was extremely professional www.wonderwordworks.com. Blogsite: of jazz and a special performance of and delighted the over-capacity audience. www.scribblerontheroof.typepad.com. His Ethiopian traditional songs and dances. Down the block from the American collected works The Scribbler on The Roof The Malkat Shva Ethiopian Cultural Center is Liberty Bell Park and an can be bought at Amazon.com or lulu.com/ Center in Jerusalem, established in 2005, is amphitheater where a preview evening content/127641. a non-profit organization which assists highlighted the 21st International Puppet youth of Ethiopian origin to integrate into Festival. As we entered, we were greeted j i Israeli society from a place of pride and by a young woman playing Israeli folk BEN-MORDECAI self-confidence by allowing them to music on an accordion. (continued from page 10) explore and celebrate their traditional culture. Performers from Israel, England, Hungary, The concept was initiated by Avi Elazar, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, the consonants “D” and “Tet” interchange. a young Ethiopian law student and Netherlands and France will present 39 With that in mind, we note some current director, who enlisted a group events and four cabaret evenings at the additions to our series of consonants in of young professionals to create an nearby Khan theatre in a week’s time. the “cutting” family: G-D-Ayin (“hew environment where young Ethiopian Before the preview, Grandma and rock”), G-D-M (“lop off”), G-D-Y (g’di – Israelis could learn their culture through Grandpa, an old Israeli man and woman, “a goat,” i.e., vegetation-cutter), and dance, music and theatre. life-size puppets, sat in the amphitheater G-D-R (“fence,”i.e., a land-cutter). In 2010, Tracey Shipley, an American- jabbering in Hebrew between themselves Understanding the two-consonant born activist for the Ethiopian community, and engaging audience members to the root system can be an invaluable aid for began to bring Ethiopian theatre, dance delight of many children in the audience. learning whole classes of Hebrew roots and music performers also to work with All of this could be seen on a screen on and the words formed from them. the youth. The program was launched the stage. An attorney and Semitic linguist with in collaboration with Kidum Noar, the The evening’s theme, Variations of Love degrees from Brandeis, Stanford and Univ. Jerusalem municipal organization concerned included seven performances. A “Punch of Calif., Seth Watkins (pen name, Ben- with at-risk youth, and the Theater division and Judy”skit was staged on the subject of Mordecai) merges linguistic analysis with of the Jerusalem Arts Department. various kinds of kisses by a puppeteer legal sleuthing to uncover lost meanings of The Malkat Shva Center hopes to from England. An Israeli couple combined ancient texts. His Exodus Haggadah expand its programs and services to the plastic art and dance in a “Cube Circus” uniquely includes the full story of the Ethiopian Israeli community by way of with pantomime while wearing cubes. Exodus in an accessible format. Email: offering an advisory service for all legal “Troubles” was music and pantomime [email protected]. problems experienced by new immigrants by a Belgium woman with miniature objects to Israel in their native language, Amharic. she brought out of her pocketbook. j i On the evening we attended, a young “Plansjet” were traditional wooden part of a multitude of activities which puppets from Belgium dancing to a “hurdy highlight the culture in Jerusalem. gurdy.”“The Gramophone” was a musical performance by an Israeli jazz singer who New Exhibit on Ageism at Holon sings with a gramophone and makes the Children’s Museum sounds of a busy signal which she hears One would not normally think of an when making a call. exhibit on aging opening at a children’s “Mickey Mouse and the Horrifying Alien” museum, however the Holon Children’s is an epic tale, performed by an Israeli, Museum, regarded as the most popular pantomiming while a story is read aloud, educational museum in the Middle East is using three juggling balls as props and opening chapter three in their series. which he juggles. Finally, in “The Story of (Holon is a city on the coastal strip, south Dumma and Dummi,”two Israeli women of Tel Aviv.) Malkat Shva Center Ethiopian dancers. satirized a cooking show in India while “Dialogue in the Dark,”where all guides Photos by Barry A. Kaplan/Jerusalem. making pancakes.These two programs are (see Kaplan/Israel, page 13) 12 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 in motion, with music and song – creating Jewish a colorful, exciting festival. As to the tale itself, Joseph is the son of the patriarch Jacob, one of 12 sons (the Theater founders of the 12 tribes of Israel, according to the Bible.) Because Joseph is his favorite REVIEWED BY IRENE BACKALENICK son, Jacob presents him with a gift, a coat of many colors. The brothers, incensed Three plays and jealous, seize Joseph and sell him into slavery, to a passing caravan. He is taken not to miss from Canaan to Egypt, where, after a Joseph and the Amazing series of adventures and misadventures, Technicolor Dreamcoat he becomes the Pharaoh’s right-hand man. Why? Because Joseph has the gift of The Biblical tale of Joseph in Egypt may interpreting dreams, thus saving Egypt well be a reflection of Jewish history. from famine. When famine overwhelms Indeed the centuries have seen the rise Canaan, and Joseph’s brothers come to Rain Pryor in Fried Chicken and Latkes and fall of Jewish fortunes – fortunes that Egypt, seeking help, he forgives and rescues playing at the Actors’ Temple. Photo have risen as Jews have striven and them. Thus, a tale of forgiveness. credit: Peter Zimmern. achieved success in various countries and In the title role, Christopher DeRosa fallen as their high visibility has met with makes a dazzling debut, with strong Artistic Director of the Strand Theater in resentment. But with Joseph in Egypt, support from a highly professional cast. Baltimore, Md. Now, at age 43, possessed Jewish success is obviously at its height. It With a fine voice and strong masculine of a substantial life, both personally and is only in a later Egyptian period that the presence, this Joseph was bound to rise to professionally, her time has come to look reverse is true, and Moses must rescue the the top. Who could have resisted him? back, with no holds barred. Thus she has Jews from slavery. Certainly not the Pharaoh of Egypt. Nor created her onstage memoir Fried Chicken In any event, the gifted song-writing Potiphar’s wife. Nor the audience. and Latkes which is currently playing at team of Andrew Lloyd Webber and In all, a happy experience for company the Actors’Temple (a synagogue/theater in Tim Rice chose that very crest for Joseph and audiences alike. the heart of the Broadway district). and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Rain comes on stage like an explosion, The show is a youthful outpouring, Fried Chicken and Latkes her frizzed afro standing out a foot on written by the gifted team in their salad Long before bi-racial children had either side. As she jumps into the act, she days. With its captivating music and lyrics, become commonplace in this country, gives every appearance of a softig Jewish this Brit musical is hard to resist. It is the Rain Flower Pryor was born. Small maiden. But at other moments, as her Old Testament as this gifted team chose wonder that this daughter of Black head turns a certain angle, she is clearly a to see it – an irreverent but charming comedian Richard Pryor and