The Jewish National Edition Post &Opinion Presenting a broad spectrum of Jewish News and Opinions since 1935. Volume 78, Number 8 • May 23, 2012 • 2 Sivan 5772 www.jewishpostopinion.com

ChagChag ShavuotShavuot Sameach!Sameach!

Cover Art by Eric Jabloner See About the Cover, p.3. 2 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 Letter to the Editor of this Editorial the Indianapolis Star Inside Issue April 24, 2012 Editorial...... 2 In our last issue, I wrote about an article Letter to Star Editor ...... 2 that appeared in the Indianapolis Star on the As a son of Holocaust survivors who Rabbi Benzion Cohen topic of a local Holocaust commemoration. has devoted a lifetime of scholarship to (Chassidic Rabbi)...... 3 Included with that article were three photos, the horrible events of the 1930’s and About the Cover ...... 3 one depicting a candlelighting.The caption 1940’s that annihilated two thirds of all Amy Hirshberg Lederman read: “Alex Star lights a candle to remember living Jews in Europe, it was startling to (Jewish Educator) ...... 4 family members who died. The six candles read the article that appeared to the left 18 Reasons to be Jewish...... 4 represent the 6 million Jews who perished.” of two photos published in your April 19, Seth Ben-Mordecai However, in the article to the left of that 2012 edition. You referred to the six (The Roads from Babel) ...... 5 photo was written: “The six candles that candles being lit at a commemorative Rabbi Irwin Wiener were lit represent the 6 million Jews who are ceremony as representing the 6 million (Wiener’s Wisdom)...... 5 thought to have perished in the Holocaust.” Jews “who are thought to have perished Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso ...... 6 I wrote that the Star’s choice of such in the Holocaust.” These benign and Rabbi Jon Adland watered-down words as “thought to have thoughtless words suggest that the (Shabbat Shalom)...... 6 perished” is offensive. I asked my readers methodical, well documented, and Howard Karsh if a Letter to the Editor was in order. I historically recorded annihilation of (Jewish America) ...... 7 received 26 responses. All of the messages Jews may simply reside in some peoples’ Jim Shipley except three said a letter was needed. mind – a mere thought. (Shipley Speaks) ...... 7 Miriam Zimmerman, who has been Please allow me to inform your readers Rabbi Moshe ben Asher and writing for this newspaper since 1988, that the murder of my grandparents, my Magidah Khulda bat Sarah and is a daughter of a survivor and a aunts and uncles and their children (my (Gather the People)...... 8 Holocaust educator, responsed: “Yes, cousins), and the children of my cousins, is Kaddish...... 9 definitely send a letter to the editor. not some “thought.” It is a painful reality Irene Backalenick The issue is so important that they should that resulted from the anti-Semitic venom (Jewish Theater)...... 10 know: with the opening of additional spewed by Hitler and executed by his Nazi Sybil Kaplan archives with the fall of the iron curtain in German minions and their collaborators. (Seen on the Israel Scene)...... 12 1990, new information became available. My family and relatives did not “perish.” Melinda Ribner There is some evidence that more than They were cruelly decimated, killed, and (Kabbalah of the Month) ...... 13 six million were destroyed. There might not allowed to exist because of only one Eliyahu McLean never be a final audit, but there is reason – they were Jews. (Jerusalem Peacemaker)...... 13 scholarly consensus that six million is the The events relating to the murder of Rabbi Elliot B. Gertel appropriate number.” Jews in the 1930’s and 1940’s are the most (Media Watch)...... 14 Not long after I had emailed several of documented events of the 20th century. Morton Gold those responses to Marcia Goldstone, There are still millions of pages of archival (As I Heard It)...... 15 executive director of our Jewish documents that have not been examined Rabbi Israel Zoberman Community Relations Council (JCRC), I (see Letter, page 3) (Book Review)...... 16 received a powerful “Letter to Editor” Dr. Morton I. Teicher written by Isaiah Kuperstein. It has not j i (Book Reviews) ...... 17 appeared in the Indianapolis Star but he men were sent to Boune La Rolande, a Sybil Kaplan gave me permission to publish it here (see detention camp. On a visit to the camp by (My Kosher Kitchen)...... 18 the top of the next column, this page). his mother, his father gave her his wedding Rabbi David Wolpe For that same Yom HaShoah issue, I had ring. That and a few photos are all that (Why Faith Matters) ...... 18 interviewed a Holocaust survivor, Harry Cybulski has left from his father who was Jerusalem Hug 2012 ...... 20 Cybulski of Flint, Mich., but because of eventually transported to Auschwitz.There computer challenges. I did not finish it were no survivors from that group of men. The Jewish in time. He and his older sister, Dora His mother took him and his sister to Goldberg of South Bend, Ind., are a small farm village 25 miles from Paris. Post &Opinion longtime subscribers. It is a fascinating She thought they would have a better 1427 W. 86th St. #228 story, but I only have space for a few chance of blending in because other Indianapolis, IN 46260 key points. He has given a much more Polish families lived there. email: [email protected] detailed version to the Shoah Foundation. Out of the goodness of their hearts, a phone and fax: (317) 405-8084 Cybulski and his sister were born in Catholic farmer and his wife with older website: www.jewishpostopinion.com Paris, she in 1932 and he in 1937. children risked their lives and allowed Their parents, Eli Cybulski and Jenta the Cybulski’s to stay with them. They safely. A neighboring farmer helped him (Kershenblatt) Cybulski had moved there pretended that he and his sister were escape but then the Germans came and from Poland in 1931. The Germans first their children. killed the farmer. came into Paris in 1940 when Cybulski He told me just how risky that was. For His mother went back to Paris on occasion was three. When his parents were example, one day he heard a noise. In the to visit her sister who was still living there. overwrought, he thought it was because sky Cybulski saw a struggle between a Some months later she went and never of something he had done. German and a Canadian plane. He could came back. Cybulski found out years later It took the Germans some months to see smoke and then a parachute. The that she was sent to Drancy Detention Camp find out who was Jewish, but in 1941 his Canadian plane was shot down but the and eventually to a concentration camp in father along with 1,000 other Jewish pilot was able to parachute out and land (see Editorial, page 11) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 3 LETTER Chassidic Rabbi About the Cover (continued from 2) ….Miriam, Aaron, and Moses…. BY RABBI BENZION COHEN “A Family Portrait” yet by scholars.There are countless photos, diaries, testimonies, official records and B.H. Mazal Tov BY ERIC JABLONER recorded names. There is historical film footage. There are thousands of books on This was at first a the history of these events. And, the Baruch Hashem we have a mazal tov,a simple idea of what the Holocaust continues to be studied and new grandson, born to my son Motti and best known siblings of pondered in all forms of the arts. his wife Natti. The bris was last week. Israel’s exodus would look like if they There is no greater eyewitness to the Every bris is special, but this one was more were together and encountered a vision of committed atrocities than General so. They named the baby Gavriel Moshe. G-d. It led to my own encounter with Eisenhower, the former Supreme This is the Hebrew name of our dear father what I envisioned. My hope is that it helps Commander of the Allied Forces in World of blessed memory, Gabriel (Gabe) Cohen, the viewer see and feel what could be an War II and President of the United States. who edited and published this National awesome encounter. He visited the liberated concentration Jewish Post & Opinion for 75 years. The original 16” x 20” painting is sold, camp of Ohrdruf in Gotha, Germany, My father passed away five years ago. but prints are available. The painting is on April 12, 1945, where he personally We have other grandchildren named after part of a New Haven, Conn., synagogue’s witnessed the thousands of piled bodies him: Gavriel Moshe Kalman, Moshe art collection. that were shot and burnt beyond Yisroel Noach, and Moshe Mordechai, and With 30 years of painting small canvas recognition. The stench alone was now a nephew Moshe. However, this is as fine art or large canvas for a theatrical overwhelming. He wrote to his wife our first Gavriel Moshe, named only after production, I have had the honor to use Mamie, “I never dreamed that such our father. I love my father dearly. I was my talent for the empowering of Jewish cruelty, bestiality, and savagery could very fortunate to have a warm and loving learning and our heritage. As a young really exist in this world.” relationship with him for 57 years. Now I designer I worked on projects for the And to General Marshall he wrote,“The have a new grandson named after him. Jewish Museum in New York City, visual evidence and the verbal testimony The day after the bris I had another Hartford, Conn., and many other venues. of starvation, cruelty and bestiality were so beautiful experience. Some old memories This lead to illustrations and paintings for overpowering as to leave me a bit sick… I came back to me. I remembered five years Hanukkah cards, Passover Haggadah’s, made the visit deliberately, in order to be ago getting news that my father had passed costumes for Purim pageants, designing in a position to give first-hand evidence of away. I got on to the first available flight to portable Sukkot, synagogue donor walls these things if ever, in the future, there America, which landed at Newark. and decor. I currently live in Tucson, develops a tendency to charge these My son Motti came to meet me at the Ariz., and share ownership of Christiana’s, allegations merely to ‘propaganda’.” airport. At the time he was learning in the a working artist gallery and studio. As President Eisenhower well understood Lubavitcher Yeshiva in 770, Brooklyn. We a preferred vendor for the United how time may damage memory. And, travelled together to Indianapolis, and his Synagogue of Conservative Judaism that is why he made sure that as many of very presence was a great comfort to me. (www.uscj.org/Marketplace/ArtArchitecture his fellow soldiers as possible see for He was by my side for the funeral and the .aspx), my work can be commissioned themselves the physical horrors of the whole week of mourning. Two years later with originals and prints available at Holocaust. Let us do no less than he married, and now he has named www.ericjabloner. com. remember the events of the Holocaust his first son after my father of blessed as they truly occurred and whose impact memory. This is also a great comfort. j i many of us still feel a generation later. Why is this a comfort? There are and the world will be completely good. The pain will never die and the memory unfortunately children today who don’t I am reminded of my past. I grew up in of those we lost will live forever. care too much about their own parents, Indianapolis, and lived a rather secular Isaiah Kuperstein, Former Director of and their grandparents mean even life.The secular have little connection with Education, U.S. Holocaust Memorial less. My son honors his parents and the past.They view their religious ancestors Museum, 2201 E. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN grandparents. In addition, we believe that as primitive and superstitious. The present 46205. 317-253-3417, we have an eternal soul. When a person also means very little. They think that life passes away, his soul goes up to heaven. is just an accident. Many, many years j i Often this soul comes back down to this ago a lot of molecules just happened to and professors. Maybe there is a G-d, after world, and is born again. This is called connect together in a certain order, and all? How can I know for sure? Spend reincarnation. My new grandson has my life started. If life is just an accident, how some time at your local Chabad House. father’s name, and maybe also his soul. much meaning can it have? The future is Go to one of their weekly classes. If you Life is not always easy, but it can be very also very bleak. When people turn 50 they seriously look for Hashem, you will find meaningful. I feel a strong connection begin to develop wrinkles and grey hair. Him. Especially right now. This Sunday is with my past, with my parents and Their memory sometimes fails. Slowly (we Shavuous, the celebration of the giving of grandparents and our ancestors for the hope), things go downhill. If you don’t the Torah. last 3,800 years. They lived a good and believe that you have a soul, all you can We send our blessings to all of our beautiful life, a life of Torah. I am trying look forward to is a bitter end, the grave. readers and all of Israel to receive and my best to follow in their footsteps. How can we find meaning? Think for a learn the Torah with joy. It should Every day I try to help people. I try to minute. Were my grandparents and their illuminate the inner depths of our heart. bring as much love and holiness as I can to ancestors just stupid primitives? And what This will help to bring Moshiach Now! make our world better. I see the world about 95% of Americans today who Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, getting better and better. Soon we will believe in Hashem? This includes a lot of Israel. He can be reached by email at reach our final and complete redemption, smart and modern people, even scientists [email protected]. 