SUKKOT 2017 On One Foot על רגל אחת

22622 Vanowen Street West Hills, CA 91307 818-348-0048 | dTHS.org Introduction

A non-Jew once approached the great sage Shammai with a challenge. “You may convert me,” he said, “on the condition that you teach me the whole while I stand al regel ahat/on one foot.” Immediately, Shammai chased the man off. When the man approached Hillel with the same challenge however, Hillel responded, “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah, all the rest is the commentary; now go and learn it.” ( 31a)

How can we account for their differing responses? Shammai is understandably offended at the notion that something as rich as the entire Jewish tradition could be so reduced and conveyed on one foot, and thereby trivialized. The patient Hillel however, sees an opportunity. In effect he offers: “take this nugget, or better yet, this seed and nurture it. You’ll see no branches to kindle and keep you warm at night, no fruit to sustain you, not even any shade from the sun’s punishing rays; but if you care for it, if you tend it and cherish it, the seed will provide all this and more.” All that, on one foot.

With this first 2017-18 edition of our holiday publication series, On One Foot we offer you the seeds, the contributions על רגל אחת below. All revolve around the theme of the /Arba’ah Minim. The Four Species consist of the /, / citron, hadas/myrtles, and aravah/willows. Each of these species carries with it symbolic meanings; brought together on the holiday, additional meanings are gained. The campus community was invited to reflect on either a single item or on the possible meaning of gathering all four, or even on the significance of choosing four and not more or less. The eight contributions represent a variety of approaches, and these are the seeds for your own family or personal discussions--and perhaps as we take the Four Species during Sukkot we will bring to it additional depth.

We hope that you will take these seeds, sow them and water them in the garden of your family and your own lives, and that these seeds will enrich your Sukkot season. And you can enjoy these even without standing “on one foot!” Hag Samei-ah!--May you and yours have a joyful holy day period!

Yonatan Rosner and J.B. Sacks Producers and Editors of Al Regel Ahat Co-Directors, Jewish Life Acknowledgements

We wish to thank all of our contributors--students and faculty-- for enriching our High Holy Days with their heartfelt perspectives. D’varim min halev nichnasim el halev--Words from the heart penetrate the heart!

We also thank our graphic designer Grace Hutchison for designing the layout, and our Marketing Department, headed by Cheri Mayman, for the passionate help in producing this issue. Y’shar Kohachen! Thank you!

Yonatan Rosner and J.B. Sacks Co-Editors Students of Ms. Deutsch’s Jewish Arts Rotation Dylan Benson, Dillon Bookbinder, Tatiana Cait, Shani Cohain, Lior Feig, Miranda Franck, Ava Freeman, Morgan Gilfenbain, Mackenzie Gittelson, Andrew Gussman, Zoe Hronsky, Max Melcer, Ethan Stubington, Molly Tatum, Alexa Turner, and Jillian Weintraub (all class of 2021)

A New Year, a new you. That’s the hope anyway. This New Year we remind Editors’ Note: ourselves what our values are and recommit to them. This month the 9th Grade The experience of Jewish Arts class did just that and created a collaborative collage with our favorite the Sukkot holy middot, or character traits, in mind. day period is one of art and beauty. We decorate our sukkot to beautify it. The Four Species, when brought together, form a beautiful artistic bouquet. We therefore decided to decorate this issue with beautiful art. Silvie Deutsch’s 9th Grade Art class began the year by studying positive character traits (middot) and created a beautiful artwork, now decorating our lobby, to inspire us to live out our best character throughout 5778. We begin by presenting their effort here, and then we’ll show details of this larger work throughout the issue.