Jewish go-go Black woman. In any event, there is hardly interpretation of the Biblical tale. dancer Shelly Bonis had her problems. time to reflect on illusion, as Rain commands The show enjoyed success in the New But Rain Pryor grew up to be a gifted the stage and the entire theater. York City tri-state area – suburban entertainer, turning the very difficulties As it turns out, she has a beautiful Connecticut, to be exact. The Summer she encountered into her strengths. And singing voice and her rendition of Billie Theatre of New Canaan’s exuberant, though she was rejected by both Black and Holiday’s “God Bless the Child”is indeed joyous production is true to the Lloyd Jewish communities in her early years, her moving. And Rain has a considerable gift Webber/Rice intent, and then some. multi-racial background has given her a for impersonations – recreating those Director Melody Libonati (Artistic unique perspective on each culture. formidable forbears who affected her Director of the company) puts her sizeable Rain has made her own mark as an life. There is her very conventional Jewish cast through their paces, never missing acclaimed director, actor, stand-up grandmother, her Bubby, chiefly responsible a beat. The entire company is constantly comedian, educator, speaker, activist, and for her early years. There is her fiercely protective mother, a strong civil rights activist. On the paternal side, there is her grandmother, a one-time prostitute. And, most memorable of all, there is her great-grandmother, a brothel-owner. Humor and poignancy mix in equal measure, as Rain recreates these characters. How did Rain’s parents ever connect, even for the two-year run of their marriage (preceded and succeeded by other Pryor marriages)? What brought them together was not only the entertainment world, but their mutual fight for civil rights. Richard Pryor, as we know, was at the top of his form in the 1970s and 80s – a stand-up comic who spoke out in a new way, providing a role model for others to come. His own troubled background (his mother Christopher DeRosa as Joseph in The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s production of a prostitute, his grandmother a brothel Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. owner, his own sexual abuse in childhood) August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 13 made for a troubled adult life. He chalked KAPLAN/ISRAEL year and has had 200,000 visitors. up illness, drugs, numerous wives and (continued from page 11) Although euphemistically called children, though his career forged ahead. “Dialogue with Time,” the new exhibit is And though he appeared intermittently in are blind and in which participants learn totally based on ageism, discrimination Rain’s life, he was a beloved father. He what it is like to be blind, is in its eighth because of age; it took three years to became a memorable model, not only year and has been visited by 650,000 develop and is meant for anyone 14 for Rain, but for the new wave of Black people. “Invitation to Silence,” where all and up. Using advanced multimedia stand-up comics. guides are deaf and in which participants techniques, the exhibit highlights And now his daughter Rain Pryor speaks learn what it is like to be deaf, is in its fifth the issue of aging and how to combat out, a voice worthy to be heard. It is her turn. discrimination of people based upon age. j i All guides are over 70 years of age. Shalom Dammit! were so poor, Joseph’s coat had only one After having our photographs taken for Who knew! Could you believe it! It color, and our library had only one book.” a “passport”into time, we were put into a turns out that David Lefkowitz – best Though strong in its opening act, the group of eight – two teenage cousins of known as editor/publisher, radio host, show’s Second Act takes a downward one of the journalists, a woman in her 20s, and playwright – is also an entertainer, turn. For starters Lefkowitz offers his a woman in her 40s, a man in his 50s, a specifically a stand-up comic. Well, not particular analysis of the Israeli-Arab couple in their 70s and a man in his 80s. exactly. Shalom Dammit! calls to mind, not conflict. There is hardly time to do justice First we walked through a room with the Jewish stand-up comics of the Catskill to this, a paramount concern for us Jews, provocative quotations about aging and era, but the more political, more biting, and the presentation, necessarily, tends to then into a room with interactive issues commentators of another ilk. We think of over-simplification. Better leave that for where we were instructed to follow Mort Sahl, Lenny Bruce, Jackie Mason, another time, another kind of occasion, directions and play the “games.” These and lately Jerry Seinfield. A fine legacy to and stick to the opening act format. included: testing hearing loss, opening which to aspire. Moreover, Act Two tends to linger on too a door with a key, putting pills in a box long while engaging in tiresome audience for daily administering, sending a text participation (a familiar ploy with solo shows). message wearing a glove, climbing stairs, The good Rabbi gets his congregation to concentrating and eye testing. talk, clap, sing, and even ask questions of From there we entered the “club” room the Rabbi. Thus a professional show of our 73-year-old guide, Emanuel, a becomes a Temple gathering, a veritable retired journalist, who worked for Oneg Shabbat. Where were the rugelachs? government agencies and now guides Where was the tea with lemon? tours of older people. He told us about his Act One is, in fact, the redemption of life, having fought in all wars since 1956. Shalom Dammit. Rabbi Solomon focuses He then showed us slides of his life, talked on what it is to be a Jew, with salient, at about his grandparents and family killed times hilarious, comments on that status. in the Holocaust and his grandchildren. The show reaches its height when the good In another room we sat on tree stump- Rabbi goes after religion in general.“It’s all like stools and chose pictures of how a pile of s--t,” he says, summarizing his we saw a satisfied older person and how own assessment of the numerous religions society sees them. We played a game which pervade our planet, brilliantly carving about someone being too old, just right or up and dissecting each religion. too young for several scenarios, played a In fact, Shalom Dammit! indulges heavily trivia quiz then moved on to meet two David Lefkowitz as Rabbi Sol Solomon in in scatology (references to the lower body life-size, mechanical puppets. Each spoke Shalom Dammit! Photo @2012 J. Weil. parts and body plumbing). S--t, in every about their lifestyles. The older woman Shalom Dammit is now on the boards sense, permeates the commentary. Well, discussed her extensive travels; the older off-Broadway. And Lefkowitz himself why not? This is not Hollywood or man, who was sitting on a park bench, hides behind the persona of one Rabbi Sol Televisionland. No censors are silencing talked about his daily life. Solomon (the spiritual leader of the the off-Broadway shows. Still, Shalom Finally, Emanuel welcomed us to his Temple Sons of Bitches in Great Neck, Dammit! might well profit from a clean- “living room,” an Israel room of 30–50 New York).For almost two hours, the good up, literally and metaphorically. Lefkowitz years ago, with pictures on the walls from Rabbi, in traditional garb, hops about, has many trenchant comments to make, all of the guides, books on bookshelves, sings, dances, jokes and kvetches. Often he and he does not need bathroom humor to and chotchkas. Here he