The National Jewish Post&Opinion Volume 76, Number 1 • September 23, 2009 • 5 Tishrei 5770 Two Dollars www.jewishpostopinion.com

This photo comes from Universe’s 2010 The Jewish Historical Museum of Amsterdam calendar. More on this and other Jewish calendars on page NAT 14. Cover designed by Crystal Kurz.

NAT 2 September 23, 2009 is not only possible but also beneficial to you and I, are included in that moment of one’s well-being to be able to forgive. revelation. That moment is part of our Editorial Again, L’shana Tova to each of you and Shabbat Shalom collective memory. If these verses had your families! been left out, then we could have easily As you can read in Howard Karsh’s Jennie Cohen 9-23-09 BY RABBI JON ADLAND said that the revelation on Sinai was just column on page NAT 10 of this issue, in Sept. 11, 2009, Nitzavim/Vayelech for those who had been liberated from 5769 the Jewish community suffered Forgiving yourself (Deuteronomy 29:9–31:30), 22 Elul 5769 Egypt. Instead, it included all of us. embarrassment because of a few Jewish by Rabbi Steven Z. Leder What does this mean? It means that individuals. In contrast, I would like to Guess how many pages it takes in the Where were you eight years ago this Torah is a part of every Jewish person’s focus on a Jewish man from Indianapolis prayer book until God forgives us on Kol morning? That is the question many of us life, heart, and soul. It means that a Jew who was an example of the exact Nidrei? Three. Barely a minute into the will be asking as we think about this day. can’t just dismiss what Torah teaches and opposite – a true mensch. service, God says, “Salachti – I forgive The Adland family was scattered. Josh what Torah commands without a struggle Melvin Simon, of blessed memory (see you.” Almost immediately our slate is was in Israel on his semester in high to understand. It doesn’t mean that every obituary NAT 3), was a man we can all wiped clean. school program, and Rachel was in school word or ritual or commandment of Torah be proud of. Coming from a meager When it comes to forgiveness, God acts in Lexington. Sandy was flying that day will work in our lives, but one shouldn’t upbringing in the Bronx, N.Y., he – quickly. But what about us when it comes heading toward Dallas for an aunt’s dismiss it without just cause. together with his brothers Herbert and to one of the most difficult and important funeral and ended up in Pittsburgh at the For me, over the years of reading, Fred Simon – set a standard for Jews and kinds of forgiveness; forgiving ourselves? home of a colleague of mine after the studying, struggling, and comprehending non-Jews alike of what a man can achieve How many of us are good at that? plane was grounded. I spent some of the Torah, I have found that what a section and contribute to his community with Most of us expect an awful lot of day in Louisville at a rabbis’meeting before meant to me 30 years ago or 20 years ago dedication and hard work. ourselves. And we expect a lot of our returning home. My mother-in-law had is different today. As we grow older, the The Simons also set an example by children, parents and spouses. We have gone to New Jersey for a wedding and meaning of our actions and thoughts, as embracing their Jewish upbringing, a hard time forgiving them for their was stuck there for a few days until we well as the world around us, change and celebrating their life cycle events at the human frailties. got her home on a train. we need to rethink what it means. Torah synagogue – in this case even to the very The Torah knew better – the heroes of Many of us have stories of that day, but study gives us the opportunity to confront end – and continuing throughout their the Bible aren’t perfect. Their great deeds all of us have memories. It is one of those deep and meaningful questions about life lives to support Jewish causes. overshadow their mistakes, but they all defining moments. Where were you and love, death and loss, as well as the He was also well loved among non- make their share of mistakes. Virtually when you saw Neil Armstrong walk on everyday mundane that we face. Jews locally and internationally, with every family in the Torah is dysfunctional. the moon? Where were you when you Beginning next weekend, our holy President Bill Clinton and Vice-president God doesn’t expect us to be perfect. heard the news that President Kennedy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Al Gore as two of the speakers at the When God creates the world in the Torah, was shot? Pearl Harbor, D-Day, and the will be at the core of our Jewish lives. funeral. Because Simon was co-owner of the world is called “good”– not “perfect.” end of WWII mark dramatic moments for The words in our mahzor (Gates of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, several famous For God, good is good enough. Life isn’t a our senior generation. We mark time by Repentance) challenge us to think about professional basketball personalities such trap set for us by God, so that God can the memories we accumulate. what is truly important in our lives. We as Larry Bird and Reggie Miller (along condemn us for failing. God doesn’t set us Our Torah portion this week marks a are urged to set things right, as well as with NBA commissioner David Stern up for failure. We do that all by ourselves. moment in time as well when we are to celebrate God’s magnificent creation. who is Jewish) were also in attendance. Author Anne Lamott puts it this way: “I reminded that all of us stood together at These holy days are meant to be spent Perhaps this was the first Jewish life cycle always imagined when I was a kid that Mt. Sinai to receive the Torah that links with family and friends, not at work or at experience for many of them. adults had some kind of inner toolbox, and binds us together with its stories, school, but in surroundings that allow for Simon’s funeral, which took place at full of shiny tools: the saw of discernment, teachings, ethics, rituals, and morals. But, celebration and contemplation. These are Congregation Beth-El Zedeck, with the hammer of wisdom, the sandpaper of what is amazing about this part of days, not a couple of hours in shul, but reportedly 2,000 people in attendance, patience. But then when I grew up, I found Deuteronomy is that the writers also told days to refrain from the everyday grind was led by Rabbis Dennis and Sandy that God handed you these rusty, bent, us that it would link every generation of and, at the same time, struggle with the Sasso. When assuredly so many would old tools – friendships, prayer, conscience, Jews to this moment. meaning of our existence. turn out to pay tribute to Mel, the seating honesty – and said, ‘Do the best you can It says, beginning in Deut. 29:13, “I In the midst of all of this, we build in the synagogue was already set up in with these; they will have to do.’ And make this covenant, with its sanctions, memories with the special dinners with expectation of the large attendance later that mostly, against all odds, they’re enough.” not with you alone, but both with those loved ones, phone calls from children, evening for Erev Rosh Hashanah services. God, on Yom Kippur,You forgive us our who are standing here with us this day and worship with family. Unfortunately, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels said imperfections in just three pages. before Adonai our God and with those the day will come when the chair will be about Simon, “A giant, pure and simple, For You, good is good enough. who are not with us here this day.” We, (see Adland, page NAT 16) and a citizen in the noblest sense of that Remind us not to give up on ourselves word. When the U.S. Army sent young But to give up instead on the search for The National Jewish Mel Simon to Fort Benjamin Harrison perfection. instead of anywhere else, it was one of Help us to love ourselves as much as the greatest breaks the state of Indiana You do; making peace within; entering will ever get.” the New Year forgiving, forgiven and Post &Opinion Indeed, the NBA, Indiana, and the world renewed. have lost an exceptional role model who Rabbi Leder is senior rabbi of Wilshire www.jewishpostopinion.com made the world Jewish community proud. Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles. This As is our tradition, we extend the words message if from their Sept. 1, 2009 bulletin Editorial and sales offices located at The Jewish Post & Opinion of comfort to the family of and all who which can be found at: www.wilshire 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225 Published biweekly by office: (317) 972-7800 • fax: (317) 972-7807 The Spokesman Co., Inc. mourn Mel Simon,“May G-d comfort you boulevardtemple.org/pages/bulletin. (USPS 275-580) (ISSN 0888-0379) among your fellow mourners of Zion and [email protected] Periodicals postage paid at Jerusalem.” Facing Tragedy Address correspondence to: Indianapolis, IN 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225 by Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish All circulation correspondence should be addressed to Forgiveness The 16th of January, 2009, is the day Publishers Advertising Director Accounting The National Jewish Post & Opinion, The following two articles did not arrive when my three precious daughters and Gabriel Cohen, z”l Barbara LeMaster Vivian Chan Subscription Department, until after our deadline for the previous niece were killed by Israeli shells. I do not Jennie Cohen 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, Indianapolis, IN 46225. Advertising Sales Editors Postmaster send address changes to: issue or I would have included them in want anyone in this world to see what I The National Jewish Post & Opinion, Graphic Design Mary Herring Jennie Cohen my editorial