Class, “Character/Middot” Shani Cohain, “Repair/Tikkun” Max Melcer, “Truth/Emet”

Miranda Franck, “Faith/Emunah”

Morgan Gilfenbain, “Blessing/B’rachah” Ava Freeman, “Liberty/Herut” The Lulav As the Jewish People by Dani Goldblatt, Faculty

For the past decade, it’s been a tradition for my father and I to go pick out our Editors’ Note: etrogim (citron) together for the holiday of Sukkot. We also then purchase our One of the questions lulav (palm frond), hadasim (myrtle) and aravot (willow). Together, these items we raised when are bound and held in the right hand while the etrog is held in the left, and we introducing the theme shake it in every direction. Sounds pretty weird. Shaking four different plants for this edition was: bound together? What’s the point? ”The palm, myrtle, and willow are grouped There are many different interpretations for the arba minim, the four species, together, with the used during Sukkot. One explanation keeps coming to my mind, now more than etrog by itself. On ever before. Take the etrog. It has both taste and smell. This represent a Jew each day of Sukkot who is both learned and performs good deeds. Then, we have the lulav. The lulav (fall harvest festival), has taste (from dates) but no smell, which embodies a Jew who is wise but is not except for Shabbat, known to do good deeds. Next is the hadasim which has no taste but has a scent. these are brought and Can you see the pattern yet? This resembles a Jew who is not learned, but full of held together and then good deeds. Finally, the aravot has neither smell nor taste, symbolizing the Jew waved in six directions. who does not excel in learning or good deeds. (continued on next page) As we enter the new Jewish year of 5778, it feels like we are more divided than ever. Not just in the United States, but in and all over the world. Jews are fighting over rights to the Western Wall, issues regarding Jewish law and conversion, and of course, politics. The political climate in the U.S. has been tense, to say the least. Regardless of our own political and religious beliefs, we are still one people. One nation. Am echad. The arba minim represent every kind of Jew. G-d created each of us for a reason and every one of us brings something different to the nation of Israel. Alone, we may falter. But, when we bind the arba minim, we come together as a nation. It doesn’t matter if you are an etrog, lulav, hadasim, or aravot. The Jewish people need you. The Four Species’ Argument: A Short Story by Vorspan, Rabbi-in-Residence

Editors’ Note: The Four Species of Sukkot began to fight amongst themselves. Who was the most (cont.) What symbolism beautiful? do you find in this? Why consciously hold The Aravah/willow said: “I’m like a smile. I remind people that they have to be all four together?” friendly, to speak up when necessary, and shut up when necessary.” Ms. Goldblatt’s response, based on The Hadas/myrtle said: “I look like eyes. I remind people that have to see the world, a familiar appreciate it.” ((Leviticus Rabbah 30:12), is that the four The Lulav/palm branch said: “I’m upright, strong and aboveboard. I remind people species represent the they should be proud, and not spineless.” Jewish people who are symbolically brought The Etrog/citron said: “I’m the heart, the center, the most valuable part of the together for the species. And I smell the best!” purpose of becoming one. Rabbi Vorspan At that moment, a man picked them up and studied them. He said: “Look how addresses the same beautiful!” question in his original short story, which “Who is beautiful?” they all yelled. “Which of us?” reminds us that our uniqueness shines best And they heard the man continue, “Separately, they’re just twigs and leaves. But off each other. together, they form a beautiful set. They remind me that beauty is sometimes the product of unity.”

And the four species fell silent, no longer bragging or bickering. Each realizing his uniqueness, but that with others, they are even more beautiful! Cautionary Wisdom by Rabbi Tsafi Lev, Rabbinic Director