4 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 sacrifices could no longer be offered Jewish because of the destruction of the Second Eighteen Temple in 70 C.E., the Talmudic rabbis imbued the holiday with spiritual reasons to Educator significance by designating it as the day the Israelites received the Torah at Mt. be Jewish BY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN Sinai. They were able to do this because BY RABBI STEPHEN J. EINSTEIN the Torah does not mention any specific Shavuot: A night date for this momentous event. The noted theologian Emil Fackenheim In Exodus 19:1 it says that the Israelites has spoken about the 614th commandment, of study and a life arrived at Mt. Sinai “on this day” (bayom and it is this: “Do not give Hitler a hazeh in Hebrew). The rabbis interpreted posthumous victory.” If Jewish civilization of commitment ‘on this day’ to mean that the giving and ends because we do not live Jewish lives, receiving of the Torah is a perpetual and we will have done just that...and Hitler The first time I fully experienced the continuing process which occurs for each would end up victorious. glorious holiday of Shavuot was a balmy person in every generation. The actual For some Jews, Dr. Fackenheim’s June night in Jerusalem. Determined to date therefore transcends all limitations of statement is persuasive and motivational. celebrate the ancient ritual of tikkun liel time and place. Through the process of Others seek a more affirmative push, and Shavuot (staying up all night to study interpreting time markers in Exodus and ask, “Aren’t there positive reasons to be Torah and other sacred Jewish texts), my linking various Biblical verses however, Jewish?” Of course there are! I’ve been husband and I made the necessary the rabbis were able to affix the date of the thinking about this a bit, and I came up childcare arrangements and drank cups giving of the Torah as the 6th of Sivan, 50 with a list. Here’s what I jotted down: of coffee with dinner in preparation for days after the first counting of the Omer · I love my Judaism, and can’t imagine what we imagined would be a spiritual which begins on the second day of Passover. living without it. marathon. I’ll admit I was nervous, both The 50th day coincides with Shavuot. · Jewish weddings are freilach – we dance about the sitter we hired (who knew less The importance of linking Passover with and rejoice before the bride and groom. English than we knew Hebrew) and about Shavuot is central to the Jewish idea of · We have holidays every month (save one), the possibility that I might not be able to redemption.The Exodus from Egypt unified and a special day each week – Shabbat. make it through the night without falling the Israelites as a physical nation by uniting · While I learn my Judaism in my asleep over the texts. them as a people through their liberation synagogue, I live it in my home, and in my The crowd of people outside the Pardes from generations of slavery. They achieved everyday life. Institute where we chose to study buzzed freedom together under the leadership of · Questioning is encouraged – the with anticipation as we waited for the doors Moses, who spoke to them of the saving questions are more important than the to open. The old timers came prepared power, might and greatness of God. But answers because they lead to more questions. with canteens of soda, thermoses of hot for what were they freed? · Rituals give color and flavor to my life, coffee and pillows to sit on. I brought a The answer came three months later at and each one points to a moral lesson. pen and some no-doze, just in case. the foot of Mt. Sinai when the Hebrew · Being Jewish gives me a connection to We studied from the book of Exodus people became a spiritual nation, unified others in a world that is often alienating. with great scholars like Dr. Aviva Zornberg in the covenant they entered into with the · Virtually wherever I travel, I can find and Rabbi Danny Landis. We discussed God that brought them out of Egypt “with my community. the Revelation at Mt. Sinai, what it must a strong hand and an outstretched arm.” · Every time the Torah scroll is lifted, have been like then and what it means They were freed for a special purpose and I feel the generations which have to receive the Torah in our own day. mission – to love God, follow the laws of preceded me. We struggled with the texts, interpreting the Torah and become a holy nation. · Books are sacred, learning is revered, difficult passages while plates of cookies Redemption and Revelation, physical and and teachers are respected. and fruit were passed around the room. spiritual liberation, are intimately linked · There is more than one way to be a The hours flew by but instead of feeling through Jewish history. good Jew. tired, I was exhilarated by the many views The sun was rising as we reached the · Ours is an optimistic outlook on life. that were shared. The fact that we all Kotel, its golden rays spread over the · Judaism is a way of life, informing how didn’t necessarily agree with one another massive stones worn by age and the I look at things, how I believe, and even was far less important than the act of millions of hands who have clung to it how I eat. grappling with the texts together, as Jews for strength, wisdom and faith. A sea of · Judaism encourages me to enjoy have done for thousands of years bodies swayed back and forth and the eating, but not be a glutton...to enjoy About an hour before sunrise, we hum of Hebrew prayers was almost drinking, but not be a drunkard. ended our study session and headed deafening. We stood together in the early · Judaism doesn’t require me to believe through the darkened streets towards the morning light – a tapestry of Israeli, the unbelievable, but encourages me to Old City. An ethereal dance of silhouettes American, Canadian, European, South dream beyond the see-able. moved all around us as thousands of African and Oriental Jews, calling out to · Judaism gives me the means to express people, many dressed in traditional history and God in different voices but my joy and the hope to overcome my grief. Chasidic black coats and hats, walked calling out together, as the Jewish nation · Every time I attend a Bris or Bat with the same goal in mind – to arrive at did at Sinai several thousand years ago. Mitzvah, I feel the chain of Jewish the Western Wall by sunrise in time to say As we headed home for breakfast, I tradition on which I am a link. the morning prayer service. understood the significance of staying · Life is a paramount value, as seen Originally Shavuot was celebrated as a up all night to study the Torah. The in the fact that the number 18 is so spring harvest festival, the time when Jews commitment to study reaffirms our special. After all the word is numerically would make a pilgrimage to the Temple in relationship to the text, to the Jewish equivalent to 18, and it means life. Jerusalem to offer their first fruits. When (see Lederman, page 9) (see Einstein, page 9) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 5 Involvement The Roads Wiener’s Amid thunder and lighting, the Torah explains, comes the Revelation that God from delivered them. There are standards of life Babel Wisdom that require commitment by choice not through dictates. There really cannot be BY SETH BEN-MORDECAI BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. any freedom without discipline, lacking that there is chaos and even anarchy. High energy What a difference Therein lays the connection between the two holidays. The one leads to the To emphasize an action or express a a day makes other – freedom and purpose. strong determination in English, we can Law, which is the very foundation of a raise the voice: “I will see him”becomes “ It is Shavuot. Exactly 50 days from civilized people, will now be taught in I WILL see him!” We can use adverbs or Passover a little obscure holiday called terms that will make living together adverbial phrases or clauses: “I surely Shavuot occurs. It is a one day holiday possible and enjoyable. In these laws will will see him”or “Certainly I’ll see him”or unlike its sister pilgrimage holidays of be the requirement to be holy because “It is my strong determination to see Passover and Sukkot, both of which are holiness leads to Godliness and that in him.”Or we can use salty language: “I will commemorated for seven day. You might turn leads to completion. effen see him!”But in Biblical Hebrew, the say that it is the stepchild of holidays. easiest means to express emphasis or However, it is a very significant holiday Promise determination was to attach the suffix - because it celebrates connection, In the Book of Ruth we learn some ennah to the imperfect tense (i.e., the involvement and promise. valuable lessons: how to treat the poor, “future tense”of Modern Hebrew). love of parents, even parents-in-law, love Note that the “n”of the suffix -ennah is Connection between a man and a woman with different doubled. In English, doubling a consonant The Israelites have been wandering in backgrounds who find common ground in is a mere spelling convention. But in the desert for these many days and finally devotion to heritage and tradition. Biblical Hebrew, a doubled consonant was arrive at a place called Sinai. It is there that The most important lesson, in my opinion pronounced twice as long as an ordinary they will get to understand their purpose is in the classic expression Ruth exclaims one. A dagesh – a dot –in a consonant can and the realization that laws and to Naomi: “Wherever you go, I will go. show doubling. governance are necessary for civilizations Your people shall be my people, and your The suffix -ennah occurs several times in to survive and thrive. They are the God, my God.” Not only is it poetic but Parshat Balak. At Numbers 23:19, we read: recipients of a concept called freedom. through this we learn that Judaism accepts After more than 200 years, they walk once people for inclusion without preconditions. more upright and proud void of the Our faith does not determine that This means,“Does he [G-d] talk and not master’s whip and the degradation that converting the world is a mandate but act? Does he declare and not CREATE?” accompanies such cruelty. rather welcomes those who would be part The verb is yeqimennah, which consists The euphoria that permeated the of who we are and what we know to be of the imperfect yaqim, i.e., “he creates” camps, in some instance was more than the acknowledgment of the one true God. [literally, “he causes to stand”] plus the they had imagined or understood. After We understand very well that to reach suffix, -ennah. By emphasizing “creates,” all, it is one thing to dream of being free God can and does necessarily requires us the speaker shows he is incredulous at the and another of its realization. How does a to start the journey. Moreover, we know notion that G-d might declare and then free person act? How does a free person that the journey does not stop with us and not bring his declaration into existence. go anywhere with no purpose? includes all who seek justice, love, and Another example at Numbers 23:20. There is drama because now they had to connection to an idea and an ideal. There we read: feed, clothe and shelter themselves. They In every language, in every corner of the never knew to plan or make decisions. world, the teaching is the same: “Love Who will tell them what to do, how to do everyone, as we would want them to love This means, “I’ve undertaken to bless. it and why? There is emptiness and the us.” It is universal in thought but not so He [G-d] has blessed, and I certainly will feeling of hopelessness because they easy to achieve.There is so much hatred in not retract [the blessing].” The verb is never had to think for themselves. the world. Wars are fought and people die ashivennah, which consists of the ashiv, Then comes the moment of needlessly. Not believing as others do is a i.e.,“I will cause to return,”plus, -ennah. comprehension, the time to connect the challenge to civility.The Heavens are over- When -ennah is sandwiched between a dots and witness the destiny that awaits crowded with souls that cry out for justice verb and an object, it can contract to a them. It is called Shavuot. because of indifference and intolerance. mere doubled nun. Thus, in Numbers Shavuot is a lesson in compassion 24:17, we read: j i and mercy. We should learn from Shavuot An attorney and Semitic linguist with that all humanity is tied to one another degrees from Brandeis, Stanford and Univ. with a common thread of birth and life, This means,“I will certainly see him, but of Calif., Seth Watkins (pen name, Ben- the same life that was breathed into us at not now.”The verb is er’ennu consisting of Mordecai) merges linguistic analysis with the beginning when God “breathed the er’eh, meaning “I will see”plus, -ennah, plus legal sleuthing to uncover lost meanings of breath of life”into Adam. the direct object pronoun -hu, meaning ancient texts. His Exodus Haggadah A little obscure holiday that uniquely “him.” Here, the “h” of -hu has been uniquely includes the full story of the illustrates what a difference, a day makes! dropped as often occurs in rapid speech. Exodus in an accessible format. When not Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of the On learning of this energetic suffix, one lawyering or writing, he enjoys feeding Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation. Comments to might be discouraged, or one might say, “his” raccoon Ranger, and Ranger’s two [email protected]. His new book, Living with Elmedennah! meaning,“I certainly will study!” cubs. Email: [email protected]. Faith, will be published in January, 2013. 6 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 In seeking a better Rashi tried to explain this Mishna by Shabbat saying that it was for the protection of a future, look past person who, when traveling, is exposed to the dangers of the wilds and shouldn’t stop people’s labels Shalom to do anything at all. Our Mishna seems to view nature with a degree of ambivalence, BY RABBI SANDY EISENBERG SASSO BY RABBI JON ADLAND implying that the appreciation of nature interferes with true service to God. From I am invited to attend Pirke Avot 3:8 – Rabbi Jacob said: If a man everything I have learned about Judaism a gathering of religious is walking by the way and is studying and and the world around us, this is far from leaders from around the country to then interrupts his study and says: “How the truth. formulate a letter on family planning and fine is this tree?” or “How fine is this We thank God in a number of ways for the reproductive rights. I walk into the room ploughed field?” Scripture regards him as beauty of this world and the opportunity on the morning of what is to be a full day though he was liable for his life. to be a part of it. Upon seeing such sights of meetings. Having already read the list as majestic mountains, deserts and rivers, of participants, I have some expectations May 18, 2012, Behar we recite the blessing: “Blessed are You... and some reservations. Lev. 26:3–27:34, 26 Iyar 5772 who makes the work of creation.” Upon I, a rabbi, will be sitting around the table partaking of seasonal fruits, when we first with the head of a Catholic organization, a I have to admit that as I placed the enjoy the first fruits of the new year’s Muslim imam, a Muslim woman lawyer above Mishna (a single verse) into the harvest, we thank God with the blessing, and community organizer, a Presbyterian Pirke Avot position at the top of the page I “who has kept us alive, sustained us, and minister who is co-founder of the New was perplexed. It says that a person who is allowed us to reach this time.”We express Evangelical Partnership for the Common studying, presumably Torah, and interrupts our gratitude that God has preserved us Good, an Episcopal priest and a Baptist his study to see and take note of the to this time, and has granted us the pastor and theologian. I imagine a literalist beautiful world around him is liable for his opportunity to partake of God’s wonderful approach to Scripture, a conservative life. How could Rabbi Jacob, the Mishna’s creations. And of course, we bless God – stance on religious freedom, women’s author, not want people to take the time both before and after – for all the food rights and other social issues. to see the beauty of God’s creation or, as God graces us with. There is a blessing for It doesn’t take long to find out that I am we often say,“Stop and smell the flowers.” seeing a rainbow, “Blessed are You…who wrong on every count. remembers the covenant, is faithful to the The Catholic leader is an advocate for j i covenant, and keeps his word” (Referring affordable access to contraception and for If we are to have a serious conversation to the covenant God made with Noah women’s choice. The Muslim imam is a about the future of our country, we will need with the symbol of a rainbow.) voice for progressive values guided by to recognize the complexity and diversity Today in northeast Ohio it is going to be the principles he believes are rooted in within any group, religious or secular, and to a glorious day – temperature in the 70’s, Islam – social equality, separation of be cautious of labels that convey unreliable blue sky, light winds. As