then. have seen. Subscription Department, Charlie Bunes Grechen Throop 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502, The first adds an important dimension What I have lost will never come back. Indianapolis, IN 46225. about forgiveness that I did not think I need to go forward and be motivated Subscriptions $36.00 per year, back issues $2.25, single copies $2.00. of: being able to forgive yourself. The literally by the spirit of what I lost, and to All advertisements designed and prepared by The Jewish Post & Opinion are the sole property of the newspaper and may not be second is very poignant and shows again do them justice. I lost three precious reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2005 Spokesman Co. Inc. All rights reserved. that even in the worst of circumstances it (see Editorial, page NAT 3) September 23, 2009 NAT 3 years. A few months ago she asked the pioneered cutting-edge development and head of a yeshiva if he knew someone retail concepts that have earned it the Chassidic Rabbi suitable for Sheina. He suggested one of Obituaries reputation as one of the industry’s leading his students. Malka called the young innovators. In 1993, under the leadership BY RABBI BENZION COHEN man’s aunt. The aunt told her that this Melvin Simon, 82 of Mr. Simon’s son, David, Simon boy wasn’t interested in marriage yet, and Property Group was formed into the As I write this, this coming Shabbos and suggested his younger brother. We did some Melvin Simon, largest initial public offering in the history Sunday are Rosh Hashanah. One aspect investigations, and got favorable reports. shopping center of the real estate investment trust (REIT) of Rosh Hashanah is that it is the Day of Then we asked the Rebbe. How do we ask industry pioneer and industry. Subsequent property and portfolio Judgment. On Rosh Hashanah, Hashem the Rebbe? We write the Rebbe a letter, Chairman Emeritus acquisitions have created the world’s passes judgment on each of us what kind of then take one of the Rebbe’s books and open of the Board of Simon largest retail real estate REIT. year we will have. Our health, wealth and it. We read the pages that we opened to, Property Group, has Mr. Simon also enjoyed a lifelong love everything else are all in Hashem’s hands. and see if that is a reply to what we asked. died at the age of 82 of sports, most notably basketball and If we decide now to learn Hashem’s Torah In this case we received a positive answer. after a short illness. golf. His love of sports culminated in the and fulfill His commandments, then He will Then Malka called a friend who is also A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Mr. Simon purchase of the Indiana Pacers in 1983, inscribe us for a good and sweet year. If a matchmaker and asked her to work on attended the Bronx High School of along with his brother, Herb. we don’t, we will most likely still survive, this idea. Her friend spoke to the boy’s Science and the City College of New York, Throughout his life, Mr. Simon was the because even those of us who consider parents. They checked up on our Sheina, where he earned a B.S. degree in accounting recipient of many awards and honors, themselves secular still do a lot of Mitzvahs. and decided to give the match a try. and an M.B.A. with emphasis on real including the Jewish Welfare Federation’s For example, all acts of kindness and We spoke to Sheina about the young man. estate. He moved to Indianapolis, Ind. in “Man of the Year,” The Horatio Alger anything that we do to help others are She decided that she wasn’t interested. 1954 while serving in the U.S. Army at Award, and a seat in the Central Indiana Mitzvahs. But is this what we want? Just Why? Because his mother is Moroccan. Fort Benjamin Harrison. Business Hall of Fame. In 1995, upon the to survive, to struggle on? No! We want a We had a long talk. We explained that Upon his discharge from the Army, Mr. opening of Circle Centre Mall in rich life, full of happiness and fulfillment, marriage is a meeting of souls. When you Simon worked as a leasing representative Indianapolis, he was named a Sagamore and this we can achieve only by learning are born, half of a soul enters your body. with the Albert Frankel Company, an of the Wabash. In 2003, he was named a Torah and doing all of the Mitzvahs. For The other half enters the body of your Indianapolis developer of community Lifetime Trustee of the Urban Land those of you who read this after Rosh future spouse. The main thing to look for shopping centers. In 1960, sensing the Institute and was a former trustee of the Hashanah, we have until the last day of in a marriage partner is whether this is vast potential in this industry, Mr. Simon, International Council of Shopping Succos to make good resolutions to earn my soul mate. Does this person have the joined by his brothers Herbert and Fred, Centers. In 2007, Mr. Simon was inducted blessings for a good and sweet year. long lost other half of my soul? created Melvin Simon & Associates, who into The Indiana Academy, a recognition Now I’ll tell you a beautiful story about If you find your soul mate, marriage can quickly became known for their willingness bestowed on him by the state’s private a Mitzvah. Our daughter, Sheina Sarah, be truly wonderful. When you are single, to do business on a handshake. colleges and universities. Most recently, got married Sept. 7. We thank Hashem you are only a half. When you marry your From the early years of developing in June 2009, he was named a Living with all our heart that He helped us to do soul mate, you find your other half, and enclosed regional malls and community Legend by the Indiana Historical Society. this Mitzvah. Baruch Hashem she had a together you become whole. If you decide shopping centers, the company has Understanding the importance of giving beautiful and very happy wedding. that you will only marry someone from back, Mr. Simon had many philanthropic How did she find her husband? The America (or any other country), you can j i interests, including organizations that traditional way, through the service of get into big trouble. What if your soul EDITORIAL serve underprivileged youth, the arts, matchmakers. Is this the best way to find mate was born in a different country? (continued from page NAT 2) museums, social services and education. a spouse? In my experience, definitely. Sheina decided to ask her spiritual From the early days of the Jerry Lewis I grew up in the secular world, where advisor what to do. Her advisor agreed daughters, but I am blessed with five Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, to you find a spouse by yourself. This can be with us, and convinced her to meet Shneur. other children and the future. I believe the formation of the Simon Youth really difficult, frustrating, painful, and in The matchmaker set up a meeting. that life is like riding a bicycle, as Einstein Foundation, Mr. Simon always tried to many cases impossible. I am by nature a shy The day of the meeting, we got an urgent says – “To keep your balance, you must help those less fortunate, never forgetting person. I remember being attracted to many call from the matchmaker.The young man keep moving.”I will keep moving. his humble beginnings. He was especially girls, but I was too shy to ask them for a decided to put off the meeting. He heard And what about forgiveness? Is for- generous in gifts to Indiana University – date. A lot of the time, I was really frustrated. that our Sheina has a slight problem with giveness necessary? When you forgive Simon Hall and the Bess Meshulam In the middle of my second year of her vision, and wanted to investigate. someone, you forgive and value yourself. Simon Music Library and Recital Hall on college, I dropped out and went to learn After a few days of investigating he spoke Forgiveness is about letting go, completely the Bloomington campus, the Simon in the yeshiva (rabbinical school) in Kfar to his spiritual advisor, who told him the and permanently. Family Tower at Riley Hospital for Habad, Israel. While learning in yeshiva I same idea, that the main thing here is Then there is the choice, the crossroads, Children, and most recently, the Melvin also saw attractive girls, but I was no whether she is his soul mate. He agreed the path of light or the path of darkness. I and Bren Simon Cancer Center at longer frustrated. I had been told that when to meet our Sheina, but now our Sheina chose the first. Most people assume that the Indiana University Medical Center I was ready for marriage, a matchmaker refused to meet him. She had been insulted. this path, that of forgiveness, is difficult, in Indianapolis. He was a member would help me to find the right girl. What could we do? Malka started to but in the long run it is easier to forgive of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck The matchmaker gets an idea of who is look into other possibilities. A month than to live with hatred or be consumed in Indianapolis. suitable for whom. Then he suggests the later Sheina got a message from the with revenge. Mr. Simon is survived by his wife of 40 idea to the boy and girl, or to their parents Rebbe implying that she had insulted Forgiveness helps you move forward, years, Bren; his children, Deborah Simon, or teachers. He gives references, so that someone and should seek forgiveness. away from the pain of the past to the Cynthia Simon Skjodt, David Simon and you can check out the character of the She understood from this that she should brightness of the future. Indeed, forgiveness Tammy McCauley; his grandchildren, Eli, person who is being suggested. If both swallow her pride and meet Shneur.A opens the door to a future that will not Rebecca, Hannah, Noah and Sam Simon; sides agree, then a meeting is