Who are you? “Which of the four species are you?” This a traditional Jewish Editors’ Note: question. On the holiday of Sukkot we bring together four distinct species of Rabbi Lev uses the Lulav), and /לולב ) Hadas), palm/הדס ) Aravah), myrtle/ ערבה) plants: the willow midrash (Leviticus Etrog). The willow, with no scent or flavor, represents a person with /אתרוג ) citron Rabbah 30:12) that little knowledge, and no good deeds to speak of. The myrtle has no taste, but it sees the four species as does have a pleasing fragrance. It represents those who are not symbolic of distinct learned, but do contribute positively to community. The palm has flavor (the date) types of people in but no fragrance; it represents those who are knowledgeable, but whose intellect order to meditate stays theoretical; their wisdom does not lead them to positive action. And then upon the gulf people there is the citron which has a beautiful fragrance and is edible. In this metaphor, have between group the citron represents the ideal person, i.e.the one who is both wise, and, particularism, on contributes to the community. the one hand, and intersectionality, on the Behind the symbol of bringing these four species together is a decidedly Jewish other. approach to a polarizing issue in America today, and its wisdom has nothing to do (continued on next with figuring out which one of us is an ‘etrog’ or a ‘lulav.’ There seems to be two spread) powerful and opposing trends in America right now, and, as often is the case, those greater trends play out most strikingly on college campuses. On the one hand, there is a strong movement toward “affinity group particularism,” defining groups by culture, by religion, sometimes by gender or sexual orientation, or by political affiliation. The decidedly positive outcome of sticking close to folks with similar backgrounds or viewpoints is that such groups strengthen the identity of their members. This promotes a sense of belonging and solidarity. Jerry Seinfeld shared a perfect example of this on a YouTube video that made the rounds of some Jewish circles this summer. He tells a joke whereby the set-up of said joke is that you’d have to be Jewish to understand the punch line (watch the clip and let me know what you [email protected]). The implication is that if you understand why the joke is funny, it’s because you’re Jewish. If you can’t find the humor, it’s because you’re not a Jew. It can feel assuring to know that you belong to a group with others like yourself; I was relieved when I found Seinfeld’s joke to be funny, because that confirmed my membership in a defined group. The downside of particularism, no matter its best intention, is an unavoidable ‘us and them’ mentality, which is the cost of defining who belongs to the group, and who does not. To give a political example, there is strong dividing line between those who support President Trump, and those who oppose him. There are family members who could politically disagree with each other a few years ago, but who today find it difficult to talk about anything. And worse, some have stopped trying. The other social trend we are witnessing is a broad universalism which sees every social grouping, be it religious, cultural, or other, as all equally valid. The Jewish lesson that human beings were created in b’Tzelem Elokim, in the Image of God, supports this trend, and yet the and the Torah speak of as an Am Kadosh, a separate people. One of the results of this touchingly humanist and universalist perspective is intersectionality. Intersectionality is the view that we are so intricately connected, one cannot distinguish the issues of one oppressed group from another. Whether the injustice is sexism, racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, or , any injustice towards one group is an injustice to all. The implication of this perspective is that you either must support all groups, or else you are aligned with the oppressor, i.e. you are part of the problem. This past June, in a small off-shoot Gay Pride march in Chicago, Jewish people with rainbow flags that had Stars of David on them were not allowed to participate in the parade because “it made people uncomfortable.” The implication was that if you were Jewish (which implied anti-Palestinian stance), you were part of the oppression, and couldn’t be aligned with the value for equality. There is danger at the extremes of both of these trends. The ultra-particularists create a discriminatory environment that can escalate to produce hate groups (think Charlottesville, “Jews will not replace us.”). Meanwhile, the overly broad universalists see too-strong an identification as an implied threat. Judaism rejects both of these poles. Holding the four species of willow, myrtle, palm, and citron together is itself a blessing. One cannot recite the blessing unless all four are brought together. To hold these different species together is symbolic of striking the balance: It is okay to be different from other groups and to be proud of your particular faith, culture, or beliefs AND this joy and meaning you derive from being part of your group should compel you to look for the deep humanity in others. The Four Strangers by Mr. Benny Ferdman, Artist-in-Residence

We bring who we are from our corner of the world. Editors’ Note: :min) can mean) מין In Hebrew the word (cont.) With matters of “Species”--Gender or Type--as in many types of people justice and injustice as “from the four corners of the earth.” the backdrop, he points ”.fremder) means “stranger) פרעמדער In Yiddish the word the way to bridging In this drawing, faces spontaneously emerge from the four that gulf. Mr. Ferdman corners of the page–each a stranger to the other. makes a related point Then, with the magic of the photocopy machine they all through art, in which came together in the center--separate strangers together-- the possibility of four on a bus, in a plane, in an elevator, at the beach, strangers (Four Species, checking out at Trader Joe’s, in a movie, at school, four social/political voting, hiking, eating, and waiting room seating, positions) encountering and maybe about to enter the center of our as one another, even honored guests! transforming each Hag Samei-ah and a Gut Yontev! other, brings us hope for a more civil society, Benny Ferdman a kinder culture.