interviewed is right on the mark. make it work. us about the exhibit. We then took a Lefkowitz – or Solomon, if you will – But the best of Rabbi Solomon’s comments personality quiz and were able to email has his own quirky voice and style. He do indeed work, and we welcome him to ourselves our “passport”photo and their goes along quietly for a few predictable the New York scene. Long may he preach! analysis of our personalities. words, then makes a sharp unexpected Theater critic Irene Backalenick covers This exhibit is being made possible turn, leaving his audience stumbling theater for national and regional publications. through support of the Ministry for Senior behind. It is a highly effective technique. She has a Ph.D. in theater criticism from Citizens, MEITAV (the organization for As to content, Lefkowitz tackles City University Graduate Center. Her book welfare and support services), the Joint assimilation, anti-Semitism, Jewish guilt, East Side Story – Ten Years with the Jewish Distribution Committee and several other the affluent suburbs, the Goyem, and Repertory Theatre won a first-place national funds. Since this exhibit is destined to anything pertinent to today’s American book award in history. She welcomes have a long life, it is highly recommended Jew. Biblical references mix happily with comments at [email protected] and for anyone planning a visit to Israel. modern jargon. Referring to family – Reb invites you to visit her website: nytheater Sybil Kaplan is a journalist who writes Solomon’s family, that is – he says, “We scene.com or at: jewish-theatre.com. features on a wide variety of subjects in Israel. 14 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 electric keyboard rather than a grand Shabbat I heard “El Adon” sung to the As I piano. By itself, this is neither good Carlebach melody, less than happy for nor bad. However, I believe that more many years. variety in timbre would or could have Blame it on the heat and/or the Heard It been achieved if the compositions were humidity but I heard a “still, small voice” performed on an acoustic rather than an saying: “Enough with the grumbling. If REVIEWED BY MORTON GOLD electronic piano. you are so unhappy, why don’t you do On the plus side, it is obvious (to something about it? After all, you are a Piano music for me) that the composer performed his composer, aren’t you? Nu? So write one music with expression and conviction. I setting of your own! It’s high time and get relaxation and can envision that these pieces could be on with your life. I’ve heard enough from successfully performed as background you. Write one now or else.” contemplation music to a class in Yoga, or for any Maybe those weren’t the exact words occasion for any moments of reflection but that is the gist of what I heard. When Recently I received a CD called The or meditation; exactly the purpose one hears a “still,small voice”one has got Awakening: Original Piano Compositions for which the composer created to pay attention. With the heat and by Ari Lurie. (C1991 and 2002) The contact these pieces. humidity being what it was, going to the information is: [email protected]. There is a niche and I suspect a market piano and writing music was not an Seventeen tracks for this CD and if the individual pieces activity that readily came to mind. And of varying length may not be described as great art, or even yet, I have to admit that what I heard are on the CD with particularly Jewish, they are nevertheless, the “voice” say to me had merit and the last being a collectively speaking, admirably suited for made sense. And the rest, as it is often said reprise of the first. the purpose for which they were created. “is history.” According to the I went to the piano, took out some composer, “the A new tune for “El Adon” manuscript paper but couldn’t find the music can be used Among the many melodies composed pencil I have recently been using to for relaxation, con- by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, there is compose music with. (Uh, oh.) A pencil templation and meditation.”If these were one that I have had a problem with. I is a pencil I had to confess so I said a the aims of the composer, then I will state am referring to the one blessing over a different pencil and went that he has achieved his purpose with set to the text of “El to work. Did I have any ideas? Not at all. these pieces admirably. Adon” from the Shabbat There is a Yiddish adage to the effect What follows should be regarded more service. Let me state that that one acquires an appetite while one is as my observations rather than criticisms it is a lively, “catchy” eating. Sure enough, one note led to of the music. With rare exception, the and thus a popular melody another and after a few days the deed was treatment and style of the individual that is probably sung done. There is now a new setting of mine works, regardless of their titles, have a in most Conservative Carlebach to the text of “El Adon”. The tune has an sameness about them. That is, once an and probably Orthodox organ (or keyboard) accompaniment in idea is stated, it is repeated several times. congregations, at least in this country. four parts no less that any decent mixed The left hand has a constant filling I have had negative feelings about this choir can use, OR the melody can be sung movement of eighth notes and often the tune for some time now, I must confess. alone without it. idea is then repeated in the upper register My problem was certainly not with the Come Shabbat, I went to services and of the keyboard. It is this continual melody. My problem was that I did not brought the music with me and asked a motion that contributes to the yoga-like feel that the melody reflected the meaning favor of the hazzan, namely to allow me to (relaxation) of the pieces. or spirit of the text. I felt no sense of sing this newly minted tune at services. I found no apparent relationship the sacred when it was sung, that the He agreed and when the time came I between the titles of the individual pieces melody and the text were not suited for begged the indulgence of our “frequent and the music itself. For example, if one each other. flyers” and knowing no shame sang the exchanged the titles of the “Song for Who am I, I said to myself to new setting. Rosh Hashanah” with the “Meditation kvetch about any melody by someone For the few who know the quality of my for Kabbalat Shabbat” I could discern no like Carlebach? Wasn’t that a bit voice, I should state that while I sing from difference in the relationship between the presumptuous on my part? It probably my heart, the sound often comes out titles and the content of the pieces. was I have to admit. Furthermore the through my nose. It is the feeling that Occasionally there are a few bluesy accents of the text were in Ashkenazic.