I write this, I am church and state, freedom of speech, and often inaccurate information. listening to the songbirds in the trees women’s rights, gay rights and critical In the advertising world the wisdom behind our house and looking at the analysis and interpretation of sacred texts. is to formulate a simple narrative and sunlight bounce off of all the beautiful The evangelical minister is interested in to communicate it powerfully. That might plants and flowers on our deck. Tomorrow something I say about the Jewish under- be good advice if you are choosing a I am going fishing for the first time in standing of sexuality. He agrees with the restaurant, a pair of running shoes or even almost two years and look forward to the Jewish stance and wants the religious a car, but it is dangerous counsel when peace and quiet that comes with being on source so it might help to inform his own choosing a religious worldview or the a lake removed from the everyday sounds faith. The female Episcopal priest is in a leaders of a country. we encounter in the city. I’ve always loving relationship with another woman As we approach the primary elections embraced nature and offer my own and together they have five children. and plan for November, let us look beyond blessings to all that God created. Though In the evening, two rabbis and two the labels. We need to let politicians know I am not sure what Rabbi Jacob was really priests walk into a bar…we have a glass of that we are citizens, sophisticated enough intending with his words, I would love for wine together and find ourselves mostly to engage in honest evaluations of him to put down his Torah for a moment, talking about our children. complex issues. We don’t want candidates close his eyes and just listen. God’s words No one wishes to convert anyone else. to stereotype and malign other groups in may be in the book, but God’s voice is in No one privileges his or her understanding order to promote themselves or their the wind passing through a tree, a song- of Scripture or truth. We are more focused party. We want them to preach less and bird calling out to its mate, or even, if you on listening to each other than preaching listen more. We want them to understand listen closely, to the flower opening up its to one another. that we are not buying an automobile; we bud. Another Jacob understood this when We have a tendency to put people into are choosing our and our children’s future. he awoke from a dream and said,“God is categories, label them and then presume We need leaders who are not trying to sell in this place and I, I did not know it.” we know everything there is to know us something, but who, in partnership God is all around us. It is easy to see about them. It is what leads us to make with us, are attempting to create a strong and feel when blessings are flowing ridiculous assumptions like: atheists and visionary country that can help move through or wrapping themselves around lack morality; religious individuals are the world to a better and safer time. you. It isn’t so easy to see and feel when incapable of intellectual engagement; Sasso and her husband Rabbi Dennis C. there is pain and loss, but I truly believe Democrats are for big government; Sasso have been senior rabbis at Congregation that God is there even more so. God is in Republicans don’t care about the Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis for 34 years. the words of comfort, the strength of a poor; liberals are bleeding hearts and Reprinted with permission from The hug, the presence of a friend. God is in the conservatives are hard-hearted. Indianapolis Star, May 1, 2012. (see Adland, page 9) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 7 could mourn them, dared to survive? So, a Jewish Shipley song right at the beginning of the show was called “We’re Sorry We Won it”. It expressed the thought that “A Jew Who is America Speaks a Winner is To Be Scorned”. Since 1973, the Arab nations, pretty well BY HOWARD W. KARSH BY JIM SHIPLEY deciding that they could not destroy Israel by force, have turned to more subtle Unity coalition in A failure to tactics. They are using the one weapon that they have multiple times more than Israel: Here we go! communicate Israel: money. The Arab nations of Saudi Arabia, Syria, The Yiddish expression is “Man plans: I’m an ad guy. And a sales guy. I have The Emirates and others have “bought” the Almighty laughs,”but it seems we are been taught and practiced the art of chairs at numerous universities to just about to take off into issues and ideas getting a story across to willing listeners, “teach”an anti-Israel message to students. that have been buried in Parliamentary skeptical listeners and downright hostile Unwitting young minds that have come quibbling since the 1980s. If you were not non-listeners. The idea is to present your out of our high schools with little or no taken by surprise, you knew more than point of view in a way that will reinforce knowledge of modern world history are most Israelis and Jews in the world. Likud the willing “prospect’s” desire to take the susceptible to a message of the weak and Kadima have joined together to form action you are requesting; changing the against the strong, the hapless against the a National Party, with a majority of mind of the skeptical one and perhaps establishment. But, these insidious 71–23, and the pyre of potential issues is even swaying the hostile “prospect”a bit. purveyors of hate have turned history on about to ignite. You would think after all these years, its head. The Jew as victim is an image we Everything is potentially on the table. the State of Israel – with that incredible do not and will not accept. But, to teach Compulsory military service, social service product called the Jewish State, would that Israel is an “Apartheid”state and the subventions, all of the hot domestic and have developed a strong story and a military might of the Middle East, or that international issues that were suppressed compelling narrative to get the story of they are occupiers is red meat for the because the sitting government could this only democracy in the Middle East gullible young. It must be counteracted. not be assured of having the votes, even across to a broad audience of all three Israel gave up Gaza. No quid pro quo – after selling its political soul to simply stay types of prospects. just left. Now thousands of missiles have in office. Who would have figured that a nation rained down over the years since. A What might we look for? Certainly a of Jews would be great at farming and thriving greenhouse and vegetable major new initiative in making peace fighting and terrible at public relations? As industry, left for the Arabs to take over with the Palestinians. While this will be a Ambassador Michael Oren points out in and create an economy was stripped of difficult and terrifying journey, it is one his Wall Street Journal OP–Ed; back in its equipment and cannibalized. that must be taken. While the Israeli 1973, Life Magazine devoted a cover and Yet, the propaganda machine churns on. population is divided on how to do it, 92 pages to the miracle of the State. I participated in a forum at Rollins College collectively they know that it must be Admittedly, that presentation may have in Winter Park where a young, bright resolved. The Palestinians, even more been a bit over the top – but there was not female Jewish student who had attended a isolated than ever, must know that this is a single misstatement in it. summer program sponsored by “Seeds of an opportunity they must resolve to take. In 1968 a show from Israel titled To Live Peace” stood and proclaimed that the There will be new assessments and Another Summer featuring the Grand audience should protest their tax dollars thinking about relationships with Iran. On Ballet of Israel toured the U.S. Israel was going to “kill Palestinian babies.” a day-to-day basis, the situations in Egypt, still in the flush of staving off annihilation Where are our voices? Who proclaims Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Tunisia and and celebrating its victory. But, the the dozens of Nobel prize winners the entire Middle East need to be backlash had already started.The insipient from Israel? Do your kids know of the assessed, reassessed and acted upon. Anti-Semitism around the world began to thousands of Arab mothers who give birth The last years have seen even more snipe. Who were these Jews that instead in Israeli hospitals every year? Can they division between religious and secular of going to their deaths quietly so that we even imagine what it is like for this tiny Jews. The anger runs deep, and their land taking up less that 1% of the land of divisions will likely play out on the streets j i the Middle East to absorb millions of of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. There are issues There was a time when we believed that displaced Jews from all over the world? of housing, social service, employment differences among us would not break out And believe me – these new immigrants and unemployment, and then there is the in civil unrest, but these are different when filling out their professions do not issue of exemptions for military service, times, and we are not all bound to the write “philanthropist”. and subvention of every kind. same beliefs. When we look around the Yet, they are absorbed. And the nation Up until now all of these have been world to witness how differences are somehow continues to flourish. How do fought in the political arena, but not now being played out, we can only pray that we tell the truth to the world? Most of the with a national unity government. And we will seek the higher road. organizations trying to get the real story small parties, who could previously offer And for all of us, the curtain is about out and expose the lying and distortion votes for power sharing, will have a to rise. symbolized by the BBC and literally smaller say in the decision making. Howard W. Karsh lives and writes in hundreds of web sites are for the most Of course, this is Israel. These are Milwaukee, Wisc., and can be reached at part, preaching to the choir. contentious, stiff necked Jews, of whom [email protected]. He has recently been It will take a grass roots, bottom up we have read about since the beginning named as a community columnist for the movement to try and counter this growing of our history, and so the negotiations will Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. This column tide of anti-Israel rhetoric and actions. be loud and fraught with fervor. was submitted on May 10, 2012. (see Shipley, page 11) 8 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 Seminary, commented indirectly on this were shared beliefs that encouraged them Gather the People several years ago when he said: “I’m well to take the lead; and when there were aware of our dying as a community. We’re competent and trustworthy leadership awaiting not one giant to lead us but a models from whom they could observe chorus of courageous leaders who will and learn. help us transform the shudder of a dying Most crucial for learning about leadership BY RABBI MOSHE people [into something new].” is the presence of competent and trustworthy BEN ASHER,PH.D. How are we to know if we are personally models – but who are these leaders? AND MAGIDAH called to lead? Often, whether at home or at work or KHULDA BAT SARAH When God calls out to Moses at the in our community, there is a dearth of Burning Bush, he answers, “hinneni.” leadership – we are bereft of models. In On Jewish According to one of our modern the Torah reading Shemot, however, we commentators, Professor (Rabbi) Nahum encounter a number of leadership congregational M. Sarna (1923–2005), “[The] Hebrew models, from Moses and Pharaoh to the hinneni is the standard, spontaneous, midwives Shifra and Puah, and Pharaoh’s leadership unhesitating response to a call.”But Rashi daughter Batya. (Rabbi Shlomo ben Yitzchak, 1040–1105) In regard to Moses’personal qualities as a There is a widely acknowledged teaches us that it took God seven days to leader, Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (1865– principle of strengthening and unifying convince Moses to take up the mission to 1935) teaches us that the leader “…must organizations that says, “Whatever the Pharaoh. So we may conclude that while have intrinsic purity, feel empathy with problem, whatever the solution, do Moses was naturally open to hearing the the congregation, and be humble. He [or leadership development!” And it’s a verity call of God, he was nonetheless reluctant she] must be a visionary, must learn how that in our family life, workplace, to take on the mission God would assign to delegate tasks and responsibility, and congregation, community and nation, to him. (Exodus 3:11) encourage the people to strive for greater “leadership” is the sine qua non of In effect, that we are reluctant, even heights of their own accord.This is why he human achievement and fulfillment. resistant, should not disqualify us, but on involved himself in the quarrel between But having said that, we are confronted the contrary, may be a healthy and [two] Jews on the morrow of his having with the problem of defining what appropriate first instinct. As to whether slain the Egyptian thug.” constitutes leadership. And when we we should ignore that instinct, asking Akeidat Yitzchak notes, “Moses’ deed have that worked out, we face the ourselves two questions may be helpful [i.e., slaying the Egyptian] was one of the challenge of determining who will make in making the decision: (1) Is this qualifications that fitted him for a role of good leaders and how that will happen. “mission” in question for the sake of leadership amongst his people. The Another problem in thinking about heaven? (2) Am I willing to struggle with second qualification was his urge to see leadership development is that such the ways in which I am called to lead? that social justice should prevail.” thinking almost always puts us in a bind. Generally, we tend to seek leadership Shifra and Puah saved the lives of many On the one hand, if we all look to others, roles when the purposes and tasks are of male Jewish babies, not only that of beyond ourselves, for leadership, then by our own design and when they promise to Moses. They were not unaffected by definition none of us take the initiatives elevate us in the eyes of others. We tend to Pharaoh’s anger and the possibility of necessary to assume leadership – so each avoid leadership responsibility when the retribution, but they showed – forgive the of us should be considering ourselves as purposes and tasks are not of our own politically incorrect expression – “…manly potential leaders. On the other hand, the making and when they promise hard work determination…,” according to Rabbeinu best leaders potentially are not those without recognition. In the short term, Bachya (Rabbi Bachya ben Asher, individuals who are angling for the becoming a leader in the Jewish tradition 1255–1340). They had a greater concern preference and prestige of office, but is not likely to make us comfortable – about the consequences of ignoring rather those who are drafted because seemingly the measure of all goodness the Divine Plan than ignoring the will they have the confidence and support of in contemporary life – or afford us of Pharaoh. the people. recognition as public benefactors. Mature leaders typically recognize that Thinking about leadership is also often Akeidat Yitzchak (Rabbi Yitzchak ben their most important accomplishments problematic because