The Holiday Check-In Tony Soltis, English Teacher and Writing Coordinator

Editors’ Note: With the autumn holidays coming, I figure it is a good time to check in with those Another question that matter to me. The endless number of things to do each day, each night, each we raised when weekend, month, and year can dominate my thinking and I don’t want to take introducing the theme for granted anyone who is there for me. for this edition was: ”A midrash (Leviticus So first I go to see My Spine. I ask him how he is doing. Rabbah 30:14) connects each to a specific body “Ha, yeah, right,” My Spine says rather gruffly. “You’re just feeling guilty. How part: the palm branch long has it been?” represents the spine; the myrtle represents “Too long,” I admit, knowing how much my spine loves exercise and who in the the eyes; the willow world can make time for that lately. I also can’t help noticing that Old Spiney isn’t represents the lips; quite as straight and firm as I remember him. and, finally, the etrog/ citron represents the “Nothing a few adjustments couldn’t fix,” he says, seemingly noticing how I am heart. Why might these staring. four specific parts be represented and not, “I love how you are flexible and yet you don’t break,” I say, truly grateful for the for example, the hand, strength he gives me. the foot, the nose, the ear? “Bro,” My Spine says, “You know I’ll always have your back.” (continued on next page) I stop in next to see My Eyes. This is always something I enjoy. My Eyes, Old Brownies, have always been favorites of mine.

“Thanks for the new glasses,” My Eyes say, sort of looking away, almost embarrassed by the authentic gratitude. “Guess I need them.”

I agree with an empty platitude. “Well, we’re all getting older.”

I want to pat My Eyes reassuringly and let them know how I don’t care if they’re not as sharp as they were in our youth. To me, they are my source of trust. I find some of life’s truths to be challenging and without My Eyes’ “sensible and true avouch” what would I really know or understand?

“Hard to believe the things we’re seeing these days,” I say.

“Wait,” My Eyes responds somewhat ominously. “Autumn is coming.”

My Lips are my next visit. To be honest, my relationship with my lips is a bit distant. Despite serving as the bell of my trumpet, My Lips are sort of laconic around me. We trust each other and we have that innate connection between us. You have to trust Lips because they are so often the expressers of love. And despite the cuts, the cheilis and even loneliness, My Lips are not the complaining type. You can’t help admiring that quality. And yet, I am there to talk... “Just wanted to thank you,” I stammer.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I appreciate the way you curl up your terminal points.”

“You mean when I smile?”

“It’s a good thing. I like it despite…”

“Despite the fact that underneath you’re scared.”

“Maybe.”

“Don’t tell me. Go tell Heart.

He is right. He is so right. And this will, of course, be the most challenging visit of all. At first, My Heart seems really excited to see me, but then after a moment or two, he remembers the distance that has gathered between us lately.

It is the elephant in the room. Time for a real heart-to-heart.

“You really ignore me sometimes,” My Heart contends, not accusingly, just as a plain fact. “Maybe it’s always happened, but it seems like it’s more these days.”

“I know.”

“I see you, I see how scared you get at times. And I’m down here, yelling at you, trying to get you to remember me, and the right thing to do.”

“I hear you, I just don’t always…listen.”

My Heart sighs. I look deeply at him, and in that silence I have to shudder. I see so many cracks from where I have broken him. I can spot the places where others have also left their marks, but the deepest scars are of my own doing.

“Can I fix things between us?” I ask.

My Heart beats a little faster and I already know the answer.