arranged in meeting was arranged and this time they repeat the old tragedies. Sometimes the Erik, Samantha and Ian Skjodt; Tasha and a comfortable setting, such as a park or really met. After three meetings they beauty in forgiveness is to forgive when Dylan McCauley; and his brothers, Fred hotel lobby, where the couple can talk in decided to get married. you do not know whom to forgive, when and Herbert. He was preceded in death privacy and get to know each other. After We hope that you will bless the new no one asks you for forgiveness. by son, Joshua Max Simon. an hour or two of talking, they say goodbye. couple with great success in their efforts Whatever the situation, to err is human, A funeral service took place on Fri., Later they speak to the matchmaker. If to build an everlasting family. We bless but to forgive is truly divine. Sept. 18 at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck. they think that this person might be right you that you should also merit to fulfill Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, A private burial service followed. for them, they tell the matchmaker that they this Mitzvah, and all of the Mitzvahs. M.D., M.P.H., is an In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are interested in meeting again. If not, they Each Mitzvah brings Moshiach closer. We associate professor in may be made to the Joshua Max Simon tell the matchmaker to look for someone want Moshiach now! the Dala Lana School Primary Care Center at St. Vincent else for them. No feelings are hurt. Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, Israel. of Public Health at Hospital, Indianapolis. Arrangements Who was the matchmaker for our He can be reached by email at bzcohen1@ the University of entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson daughter Sheina? My dear wife, Malka. neto.bezeqint.net. He and his wife Malka Toronto; info@abue- Mortuary. Online condolences may be She has been a matchmaker for almost 30 now have 10 children and 26 grandchildren. laishfoundation.com. sent to www.arnmortuary.com. NAT 4 September 23, 2009 talents, Marilyn writes like an angel (a by funny, caustic angel) and decided, some Between Unatana Jews years ago, to write a little spiel each day as she counted the Omer…and, happily, she you & me Tokef Choice included her email friends. She now has a little following in Merced, Calif., as a BY MARY HOFMANN group of my folks loved her messages so BY RABBI MICAH D.GREENSTEIN BY RABBI ANNE BRENER much they asked me to forward them, It’s the journey, which I cheerfully and gratefully do. One of the most unique qualities of We now confront the meaning of this day This year, though, she has surpassed Judaism is its emphasis on joy. Judaism is As we stare into the face of our own mortality. not the destination herself. This year, during the month of a faith that celebrates the goodness and We form a circle. I’m always disappointed in Yom Elul, she has taken familiar fables from fullness of life. Or, as Modern Orthodox Hands and souls linked, Kippur, and I bet I’m not alone. It’s not Aesop and others and, each day, tied in Rabbi “Yitz” Greenberg put it at Temple We stand as community. Yom Kippur’s fault, of course, it’s mine. an event or reflection of her own to it and just before the High Holy Days,“Judaism, Together we contemplate And this year my friend Marilyn Price has created thoughtful little masterpieces that at its core, is about the triumph of life” The Yomim Noraim. shown me what I was missing. have brought Elul and its purpose to life The holiday that embodies this ideal of The days of awe, I don’t know anyone in our tiny for me and, undoubtedly, many others. the joy of life – more than any other The days of trembling. congregation in small-town central Ah, the potential magic of email, at least festival – is Sukkot. The prayerbook California who pays any attention to Elul. when Marilyn is on the sender end. identifies Sukkot as “z’man simchateinu”– Our eyes scan the room And hardly anyone notices Selichot. It’s the “season of our rejoicing.” And lock with the eyes of others, almost as though Rosh Hashanah and At first glance, this period of the year As we consider the year just begun. Yom Kippur burst unexpectedly from the It’s almost as though seems to be the least suitable for a calendar each year and everybody revs up “season of rejoicing.” The days grow As we cross the threshold of a New Year, (or at least shows up) for the Erev Rosh Rosh Hashanah and shorter, the weather in most of the We are not so foolish Hashanah service.Ten days later they turn Jewish world grows colder, grass withers, As to think that it will be up for Kol Nidre, after which many, I fear, Yom Kippur burst flowers fade, and the whole world seems A year unblemished by tears. feel they have satisfied whatever homing to retreat into a state of hibernation. instinct brought them in the week before. unexpectedly from the Maybe not in Memphis or the South, but Give us the strength to stand as a circle, Since I teach the Shabbat School (we’re in most places, this is a very difficult time When the year is touched by anguish and pain. up to nine kids now ranging from 2.5 to calendar each year... for rejoicing! When injustice, illness, and death, 11 years!), I at least have the advantage of How much easier it would be to revel in Enter the circle, needing to make time to bring the kids up If you’d like your own taste of Marilyn’s the sprint when all nature revives. Don’t Give us the compassion not to avert our gaze. to some level of speed about what we’re inspired, instructional silliness, please you think joy can be captured more doing and why, which creates its own check out her web site (www.marilyn readily at the beginning of a cycle instead Only You know what the year will bring. self-reflective moments for me. But this price.com) and/or buy yourself a copy of at the very end? Who will live and who will die. year, as she has done for years with the (or many copies) of her little book Maybe not. Too often we are inclined to Who will face cancer or depression Counting of the Omer, Marilyn has, Marilyn Price & Friends Present the rejoice in anticipation of the future. We Or the other maladies of flesh and soul. without realizing it, shown me the way Alphabet from Aleph to Tav. Published in think about the harvest we plan to reap in and brought me along for a wonderful, 1998 by Torah Aura, it’s a colorful Hebrew the days and weeks and months to come. Job loss, addiction, infertility, heartbreak, unexpected ride. reading readiness adventure (through her We are often disappointed. We never Temptations to stray from vows to family I first met Marilyn (at least officially) in puppets, of course) that is not only a achieve all that we seek. The future never and community. 2001 at a delightful URJ weekend retreat boon to kids, but to adults who love an fully meets our expectations, and, as a Impoverishment, earthquake, hurricanes, at Camp Newman in Calistoga, Calif., outstanding example of a creative segue result, for many people that sense of “joy” acts of terror, called “Sukkot in Sonoma.” Marilyn is a into Hebrew. I understand she may be either suffers or dissolves altogether. We are vulnerable creatures subject to master storyteller who found she could publishing a group of her stories soon as However, we have all probably reaped a Your grace. overcome her shyness by telling her well, and I for one cannot wait to snap up harvest of some significance in the recent stories through puppets. Fulfilling an a copy. But I digress… past – personal achievements, however We do not ask to be exempt from the amazingly creative artistic flair, Marilyn This year, because of Marilyn, I’ve been modest, that we can all look back on if we afflictions of being human. (whose house in Evanston, Ill., must be honoring Elul and enjoying every adjust our mindset. We only ask that you be with us in the an absolute riot of colors and strange moment. We celebrated Selichot at home What am I talking about? A little peaks and in the valleys, Jewish characters lovingly created out of this year, close family and friends sitting thoughtfulness or kindness directed our That you help us to stand with each foam and scraps and brushes and every around my living room lit by candles as way, perhaps the return to health (or at other in good times and in bad. conceivable household object one can we spoke the prayers and then invited our least better health), much needed support And that the circle of witness and consolation imagine) takes her “friends”on the road little ones (4 and almost 6 years old) to from friends and family during a difficult Remains unbroken and delights children and adults all over blow the shofar (and they surprised time, sparks of love that have brightened our In the coming year. the country and beyond with her stories. everyone, most of all themselves, being lives – these moments and recollections are Amen. I was enthralled. able to do it!). It was magical. more than sufficient cause for rejoicing, Rabbi Anne Brener, LCSW has a private I met her again at a URJ Kallah in Santa In a way, Rosh Hashanah and Yom regardless of what the future holds. practice in psychotherapy and spiritual Cruz, where she hosted workshops Kippur are a little like graduations. If The past is never so bleak that it does direction. She is a frequent scholar-in-residence, showing us how to make (with children you focus entirely on the graduation, you not contain a glimmer of hope, and that is who assists institutions in creating caring and adults) all manner of Jewish creations miss the entire education. And if you the same principle Jewish tradition urges communities. She is the author of the out of the commonplace, and this time I focus on the