we confuse leadership Moshe Arama, 1420–1494) teaches that, are achieved through one-to-one with office: Leadership entails action, doing “Moses’ accomplishment in restoring relationships with a wide variety of particular things, which engage followers; God’s presence to earth made him the people. As Rabbi Kook put it, “The ruler while office involves position, exercising intermediary between God and his people. of each generation should attempt to authority to cause things to be done. We’re To be a good intermediary requires that understand each and every individual, in the habit of electing people to office the intermediary himself feel in harmony and through helping every person, he [or and asking that they exercise authority with the objectives and methods of the she] will elevate the entire status of for us rather than empowering them for one who has made him intermediary. the congregation.” leadership and emulating their action. Such rapport can exist either naturally,or And mature leaders recognize that Part of the reason we’re often burdened in spite of one’s natural inclinations.” although practical goals such as with leaders who are inadequate or But if our initiatives as leaders are not to be fundraising and hiring qualified staff are incompetent is that those among us who of our own design, then what are they to be? important, their achievement requires could do better have abandoned our Another way of thinking about that the accomplishment of less tangible responsibility. We tend when thinking question is to ask, what were the conditions objectives, such as building up the about leaders to imagine powerful and under which exceptional leaders became confidence, knowledge, and commitment charismatic individuals, a definition that recognized in the Jewish tradition? There of the people. As Rabbi Kook said, “His does not fit the overwhelming majority of us. are several: when there were threats to [or her] task is then to bring out their Rabbi Bill Lebeau, former Vice Chancellor their well-being or that of their family, natural abilities and spirituality, to develop and Dean of the Jewish Theological community, people, or nation; when there (see Ben Asher/Bat Sarah, page 16) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 9 this ritual, our sages tacitly implanted in LEDERMAN Kaddish the very being of the mourner the theme (continued from 4) that death is part of the cadence of life. BY ISRAEL RUBIN That the same feeling of intense grief people and to God. Just as we celebrate which so overwhelms him, has pounded marriage annually with an anniversary, The Kaddish is most many hearts through the ages. Shavuot is the time to celebrate the commonly known as the The purpose of Kaddish recitation (and marriage between God and the Jewish Mourner’s Kaddish (Kaddish Yatom). all other blessings) is to thank and praise people and honor all that has occurred Sometimes referred to as “Orphan’s” God who constantly watches over all his throughout our history to keep Judaism Kaddish, it is recited for a period of eleven creatures and creations. By means of the alive and well. months less one day after the death of a Kaddish and other blessings we reiterate Lederman is an award winning author, parent, and at the annual Yahrzeit and bear in mind that God does not reside Jewish educator, public speaker and attorney (Commemoration of Death). The term is only in the lofty heavens. Everything in who lives in Tucson. Visit her website at shortened to thirty days for a deceased this world exists because of Him. Every amyhirshberglederman.com. sibling, wife, husband, or child. Why a happening that occurs in the world has a formulation of spiritual significance and a Godly orientation. j i praise? At a time Thus, when a person purchases a new EINSTEIN of bereavement garment, or experiences something new (continued from 4) a Jew expresses that makes him happy, he recites the his acceptance of She’echiyanu blessing. And if, God forbid, You probably noticed, when I totaled G-d’s judgment. a tragedy engulfs him, he acknowledges my list, I had...18 items! Furthermore, that even this tragedy that befell him was Rabbi Stephen J. Einstein has been senior Kaddish recited by with God’s sanction, and he recites the rabbi of Congregation B’nai Tzedek in a mourner helps to blessing, Baruch Dayan Ha’emet. Fountain Valley, Calif. for 36 years. We wish redeem the soul of By means of these blessings faith in God him a Yasher Koach for the double chai the deceased. is revealed and unfolds throughout the years of service as he retires at the close of Its recitation by world. At the same time the one reciting this year. This is an excerpt from Rabbi mourners stirs up a the blessings is himself blessed. The Einstein’s Rosh Hashanah sermon, on Rosh range of emotions, many of whom acknowledgment that God controls and Hashanah morning, 5760. erroneously imagine it to be a prayer directs everything in this world establishes for the dead. While it is true that the and bestows significance to every happening j i “Mourner’s” Kaddish is recited by the in life. When a person merits something ADLAND heartbroken it is not a prayer for the that makes him happy, his happiness is (continued from 6) departed, nor is there any mention of deeper because of the recognition that the dead. The Kaddish is a dynamic Divine Providence brought it about. And community and God is in the words of affirmation of faith in G-d. It is,”as Rabbi when, God forbid, an accident or tragedy our tradition. Maurice Lamm says, “a call to G-d from befalls him, he has greater strength to As we enter into this Shabbat, take a the depths of catastrophe, exalting His endure it when he realizes that there is a moment to look up from all that is name and praising Him, despite the meaning to this tragedy. And even if he going on in your life and find something realization that He has just wrenched a now does not understand what ‘good’will beautiful – a spouse, a child, a parent, a human being from life.” develop from the ‘bad’he is fortified in the flower, maybe even a rainbow – and Even in times of grief the Jew exalts his knowledge that everything that God made remember to say a blessing of thanks for G-d. Somehow, Kaddish, faithfully recited, in this world, will be for the better. At the this presence in your life. Take another takes the edge off the anguish and sadness end of this heartbreaking experience he moment just to close your eyes and listen. of mourning. Wounded with grief over the will be able to rise from the depth of his When you light your Shabbat candles, loss of a close family member, the Jew is pain and rebuild his life. But he who does light one for the beauty that surrounds us called upon to “praise, glorify and extol”G-d. not have faith in God, undergoes pain and and the power of this beauty that can How very perplexing! “Indeed, the very suffering. The sadness pierces his heart, enhance, maybe even change your life. crucial moment when man’s faith is most penetrating into its depths without relief Light the other candle to remind us to shaken, when very likely he feels rebellious or significance. take a moment and look up. against G-d for the death that has befallen Entire books and many commentaries Rabbi Adland has been a Reform rabbi him, he rises to recite the praises of the have been written about this oft- for more than 25 years with pulpits in Creator.” Yet the very repetition of this misunderstood prayer. In essence it is Lexington, Ky., Indianapolis, Ind., and ancient impenetrable ritual gradually an expression of hope that G-d’s currently at Temple Israel in Canton, Ohio. heals the psychological gash to the heart. Sovereignty will be universally recognized He may be reached at [email protected]. Day in, day out, over a time span of eleven all over the world. Mystery surrounds months, and always in the company of a this composition of the sanctification of j i minyan – that invaluable support group – G-d’s Name. It begins with two words ul’Olmei Olmai’yah (May His great name the mourner chants, Yitgadal, v’Yitkadash. in Hebrew and continues in Aramaic. be blessed forever and to all eternity). The congregational response of Amen, The public recitation of the Kaddish The Chazan (or mourner) repeats this Yehei Shmei Rabba…” and Berich Hu elicits an evocative congregational response before proceeding further. penetrates the intense isolation and response embodying not only praise and The mourners’kaddish is but one of five vulnerability felt by the Mourner. glorification of G-d, but also the hope different types of Kaddish, each serving a This solidarity with the mourner, this sense that G-d’s Kingdom on earth will be different purpose, yet all sanctifying G-d’s of sharing in his sorrow, is a remarkable established soon. In addition to saying Name. Often used to indicate transit from system of comforting the bereaved without Amen, the worshippers respond with one phase to another of the prayer liturgy, intruding into his privacy. In establishing Yehei Shmei Rabba Mevorach l’Olam (see Rubin, page 11) 10 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 deals with her own demons. Rosa lived Jewish through the Lodz ghetto (and possibly the death camps), Renee was born in a refugee camp, and Shaina is pure Theater American. While the grandmother and granddaughter strive to deal with the past, REVIEWED BY IRENE BACKALENICK Renee (now a respected doctor) will have none of it. Nevertheless Shaina (now a Three new Jewish- medical student) returns to Poland to visit the site of the former Lodz ghetto. She themed plays with comes back to share photographs and discoveries with her beloved Bubbe, mixed results her grandmother. All three women interact with tension, Eavedropping on Dreams anger, misunderstanding and love, which (L-R) Michael Esper (son), Dick Latessa makes for good theater. But the story is (father), Linda Lavin (mother), and Kate The New York off-Broadway theater confusing. Who were the fathers of the Jennings Grant (daughter) in The Lyons. scene offers yet another tale of Holocaust various babies? What became of the Photo credit: Carol Rosegg. survivors and heirs. Eavesdropping on men? Why (and at whose hands) did one Dreams is now on the boards at the Cherry baby die? Though the men (relatives, style magazine and wishing her husband Lane Studio Theatre, a production of the Nazis and others) are ably played by would get on with the business of dying. Barefoot Theatre Company. Mike Shapiro and Christopher Whalen, She is depicted as stylish, self-absorbed, To dramatize, once again, the Holocaust their appearances leave us asking for and shallow – a mean-spirited, stereotypical legacy is indeed commendable.We are urged, further explanation. Furthermore, the portrayal of the Jewish wife/mother. Then rightly so, to tell the story again and again, playwright’s use of dreams, flashbacks, the alcoholic daughter arrives and finally enlightening upcoming generations. and changing roles also confuses and the son, who is gay. Both children are lost Awareness is everything in helping a weakens the total effect. souls. Everyone is there at bedside, perhaps future world avoid another Holocaust. Nor does the production itself serve the out of a sense of what is appropriate, not Playwright Rivka Bekerman-Greenberg play well, despite the glowing presence of a sense of closeness. Ultimately the father has indeed taken on a worthy project. Lynn Cohen (playing Rosa). Though the dies and the mother promptly abandons And the play does have the ring of truth, entire cast of five are skilled players, both her children as she announces her plans possibly autobiographical truth. Is this her Aidan Koehler (Shaina) and Stephanie for a new life. Thus the children are forced own family history? But its message is Roth Haberle (Renee) constantly go over to make lemonade out of lemons, timidly weakened by confusion and burdened the top, offering little variation in tone. reaching out for their own new beginnings. by repetition. Back to the drawing board, Each, alas, gives a one-note performance. What’s it all about, Alfie? The message, please, Ms. Bekerman-Greenberg. Both are clearly capable of better work it would seem, is that life works out well What is the play’s theme? Namely, and should have had better direction from for some people, badly for others – the does one openly acknowledge one’s past director Ronald Cohen. Only Lynn Cohen luck of the draw.You make the best of your history? Should one recall and deal offers a more nuanced, quieter performance, circumstances, with possibly good returns with the past – or bury unbearable allowing for a build-up to a climax and if you reach out to others. This hardly memories? Can one, in fact, ever truly final resolution. seems an earth-shaking insight, a new bury these memories? In all, Eavesdropping on Dreams exploration of man’s place in the universe. The play concentrates on three women deserves to be a better play, given the It’s been said before – with better dialogue, – mother Rosa, daughter Renee, and importance of the subject matter. better characterization, better plot – in any granddaughter Shaina, each of whom Hopefully Bekerman-Greenberg will cut number of earlier dramatizations. back on repeated information, which does Yet there is one saving grace to The Lyons. nothing for dramatic effect, and work to Its second act – which deals with the gay clarify the story. son and a man he hopes to seduce – is an affecting little play all in itself. Surprises The Lyons tumble upon surprises, and tension escalates The latest dysfunctional family – a powerfully as the two men spar. Michael Jewish family, as it happens – is now on Esper (as the son) and Gregory Wooddell the Broadway stage. It is playwright Nicky (as his target) rise to the challenge, working Silver’s newest contribution – The Lyons – off each other beautifully. As to the plays’ directed by Mark Brokaw. other performers, Dick Latessa gives a We wonder that this particular play is solid performance as the dying father, and listed as a comedy. Comedic lines surface the highly-touted Linda Lavin comes only occasionally, delivered in rapier-style through as might be expected. She has from the indomitable Linda Lavin. And the unfailing comic touch – lifting her though the audience laughs, the laughter eyebrows, rolling her eyes, and capturing seems more out of nervousness than a her audience. response to humor. The story itself feels But the show’s good direction and sad and pointless. People despair, die, or performances seem hardly worth the struggle through the day. Comedy? No. effort. We had hoped for more, given the (L-R): Lynn Cohen as Rosa and Aidan The plot deals with a family surrounding track record of this gifted playwright. Koehler as Shaina in Eavesdropping on a father who lies dying in his hospital bed. We are still wondering – what’s it all Dreams. Photo credit: Francisco Solorzano. The mother (Lavin) sits flipping through a about, Alfie? May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 11 My Name is Asher Lev SHIPLEY EDITORIAL Jewish theater has finally made its way (continued from 7) (continued from 2) into the suburbs! My Name is Asher Lev has just opened at the renowned Long Wharf The main stream Christian denominations a convoy with about 1,000 other women Theater in New Haven. It is surprising who desire to boycott the Jewish State and children. They were sent directly to that this non-sectarian, non-profit theater camouflage their historical Anti-Semitism the gas chambers. Only seven survived. would take on a Jewish theme, but in grand sounding blather about