So do My Spine, My Eyes and My Lips. And so we wave our strengths, our visions, our songs and our unions into the winds of the North, to the stars of the South, the Wild West and the Ethereal East; we parade the hopes of the Top and the reality of that Below into not only the seasonal holidays, but the rise and fall of the breath of life. The Four Species Connection by Ale Stavinsky (‘20) and Tal Nagar (‘20)

In TKI, we have been focusing on the four species and their connection to Editors’ Note: personal traits in relation to their character strengths. In the upcoming holiday, (cont.) What important Sukkot, as a and tradition, we dwell in a sukkah and incorporate the human character trait Arba’ah Minim, the four species. We celebrate the gathering of the harvest in or virtue (middah) commemoration of the miraculous protection G-d provided for the Israelites might you associate when they left Egypt. We do this by holding the four species together and waving with each body part? them in all directions. How might the Four Species help you to We discussed how we can associate the “four species” and their meanings, along “wave” these good with the character strengths we have been learning. For example, the etrog is the traits around more fruit of the citron tree and it symbolizes the heart. We felt that this correlates to often this year? the powerful virtues of gratitude and love. We use our hearts to express gratitude Mr. Soltis, in his to people we love and appreciate, in return for their gracious efforts. creative dialogue and poem, “checks in” The lulav, a ripe, green leaf from the date palm tree, is a representation of our with his body parts and spine. Having our spine as the support system for the body keeps us strong. invites us to a process We connected the lulav to the trait of perseverance. Being able to overcome of self-reflection and something, despite being hindered by difficult obstacles that come our way, introspection. Tal and allows one to gain confidence in themselves and stand tall, just like the lulav. Ale, together with their T’fillah Kehillah The following species of the “Arba Minim” that we looked at was the hadas, the Institute peers used this leaves of the myrtle tree. This plant is symbolic of our eyes. Given the gift of sight, midrash as a template one is able to have a real appreciation of beauty. Furthermore, we are able to to explore their own define this as strength, in recognizing all the beauty we encounter in our daily personal character life. Not just in physical presence but unseen beauty as well. For example, one is traits for two weeks, able to simply see the beauty of something placed in front of their eyes, but it and as a result may take that extra step to appreciate the beauty in a friendship or relationship. committed themselves to a year of character. The last of the four species is the aravah, a branch with leaves from the willow tree, symbolic of our lips. In connection to our character strengths, the aravah, is representative of one’s ability to be brave. Moreover, one is able to interpret this virtue as a way to stand up for what you believe in and having an honest communication with yourself and others around you.

Each member of TKI had the opportunity to develop which of their character strengths formed their own personal lulav. This year when we wave the lulav, we will be symbolically committing ourselves to waving our character strengths proudly more often this new year. An Ode to Four: This is Four You Becca Bubis, Jewish Studies Faculty

Editors’ Note: And four are the mothers Four enormous golden candlesticks Ms. Bubis chose to Three are the fathers were set up in the Holy Temple court focus on the the Two are the tablets that Moshe broke with four golden bowls on them and number 4, asking “why And one is Hashem four ladders resting on each2 not 3? Or 5 ? Or even One is Hashem 7 species?” In a clever One is Hashem! We have our standard fours poem, she explores the But four are the letters in the Name Sons, cups, questions, species Levels use of the number 4 It’s a Petit moniker of PaRDeS3 in other contexts. As Kabbalistic realms of the universe you enjoy her original Like the sides of a square creation, ask yourself: Legs on a table And culture has theirs “How many 4’s do you Limbs on a body Beatles, Suits, recognize? Are there Turtles, Musketeers any 4’s you would add? Four is stable As a rock n roll beat School has its own fours field She exudes balance Nucleotides Totality Sixteenth notes Completion the Quad Years in high school and college Hers are the elements The forces of nature It all originated The hemispheres In Paradise The dimensions The Winds A river issues from Eden to water the garden, The and it then divides dispersed of Judah come and becomes four branches4 From the four corners Like a four leaf clover of the earth1 It’s Fantastic

As diverse as the Citron, palm frond, myrtle, and willow

1 Isaiah 11:12. 2 , Sukkah 5:2. 3 PaRDeS is an acronym referring to the four general approaches to rabbinic interpretation of the Bible. These approaches include p’shat, the surface or direct meaning; remez, the allegorical or symbolic meaning, d’rash, the comparative midrashic meaning; and sod, the esoteric or mystical meaning. 4Genesis 2:10.