education, the graduation us to apply to the future. acclaimed Mourning & Mitzvah: Walking felt confident enough to approach her becomes but another step in the journey. Admittedly, a joyous mood may be the Mourner’s Path (Jewish Lights, 1993 and talk. In the manner of Small Jewish Important ones, of course, but more in harder to develop at this season than at & 2001) and has contributed to many World, it turns out we went to the the context than in the performance. others. It requires more courage and publications. Ordained in 2008, she is a same high school in Chicago, where she This year, more than ever, I’m all about confidence to maintain a zest for living graduate of Hebrew Union College’s School graduated a year ahead of me. And it the context. when nature is more in retreat than in of Communal Service and the University of went from there… Thank you, Marilyn. You may be resurgence. Still, that may be the purpose Southern California’s School of Social Work We’ve seen each other at the occasional thousands of miles away, but you’ve of Torah in commanding us to rejoice at (1983), Anne is a faculty member of the URJ event over the years and kept in loose become one of the great teachers in my this time! Academy for Jewish Religion, LA and has contact, but she did me the incredible life. And when we were both at Sullivan It is not an instinctive or impulsive taught at, Hebrew Union College. She is also mitzvah of adding me to her group mail High in the 60s, who’d a thought! response; it requires determination with on the faculty of Yedidya’s Morei Derekh – (it may have been a small thing for her at Mary Hofmann welcomes comments the assurance that, looking back, the Jewish Spiritual Direction Program. A New the time, but the rewards for me have at: P.O. Box 723, Merced, CA 95340; rewards will more than compensate for Orleans native, she spent three months doing been profound). Among her many other [email protected]. (see Greenstein, page NAT 5) relief work following hurricane Katrina. September 23, 2009 NAT 5 them while reciting certain blessings. But Jewish why these four items rather than an Wiener’s Chag orange, banana or peanuts? We find answers in the Jewish midrash, interpre- Educator tations of Biblical passages. One such Wisdom Sukkot midrash views these four items as BY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN symbolic of parts of our body. The etrog is BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. BY RABBI SAMUEL SILVER, Z”L our heart, the willow is our mouth, the Sukkot: myrtle represents our eye and the date Sukkot gives Why the Pilgrims palm branch is our backbone. The idea is Coming together that we can reach our highest potential as meaning, purpose chose Thursday under one roof humans and honor God best when we to our lives Sukkot is one of the many ways the bring our heart, mind and body to the Jewish people say thank you to God. The holiday of Sukkot (which means task, just as the four species are brought Sukkot is one of the pilgrimage holidays – It is a holiday that comes in the autumn “booths”in Hebrew) was not a big one on together during the holiday of Sukkot. a time set aside to reconnect to our roots. when nature is so pretty with browns, the Holiday Hit Parade in the town where My favorite midrash suggests that the A time to come together to rejoice and yellows, reds, violets and purples on the I grew up. I did not know that it marked four species represent four types of Jews, give thanks for all that we are and all that trees and in the fields. the season of harvest for Jews in ancient each one in a different relationship with we have. And much more. Thousands of years ago the Jewish times or that it was the third pilgrimage his or her faith and commitment to Torah. It is different from the other two farmers created this holiday because they festival after Passover and Shavuot. Not one Some Jews are knowledgeable but do not pilgrimage holidays Passover and wanted to give thanks to the Lord for the single person I knew built a sukkah in their act in ways that reflect Jewish values like Shavuot. Passover commemorates the beauty around them and because it was a back yard, so when my own son came compassion and justice. Others may lead concept of freedom. Shavuot acknowl- time to rest up a bit before they got to home from our synagogue preschool and with their hearts but have no formal edges the purpose of our existence, our work gathering in the autumn harvest. asked if we could have one, my initial Jewish training. Some may “feel Jewish” religious identity. Sukkot, on the other hand, In your Bible you can read about response was less than enthusiastic. but not know how or where to begin to incorporates the meaning of the other Sukkot in Leviticus Chapter 23, Exodus “Why don’t we just go and pick pumpkins become connected to their Jewish roots. two and adds a significant dimension: Chapter 23, and Numbers Chapter 29. instead?”I asked, hoping that Halloween And others may have both the knowledge Sukkot emphasizes the tenuousness of The word Sukkot is Hebrew for tents or might be a bigger draw. and the commitment to live their lives our lives, the fragility of our existence and huts. The holiday is connected, too, with “I want a sukkah!”Josh responded with according to Jewish laws and values, the temporariness of our sojourn here. the time when the Jews were in the gusto. “We can eat in it every night and becoming our role models and inspiration. Sukkot is also a reminder of G-d’s desert. For 40 years they lived in tents as sleep in it, too. It’s a mitzvah,”he concluded, Sukkot is an annual reminder that each protection. Just as the sukkah we erect they journeyed to the land of freedom and as if he knew that would clinch the deal. one of us is unique and different but that gives shelter, G-d attempts to shelter us during all that time, the Lord protected And so, we dragged palm fronds from together, we form the Jewish people. We from the consequences of our choices. them. So they declared a holiday they the alleyway and built a small lean-to in all begin at different starting points; we Just as the temporary dwelling reminds us called Sukkot, huts – sometimes known the back yard with sheets nailed on to encounter different challenges and are how precarious is life’s journey, G-d as tabernacles. three sides. It wasn’t fancy, but it was a blessed with different strengths. We live attempts to guide us through the paths we Sukkot stands for so many things that sukkah in every sense of the word. A in different cities and countries, we have determine for ourselves. And just as the it is celebrated for eight days by more fragile, temporary structure that a strong different family compositions and we lodging can disappear without warning, traditional Jews. An added day is Simchat wind could have destroyed, our first encounter the world with different eyes, G-d reminds us how fleeting our existence Torah, or the Joy of Learning. On Simchat sukkah withstood the weight of my hearts and minds. When we dine together is and comforts us in our time of need. Torah, the last chapters of the Books of children’s expectations as well as that of in the sukkah, we are called upon to The holiday is known by several names, Moses are read in the synagogue and, the numerous gourds and ears of dried create a time and place to honor these my favorite being “Z’man Simhateinu”– immediately, the first chapters are read, to corn that we hung from its thatched roof. differences. For only when we are able to a time for celebrating. We have just show that one must never stop learning As the years passed and my family’s bring all Jews together under one roof, completed our High Holiday observance, to do the right thing. commitment to Jewish tradition grew, so will we be able to reach our highest and we are satisfied that our expressions On Sukkot, it is our custom to build a did the size, shape and durability of our potential as human beings and as Jews. of contriteness and our wishers for a hut outside one’s home or in or near the sukkah. I will never forget the proud look Amy Hirshberg Lederman is an award- better tomorrow have been accepted. It is synagogue to remind ourselves that the on my husband’s face the year we lived in winning, nationally syndicated columnist, certainly a cause for jubilee. ancient Jews lived in these fragile Jerusalem and he built a sukkah the size of author, Jewish educator, public speaker and Additionally, Sukkot gives us the dwellings on their trek toward freedom. my first apartment (and decorated in much attorney. Her new book One God, Many opportunity to succeed in our efforts to The hut, or sukkah, is open at the top so that better taste!). Strings of bright colored Paths: Finding Meaning and Inspiration understand that all is not good nor is one can see the sky, and it is decorated lights and paper mache pineapples, in Jewish Teachings is available at www. everything bad. We need to learn that with the fruits and foliage of the season. strawberries and apples dangled over our OneGod-manyPaths.com or on her web site good and bad are connected, and we are The little hut reminds us also that many heads as we dined with our friends for at www.amyhirshberglederman.com. the link that can separate them enough to people lack decent houses in which to seven glorious nights. give meaning to our lives. live. Sukkot is, therefore, a time when we Sukkot is the start of the rainy season in Sukkot enables us to comprehend the are urged to make gifts to the poor and help Israel and prayers for bountiful rain, j i true meaning of life, to be thankful for all the to find ways of putting an end to poverty. called Hoshanot, are recited every day of harvests of our days. And G-d is where Our Thanksgiving Day in America was the