the Cybulski’s aunt from Paris, Bela perhaps not so surprising, since Long terrible crimes against the Arab people. Orenstztein and her son Armand came to Wharf often features black plays and those Well, just how many suicide bombers did the farm, helping care for him and his of other ethnic groups. Perhaps artistic Israel send onto Arab busses? Don’t kid sister. They all stayed for the duration of director Gordon Edelstein (who directs yourself – the organized anti-Israel the war. The children went to school with the play) thought it was time to give this campaign is a campaign against all Jews. the other children in the village but were ethnic group its place in the sun. We need a long range, effective warned not to speak Yiddish or Hebrew or In any event, the play proves to be campaign to counter-act this travesty. tell anyone who they were. edifying for Jews and non-Jews alike. Yes, most of the Evangelicals are our After the war they returned to Paris and (Fortunately, program notes include a “friends”. But they are heavy on biblical eventually Harry and Dora were sent to glossary. Otherwise, the uninitiated would history and short on present day actions. the Utica in northern Illinois, where they be lost among the liberal sprinkling of Bless their tourism and the dollars they had another aunt and uncle who took Yiddish expressions.) This drama by Aaron leave behind in Israel – but it is our job, as them in. Both children eventually went to Posner, explores the conflict between Jewish parents and teachers and influencers college and become educators. Orthodox Judaism and personal creativity. to turn this tide of money being spent In 1995, Harry and his sister decided to Asher Lev is based on a 1972 novel against us. Ambassador Oren asks: “What go back to the French farm village where by Chaim Potok, who is always interested Happened to Israel’s Reputation?” It has they had lived during the war. They were in the secular/spiritual conflict. How been torn apart by our enemies while we standing in the area of the farm, but the does a practicing Jew make his way in stood here and watched. Never Again! building had been torn down. Harry the greater world? What happens when Jim Shipley has had careers in broadcasting, noticed some people on a porch across inner creativity clashes with the strong distribution, advertising, and telecommuni- the street and he could tell they were traditions of Judaism? His award-winning cations. He began his working life in radio wondering who they were. He and his novel The Chosen (1967) certainly dealt in Philadelphia. He has written his JP&O sister went over to talk to them. His sister with that theme, as does Asher Lev. column for more than 20 years and is director spoke better French so she explained they Its hero, Asher Lev, is a pious Jew who of Trading Wise, an international trade and had lived on the farm as children. also happens to be a gifted artist. He is marketing company in Orlando, Fla. As she talked, one man Harry’s age points raised by a father committed to spreading to him and says, “I know you! We called the word of Orthodox Judaism, a father you “Riri.”(That was short for “Henri,”his who travels constantly throughout Europe, name in French.) Harry recognized him as opening Yeshivas and encouraging its a classmate, and found out he was related participants. But Asher, from earliest years, to the farmer who saved his life. is driven to express himself as a painter. After more conversation Harry asks, He makes contact with an art dealer, “Did you know who we were?” who steers him to an outstanding teacher. “Yes,”the man replies. His father, of course, is horrified, Harry and Dora were shocked. particularly when Asher’s paintings “Did anybody else know we were involve naked women and crucifixes. Jewish?”Harry asks. Written in the first person, the story “Everyone in the village knew,” he is indeed autobiographical, mirroring responds,“and a few other Jews were also much of Potok’s own struggle. hiding here.” But does this strong novel work in Fifty years later Harry and his sister find dramatic form? Actually, Posner has out that not only one family, but an entire turned the story into a reading rather than village had risked their lives to save them. a drama. The title character stands before And even though Harry has told this story the audience and tells his story. Short many times, he still gets choked up talking scenes fraught with conflict do intercept as about it. the story moves forward, but essentially (L-R): Ari Brand as Asher, Mark Nelson Jennie Cohen, May 23, 2012 this is a read-aloud biography. as the father, and Melissa Miller as the Nevertheless the Long Wharf production mother in My Name is Asher Lev. Photo j i is first-rate, thanks to direction and acting. credit: T. Charles Erickson. RUBIN Pacing is impeccable, and three excellent (continued from 9) players spell out the tale. Ari Brand in the Theater critic Irene Backalenick covers title role and Melissa Miller as his mother theater for national and regional publications. the Kaddish in varying forms marks the (and other female characters) certainly grab She has a Ph.D. in theater criticism from conclusion of individual sections of the the audience. Above all, Mark Nelson, in City University Graduate Center. Her book prayer service and the end of the entire several roles as the father, teacher and East Side Story – Ten Years with the Jewish service itself. rabbi, gives towering performances. Repertory Theatre won a first-place national Excerpted from The How and Why of Whether My Name is Asher Lev is book award in history. She welcomes Jewish Prayer by Israel Rubin. For a free biography, novel, reading, or play, it is comments at [email protected] and copy of the chapter on “Kaddish” write to worthy of attention. Jews and non-Jews invites you to visit her website: nytheater [email protected] or to order the book visit: alike will gain from its viewing. scene.com or at: jewish-theatre.com. www.arbakanfot.com. 12 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 worked at some art galleries and Seen on the represented some independent artists. Returning to Israel a year ago, he hired a curator, who had spent six years in Israel Scene New York as a cultural correspondent for an Israeli newspaper. He has launched BY SYBIL KAPLAN an exhibition in a stylized space in order to allow the work of artists to present a Launching Tel Aviv’s different view of the gallery. Feinberg Projects is a multi-faceted arts “Art Year” management and exhibition initiative aimed to render contemporary Israeli Tel Aviv radiates creativity from its and international art accessible to Israeli restaurants, cafes and bars to its art and audiences and beyond, through projects Two “pioneers” Yuval Caspi and Ido Shemi. culture. Three major cultural institutions that combine visual art with live music Photo by Barry A. Kaplan/Jerusalem. have just completed major renovations – a and performances. In addition, Feinberg new wing in the Tel Aviv Museum, the Projects provides art advisory services to developed in Israel with a surrealistic refurbished Habima National Theatre and both the private and business sectors. appearance, as well as mosaics. He is a new wing in the Cinematheque. We were then introduced to street art by considered a shaper of Tel Aviv’s To mark this high point for Tel Aviv, the two of the approximately 20 Tel Aviv street alternative art scene. Caspi is a painter mayor of Tel Aviv has declared 2012 as Art artists, as we walked to the Rosenfeld and comics illustrator. They are creators of Year, launched March 21. Gallery, 1 Shvil HaMif’al, a 3,229 square- a new independent and multi-cultural According to Adi Yekutieli, Director of foot loft with concrete floors, white- movement, Israbilly, to “banish darkness” “Art Year,” the city will celebrate artists washed walls, fluorescent lights and an and spotlight unique cultural creations of who live in Tel Aviv and make everyone exhibition of large paintings. There is also artists “on the fringe.” aware of the art scene. The launching a smaller showroom with various artists. The Raw Art Gallery, at 3 Shvil Ha’Meretz included the Tel Aviv Museum open for 24 Zaki Rosenfeld, a man in his 50s, Street, one of the older galleries in the hours with art tours, panel discussions, explained that with rent prices increasing, area, represents Israeli and international dance performances, video-art screenings artists cannot afford center city housing painters, photographers and sculptors and and more; and tours to artists, studios and and “since art tries to be on the edge, real promotes their contemporary art. It has galleries around the city. things are happening in this area although the white-washed walls of other galleries May 14–19 will be the Fresh Paint after eight at night it becomes a less but tile floors instead of concrete and Contemporary Art Fair, Israel’s largest, desirable neighborhood.” His father had spotlights on the exhibitor’s works instead most influential art event; and Houses opened a gallery in Tel Aviv in the 50s, of fluorescent lights. From Within (May 18–19) with free one of the most traditional galleries. Then Leaving this district for another part of tours to more than 100 homes of special 12 years ago, Rosenfeld changed to Tel Aviv, at 9 Mazeh Street is a social hub architectural value. contemporary art; he moved to this district for young adults 18–35 (35% of the Tel Aviv June 1–8, art-related activities will pay two and a half years ago, and fosters and population is this age). It aims to provide a tribute to Gay Pride Week, culminating in promote cutting-edge talented artists. platform for the needs of young adults. the June 8 Gay Pride parade. Four artists share a small workshop Although the house will continue, the June 28 will feature White Night, an (approximately 656 square feet for art project was only during the month of all-night festival in the historic zone of which they pay approximately $666 rent March and included artists ”squatting” Tel Aviv, declared as a World Cultural a month). The four are friends and in the house, transforming it into a home, Heritage site by UNESCO. The White collaborators and are representative of inviting colleagues to come and visit City is the world’s largest grouping of what this area has become. Meital does and eat and think about the future of this buildings in the Bauhaus style. Cultural costume design, Hadar is a sculptress, place while creating sculptures and doing institutions will be open all night and 100 Ronnie makes jewelry and Amy is a performances. different cultural and artistic happenings children’s book illustrator. One example of a more conventional will take place. Two “pioneers”who moved to this area gallery is next door to the Mazeh, the September 6–8 will be Loving Art before it was trendy are Yuval Caspi and Chelouche Gallery for Contemporary Art Making Art, three days of art activities in Ido Shemi. Shemi creates optical illusion at 7 Mazeh. This is located in the other galleries, museums, and artists’studios. works to give a 3-D effect, a technique half of this historic building, designed To celebrate the year, journalists were and built in the 1920s and planned as treated to visits in the newest area in South homes for two brothers from Berlin Tel Aviv, a district built in the 1960s as an On this date in who wanted identical residences. The industrial zone which has leaped into the Gallery promotes international and local world of art. This an up-and-coming area Jewish history exhibitions in collaboration with curators has between 30 and 100 artists and and artists from around the world, thus it designer studios, as well as 5–10 galleries. On May 23, 1939 is considered a leader in the various fields The buildings had been unoccupied and In Palestine, on the eve of the of contemporary art in Israel. neglected but have large spaces, high Shavuot holiday, seven new Currently exhibited are metal sculptures ceilings, and offer parking space. of a featured artist and two showrooms At 3 HaMif’al Street in a loft is the settlements are established with other artists. On the ground floor is a Feinberg Projects Art Space owned by simultaneously. In all, twelve bookstore-café. Ori Feinberg who spent four years in new settlements are The Noga Gallery of Contemporary New York acquiring a Masters Degree established in May. Art at 60 Achad Ha-am Street currently in Contemporary Art Administration; (see Kaplan/Israel, page 20) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 13 important spiritual practice that we all Kabbalah need to improve upon. To me,“to receive” Jerusalem means to be open, to be present, to be of the without a personal agenda, to receive Month what God wants to give me. Peacemaker It is a popular New Age concept that BY MELINDA RIBNER what we have in our life is an expression BY ELIYAHU MCLEAN of what we have the consciousness to Blooming and receive. We may agree or disagree with Real peace is peace these ideas, but nevertheless, from a receiving Jewish perspective, we need to recognize between opposites Sivan began May 22 that the life circumstances in which we find ourselves are not accidental. Because In our increasingly polarized world, Welcome to the new and beautiful there is a God in this world, life is not traditional Jewish teachings about peace month of Sivan. Just as the trees and random. We may make choices in our can offer us wisdom that we can apply in flowers begin to blossom during the lives, choices that reflect who we are in our current predicament. The word shalom spring month of Sivan, we blossom as our consciousness at the time we make in Hebrew means peace. well. Sivan is the time of gaining clarity of the choice, yet whatever happens to us From the same root in Hebrew comes vision, discovering one’s life purpose and is divine providence. This is especially the word shalem, or wholeness. The great receiving the guidance and direction for true when we feel that we really had no Hassidic philosopher Rebbe Nachman actualizing our goals and purpose. choice to do anything other than what taught that the highest, or absolute, peace Sivan is also the month for increased we did. Therein lies the headquarters is the peace between opposites. love and intimacy. Sivan is an optimal for our deepest transformation and That is, it is our task to seek the unity in time to deepen our soul connections with healing, no matter how difficult it may the opposites, to seek to bring wholeness others and to effortlessly form profound appear to us. within ourselves and to our families, soul connections with new people. Soul Because of God’s involvement in our communities and nations. connections are not bound by time and lives, there is goodness and a depth of The real significance of peace is to join space. In this month of Sivan, we meet light to be extracted from everything that opposites. We shouldn’t be troubled when new people and we feel that we have happens in life, from both our challenges we come across someone who is our exact known them forever. Sivan is such a month as well as our blessings. All life opposite and whose thoughts are contrary of love. It is no coincidence that there are circumstances offer us an opportunity to to our own. Neither should we conclude many more marriages in the month of grow in wisdom and closeness to God. that we will never be able to live together Sivan than during any other month. There is a new Torah to learn this month harmoniously. The laws of physics dictate In Sivan, we celebrate the beautiful that offers us a deeper revelation of God. that