(I counts in the end I suppose. As I neared or what used to be called “dirty notes” am a proud member of that community.) the end I heard the sounds of some folks inserted in some of the shorter pieces I do not know exactly when the good singing along with me. I really do not which made for a much needed dose rabbi wrote this tune; I speculate that know if what I wrote is any good. of variety to the music. While there is a it probably was either in the late 1950s I certainly do not believe that somehow difference in modality between the or even the early 1960s or sometime the tune will become known and pieces, that is some are in major, some before most American Jewish eventually replace the setting by modal, some minor, the approach and congregations made the switch to Carlebach. I do know that if I should treatment negate whatever difference Sephardic pronunciation. hear that “still, small voice” again, I these bring about. Thus the phrase BAW-ruch will tell it to go and bother someone While most of the pieces do come to u-m’VAW-ruch grates on the ear else. It probably was the heat and/or a conclusion, some of them merely because the current practice is to say the humidity. stop and one could notice that this and sing ba-RUCH u-m’vo-RACH and Dr. Gold is a composer/conductor as well happens not nearly soon enough! To so forth. I have truthfully stated that as arts reviewer and can be reached at: my ear, these works were performed on an I have been less than happy every [email protected]. August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 15 from the house.The camera focuses on his Media kipah, even as he declares that he is going to check the synagogue and that he is the rabbi. The police officers look shocked. I Watch suspect that most viewers foresaw the possibility of such a turn of events. BY RABBI ELLIOT B. GERTEL Once led to the synagogue, the rabbi lashes into young Future with contempt, NYC 22 citing his “kicking garbage cans and harassing people,” and the need to chase NYC 22, a short-lived CBS series him away from the temple all the time. about police rookies of various ages and Future does not help matters by backgrounds in Manhattan, has been responding, “There you go, acting like showing some unaired episodes over the you own the street again.” The rabbi summer. One of these centered on Officer degrades both his son and Future by Ray “Lazarus” Harper, played by Adam NYC 22 cast; Adam Goldberg is second suggesting that Daniel was cornered into Goldberg, and designates him as the from the right. ©2012 CBS Interactive. the brick-throwing because he was “hard Jewish voice of the ensemble. up for friends”and “afraid of him.” A couple of teens have hurled bricks at Writer Ken Sanzel can turn an Daniel sets his father straight by telling an old synagogue. An African American alliterative phrase, and he knows how to him that he had already started throwing youth called “Future”is apprehended, and get Harper to mutter and even whine the rocks and had not even seen Future Harper immediately asks him,“You got a about anti-Semitism. (One wishes that “until he joined me.” Daniel directs his problem with Jews, kid?” actor Goldberg would have more clearly anger primarily at his father’s past advice A former crime reporter, Harper’s work enunciated this material.) Harper’s first regarding God, namely, that if one walks was read by his new colleagues, including rant suggests that it is unjust to attack a into God’s house and surrenders one faith a five part series on hate crimes, which, small synagogue left in Harlem because to Him, God “will carry you like a feather.” apparently, are often on Harper’s mind. “it’s not like…[Jews] are an invading (Yes, it is that pat and trite.) He then Known for his longtime investigative force”there. Harper says that Harlem was describes God as a killer, challenging his connections, Harper knows where one the third largest Jewish settlement in the father to keep him in jail or “next time I’ll might hide in a synagogue. He suggests world, some 200,000 strong in the 1920s. burn the whole God-damned building that they look in the Ark, and, when a He adds that by 1930 there were “four down.”Even Future is taken aback by this colleague is unfamiliar with the term, groups of black Jews living here [in scene, blurting out, “I’d never talk to my Harper impatiently and patronizing says Harlem].” Is “group” the best, most pops like that.” It seems that “right-wing that he knows what a nave is. respectful term for an organization or redneck” anger is nothing compared to They find a kid hiding in the Ark named congregation? And why the suggestion Jewish family banter. Daniel Tanner (Ryan McGinnis in a that when vandals strike a synagogue it We learn from the rabbi that some creditable performance). The Tanner lad is a statement that Jews are interlopers months before, Daniel’s other brother hardly needs to be interrogated by Harper. in Harlem. died of leukemia, after all the family had He erupts into sermon-like diatribes Harper does not stop there. Assuming prayed and prayed, and that Dan’s mother against the Bible. “One of the windows I that synagogue vandalism is some “still hasn’t recovered” and is with her broke,”he declares,“was Abraham getting “statement”by a “Jews go home”group, he sister. When one of the women officers ready to kill his son because God told him states that it would have been preferable for asks the rabbi if he has considered family to. God asked a man to murder his kid to the malcontents to have thrown“some rocks” counseling, he says that that’s what he give his loyalty and at the last minute says, at (gentrified) high rise condominiums does for a living. She wisely observes that ‘Hey, I was joking,’and people think that’s near Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, a surgeon can’t operate on himself. worthy of a stained glass memorial.” closer to the University. Is the purpose of The rabbi will not send his son to jail, Tanner dismisses this scenario as “a joke.” his sociology “lessons”to shift the targets confessing that the young man has done Tanner seems to find most, if not all, of malcontents or of arbitrary vandals? “exactly what I’ve felt like doing for the theology repulsive. “Something good This is certainly not a “philosophy”I would last six months myself.” This cathartic happens, it’s to the glory of God. like to see in my police force. statement enables the rabbi to treat Future Something horrible happens, it’s to the Harper winds down his angst-ridden more gently, telling him that he should glory of God. It’s…his inscrutable soliloquy, which, I assume, represents a love his brothers and sisters, each and wisdom.” He asks Harper if he has Jewish gut reaction of sorts, by observing, every one, because you never know. Does another brick on him. “I haven’t been to a temple since my this demean Dan further by suggesting Harper and his partner Tonya Sanchez daughter’s bat mitzvah. [I assume the word that he did not do so? (Judy Marte) seek to make contact is “bat,” though Goldberg makes it sound While writer Sanzel provides a sense of with Daniel’s father. Tonya is surprised like “bar.”] All I’m saying is there’s a the pain that afflicts families, even that Harper is so touchy about the history with this garbage. I mean, religious families, in the aftermath of brick-throwers. He asks her how she Kristallnacht started with a little broken tragic loss, his rabbinic family seems to would feel if it were a church that was glass, too.” He speculates that young lack any moorings in religion and in targeted. “My brothers used to loot the Tanner’s comments on the Bible may sacred texts and practices and in a church,” she replies. That bit of dialogue reflect “right-wing redneck” roots, and is meaningful faith that might provide contributes to stereotyping and slandering willing to bet that “the old man’s got a comfort and direction. It seems that they Latino youth. Yet Tonya does defend the swastika tattoo…and his closet stuffed heal and bond only after vandalizing a African American youth, who is known to with Luftwaffen memorabilia.” synagogue or admitting that they have officers as a troublemaker. She observes Harper’s reverie is broken by Daniel’s wanted to do so. that he is not a Nazi but a knucklehead. father, Mawell Tanner (Josh Pais) emerging (see Gertel, page 16) 16 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 GERTEL practically entrapment.”He is redeemable, Book (continued from 15) but how about the rabbi and his son? Harper takes Sanchez to try to offer Touched by the rabbi’s attention, Future solace and encouragement to father and Review promises to leave the synagogue alone. He son. They find them cleaning up the is also touched by the rabbi’s invitation to synagogue, together, and join in. Is the REVIEWED BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN visit the synagogue, but declines the honor. message here that the son had to break Future, who is charmingly played by Marc the law and desecrate a synagogue in Holocaust poems John Jefferies, is given one final good line, order to engage with his father in a “How am I going to keep on walking seeing therapeutic activity? Contemporary Jewish Writing, Holocaust that nerdy kid throwing rocks. It was NYC 22 dealt better with the Edition. Michal Mahgerefteh, Editor-in- relationship of a Jewish father and his Chief. Poetica Magazine. 