holiday. It must work, because the GREENSTEIN G-d should be in our hearts and minds, in modeled after Sukkot by the Pilgrims, very first night of Sukkot, the sky (continued from page NAT 4) our deeds and actions, in our relationships who loved the Bible.The Pilgrims felt that unleashed a storm so great that it caused and understanding of each other. they were like the Jews of ancient times the reds and yellows of our paper fruits to the effort, difficult as it may be to see Sukkot should help us realize that because they too left a land of oppression bleed onto our T-shirts and chairs in a when we’re going through it. Our Jewish we are responsible for each other and and wandered through unknown territory colorful pattern that no amount of bleach faith is a faith that commands us to that there can be no true jubilation toward a land of promise and freedom. So would remove. remember the good, to remember life, without this moral standard. The rabbis when they emerged from their hard time, As Jews, we are commanded to dwell in and, when we remember, we can count loved to demonstrate this with the story they proclaimed a feast of thanks to God, the Sukkah (Leviticus 23:42-3) and to more than a few blessings. of a man sitting in a boat filled with like Sukkot. “take the fruit of the citron tree (etrog), Yes, I am convinced that each and every many people. All of sudden the man They thought first of establishing the branches of date palms, twigs of a one of us can find more than ample cause began drilling a hole under his seat. Thanksgiving on Sunday but they wanted braided tree (myrtle), and willows of the for “a time for spiritual rejoicing.” Chag The other passengers were outraged and it to be separate from their own Sabbath. brook (combined to make the lulav), and Sameach – Happy Sukkot to you and admonished him for doing something They considered choosing Saturday, rejoice before the Lord for seven days” those you love. so foolhardy. His reply was that he but that is the Jewish Sabbath. They (Leviticus 23:40). Rabbi Greenstein is senior rabbi of Temple was drilling the hole under his seat and decided against Friday, too, because it is The basic commandment is to take Israel in Memphis. This is from their Oct. could not understand the commotion. the Islamic Sabbath. So they chose these four species in your hand and shake 2008 bulletin. (see Weiner, page NAT 15) (see Silver, page NAT 15) NAT 6 September 23, 2009 enough to join with your peers, acknowl- the Rabbi Moshe Isserles, though, which edging to each other the very basic of present normative Ashkenazic practice, Funsmith base humanity – the sins, the mistakes An Observant note that the custom has its illustrious that we have all made, the holiest of us, the defenders, and maintains that where it weakest of us. To absolute, total regret – Eye exists it should be preserved. not just for all your own failed intentions, The custom’s intent and meaning BY BERNIE DEKOVEN but for a whole congregation-worth of BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN are elucidated in the widely accepted broken promises. Together, every Jew, commentary known as the Mishneh Higher fun wherever, acknowledging, before G-d, Wings and prayers Brurah, written by the renowned “Chofetz our very human limits. Chaim,”Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan. Citing Dear Funsmith, Ah, thought Simcha Dick, this is a From the flurry of e-mails and calls earlier sources, he explains that when one With all these holidays – Yom Kippur, special kind of fun in deed – not your to Agudath Israel and other Orthodox performs the ritual, he should consider Sukkot, Simchat Torah – I was wondering if laughing kind of fun, not your sweet, silly Jewish organizations, it seems that some that what will happen to the bird – its you could say something about the one you fun, but a fulfilling, transcending, out-of- advocates for humane treatment of animals slaughter – would be happening to him think, from the fun perspective, has the most body kind of fun. A oneness kind of fun, have concerns about the pre-Yom Kippur were strict justice, untempered with G-d’s to teach us about fun. ~ Sue Kkot all these Jews, together, clean enough, custom of Kapparos. mercy, the rule. As a result, the supplicant pure enough, finally, at least for this They are troubled by the fact that many will come to regret his sins and “through Dear Ms. Kkot (if that’s really your name), moment, to stand together before G-d. Orthodox Jews – predominantly in the his repentance”cause G-d “to revoke any I’m just guessing here, but I think you And then, almost immediately after the haredi, especially the Hassidic, world – evil decree from him.” might already know my answer. final blowing of the Shofar, hungry, use chickens in the ceremony, during So it seems that the Kapparos-custom So, instead, I thought I’d tell you a little thirsty, tired, but infused with the incredibly which the bird is lifted and waved around is essentially a spur to meditation on story about another funsmith. It’s from deep joy of connection and absolution, the head of a supplicant. (Many Orthodox atonement, intended to stir feelings of the well-loved, unwritten and entirely Simcha Dick found himself thinking Jews use money instead of birds.) The repentance and recommitment to the apocryphal “Stories of Simcha Dick.” about the kinds of fun Sukkot will bring. advocates say that chickens are mistreated performance of good deeds. It was right after Rosh Hashanah, and Ah, Sukkot fun – a fun as vivid as before and after the ceremony and that Similar to Kapporos is the Rosh Simcha Dick, the taste of honey still in camping, as playing house. Building the the ceremony itself abuses the birds. They Hashana custom of Tashlich, which is his body, the echo of the Shofar still sukkah, decorating the sukkah, the kids are not happy either, with the ultimate likewise commonly misconstrued as a resonating in his soul, asked himself the making their paper chains and paintings, fate of the chickens, which are slaughtered magical “casting away of sins.” The very same question you just asked me. the parents and their friends building the and given to the poor. practice of visiting a body of water and And he, being far more steeped, walls, making a roof that really isn’t a As it happens, while a chicken is not reciting verses and prayers, however, has tradition-wise, and far higher, steeply roof, that never allows them to think of injured or traumatized by being held and no such direct effect. It, like Kapporot, is speaking, decided that he would meditate the house they are building as anything waved, there have indeed been situations an opportunity for self-sensitization to significantly during the next few weeks other than temporary. Day by day, taking where chickens, before or after the our need for repentance. The verse “And on the kinds of fun each of the three shape, the schach and hanging fruits Kapparos ceremony, have not been treated cast in the depths of the ocean all of their holidays to come had to offer him, and creating their own, sweet, Sukkahdik with the sensitivity to animals’ comfort sins,” prominently recited in the prayers which of holidays had the deepest lessons incense. The beautiful table, sumptuously that halacha mandates.That is inexcusable; for the ritual, is a metaphor for what we about life and fun and joy and stuff. spread, the food glowing in the candle and concern that birds used for Kapparos can effect with our sincere repentance and To prepare himself, he spent every day light. Everybody in the family making be treated properly was one of the reasons determination to be better in the future. until Yom Kippur noticing the kinds of fun it happen, together. What thorough, nearly 30 leading haredi rabbinical As Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchok Sperling he was given to enjoy, the daily fun that magical fun. And everyone a magician. authorities issued a proclamation two years writes in his classic work known as the came just from being alive. At first he was a And the singing. And the tasting. Even ago enjoining their followers to patronize “Ta’amei Haminhagim,” or “Explications little bit sorry that he didn’t start earlier, for the Lulav and Etrog, ancient beyond only approved vendors of Kapparos. of Customs,”Tashlich reminds us that the Rosh Hashanah was in deed full of fun – understanding, bringing a smell and One of the recurrent themes of the day of ultimate reckoning may be upon us sweet tastes, sweet moments with family sound that embraces everyone. anti-chicken-Kapparos crowd’s commu- far sooner that we imagine, just as fish and friends and community, the joy of a Even the outsider who finds himself nications, though, is that the custom itself swimming freely in the water may find renewed commitment to the holy. But, welcome and wanted and celebrated. is “primitive.”The activists assume – and themselves captured suddenly in the being true to his name, regret wasn’t And then a week of visiting each it is an assumption mistakenly made by hungry fishmonger’s net – and that we something he spent much time doing other’s sukkot. Everyone delighting in the many others (including The New York dare not live lives of spiritual leisure on until Yom Kippur. So, instead, he looked delight they can bring to everyone else. Times a few years back) – that sins are the assumption that there will always be to each new moment of fun that the days Ah, thought Simcha Dick, this is full- somehow transferred from the supplicant time for repentance when we grow old. between had to offer him. And many bodied fun, this is total body fun. to the bird. All too often we moderns tend to view were these moments – from washing his Out-of-body, full-body, oy, such fun Ah, were expiation