opposites attract. Absolute peace is holiday of Shavuos, the Giving of the There is such a heavenly influx of achieved through the effort to make peace Torah (Matan Torah). This holiday is a spiritual light and love available during between opposites, just as Hashem – celebration of a kind of marriage. The this month. Life is so abundant this Hebrew for ‘The Name’, or God – makes Giving of Torah is an expression of the month, so let us not waste any more peace in His High Places between fire and everlasting partnership between the time in our life on what we do not want, water, which are also opposing forces. Jewish people and God, between all of or on blaming ourselves or others for In our work in the Holy Land, we humanity and God. what we have or do not have in our have brought together Jewish, Christian, The holiday of each month actually lives, but let us focus on what we do Muslim, and Druze religious leaders, epitomizes the spiritual energy and want and what we truly desire. We are in a group called ‘The Abrahamic opportunity of the month. The holiday of happy when we receive and allow what Reunion’. We jointly issued ‘A Call for Shavuos, the celebration of the Giving of we want in our lives. The month of Reconciliation’ after the Lebanon war to Torah could only take place in the loving Sivan is a time of joy. show cooperation among the faiths by month of Sivan as Torah is ultimately an How do we become the proper vessels example, and that our destiny is to live expression of highest love, deepest to receive what we truly want in our lives? together as one family. dedication, and most profound intimacy How do we receive Torah and God in our In this and many other gatherings for available to human beings. lives? Are we ready to receive what God prayer and dialogue, we have succeeded in It is said that when the Jewish people wants to give us, what our souls truly bringing together many Palestinians and received the Torah they were of one want, rather than what our little ego self Israelis who otherwise would have seen heart, so unified they were likened to one wants? Do we feel that we deserve such a each other as enemies. being. In the Torah passage that describes revelation? These are deep questions to The atmosphere of both safety and unity Israel’s encampment at the foot of Mount be meditated upon and explored with at our gatherings helps to rebuild trust Sinai at the time of the new moon of your spiritual buddy or guide. between opposing national and religious Sivan, the word “encamped” is in the The month of Sivan is the time to communities. In this process we come to singular rather than the plural form. It receive a new depth of Torah. Torah is not re-humanize ‘the other’and to take down is this unity that enabled the Israelites only what is written, but Torah is God’s the walls of fear that separate us. to receive the Torah. This kind of unity is revelation to you. Torah is the spiritual The ancient Jewish sage Hillel taught possible in Sivan. wisdom that is transmitted directly to you. us in the Pirkei Avot, or ‘Ethics of the Because we received the Torah That is why Sivan is such an auspicious Fathers’, to be like the disciples of Aaron, historically in this month, the whole time for prayer and meditation. loving peace and pursuing peace. If we month of Sivan is about learning to A person can learn what is written on define peace, shalom, as shalem – seeking receive. Many people know how to give, a page in a book of wisdom, but the wholeness – then wherever we live, we and many more know how to take, but Torah is what you actually receive. It is should seek to become a bridge between how to receive on all levels of being is an (see Ribner, page 15) (see McLean, page 16) 14 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 rather ugly and gratuitous depiction of a Media Jewish household with two parents and at least one teenager, and all without Watch showing them. Something similar happened on 2 Broke Girls. This new hit CBS series tells the BY RABBI ELLIOT B. GERTEL story of Max (Kat Dennings), a sharp- tongued brunette waitress in Brooklyn Bashing Jewish diner, who takes in Caroline Channing (Beth Behrs), the new waitress on the Teenagers block, the daughter of an incarcerated Pyramid scheme sociopath, who has lost Max Black (Kat Dennings), right and ABC’s longtime money cow, Desperate her fortune and her social standing. Caroline Channing (Beth Behrs), left, are Housewives, began its final season by The only possession that the latter was taken aback by the behavior of the Bar bashing Jewish teenagers, and CBS’s new able to (inconspicuously?) take from the Mitzvah boy and his friend, on 2 BROKE 2 Broke Girls started its first season by family mansion is her affectionate horse, GIRLS. David (Jake Elliott), second from doing the same, and has just now which grazed for a while in the courtyard right, and Shmuley (River Alexander), “graduated” to bashing Orthodox Jewish behind Max’s apartment. The show is second from left, also shown. Photo: teens and their parents. amusing; it has its moments, some with Adam Rose/Warner Bros. (©2012 Warner In a Desperate Housewives episode about big laughs and some with genuine pathos. Bros. Television. All Rights Reserved.) one man’s impotency and one woman’s But it is very much on the crude side. mania to get arrested, career-woman- In one episode the girls return to When Max asks why Caroline has not turned-stay-at-home mom Lynette Caroline’s sealed off family mansion to called Dr. Klein now, Caroline responds (Felicity Huffman) is competing with her retrieve a few objects. Reminiscing on past that she called him three times and estranged husband Tom over who can be efforts to circumvent security, Caroline received no response. She speculates: “I more indulgent with the children in order recalls that at age 15 she bribed her guess he doesn’t want to have anything to to discredit the other’s parenting skills. It parents’ security staff not to wire the do with me anymore because of my is, of course, a dangerous game, especially, skylight so that she could sneak out to father’s financial scandal. All those years I writer Matt Barry suggests, when there are attend Iliana Shapiro’s Sweet Sixteen thought we were family. Guess not.” Jewish kids in the neighborhood. party – in Greece. Is writer Michelle Nader Max is the voice of the cynicism which is telling us that those rich Jewish teenagers the overriding theme of the show: have the most outlandish parties that “Ignoring your needs and pretending you tempt others to violate parental trust? don’t exist sounds like family to me.” The While Nader’s spiel was bad enough, it implication is that Jews are like everybody was clearly only a matter of time before else in turning their backs on the family of the series would get uglier in its depiction neighbors, and on family in general, who of Jewish teenagers. Writer Liz Feldman have proved to be an embarrassment. was encouraged to come up with the most Also, note that writer Feldman does not vulgar bar mitzvah episode in TV history, a allow Caroline to say anything nice about fairly simple achievement given the lack of any children that the Kleins may have. Desperate Housewives characters (center) taste and thoughtfulness in TV depictions This foreshadows how the bar mitzvah Tom (Doug Savant) and Lynette (Felicity of bar or bat mitzvah kids. It targets boy will be depicted here. Huffman) and their children. (©2012 ABC Orthodox Jewish boys, suggesting, as The bar mitzvah theme emerges from Television, RON TOM. All Rights Reserved.) the series does as a whole, that no family the two broke girls’ conversation with the or tradition or discipline can live up to any woman behind the counter, Esther Rochel Young Parker tells his mother: “There’s a ideal or sanctity. (Mary Testa, who could have shone in party at Rich Cohen’s. I was hoping to go.” Max and Caroline find themselves in such a role). Caroline believes that she can Lynette: “Don’t hope too hard…. a pharmacy in an Orthodox Jewish run interference between tactless Max and Remember when Rich turned thirteen? It neighborhood. Writer Feldman makes a the Orthodox Jewish world. “Let me do was the only bar mitzvah ever shut down point of pausing to mock Jewish beards the talking. I learned a lot of Hebrew from by the police. I don’t trust his parents.” and Jewish names. Caroline feels warmth Mrs. Klein. These are my people.” (Why trust people who bear the name of and nostalgia for Jews. “I love the Jewish But the lady behind the counter, who the priestly tribe, kohen?) People,” she effuses.“Whenever I felt sick criticizes their immodest attire, connects Parker: “Well, if it makes you feel better, I’d just pop over to the townhouse next with Max. Esther Rochel is less taken they’ll be out of town.” (So the parents door and visit Dr. Klein. Actually, the with the two girls’ efforts to dress more with the priestly name are as irresponsible Kleins and I were very close. I was invited appropriately than with Max’s “big in their absence as in their presence?) to many a Passover in their home. In fact, breasts” and “gorgeous hair.” This When Lynette tells Tom that Parker they called me their ‘honorary Jew.’” Orthodox Jewish woman waxes wants to go to a party at the Cohen’s, his Caroline adds, with fondness, that Mrs. nostalgic, ostensibly for the days before gut reaction is to ask whether something Klein brought her chicken soup when she she became Orthodox: “It’s like looking happened at the bar mizvah. Lynette had the flu. There is a nice Yiddish lesson in the mirror,” Esther Rochel boasts. replies that lots of things happened – connected with this memory. Indeed, “How else do you think I landed a drinking, pot smoking, and “the Whittiker Feldman shows a few times that she can handsome doctor like my Anshil.” She girl got pregnant.” give some Yiddish lessons that add to identifies with Max: “It’s been a few Yes, the episode does show how rowdy dialogue and characterization. But the years, but, trust me, under this wig and things get at the Cohen house, with a writer is more positive about Yiddish than smock: splitting image of you.” slapstick role for Lynette. It is, all in all, a about Jews. (see Gertel, page 19) May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 15 the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. RIBNER As I While his dramatic flair may be an (continued from 13) inheritance from his grandpa, I would suggest that his charm and wit is an my experience that I can learn something Heard It inheritance from his grandma. from a book, it is profound, it is interesting, Michael never knew his grandpa but I may understand it and I may not, but REVIEWED BY MORTON GOLD Bessie played an important part in his until I really receive it in my being, until youth. The studio bosses she confided it is revealed to me directly, it is only High praise once sold potatoes in the lobby of their intellectual learning and it does not shows, but while one even arranged for a really make a difference in my life. What I for DVD on screen test for her, she did not get the part have received directly, what has been because she did not act “Jewish enough”! transmitted to me is what I truly know and Yiddish theater One might suggest that there is a direct this is what truly feeds my soul and line from Barbra Streisand back to Fanny provides a foundation that I can stand I have just listened to and watched Brice back to Bessie. As for Boris, he was upon and live from. That is why I have the DVD called, The Thomashefskys: Music an outrageous original. emphasized prayer and meditation so and Memories of a Life in the Yiddish Michael related that before his voice much. It is through this experience that Theater. The DVD is entertaining while changed he substituted for a soprano one can open and truly receive. also informative whom some of the more established In this month of Sivan, may we be open which is no mean German Jewish community bribed to miss to the highest transmission of Torah. May feat. The majority the show on a moment’s notice while we not only know what we want, may we of our teens as well the orchestra repeated the overture. He be open to receive and allow what we as their parents presented plays not only of a comedic truly want. Within each of us, is a deep may think that nature but also tried to make works of the desire to love and be loved. May we allow musical megahits, classics understandable and acceptable to ourselves to love and be loved this month. Broadway shows the immigrant masses in the two decades This column is reprinted from our May and “hit” motion prior to World War I. It was no simple 27, 2009 issue. pictures are the matter simply locating many of the tunes Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a result of some- used in this DVD. spiritual psychotherapist and healer in thing new and original.This is not the case The musical numbers were all arranged private practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart at all. With the exception of a few phrases by Mr. Thomas and orchestrated by him, .com). She is a teacher of Jewish meditation from Yiddish (that have found their way Bruce Coughlin and Peter Laurence and Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of into English usage, i.e. maven, shlep, and Gordin. The orchestra used to play these Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age so forth) few American Jews speak or musical works was the New World Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is understand Yiddish. Symphony, a multi talented group whose also the founder and director of Beit Miriam That there once were significant and virtuosic playing was a credit to the (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be reached thriving theaters (mostly in New York) that players as well as to Mr. Thomas. The by email at [email protected] or presented dramatic plays, musical plays all four principals who portrayed the [email protected]. Kabbalah in the Yiddish language should come as Thomashefskys were Shuler Hensley and Month by Month offers guidelines, news to many. It is ironic and sad that Judy Blazer and Ronit Widmann-Levy and meditations, strategies, stories to promote the combination of the murder of Eugene Bransoveanu. They all gave super personal growth and healing each month. Yiddish speaking European Jewry and the performances that I believe would be establishment of the resurgent Hebrew regarded by most as being memorable. j i speaking establishment of the State of One feature (among many) was the entertaining today as in the time that Israel in the decade of the 1940’s as well as singing and acting of Mr. Thomas they were composed. Mr. Thomashefsky the near elimination of Yiddish speaking performing the song “Who Do You founded the Hebrew Actors Union at a immigrants to this country would spell the Suppose Married My Sister” by Nora time when such an idea was radical. Mr. near extinction of the Yiddish theater. Bayes and Jack Norworth. (She is the one Rumshinsky wrote music for the Yiddish I was saddened (even shocked) to see who made the song “Shine On,Shine On theater for more than 50 years. Such that the National Theater referred to in Harvest Moon” popular.) Mr. Thomas has composers as Kern, Gershwin and this DVD – on Houston and Second an infectious charm in all that he does Rodgers among others owed a real debt to Avenue (pronounced HOWston as musically. Who knew that he could give him as well as to his colleagues Secunda, opposed to HEWston) – was torn down. Danny Kaye a run for his money! Olshenetsky, Ellstein and Trilling who The Second Avenue Theatre once the Most of the songs used were composed wrote a variety of beautiful songs that are venue of Mollie Picon and Menasha by Joseph Rumshinsky. Many years ago I unknown today. The ISBN number is: Skulnick musicals is also no more. The related the episode where the now aged 1-4229-1853-X and may be found on thriving and culturally active Jewish and portly composer visited my father www.thomashefsky.org. community that lived on the Lower East Leon then in Boston and inquired what I I cannot praise this DVD enough. The Side departed from that area more than was going to study. He pointed a finger at product is professional and we are all the 50 years ago. me and stammered “Let him better study beneficiaries of the multi talented Boris This DVD while it chronicles the lives music”in Yiddish. (And the rest is history.) Thomashefsky as well as his wife and and contributions of Boris and Bessie Several songs by the team of Perlmutter colleague Bessie. The Broadway Theater, Thomashefsky is also a cultural eye and and Wohl including the venerable “Pintele the Hollywood film industry and ear opener to all American Jews. The host Yid” and “Leben Zol Columbus” added television personalities are all in his debt. and driving force of this DVD is Michael much to the authenticity of the program. Dr. Gold is a composer/conductor as well Tilson Thomas, the grandson of this I found a vaudeville medley of tunes by as arts reviewer and can be reached at: illustrious pair and the conductor of Rumshinsky melodies to be as lively and [email protected]. 