2012. Pp.55. j i daughter in the last two episodes. Part of This second collection of Holocaust with the gift of hope’s renewal,”Mother, in a sting operation hunting down young Poetry by Poetica Magazine is ample proof your suit of Spring, /teach your grieving drug dealers, Lazarus’s daughter, Ruby, that the Shoah as a theme for reflection son to sing. /Father, wield your mace of is spotted by this same rookie partner and contemplation is an inexhaustible light/as I walk the way of night”(p.53). who accompanied him to the rabbi’s wellspring promising to ever connect us to New York native, Helen Bar Lev, Senior house. It seems that Ruby’s boyfriend this watershed event in both Jewish and Editor of Cyclaments and Swords is a drug dealer, and that she is blind general history. I Publishing who spent 40 years in Israel, in to that fact; her infatuation with the believe that as we her “Holocaust Remembrance Day 2010” young man is so overwhelming that she naturally move she uses chilling imagery in Jerusalem, the skipped her father’s being honored as a away in time from Jewish peoples home of eternal memories, hero at City Hall in order to spend time the Shoah and ancient and new. “Jerusalem 2010/winter with this boyfriend. World War II, they now, the skies cry/the oven is warm; a The divorced Ray Lazarus Harper is the are bound to have cake bakes/a siren wrenches the heart/the first to admit that he has not been the a growing impact radio plays somber songs/and people ideal Jewish father.Yet while there is some particularly on the retell of the Holocaust/of the loss”(p. 2). estrangement, there is warmth as well Jewish people. Poet Michael Shorb speaks of the spirit between father and daughter (the latter The genocidal of Polish Righteous Gentile Irena Sendler played affectingly and wisely by Lizzy assault on the that the Nazis could not capture and of Declement). Toward the end of the last Jewish people has her heroic deeds and those of her episode, Lazarus, who had to be pushed a deprived it and comrades,” She and some friends had bit by his partner to confront his daughter, humanity of their full potential to smuggled/Jewish children from the/ tells his offspring that he has “kind of creatively respond to multiple challenges Warsaw ghetto in those days, /Sometimes forfeited the right” to discipline her. “I and opportunities. In the case of the in large black purses, /Sometimes in baskets can’t tell you what to do,” he says. But Jewish people and the State of Israel, the covered/With blankets, slipping under/ Ruby spontaneously chimes in, “Yes, you loss of progeny and talent of decimated The eyes of the German guards/Like fish can.You’re my dad.” European Jewry is potentially of grave sliding beneath a net”(p.28). It is a wise and knowing tribute to a consequence and to avert it requires extra Prolific poet Barbara Hantman reminds teenager’s capacity to understand that she commitment and effort. all of the Jewish mission in face of needs parental guidance. Writer Carter The 36 poets (double Chai) represent a inhumanity in “My Holocaust Poem for Harris ended the short-lived but well- variety of backgrounds and some of the Yom Hashoah,”“May the Jewish genie stay intentioned series with a tender and poets are children of survivors, but what out of the bottle for an eternity:/ rather inspiring “Jewish” moment for unites them all is a profound sense of Divine monitor of all that is unkind,/ teenager and parent and for the viewers. relatedness to the endless aspects and White-winged safeguard that roosts and Rabbi Gertel has been spiritual leader of implications of the overwhelming crime of flutters/Over all humanity”(p.1). Conservative Congregation Rodfei Zedek in the Shoah. In my own poem “Old Memories” I Chicago since 1988. He is the author of two Sari Friedman who earned an MFA recall my mother’s traumatic recollection books, What Jews Know About Salvation from Columbia University and is editor of of memories that do not die, and Over the Top Judaism: Precedents and the Fearless Poetry Series, shares “At The “Contemplating travel/From Springfield Trends in the Depiction of Jewish Beliefs ‘Second Generation’ Meeting”the burden to Chicago/My mom, a Holocaust and Observances in Film and Television. shared by survivors and their children survivor/Visiting from Israel,/ He has been media critic for The National which, as a survivors’son, I can relate to.“I Apprehensively asked me if/It was Jewish Post & Opinion since 1979. can’t live my life,”a woman takes up-/”My safe to board/A train filled with father threatens to kill himself/if I do the Gentiles” (p.48). Allen Cohen who served slightest thing wrong./Says he couldn’t as a major education author for Random On this date in keep living/if something were to happen House, responds in “After Auschwitz… to me./Wants to protect me./Won’t let Poetry?” (Reflections on Adorno’s query) Jewish history me cross a street by myself…and I’m “with words of meaning, After the 25”(p.41). Shoah there must be poems/because On August 29, 1897 Richard Bronson from Stony Brook the universe is otherwise/indifferent to The first World Zionist University Medical Center’s Center for killing fields & ovens/& poets can’t bear Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care indifference (p.33). Congress opened in Basle. & Bioethics faculty laments in his Rabbi Zoberman, spiritual leader of ~ From The Jewish Book of Days published by “Lament” the enormity of “fields of loss” Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York. “yet wishes to overcome justified despair is the son of Polish Holocaust survivors. August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 17 with the birth of the man who came to be Muslims. The other view acknowledges Book Reviews known as the Baal Shem Tov – the master that Jews experienced discrimination at of the good name. His various dynastic the hands of the Muslims but argues REVIEWED BY MORTON I. TEICHER courts are enumerated, including the that their situation wasn’t as bad as what Lubavitcher, founded by Rabbi Schneur Jews went through under Christian rule. Intriguing portrait Zalman. He was succeeded by a group of Those who hold to this latter attitude Lubavitcher rebbes, the seventh of whom point out that there was nothing under of Hasidic life was Menachem Mendel Schneerson, a the Muslims to compare to the Spanish cosmopolitan Jew, who married the expulsion and Inquisition, Russian Among Righteous Men. By Matthew daughter of the sixth rebbe. pogroms, and the Nazi Holocaust. Shaer. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley Eventually, Shaer comes to October 28, Readers of this book will be able to & Sons, 2012. 