of iniquity only ancient Jewish laws, customs and rituals as face in the morning, saying the brachot, lessons in fun. so simple. quaint relics of the distant past evoking, walking to shul in the early fall – the days Even before he had a chance to taste Even when actual animal sacrifices at most, warm and nostalgic feelings of still warm, the trees just beginning to the fun of Simchat Torah, Simcha Dick were a mainstay of Jewish life, when the ethnic identity. show the first intimations of color, and was convinced that the Sukkot kind of fun Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, the But, as a closer look at Kapporos then, in shul, winding the tefillin around was in deed the fun that he, personally, cancellation of sin still required teshuva, and Tashlich suggest, there is a world of himself, wrapping himself in the tallit, cherished above all others. Such accessible repentance. It still does. difference between Tevya’s celebration of davening with the minyan – so many fun. Fun that even the kids could under- There are, unfortunately, no shortcuts “Tradition!” for tradition’s sake and the kinds of fun, so many deep delights. stand. Fun that everyone could share, when it comes to taking responsibility for deep meanings that lie in the rites and And when it finally came to be Yom cross-age or abilities or language or our actions. Repentance is the only effective rituals of Jewish religious life. Kipper, a new kind of fun started opening understanding. Simple, thorough fun, remedy for sin, though it is an amazing Jewish practice is laden with profound to him, and he to it. Eating a very careful that touches everyone, that welcomes one. For it accomplishes much more than significance that speaks to us plainly and selection of foods (nothing too salty or everyone, that everyone can understand a simple apology; it has the power, Jewish powerfully, if only we choose to listen, heavy) in preparation for a night and day and rejoice in together. sources teach, to actually reach into the to confront our spiritual selves, to do of fasting, he felt like he was getting ready And then, just as Simcha Dick was past and change the nature of what we teshuva – with or without the help of to embark on a voyage to the very gates of absolutely certain he had found the may have done. As such, we are taught, chickens or rivers. heaven. Lighting the candles, dressing in holiday that had the most to teach the teshuva is a “chiddush,” a concept that © 2009 AM ECHAD RESOURCES his finest clothes, he began to sense most of us about the most meaningful, defies simple logic and expectation. And Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs himself preparing for a kind of fun that was most penetrating kind of fun, came for erasing iniquity, it is indispensable. for Agudath Israel of America. This essay, truly and uniquely Yom Kipperdik – the fun Simchat Torah. And Simcha Dick, dancing So what’s with the chickens? in a different form, was first published in of devoting yourself totally to G-d. Forget with the Torah, knowing the kind of Well, the definitive primary Jewish legal 2002. work. Forget eating or drinking. Give complete, entirely, totally rejoicing fun – text, the Shulchan Aruch, notes the yourself over entirely to your relationship the dancing fun that we usually think of custom of Kapparos, but disapproves of with the divine. To making yourself pure (see DeKoven, page NAT 10) its practice. The authoritative glosses of September 23, 2009 NAT 7 and enhance the well being of soldiers.) If Seen on the soldiers on a base make a request, David Why are they The Roads passes it on to Libi, they check it out, and called the “High if it is okayed, David goes out to secure Israel Scene whatever it is. Holy Days?” from Babel David tries to go out to army bases BY SYBIL KAPLAN twice a week, and the cost is $650 each BY RABBI STEVEN BALLABAN BY SETH BEN-MORDECAI time. This covers the leased SUV, gas, Standing Together maintenance, ice cream, pizza and drinks. I wonder why they’re called the High Origin of the The night trip usually starts at 9:30 p.m., Holy Days.They used to be called “Yamim Someone once said every Israeli is a taking out pizza to a base; volunteers Noraim”– or “The Days of Dread.”(Norah name “Moshe” soldier, and every soldier is an Israeli. return about midnight or 12:30 a.m. can also mean “awe,”so this term was also Conventional non-Jewish scholarship Nowhere has this idea been more evident “The idea of someone coming to them, translated as “the days of awe.”) They denies the accuracy of the statement in than in a project of David Landau started bringing pizza to a chayal, shows them were called this because Jews believed the Book of Exodus that the name 25 years ago with his family. someone cares,”says David. during the time between Rosh haShana “Moshe” means “drawn from [water].” David comes from Queens, N.Y.; his He takes out tourists; Dr. Elazar Jazz, and Yom Kippur, the behavior of every Even Etz Hayim claims: “Moshe is of wife, Sorra, is from Brooklyn and is a leader of a band who volunteers his time to living thing and every thing in the Egyptian origin. Its verbal stem, ms’i, midwife. They made aliyah in 1977 with bring up the spirit of the soldiers and others. universe was reviewed and their fate in means ‘to be born,’ and the noun ‘ms’ three children. After a year in the merkaz On the day we went out with him, we the coming year was decided: “Who shall means ‘a child,son.’It is a frequent part of klita (absorption center) of Mevaseret met at the entrance to Jerusalem by the live, and who shall die; who by water ancient Egyptian personal names, usually Tzion, outside Jerusalem, they heard gas station at 11:35 a.m. and headed out and who by fire…”In the days when life with the addition of the name of a god, as “about an important place to build up” in the SUV, pulling the trailer filled with was unpredictable, and death came so illustrated by Ahmose…. Two papyri from and moved to Kiryat Arba, the Jewish a generator, a freezer filled with fruit ices suddenly to so many, this time of year the time of Ramses II mention officials suburb of Hebron. on sticks and energy drinks. There is also was a period of fear and tears. named Mose.”(Etz Hayim, footnote, p. 323.) After living there 26 years and raising an espresso machine – “a cup of coffee for Rosh haShana was also called, “Yom But conventional wisdom may be their eight children, who now range in a chayal.” Teru’ah” or “the day of sounding the wrong here, for two reasons. First,“Mose” age from 21 to 39, they moved to the “Espresso is different and special,” Shofar.” Of course, here the reason is and “Moshe”are phonologically different. Jewish community of Efrat, 15 minutes says David. Sometimes hot soup is obvious. Except that when Rosh haShana The “s”of “Mose”and “sh”of “Moshe”are south of Jerusalem, six years ago to build also available. falls on Shabbat – as it does this year – we different sounds. Thus, whether some a one-floor home for themselves and After passing the road to the community don’t sound the Shofar. It is also called Egyptians were named “Mose”whose root when their 18 grandchildren visit. There, of Maaleh Adumim, we meet up with a “Yom haZikkaron” – or “The Day of is “ms’i,”meaning,“to be born,”is irrelevant David founded the Shomrei Efrat Kollel busload of leaders and members of the Remembrance”– not to be confused with to the origin and meaning of “Moshe.” to post young men who had completed Beir Meir Yeshiva boys’ summer program. the Israeli Memorial Day for fallen Second, an Egyptian root exists that their Army service around Efrat, to We head south on the four-lane highway, soldiers observed in the spring between precisely matches “Moshe”in sound and continue religious studies and work as seeing Bedouin tents, camels, goats, Passover and Shavuot.This name reminds meaning: “m-sh,”meaning “to draw from guards. He then moved the kollel to sheep and a totally vast desolate area, us that every single one of our deeds [water].”(See, Beinlich Lexicon of Ancient Kever Rachel (Rachel’s Tomb) for a couple much of it below sea level. Then we turn is recalled at this time, and we are Egyptian, at Wb II S. 154.) Moreover, that of years. off onto a winding road for ten minutes, accountable for every word we speak, and root exists in Egyptian and in Hebrew, but In the meantime, 20 years ago he arriving at an army base in the middle every thing we do from year to year. in no other Semitic language. These facts founded “Super Clean Chickens,”a home of nowhere. Again, so why are they called the “High suggest that the Hebrew text is essentially delivery service for chicken, turkey, glatt After checking in, we drove from unit to Holy Days?” I’m not really sure. I don’t accurate in describing the origin and meat and fish (landaus4u.com). unit. The yeshiva boys gave the soldiers even know when or how the term meaning of “Moshe,” and that early Five years before, he had noticed the stickers advertising “Standing Together” became synonymous with Rosh haShana Hebrew speakers lived among Egyptian looks on the faces of the soldiers at Kever and David and my husband and myself and Yom Kippur. However, I would like to speakers and adopted Egyptian word- Rachel (Rachel’s Tomb); “they looked handed out the cold drinks and ices and believe that it is because it is the time that roots, such as “m-sh,”into Hebrew. scared. I realized their sacrifices, so I started visited with the soldiers. The soldiers we reach higher as human beings. It is The moral here is that sometimes going out every once in a while in a bullet- were so nice, so welcoming, so friendly. then that our sense of who we are, and an eagerness to “demythologize” and proof van taking them pizza and drinks.” They welcomed the yeshiva boys showing the way we behave toward each other is “deconstruct” ancient texts may prevent Then he and his family got the idea to them their tent and their equipment; they most heightened, and it is the season a scholar from examining linguistic set up a barbeque near a roadblock and let one of the boys wear one of their during which we reach our highest level evidence carefully and objectively.The good share their food with soldiers. Soon fully-equipped vests and attempt one of of perfection as people. news is that much textual archaeology people heard about what David was the training exercises. They then put Shana Tova! awaits the curious Biblical scholar willing doing and wanted to come. camouflage cream on the faces of a few Rabbi Ballaban began serving to let the text, with its linguistic evidence, Someone sent pizza bags to keep the boys and explained its use. Congregation Beth Shalom in Bloomington, to speak for itself. pizzas warm. Then someone told him “Every time I go out, I get such a high Ind. on July 1, 2009. He was ordained at the An attorney and Semitic linguist with about a donut machine that could make from it,” David exclaims.