16 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 MCLEAN BEN ASHER/BAT SARAH Book (continued from 13) (continued from 8) different worlds. We can bring awareness them so that they can come as close as Review to people and situations that may seem to possible to God.” oppose each other on one (political, social, The Torah vision for our approach to BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN religious) level, yet resonate together on a leadership development is the relationship deeper, perhaps hidden level. of Moses and Adonai.This model redefines Not-to-be-missed My teacher Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, the role of a leader. Because if Moses is no always taught that we should wear our longer to comply with Adonai’s charge to memoir of Moshiach, or Messiah, glasses at all times, carry the people (Numbers 11:14), what is that is, to see the world through the eyes his mission as a leader? Middle East of the Messiah, not just to see the world as The answer is revealed in Moses’ it is, broken, but how it has the potential response to the prophesying of Eldad and House of Stone: A Memoir of Home, to be mended…to see the potential for Medad in the camp. To the report of their Family, and a Lost Middle East. By Anthony healing, transformation, and wholeness in unauthorized prophesying, Joshua says to Shadid. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012. every situation. Moses, “Forbid them.” (Numbers 11:28) 311 Pages. $26.00. Eliyahu McLean, director of Jerusalem But Moses responds,“Are you jealous for After watching the author’s wife, Nada Peacemakers, www.jerusalempeacemakers my sake? Would God that all the Lord’s speak on Good Morning America,I .org. Originally published in The Art of people were prophets, and that the Lord acquired this book. Nada spoke about Living. would put his spirit upon them!” her husband’s (Numbers 11:29) tragic death while j i Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch (1808– attempting to cross Shadid also symbolically rebuilds his own 1888) comments on the preceding verse: the difficult trek shattered family life while admiring the “…Moses’ answer to Joshua remains for leading from Syria family values of those who lived there all teachers and leaders as the brilliant back to safety in long ago. example they should keep before their Turkey where she I am reminded of my own mother’s eyes…to make themselves superfluous, and their two- attachment to her Ukraine childhood that the people of all classes and ranks year-old son, Malik house, from which she fled to never return reach such a spiritual level that they no were anxiously following the Nazi assault. longer require teachers and leaders. And awaited his return. Masterfully alternating between present indeed the successors of these ‘elders’have He succumbed and past, the author meticulously reflects well inherited the spirit of their Moses, though to a fatal on his family roots and Lebanon, a land so have recognized their highest mission to asthma attack due to the accompanying violently impacted by the forces of history. be…to make the knowledge of the Torah horses’ smell, and he was only 43 years Shadid bemoans the loss of a different the broadest foundation of life in the old. What a loss! kind, more tolerant and pluralistic Middle people, and have proclaimed… (‘establish Author Anthony Shadid, distinguished East under the Ottoman Empire’s rule, many learners’) …as the first maxim for all winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, was shot in sans the imposed national borders spiritual leaders of their people. With Ramallah, the West Bank in 2002, and was following World War I. Back then the his…‘are you jealous for me?’ our Moses one of four New York Times reporters Lebanese town of Marjayoun was an has broken down the dividing wall captured and roughed up in Libya in 2011. important travel and trade crossroads between ‘intellectuals’ and the ‘lower His four-year marriage to his first wife, a connecting it with Palestine, Syria, Jordan, classes,’ between clergy and laity, for ever physician, collapsed in large measure Egypt, and beyond. in Israel.” because of Shadid’s long absences and his This over-romanticized nostalgic A leader, then, more than anything else, deadly risks as a war correspondent. perspective neglects to recall the Turks’ must be one who mentors and develops Though Shadid was born in Oklahoma suppression of national movements, as well other leaders. City and his grandparents emigrated from as the dilemmas of the Jews, and later the © 2011 Moshe ben Asher & Khulda bat Sarah Lebanon to the United States while still State of Israel while being sympathetic to Rabbi Moshe ben Asher and Magidah single and young, he was irresistibly the Palestinian plight. Khulda bat Sarah are the Co-Directors of drawn toward his family roots in Upset about Shadid’s Washington Post Gather the People, a nonprofit organization Marjayoun in southern Lebanon. His article in which he expressed doubt about that provides Internet-based resources for focus was particularly on the abandoned, the town’s future, the people of Marjayoun congregational community organizing and once stately house that his great- suspected Shadid of being an American development (www.gatherthepeople.org). grandfather had built making his money spy. In fact, from a population of 3,752 in the hard way. 1912, it has been reduced to 800 in j i During his three-year coverage of Iraq Lebanon’s murky reality, with Diasporas Intriguingly Shadid predicts that, for The Washington Post, Shadid took a of ex-patriots in the United States, Brazil although he so lovingly and sacrificially year off (2007–2008) to immerse himself in and elsewhere. restored his ancestral house, he was not rebuilding his ancestral house despite We read of conflicting views in destined to live in it. Will his wish for his being advised by local friends of its futili- Marjayoun concerning the 17-year Israeli children, Laila and Malik, be fulfilled? ty. His labor of love remains an inspiring occupation of southern Lebanon ending This book should not be missed by all testimony to his tenacity and a mighty in 2000. Some miss the now-gone Middle East observers and lovers of familial bond transcending time and economic prosperity, if not the Israeli humanity and letters. place. Tile by tile and stone by stone with presence, and there is chagrin over the Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founding rabbi his own enthused participation in spite of increased conflicts within Lebanon and the of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia the lax attitude of the Arab craftsmen, potential of continued fighting with Israel. Beach. He grew up in Haifa, Israel. May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 17 Grant was only 55 years old when friends with some of the local people and Book Reviews he left office. He traveled extensively, she is exposed to the military – both male including a visit to the Holy Land, the first and female – who train in the vicinity REVIEWED BY MORTON I. TEICHER president ever to do so. Grant met with of Tyneford. many Jews during the course of his trips, A crucial World War II event was the Worthy addition to reinforcing friendships and signaling arduous evacuation of British soldiers continuing atonement for what happened from Dunkirk. Skillfully blending fact and “Jewish Encounters” during the Civil War. Also, during his post- fiction, author Solomons describes this presidency years, he referred warmly to experience emphasizing the involvement When General Grant Expelled the Jews. the Jews he knew. He spoke out in protest of English seacoast residents, including By Jonathan D. Sarna. New York: Schocken about the poor treatment Jews were those at Tyneford and its environs. Books, 2012. 226 Pages. $24.95. receiving in Russia and Romania. The consequences of what happened at This is the 20th Although Grant was originally not rated Dunkirk haunt the rest of the story. book in “Jewish very high as a president, a 2008 poll of Another reality element in the narrative Encounters” series, political pundits elevated him to number is the home of Tyneford House in the village published jointly 18. While Sarna is somewhat measured in of Tyneford which is based on the ghost by Schocken Books his appraisal of Grant, he has provided village of Tyneham on the Dorset coast. and Nextbook readers with a fair review which clearly Requisitioned by the government during under the editor- suggests that the more recent evaluation World War II, it is now a decayed ruin. The ship of Jonathan is accurate. In any case, Sarna has fate of this location; its significance for the Rosen. Author made a worthy addition to the “Jewish story; and the catastrophe that befell Sarna is an Encounters”series. Austria’s Jews impressively combine to eminent American represent Solomons’ success in blending Jewish historian fiction and history. She has captured the who offers here a well-written account Historical fiction spirit of a past era, introducing believable of a rather shameful episode in the at its best characters who participate in and are experience of Jews in the United States. affected by historical events. On Dec. 17, 1862, during the Civil The House at Tyneford. By Natasha There are, of course, many novels that War, Major General Ulysses S. Grant, Solomons. New York: Plume, 2012. 359 deal with the Holocaust. And, there are commander of the area that included parts Pages. $15.00. many non-fictional accounts of this great of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Kentucky, In March, 1938, tragedy. Solomons has given us a truthful issued “General Orders, No. 11,”expelling Hitler forcibly picture of the era she describes, using Jews from this territory.They were accused took over Austria history as the backdrop for romantic of profiteering through black-market in what became experiences. The characters she has so activities. One Jewish merchant, affected known as the skillfully created provide penetrating by this ban, Cesar Kaskel, immediately “Anschluss,” the insights into the impact of historical went to Washington where he managed to compelled union events on the people who lived through see President Lincoln and persuaded him of Germany and them. Her book is not only a praiseworthy to revoke the order. Sarna describes the Austria. The Jews addition to Holocaust literature; it is a horrified reactions of Jews to this incident of Austria tried to fine example of historical fiction at its and its life-long impact on Grant. He was flee but for many very best. roundly condemned by both Jews and of them, it was too non-Jews but he remained silent. late. This novel focuses on one well-to-do Grant went on to become a national Jewish family in Vienna – the Landaus – Subject needs an hero, eventually accepting Lee’s surrender and describes what happened to them. in-depth exploration at the Appomattox Court House. In 1868, Emphasis is placed on Elise, the 19-year he ran for president and his opponents old daughter, who succeeded in obtaining The Choosing. By Andrea Myers. New revived the story of what happened during a position as a parlor maid at Tyneford Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, the Civil War, accusing him of anti- House in England. The plan was for her 2011. 186 Pages. $19.95. Semitism. The charges fell flat and Grant parents, Anna and Julian; her married The author of this memoir, Andrea went on to serve two terms in the White sister, Margot; and her brother-in-law, Myers, is a convert to Judaism, a rabbi, a House. He worked hard to achieve Robert, to go to the United States where lesbian, a vegetarian, and a mother. Any reconciliation with the Jewish community Elise would eventually join them. As the one of these identities warrants far more by demonstrating sensitivity to their story unfolds, we sadly learn how and why extended treatment concerns and by appointing more Jews to the plan did not come to fruition. These than the once-over governmental offices than any previous dire developments and the unhappy fate lightly discussion president. He tried to persuade Joseph of Austrian Jews receive somewhat less that is presented Seligman to become secretary of the emphasis than Elise’s experiences after here. We are given Treasury which would have made him she left Vienna. a cursory consider- the first Jew in a Cabinet position but Tyneford House is an elegant manor, ation of each Seligman’s family convinced him to close to the sea, with a large staff of subject, resulting remain in the family business. A far more servants who look after the estate and its in a relatively successful outcome developed from aristocratic master, Christopher Rivers. superficial presen- Grant’s selection of Albert A. Michelson He is a widower with one son, Kit, who is tation. Readers will for appointment to Annapolis. Michelson away from home, studying at Cambridge. come away feeling went on to become the first American to Elise’s involvements with these two men that they have a win the Nobel Prize in physics. occupy most of the book. She also makes (see Teicher, page 18) 18 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 on rye are in your mind to prepare. Below My Kosher are three recipes from the book. Why Faith Kitchen Melt-in-Your-Mouth Short Ribs Matters (4 servings)