243 Pages. $25.95. 2009 when jury selection begins although, make an informed choice as which of As a reporter, author Shaer covered the following his penchant for details, he first these two judgments is more accurate. 2009 Brooklyn trial of six Lubavitcher Jews tells us in some detail about the six Author Martin Gilbert brings impressive who were charged with felony gang defense lawyers and the two prosecutors. talents to the difficult task of examining assault. He combined his observations He next describes the testimony that was 1,400 years of history. He is a gifted British with inspection given, coming eventually to December 2, historian who was knighted for his of documents and 2009 when the prosecution finally rested. outstanding six-volume biography of with numerous The defense attorneys then entered their Winston Churchill. A prolific and versatile interviews to pleas for dismissal of the charges and, in writer, he has written many books on produce this book. the majority of instances, the judge Jewish history. His superlative research He also studied accepted their petitions and dismissed skill is fully demonstrated by the footnotes the history of the most of the charges. A week later, the jury on almost every page of this book, often Lubavitcher and found five of the defendants innocent of referring to esoteric resources. He also the geography of all charges. One defendant was found provides an 18-page bibliography and a their residence in guilty of a misdemeanor and sentenced to long list of people he interviewed. the Crown Heights probation plus enrollment in an anger An important aspect of the Jewish area of Brooklyn. management class. experience under Muslim rule is the The men on trial were members of Shaer has told an interesting story, classification of Jews by Muslims as the Shomrim, guards who constituted an enabling readers to decide for themselves dhimmi, an inferior status applied to all auxiliary police force. The present which part of the book is more interesting non-Muslims that entailed restrictions members of Shomrim are successors – the brawl and the trial – or the and degradation. Gilbert explores how the to the Crown Heights Maccabees and digressions about the history and interpretation of this status varied from rivals with a similar organization known geography of the Lubavitcher. All one caliph to another although, for the as Shmira. The need for these protective these elements combine to provide an most part, it led to persecution and terror, groups is related in part to the testy intriguing portrait of Hasidic life. often culminating in executions and relations the Crown Heights Jews destruction of synagogues. have with their Black neighbors. The A systematic examination of the history of these interactions, described Jews living under Jewish experience under Muslim rule is in some detail by Shaer, includes race presented, both chronologically and riots and continuing hostility. Further Muslim rule geographically. The thoroughness of the complicating the situation is the dispute presentation leads to the introduction of within the Lubavitcher community as to In Ishmael’s House. By Martin Gilbert. many names and places that are generally whether or not the “rebbe,’ Menachem New Haven: Yale University Press, 2011. unknown. Recognition of the places is Mendel Schneersohn, who died in 448 Pages. $23. facilitated by the inclusion of 22 maps. 1994, was the Messiah. This argument Since the birth of Among the noteworthy numbers divides the Lubavitcher and prevents the State of Israel presented in the book are the 726,000 the appointment of a successor. It in 1948, 850,000 Palestinian Arabs who became refugees also figured significantly in a dormitory Jews living in during Israel’s War of Independence in fight between the Shomrim and 14 Muslim-ruled 1948–49 as contrasted to the 850,000 the yeshiva students in December, countries were Jews who were forced to leave 2007 that led to the charges against forced to leave Muslim lands. Also, according to Gilbert, the Shomrim. their homes to there are still 50,000 Jews living in Shaer describes in considerable detail seek refuge from Muslim countries and there are 25,000 the clash between the Shomrim and the persecution. This Jews in Iran. It is not clear as to whether students, naming the participants and mass exodus over or not the Iranian Jews are included specifying the injuries which were a period of 20 among the 50,000 in Muslim lands and, inflicted. He goes on to discuss the years put a burdensome ending to the in any case, both these numbers are maneuvering that followed, involving the 1,400 years during which Jews lived under somewhat dubious. Similarly equivocal police, lawyers, and rabbis, leading Muslim rule. This book carefully and is Gilbert’s conclusion that the 1,400 eventually to the arrest of six Shomrim. thoroughly examines what happened to year history he has so ably presented is a Shaer constantly interrupts his account the Jews who were subjected to Muslim “story of remarkable perseverance and of what happened with descriptions of control for so long. considerable achievement.” Fortunately, earlier events ranging from population There are at least two general he has provided more than enough movements in Brooklyn to the history of characterizations of the Jewish experience. fascinating information so that readers the Lubavitcher back to 1698 in the One holds that the Jews were debased, can reach their own decision. Ukraine when the Hasidic tradition began humiliated, and persecuted by the (see Teicher, page 19) 18 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 of 22 fish recipes; Chapter 5 has 49 Chicken with Apples My Kosher poultry and fish recipes; Chapter 6 has The modest apple is the star of this rustic 29 vegetable dishes; Chapter 7 has 20 and delicious dish. Hard cider gives the dish grains and pasta recipes; Chapter 8 its originality and is easy to find, but just in Kitchen comprises 17 breakfast and brunch case you can’t secure it, use 3 cups natural recipes; Chapter 9 has 12 breads and flat apple cider. BY SYBIL KAPLAN breads; Chapter 10 has 52 desserts. There are menus at the end and one of 3 Tbsp. olive oil Cookbook review the most unique ideas are three indexes – 4 Granny Smith (green) apples, one general, one for gluten free recipes, peeled and cut in wedges and Rosh Hashanah and one for Passover. If you know a newly 2 Tbsp. sugar or Sucanat engaged couple, a new bride or anyone Zest of 2 lemons recipes else who keeps a kosher kitchen, this will 3 leeks, sliced be a wonderful, valuable, user-friendly 8 serving pieces chicken – 16 pieces The Whole Foods Kosher Kitchen. By addition to their cookbook shelf. For those total: legs, thigh, half breasts, skins on Levana Kirschenbaum, $39.95 hardcover, looking for some special recipes for Rosh 2 tsp. turmeric 420 pp. Hashanah, try these from the cookbook. 1 bottle hard cider This book has 2 tsp. cinnamon nothing to do with Tri Color Fish Terrine Freshly ground pepper to taste the chain of Whole You will create a sensation with this dish! 3 Tbsp. Calvados, applejack, or slivovitz Foods stores. It will make you look like a chef without too Inasmuch as I have much hard work. You will like the freedom it Heat the oil in a heavy, wide-bottom lived in Israel the gives you on party day, as you can make it a pot. Add the apples and sauté until past four years and day or two ahead of time and keep it chilled. golden. Add the sugar and lemon peel, not having gotten If you get ambitious, layer the mixture in a and cook 2 more minutes until to the New York dozen greased muffin tins and invert them at caramelized. Remove the mixture and set kosher restaurant serving time. aside. Place the leeks, chicken, turmeric, scene over the cider and cinnamon in the pot, and bring years, I was unfamiliar with the restaurant, Fish mixture: to a boil. Reduce the flame to medium and Levana, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. 