“What we really Cincinnati campus of Hebrew Union degrees from Brandeis, Stanford and Univ. 200 mini donuts in an hour. By 2005, need is a proper budget. I don’t have time College and earned his Ph.D. from HUC- of Calif., Seth Watkins (pen name, Ben- someone sent him money, and he bought or strength to use the truck and have this JIR in 1995. Mordecai) merges linguistic analysis with legal the donut machine. working all the time even though lots of sleuthing to uncover lost meanings of ancient Soon someone sent a $25,000 donation, volunteers are involved.” texts. His Exodus Haggadah uniquely so he bought a truck and a trailer and David would like the summer and year j i includes the full story of the Exodus in an “Standing Together”was moving forward. course students, synagogue and organi- accessible format. When not lawyering or Soldiers expressed a need to charge their zation missions, touring groups and to say thank you.” writing, he tends his 20-year-old ocicat. cell phones, so a friend rigged up a box individuals or families to make Standing By 3:15, the yeshiva boys are loaded on Email: [email protected]. with 36 outlets attached to the trailer. Together campaigns part of their itineraries. their bus and we are back in the van During the war up north in 2007, there We are participating in the “ice cream heading back to Jerusalem, feeling some was a need for socks and underwear and program.”The first campaign for the next of the high David feels. that expanded to soap and toothpaste, year is for Rosh Hashanah. Send a Rosh To make a donation or to become which the trailer then carried. Hashanah card to chayalim by going involved with Standing Together, contact David coordinates his project with Libi, to the web site www.stogether.org and [email protected]. which is part of the Army and is run by clicking on Rosh Hashanah card. Their address is P.O. Box 1029, Efrat four officers and six volunteers at Tel “This is a project; we’re not a business,” 90435 Israel. Hashomer Army base. (Libi is a fund for says David. “This is one to one with a Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, book reviewer, strengthening Israel’s defense by funding chayal. They’re putting their lives on the food columnist and feature writer who moved projects that improve the quality of life line every day, and we have an obligation from Overland Park, Kan., to Jerusalem. NAT 8 September 23, 2009 dislike of the character of the mother, this languor, I recommend this study in Zehava. The movie works on many levels: riveting and well-acted film deserves its passion, dispassion and sexual escapism. as a comedy, a love story, adult self- Holocaust nomination for the Grand Jury Prize in Two completely different Israeli films acceptance, and overcoming society’s the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. tied for my personal favorite: A Matter of prejudice against the “other”; in this case, Educator Size and Seven Minutes in Heaven, both the other as defined as fat. making premiere appearances in the Bay July was a big month for this film. It REVIEWED BY MIRIAM ZIMMERMAN Area. Although poles apart in subject opened the Jerusalem Film Festival on matter, both films exhibited great acting July 9 and made its California premiere at The 29th San Francisco and high production values. I emerged from SFJFF on July 29. Dimension Films has Size laughing (and crying); from Seven acquired English-language remake rights. Jewish Film Festival Minutes crying (and somewhat confused). However, I wonder if the humor from the Coming of age can be a rebellious time Each film moved me considerably and I incongruity of Sumo wrestling in Israel in the life of a teenager. It can also be thought about things in a new way as a will translate to the United States. funny, sensual, adventurous, painful and result of viewing them. Regardless, do not wait for the remake; humbling. A variety of films at this year’s I am grateful to my husband for dragging go to http://www.k5international.com/ San Francisco Jewish Film Festival (SFJFF) me to A Matter of Size because a film current-films/a-matter-of-size-comedy to caught all these emotions and more. about Sumo wrestlers, even one set in see the trailer or to order the movie. Billed as the “World’s First and Still Israel, did not interest me in the least. Seven Minutes in Heaven was my other Largest Celebration of Jewish Cinema,” He willingly accompanies me to so many top choice from this summer’s films at the 29th SFJFF played in seven venues Holocaust-themed movies and docu- the SFJFF. The film took me back to the from July 23 to August 10, bringing 71 mentaries, that I felt I owed him one. I did afternoon of Fri., April 12, 2002, at the films from 18 countries to the Bay Area. not expect to laugh so much and certainly conclusion of one of Yad Vashem’s Its diverse audience came from all over did not expect to cry at the poignant conferences on teaching the Holocaust.The the state and beyond to watch quality Zion and His Brother. ending. I was hooked from the first conference began after six consecutive independent Jewish cinema. Zion and His Brother depicts the struggles moment when the letters in the opening days of suicide bombings in Israel. Hey Hey It’s Esther Blueburger, the of two working-class boys, Zion and Meir, credits wrestled each other, Sumo style. Debriefing our conference experience opening night film by Australian Cathy in the city of Haifa. After viewing Zion, Size matters in A Matter of Size. The over a late lunch on the patio of the tiny Randall featured an awkward but expressive I am more sympathetic to Rosyland’s premise, of establishing Sumo wrestling Mama Mia restaurant just off King nice Jewish bat mitzvah girl seeking response to Esther Blueberger, realizing as an Israeli sport, is already funny. Herzl George Street in downtown Jerusalem, release of her inner wicked child. Feeling my own visceral response to the sexy is a 340-pound salad chef (more irony) Sister Gemma del Duca, long time like a pariah at her preppy private school mother in Zion. What kind of mother trying to come to terms with his bulk. resident of the “City of Peace,” told me where she eats lunch alone in an empty attempts to control her sons by her flirty He lives with his mother and has no that she has heard every suicide bomber classroom, Esther masquerades as a behavior? And what mother bathes her girlfriend or prospects of getting one, as in downtown Jerusalem. Swedish exchange student (briefly) at a son after the age of six? No wonder 14- his mother relentlessly points out. Sr. Gemma administers the National local public school. She hangs out with year-old Zion and his James Dean–like A mistress of mixed messages that no Catholic Center for Holocaust Education Sunni, played by Oscar-nominated older brother Meir run amok. Although in doubt began early in Herzl’s childhood, (NCCHE) in Israel, which funded my Keisha Castle-Hughes (star of 2002’s general, mothers are blamed too much for his mother castigates him for being fat, study of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem’s Whale Rider) and tries to emulate Sunni’s the sins of their offspring, in this film, then invites him to finish the couscous in International School for Holocaust effortless cool. The less-famous Danielle such criticism is warranted. By the end, the fridge. She has had to sew Herzl’s Studies in 1998. She and I have kept in Catanzariti as Esther stole the show, both brothers have learned something; clothes for him ever since he grew too touch since that summer. appearing on camera in almost every scene. however, I am not sure I would want my large for store-bought garments. The good Sister brought me flowers for Toni Collette, also an Oscar-nominee, son to learn the same dark lesson. Shabbat that she had just purchased in rounded out the leads as Sunni’s mother The riveting Broken Lines depicts two the nearby Mahane Yehudah (the Jewish in this hilarious coming of age film. lost souls who find solace in each other open-air market). The waitress brought Fumbling explorations of the opposite even though that means cheating on their our check after our delicious mushroom sex, parents who never make eye contact respective significant others, sort of an cannelloni and invited us to stay as long with their offspring, family therapy with a adult coming of age story. Making its U.S. as it took for her to clean up and close the psychiatrist who says nothing while the premiere, screenwriters Doraly Rosa and restaurant for Shabbat. Sr. Gemma started family sprawls uncomfortably on beanbag Dan Fredenburgh also play leads Jake