BY SYBIL KAPLAN Yes, short ribs are a bit of an indulgence BY RABBI DAVID WOLPE and sometimes a little fatty, but once in a Recipes from while, everyone needs to splurge. Although we assume religion involves mountaintops and sunsets, true religion Slobod’s Delicatessen 3 pounds short ribs also takes place in committees and 1/4 cup honey restaurants and dentist’s offices. Religion in Philly 1 cup beef broth is seeing godliness in the world in 1 cup ketchup everyday encounters and not only in How To Cook Like a Jewish Grandmother. dash Worcestershire sauce extraordinary moments. ~ 5-17-12 By Marla Brooks. Pelican Publishing. 184 salt and pepper to taste We seek God’s guidance to help us Pages. $15.95, paperback. 2 onions, thinly sliced understand who we are. Intertwined and Marla Brooks is an entertainment writer 2 large carrots, sliced equally urgent is praying to understand living in Los Angeles whose grandparents who we need to become. ~ 5-2-12 and cousins ran Slobod’s Delicatessen in Broil ribs in broiler for 5 to 10 minutes, I saw a parent take a child’s hand as Philadelphia in the 1930s and 1940s. or until brown. While ribs are browning, they crossed the street. There were no cars In her introduction, she writes about mix honey, broth, ketchup, and and the child could walk as easily across the main element of grandmothers’ Worcestershire together and set aside. the street as on the sidewalk. The point cooking – love. Having been raised by her Saute vegetables until soft and place in wasn’t direction but the warmth of grandmother, she relates her grandmother’s roasting pan. When ribs are done, place on presence. Don’t rush to advise your background, the history of the deli in top of veggies. Pour sauce over ribs. Cover troubled friend; just take her or his Philadelphia and and bake at 350° for about 2 hours, hand. ~ 4-27-12 later in California. turning ribs once or twice during baking. I daydream. My mind wanders. I catch Over the years, she myself not paying attention. I miss wrote down the Baked apples things and sometimes overlook others. recipes then began (4 servings) So this week let’s explore the theme of to collect the mindfulness, of being present. Begin recipes of other 4 Granny Smith, Rome Beauty, with the words of the Kotzker Rebbe: family members. and/or Golden Delicious After his teacher died he was asked,“What “How To Cook (or any other firm variety) was the most important thing to your Like a Jewish 4 Tbsp. brown sugar or honey teacher?” He answered, “Whatever he Grandmother is a Raisins to taste was doing at the moment.”~ 4-23-12 book of recipes for 1/2 tsp. cinnamon From Facebook posts of Rabbi Wolpe. those brave folks Water for bottom of baking dish Wolpe is the senior rabbi of Temple Sinai who want to defy fate and truly enjoy a in Los Angeles and author of several books good old-fashioned meal.” Cut about 1/2-inch off top of apple and including Why Faith Matters. Every recipe has a comment which set aside. Core apples and fill each with makes for a very enjoyable read. The 34 about a teaspoon brown sugar or honey, j i black and white photographs are all and 1/4 cup raisins, depending on taste. simmer about 2 hours. Add the cabbage to captioned and in the back is a glossary Sprinkle with cinnamon. Place top of the borscht, cover, and simmer another 30 of terms plus thumbnail photos and apple back on and bake in a baking dish minutes. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, identification of the 13 family and friends with about 1/4-inch of water in the salt and pepper. Simmer about 10 minutes who contributed as well as 80 celebrity bottom of the dish at 350°F (175°C) until more, taste and adjust seasonings. contributors. I counted 215 recipes of apples are soft and tender when pierced The amounts of lemon juice and brown which 201 were kosher and 14 are either with a fork. sugar in this sweet-and-sour soup will not kosher or could be made kosher. vary according to taste. Some prefer it Personally, I prefer directions to be Slobod’s Deli Hot Cabbage Borscht sweeter and others like it more on the tart numbered because it’s easier to keep your (8 servings) side. Start with the amounts listed above place. These are paragraphed. One and add more of one or the other to suit obvious difficulty in looking up a recipe 2 pounds short ribs your taste. in the index is her use of contributor’s 1-1/2 quarts water Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, food and feature names alphabetically rather than names 1 onion, diced writer, and author of nine kosher cookbooks. of recipes. So if you want the recipe for 2 cups canned tomatoes She leads “Shuk Walks” in Jerusalem baked chicken, you would have to look 1 small head cabbage, shredded produce market, Machaneh Yehudah. it up under the deli name Slobod. Juice of 2 lemons Originally this book was published in the Other than that small correction, this is 1/4 cup brown sugar spring of 2005, but it was released just as a lovely, nostalgic cookbook to give to 2 tsp. salt Katrina devastated New Orleans and no one anyone or yourself – if deli brisket, stuffed Pepper to taste was there to ship or promote the book. The cabbage, mashed sardine spread, deli dill publisher hopes that the interest generated pickles, kasha with bow tie noodles, Bring meat to a rapid boil in water. Skim now will bring this delightful book the summer cherry soup, baked rice pudding, off scum, add the onion and tomatoes. attention it deserved but which was deli cole slaw, and corned beef or pastrami Bring again to boil, lower the heat and overshadowed by a time of disaster. May 23, 2012 The Jewish Post & Opinion 19 GERTEL Esther Rochel’s conspicuously be-wigged TEICHER (continued from page 14) mother calls Caroline a “shiksa,”suggesting (continued from page 17) that Caroline’s looks define her as “the One gets the impression that writer other”who is hard to love and to embrace. perfunctory, lightweight acquaintance Feldman is praising Esther Rochel Esther Rochel wants to mother Max and with the author in her many roles and by making her an Orthodox Jewish to shun Caroline. wishing that they could know more counterpart to Max’s sarcastic and saucy As if this were not bad enough, the about her. personality. But why do the writers and depiction of the bar mitzvah boy and his The book is organized into 13 chapters, producers of this series persist in trying to buddy is particularly ugly. When out of each one starting with a brief description render sympathetic Max’s cynical and parental view, they morph into foul- of a Jewish holiday. Myers sparingly tells anti-family outlook? And why do they mouthed misogynist rappers who hit on us about her family of origin which persist in depicting Caroline as naïve Max and Caroline, referring to them as included a Sicilian Catholic mother and and even foolish whenever she defends bitches and offering to pay for sex. a German Lutheran father. When she family values even after being betrayed Feldman may have meant to show that was a student at Brandeis, Myers decided by her own father and by the Jewish teenagers from the best of families have to become a Jew. She provides a scant family next door? They seem unaware of their challenges, but what she ends up explanation of this decision along with the Yiddish expression hanging in their suggesting is that Orthodox Jewish life minimal information about the process of set’s kitchen: “He who thinks well is unrealistic given the pull of popular her conversion and the people involved in it. (worthily) finds well-being.” Max soon culture. Even more ugly is her suggestion She glosses lightly over her decision to repeats Esther Rochel’s mantra, “It’s like that the boys are actually perpetuating the become a rabbi and the education she looking in the mirror,” when she tries to “sins of the mothers”in their contempt for received to achieve this goal. She was one-up Esther Rochel in bargaining, Gentile women. The dead giveaway that ordained at the Academy for Jewish before the latter abruptly closes the all Feldman’s Jews are unredeemable is Religion in New York which was founded pharmacy in the girls’ faces due to the suggestion (embodied in Max’s “good” in 1956 as a non-denominational seminary “sundown”(on Shabbat eve). advice) that Caroline’s correct impulse to educate rabbis for the entire Jewish Before the scene in the pharmacy ends, to inform the parents about this bad community. Later, she became a Reform Max, hearing that Esther Rochel, mother behavior is pointless. rabbi although she maintains a close link of a boy about to become bar mitzvah, is Should we give Feldman the benefit of with the Academy for Jewish Religion. Her left without cupcakes by a friend (or the doubt and regard this episode as a identification with the Reform movement family member?), offers to make them. critique of disturbing attitudes toward involved a trip to Cincinnati to see the (No one discusses kosher dairy and kosher Gentile women by some Orthodox Jewish original menu for the 1883 banquet at parve here, but then again, no truly women and their children? I think not, for Hebrew Union College which celebrated Orthodox household would trust an she refuses to make her gratuitously the first ordination of American rabbis at unknown baker, anyway. Also, Feldman Jewish characters redeemable. They are an American seminary. The non-kosher disseminates the common misinformation incapable of achieving self-awareness by food that was featured stirred considerable that Judaism has no concept of Hell.) Yet virtue of their Orthodox Judaism, which is controversy. Strangely, Myers writes it is Caroline who takes the assignment depicted as entirely without virtue here, as somewhat approvingly about this and Jewish traditions seriously, who incapable of holding any generation. After occasion even though, today, it is a source understands that Jews are supposed to be all, having bitten into a non-kosher of embarrassment to most Reform Jewish “kosher” in every aspect of their lives. cupcake in error and being informed of leaders. Other peripheral comment about Max has no intention of making kosher the error, the “pious” grandmother or foods – Myers lets us know that she cupcakes. “You want God to smite us?” bubbe continues to nosh. doesn’t like gefilte fish and that she has Caroline asks out of desperation. But Max Should we find comfort in that fact an aversion to pork that preceded her is cynical about God as well: “What’s He that 2 Broke Girls does not discriminate becoming a Jew. going to do? Take away all my good luck against Orthodox Jews, but simply The book contains descriptions of how and your fortune?” dismisses any kind of virtue or even Myers’s family celebrated the holidays, Max can’t get past concerns in the common sense as unrealistic? The only differentiating these experiences from her media that “low fat”products misrepresent time that the girls show any horse sense observance of Jewish holidays. She writes themselves. But Caroline remains idealistic. or virtue is when they are with the somewhat briskly about her studies in She insists that “kosher” is not a sales horse which is the last vestige of Jerusalem, calling it “a beautiful place,”and gimmick. “It’s thousands of years of Caroline’s once privileged life. Does the she offers minimal comments about tradition.” Feldman could have found a series therefore suggest that virtue cannot today’s situation in Israel. In keeping with better way to explain the Jewish dietary be found except in some residue of the book’s accent on brevity, Myers tells us laws, but the purpose of this dialogue is to conspicuous consumption? Either virtue a bit about her partner, Lisa, who is also a get Max to give voice to her own rather is trash or this TV series is. rabbi, their wedding, and their children. damaged soul (though the series seems Rabbi Gertel has been spiritual leader of It is a tribute to Myers’s interesting and oblivious to the extent of the damage): Conservative Congregation Rodfei Zedek complicated life that readers will put this “I don’t respect any tradition.” since 1988. A native of Springfield, Mass., book down wishing to know more about Caroline’s genuine feeling for Jews he attended Columbia University and her and her experiences. She is a fine and Judaism comes through in Feldman’s Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the writer and one finishes the book wishing writing, but all sentiments and anything author of two books, What Jews Know that she will use her skills to give us an in- sacred is trashed here in the end. We do about Salvation and Over the Top depth exploration of her various identities. feel for Caroline, who suffers unfair Judaism: Precedents and Trends in Dr. Morton I. Teicher is the Founding discrimination at the hands of Esther the Depiction of Jewish Beliefs and Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Rochel and her mother. They embrace Observances in Film and Television. Yeshiva University and Dean Emeritus, Max, want to believe she is Jewish, He has been media critic for The Jewish School of Social Work, University of North because she looks and talks like them. Post & Opinion since 1979. Carolina at Chapel Hill. 20 The Jewish Post & Opinion May 23, 2012 The Jewish KAPLAN/ISRAEL (continued from 12) Post &Opinion has two curators from London and an 1427 W. 86th St. #228 exhibition of four artists. The gallery, Indianapolis, IN 46260 known for provocative and often amusing works mostly by Israeli artists, is a narrow two-story building on a palm-lined side street. Our final stop on an exhausting day is the new wing of the Tel Aviv Museum, 27 Shaul Hamelech Street, where we were shown the design and architecture gallery, the photography gallery and the three galleries of Israeli artists. The three floors of the Herta and Paul Amir Building (215,275 square feet) house the world’s largest collection of Israeli artists.

Street Art. Photos by Barry A. Kaplan/Jerusalem.

Photo by Rob Schrama. and that is the way of the heart. We believe that when we find peace in ourselves Jerusalem and when we are able to forgive, world Art project at 9 Mazah Street, A social peace will come closer. Change begins at hub for young adults Hug 2012 the basis. The Jerusalem Hug gives expression to The opening weekend is a 24-hour The aim of the Jerusalem Hug is to this wish for change as a concrete non-stop group of activities including: promote a peaceful experience, a life of statement. Jerusalem stands as a symbol “8-Cubic Meters,” a showing of 15 artists freedom and joy to all people. The for peace and forgiveness in the world. whose works had never been exhibited Jerusalem Hug will focus on love, respect Let Jerusalem be a city of connection, the at the museum but which fit within and unity between all people. With this heart of the world where unity and peace eight cubic meters (282 cubic feet); attitude, the participants will spread out will be a fact. Each year, Jerusalem Hug Contemporary Israel video art by 19 Israeli around the walls of the Old City holding will grow in size to become a larger and artists has been edited into a 90-minute hands, singing and praying for peace and larger event with more participants. piece; there were lessons in gaga, a dance respect for all humankind. The Jerusalem Hug is intended to evolve style developed by the artistic director of The Jerusalem Hug has already taken into an all encompassing apotheosis for the Batsheva Dance Company; and Indie place each year since 2007. The events peace, where Palestinians and Israelis will City showed video clips of Tel Aviv bands. were joined by more than 4,000 hopefully be united in Anyone planning a trip to Israel during participants; residents of Jerusalem, peace for all 2012 should plan to visit some of these art Palestinians and Israeli, as well as peace times to programs and contact the Global city activists from Israel and from all over come. administration, [email protected]. the world. gov.il for the Art Year guide book or The Jerusalem Hug is a symbol for Google artyear.co.il. another way to achieve peace. Everywhere Sybil Kaplan is a journalist who writes the belief in a political solution of the features on a wide variety of subjects in Middle East conflict has gone down to Israel. point zero.There ought to be another way,