2 pounds salmon or tilapia fillets cook covered for 1 hour. Add the reserved Apparently, she and her husband and her 1/2 cup olive oil apples, ground pepper and Calvados, and brothers-in-law “pioneered”upscale kosher 4 eggs cook a few minutes more until just heated dining in their restaurant for 32 years. 1/3 cup tapioca flour or arrowroot through. Transfer the chicken and apples For more than 30 years, Levana also or potato starch to a platter and check the sauce. gave weekly demonstrations and she 1/2 cup dairy-free milk, low-fat OK, If it is too thin, reduce on a high flame 2 authored Levana’s Table, In Short Order (a or dry white wine to 3 minutes until syrupy. Pour over the book/DVD based on her demo series) and 1 medium onion, quartered chicken and serve hot, with rice, puréed Levana Cooks Dairy Free. Now that Zest of 1 lemon vegetables, or noodles. Makes 8 servings. Lavana has closed her restaurant, she Pinch nutmeg focuses on weekly demos in her Upper Salt and pepper to taste Honey Cake West Side classroom. 1 cup frozen spinach, Honey cake is the traditional cake of the This cookbook explores recipes which squeezed thoroughly dry Jewish New Year! I actually succeeded in contribute to a wholesome lifestyle. Her 1/4 cup basil leaves turning quite a few people on to my honey philosophy is minimal use of processed 1 cup sun-dry tomatoes, briefly soaked cake. Mine is moist and spicy and easy to and packaged foods and incorporation in warm water and squeezed thoroughly love; I trust it will make you forget all the of “all the ingredients that are good for dry (or use 1/4 cup tomato paste) indignities of past dried-out and brittle you in your daily food preparation.” She honey cakes. I make it several ways, all uses the “bulbous monolithic roots...homely Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a scrumptious, but this is one of my favorites. leaves...and powerful antioxidants,” 1-1/2 quart rectangle mold and line it with The secret ingredient, orange marmalade, advocating cooking from scratch. plastic, letting the sides overhang. Grind was shared by my dear friend Leah. Some There are many variations for recipes the fish mixture ingredients in a food people don’t use nuts during the holiday of and many of the more than 350 recipes processor until perfectly smooth. Divide Rosh Hashanah: No problem skipping them. which she developed have her Moroccan the mixture in three. Process one-third in origin. One of the nicest things about the the food processor with the spinach and 1 cup oil recipes are the personal comments. The the basil. Scrape the bowl of the food 2/3 cup sugar other special touch are the paragraphs processor thoroughly so you won’t have to 1 cup dark honey scattered throughout the book with wash it to mix the red layer. Pack tightly 1 cup orange marmalade, discussions on topics such as turmeric, sea and neatly in the mold. Tightly pack the try your best for all-fruit salt, roasting garlic, orange flower and rose second (white) third on top of the green 4 eggs water, roasting peppers and many more. layer in the mold. Process the last third 3/4 cup strong coffee at room temperature Chapter 1, “The Party,” includes recipes with the sun-dried tomatoes or tomato 3 Tbsp. rum or brandy for edible gifts to yourself and beyond and paste until perfectly smooth. Pack on top 3 cups flour: all-purpose, whole wheat includes salad dressings, home-made of the white layer in the mold gently, so as pastry, or spelt infused oils, condiments, sauces, marinades, not to disturb the layers beneath. Fold the 2 tsp. baking powder preserves, liqueurs and dessert sauces. overhanging plastic over the top of the 1 tsp. baking soda Chapter 2 contains 33 soup recipes; mold. Bake for 1 hour or until the top is Good pinch salt Chapter 3 has 23 salads; Chapter 4 consists firm. Serve chilled. Makes a dozen servings. (see Kaplan/Recipe, page 19) August 29, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 19 TEICHER he faints and winds up in a hospital. He to be able to do the floor routine of (continued from 17) learns that he will die unless he has an my life.”Raisman paid her own tribute to operation. This dire news, conveyed to the 11 Israeli sportsmen from the 1972 him by Rich who is about to marry Munich Olympics. Alexandra Rose Story that grips Denise, poses a dilemma for Drew. The admitted the 40th anniversary of the our interest unhappiness of his life makes him lean Munich Games made her “Hora” Gold towards the notion of letting nature take even more special. One Last Thing Before I Go. By Jonathan its course and refusing the surgery. Finding Aly Raisman is a hero in my eyes, and Tropper. New York: the answer to this conundrum imaginatively she made watching the Olympics an Dutton, 2012. 316 occupies the rest of the book as he copes invigorating, remarkable experience for Pages. $26.95. with the insistence of family and friends me. Her expectations were above the This is Jonathan that he have the operation. clouds, and she elevated to reach out and Tropper’s sixth The central issue confronted by Drew touch all of us in achieving greatness at novel. In addition belies the notion that all novels are auto- the Summer Games. She made me feel so to being a novelist, biographical although parts of Tropper’s proud to be Jewish, and it was outstanding Tropper is a fictional narrative may well be based on to see success for such a compelling, successful screen- actual life experiences. He has managed to dynamic athlete with a heart of Gold. writer, and teacher combine plot with character in first-rate Rosenstein is a freelance writer living in of creative writing. fashion to produce a story that grips our Indianapolis. He is a middle school teacher His books tend interest and makes us care keenly about and coach. to be set in what happens to his protagonist. One Westchester County where he lives Last Thing Before I Go deserves to emulate j i in New Rochelle with his wife and Tropper’s 2009 success in becoming a BERNSTEIN three children. He is on the faculty best seller. (continued from page 20) of Manhattanville College in Purchase, Dr. Morton I. Teicher is the Founding also in Westchester County. Originally Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, culture’s Jewish identity through my a Catholic boarding school for girls, Yeshiva University and Dean Emeritus, career as a sports photographer.” Manhattanville is now non-denominational School of Social Work, University of North Bernstein collaborated with former as evidenced by its having Tropper, a Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson to create graduate of Yeshiva College, on its faculty. a photo documentary book, Journey to the He earned a master’s degree in creative j i Ring, he has photographed 30 years of writing at New York University and then KAPLAN/RECIPE NBA playoffs and 18 years of LA Kings spent eight years in business before (continued from page 18) playoffs, and he provided compelling becoming a full-time writer. Tropper’s coverage of U.S. Olympic Basketball most successful book, This Is Where I Leave 1 tsp. each cinnamon, allspice and ginger including the 1992 Dream Team. You, published in 2009, was a best seller. 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional) Previously, Bernstein was inducted into As is the case with his previous novels, the California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, this new one is set in suburbia and deals Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix the first and is among only four photographers with family life. His protagonist, Drew set of ingredients in a food processor. Mix with work permanently exhibited at The Silver, a 44-year-old played out musician, the second set of ingredients in a bowl, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. has been divorced from Denise for almost and add in 3 additions to the egg mixture, Since 1983, Andrew D. Bernstein has eight years. They had one daughter, using the pulse button, mixing each time photographed and developed a unique Casey, with whom Drew has a fractured only until combined. Pour the batter into a personal rapport with the world’s leading relationship, although, when she becomes greased tube pan or 10-inch pan, or professional athletes. Bernstein was illegitimately pregnant at the age of 18, 11-by-14-inch pan. If you are using the involved in the creation of NBA Photos she turns to him for help. A further almonds, sprinkle them evenly over the in 1986, which is recognized as the complication in Drew’s life is that Denise, top. Bake the cake 1 hour, or a little longer, worldwide leader in licensing of NBA for whom he still feels affection, is about until a knife inserted in the center comes photography, and in the creation of the to get married. Her future husband is Rich out clean. Invert onto a rack to cool. position of Official NBA Photographer in Hastings, a well-to-do surgeon. Makes a dozen ample servings. 1986 that he held until 2011. Bernstein’s Among the other characters featured in Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, food and feature work frequently appears in Sports the story are Drew’s parents, Ruben and writer, and author of nine kosher cookbooks. Illustrated, ESPN, The Sporting News, Elaine, and his younger brother, Chuck. Time, Newsweek, and more. He has Ruben is a rabbi in a synagogue where j i covered every NBA Finals since 1982, as Drew and Chuck sat on the stage when ROSENSTEIN well as the 1992, 1996, 2000, 2008 and they were youngsters. Ruben tries in vain (continued from page 20) 2012 U.S. Olympic basketball teams. to persuade Drew to come to services, Bernstein’s other recent projects include arguing that he can meet women there. performance. I admire the way she is advertising campaigns featuring top Ruben is somewhat more successful in protective and looks out for those around athletes for Nike, Reebok, Adidas, Pepsi, persuading Drew to accompany him as he her. She sees the light in other people, and Coca-Cola, and Icy Hot. (www.AndrewD fulfills his rabbinical responsibilities such it makes her happy when they reach their BernsteinPhotography.com, www.facebook as officiating at a funeral and participating ambitious, lofty goals. .com/ADBSportsPhoto) in a circumcision. Raisman was the first American woman The National Jewish Sports Hall of Occupying center stage in the story is to win the gold medal on the floor. In Fame and Museum is dedicated to Drew’s discovery that he is dying. While response to winning Gold she said,“I have honoring Jewish sports figures that have he and Casey were in a waiting room always dreamed of being the Olympic distinguished themselves in the field of before she was called in for an abortion, Champion on floor, so I was really happy sports (www.jewishsports.org). 20 The Jewish Post & Opinion August 29, 2012 The Jewish in PRESORTED Jews Sports Post &Opinion STANDARD US POSTAGE 1427 W. 86th St. #228 PAID Aly Raisman’s talents Indianapolis, IN 46260 INDIANAPOLIS, IN shine in London PERMIT NO. 1321 BY JEREMY ROSENSTEIN Alexandra Rose Raisman represented her country and her faith very well at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Aly is a Jewish gymnast from Needham, Mass., who was captain of the gold medal-winning USA Women’s Gymnastics team in London. She won a gold medal in the team all- around, a personal gold medal for her uplifting, breathtaking floor routine and bronze medal on the balance beam. She has reaped 30th JCC Maccabi National Jewish the benefits of hard work, great desire, Games concludes Sports Hall of Fame and a positive BY MARK HAYDEN attitude for life. Aly Inducts legendary comes from a Memphis said goodbye to at least 1500 Jewish family, athletes from 25 U.S. communities, plus photographer who joined Temple smaller contingents from Mexico, Canada, Beth Avodah, a and Israel as the 30th JCC Maccabi Games NEW YORK – Having played an Reform synagogue ended here recently (see group photo instrumental role in the creation of NBA in Newton, about below of some of the participants). Photos in 1986 and with 30 years of 15 years ago. She It was a very successful wrap-up to the experience as the Senior Official NBA started Hebrew school when she was in games that share history with the Bluff Photographer as pre-school and continued her education City. Memphis hosted the first Maccabi well as team until her Bat Mitzvah at age 13. Her Games in 1982 and has followed that in photographer for mother was a high-school gymnast, and 2002 and 2012. the LA Lakers, got her started in tumbling at age 2 with While the athletic competitions were LA Kings, LA Mommy and Me classes. exciting and the participants enjoyed the Clippers, and LA Raisman is a driven leader with a caring activities of the JCC, the emotional high Dodgers, Andrew personality and ice in her veins. It reflected occurred during the opening ceremonies D. Bernstein will quite well at the London Olympics with when relatives of slain Israel weightlifter be inducted into her poised, gripping performances to the Yosef Romano lit the torch to open the the National Hebrew folk song, “Hava Nagila”, in the Games. Memphis also paid proper Jewish Sports Hall floor routine. She brought out a golden, respect to all the Jewish athletes killed in of Fame and shimmering feeling in all of us with her the 1972 Olympics. Museum, as one of only two Jewish electrifying, memorable show of artistic “Opening activities in 1982 were held in photographers to receive this national genius. She combined elegance, panache the JCC athletic fields,” said Bob Silver recognition, on Sun., April 21, 2013 at the and power to bring home 3 medals. who was then associate director of the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack, NY. When Aly competed and found great JCC. This year they were held in spacious The National Jewish Sports Hall of success in the Gymnastics World FedExForum, home of the Memphis Tigers Fame and Museum honors Jewish Championships in 2011 she proclaimed, and Grizzlies. individuals who have distinguished “Winning the team gold was the most Mark Hayden is a freelance writer in themselves in the world of sports. amazing feeling ever. It’s a dream come Memphis. He can be reached at marktn58@ Says Bernstein, “I am proud to foster my true, saying that I’m a World Champion.” aol.com. (see Bernstein, page 19) Raisman garnered the 2011 Pearl D. Mazor Outstanding Female Jewish High School Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. She has always been a nurturing, charismatic and very sharp individual, who comes through in pressure situations with the spirit of a champion. She cares about other people and has always been compassionate with a warm heart. It showed with flying colors when she helped Gabby Douglas and the US Gymnastics team through some emotional moments before their all-around gold (see Rosenstein, page 19)