and to explain how I could take a bus back to chairs, this film struck all the right chords Becca. Set in North London, Jake comes my hotel when we heard an explosion. with me. I laughed and enjoyed throughout. to terms with his father’s death and his That moment of sound, paralyzing the However, not everyone had the same rigidly frigid fiancée by developing a city, transformed everything into slow response. Rosyland Bauer of Los Altos, passion for Becca. Stuck in the role of Weighty issues in A Matter of Size. motion, just like in the Seven Minutes in sitting a couple of rows behind me, caretaker of her paralyzed former-boxer His hilarious battle with the coach of Heaven movie. We found out later that a answered my query with [paraphrased]: “I boyfriend, Becca returns the passion. his diet support group has the audience young Palestinian woman detonated hated it. I lived through it with my three Each turns to the other to escape an cheering. Unlike Weight Watchers cheer- herself at a bus stop across the street from teenage daughters. It [the film] pushed all intolerable personal life. leaders in the U.S. who use positive the Mahane as the suspicious bus driver my buttons.” I interpreted the strength reinforcement, this coach from hell evicts closed the door in her face, killing herself and tone of Rosyland’s reply to mean that Herzl from the group because he has and six around her. The heroic bus driver filmmaker Cathy Randall, in attendance at gained, not lost weight. SFJFF Executive prevented her from boarding the rush- the San Francisco screening, got it right. Director Peter Stein’s program note hour filled bus, saving countless lives. I Seeing so many coming-of-age films in succinctly describes Herzl’s progression acted on Sister’s suggestion to take a cab such a short time made me realize that in the film: “…from body shame to body rather than a bus back to my hotel. girls and boys experience this rite of celebration, and from loneliness to love.” If I am still traumatized seven years passage differently. “Beauty vs. violence” Watching Herzl forge a path to self- after, just hearing the sounds of a terrorist sums up the discrepancy. Girls focus on acceptance, I, who am obsessed with diet, attack, can you imagine the PTSD (post- appearance to attract men. Boys claw exercise, and thinness, came to love Herzl traumatic stress disorder) suffered by one their way up a pecking order, sometimes and his growing self-esteem. Having who actually survives such an event? violently, to become men. grown up in a family that preached fat as Seven Minutes in Heaven dramatically Zion and His Brother was one of SFJFF Doraly Rosa as Becca in Broken Lines. the original sin, I never imagined that I captures the trauma of a woman who Program Director Nancy Fishman’s My problem with this engrossing film would condone obesity in any manner. survives a bus bombing in Jerusalem. personal favorites. In her introduction to was that it felt like a 90-minute film For Sumo wrestlers, weight is essential. Unfortunately in Israel, such trauma has the film, she dubbed it “the best Israeli film crammed into two and one-half hours; All elements of A Matter of Size come become commonplace. this year”and described it as “an amazing actual running time: 112 minutes. Despite together in the final romantic scene Galia is clinically dead for seven portrait of sibling rivalry.” Despite my its overly-long close-ups and mood-setting between Herzl and his new girlfriend, minutes, as pronounced by a rescue worker September 23, 2009 NAT 9 on the scene. The paramedic who rushes Holocaust films in the Festival depends “The new web resource will offer short years in her own words: “I am proud of into the burning bus to save her refuses to on what is out there. films to watch online, easy access to some of the improvements to the SFJFF give up. Subsequently, he is able to revive Unfortunately for the Festival, Nancy information on hundreds of film titles, that occurred during my tenure: her, although with extensive burns on her will be stepping down after holding the downloadable pod casts and videos implementing the Freedom of Expression body. In the narrative of the film, Galia post since 2004. I asked her what brought that add context to film selections, viewer Award, Close-up retrospectives on pursues fleeting memories, trying to her to the SFJFF.“I was always interested recommendations, educational and individual directors, and some of the reconstruct what happened to her and in Jewish culture…ideas; worked in film curricular materials, social networking archival series I’ve done; especially Jews her fiancé Oren, who does not survive the 12 to 13 years. When the opportunity opportunities, new tools for audience and the Hollywood Blacklist; Jewish Boxers: bombing. Her itchy scars, which she is arose to work for the Festival, I jumped at interactivity in theaters and more….” Shtarkers and the Sweet Science; Italian forbidden to scratch, become a metaphor the chance.” This initiative will be “an ongoing effort Jews during Fascism and The Goldbergs for her itch to understand what happened Please, Nancy, define “Jewish film.” to build the most comprehensive online archival episodes.” to her so she can start healing spiritually Nancy laughed and referenced Supreme resource for Jewish film in the world.” Nancy gave me permission to include as well as physically. Court Justice Potter Stewart’s famous According to E.D. Peter Stein, “The her email address, in case any readers of quotation about pornography: although indispensable role of culturally specific the P&O are interested in her talents as hard to define,“I know it when I see it.” film festivals like SFJFF has always been a freelance film writer and curator, Her broad concept of Jewish film includes to provide a trusted platform where [email protected]. After viewing those by or about Jewish culture and topics audiences can discover films, where so many of the 2009 offerings of the of interest to Jews even if by a non-Jewish filmmakers can discover their audiences, SFJFF and at prior festivals, Nancy has filmmaker. She cited the genocide in and, just as importantly, where audiences my highest recommendation. Darfur as an example, if they were doing can discover one another. That role of The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival a topic on genocide. Just because a Jewish being both a trusted source and bridge- is about so much more than watching filmmaker creates a film or just because it is builder is even more critical online today, Jewish films. Its mission is to promote about Judaism, doesn’t automatically qualify now that people are making, sharing, “awareness, appreciation and pride in the it for inclusion in the Festival.The Festival viewing and shaping media far beyond diversity of the Jewish people. Festival would be “more likely to include a film the theater space. So our new media programs are meant to create community [that was] not about a Jewish subject if the offerings are actually a very natural and strengthen consciousness of Jewish Reymonde Amsellem as Galia in Seven filmmaker had a prior record with SFJFF.” extension of our mission. We’re carrying identity, history and culture; provide a Minutes in Heaven. As to how the SFJFF is different from all on the conversation that happens before dynamic and inclusive forum for I happened to be sitting next to Dan other Jewish Film Festivals, Nancy cited and after our screenings, and making sure exploration of and dialogue about the Jacobs, a plastic surgeon, who told me Boston and Toronto as being the closest. it can happen in the boundless space of Jewish experience; and encourage after the movie that all the medical The amount of depth of the programming the web.” independent filmmakers working with scenes seemed correct. He said he was and the value-added components make Jewish themes.” “constantly amazed at the creativity that the SFJFF distinctive. Such components I always see old friends whom I might comes out of Israel – now it is in its films.” include panel discussions, experts who Seeing so many coming- not see from one year to the next, such as The film works in flashback as Galia write articles posted on the web site, and Rosyland and Joe. Truly, the SFJFF builds patches together her bomb-shattered visiting filmmakers and actors. of-age films in such a bridges among diverse elements of the memory. Along the way, she discovers “Also, [we are] extremely inclusive, Jewish community. By making its archives Kabbalistic wisdom that teaches if a soul risk-taking and intellectually restless; short time made me available online, the dialogue about the goes to heaven, but is not ready to die, it always looking at different ways to look at Jewish experience can continue with an can change its destiny when it returns to contemporary Jewish life. The Festival is realize that girls and international audience. Earth. It is important to remember this open to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and Dr. Miriam L. Zimmerman is professor teaching; otherwise, the ending will transgender community, interests of boys experience this rite emerita at Notre Dame de Namur disappoint, a complete non sequitur, as it women.”She added,“We are open to the University in Belmont, Calif. She can be did to this viewer. anti-religious perspective and we of passage differently. reached at [email protected]. The Israelis in the audience got it. We embrace feminism. [We have depicted] heard the buzz in Hebrew around us as participation of Jews in progressive Funded by Steven Spielberg’s Righteous we walked to the lobby. Joe Abrams, long- movements: labor, environment, Zionism in Persons Foundation, the Charles H. time Israeli friend, explained the ending its youthful stage, socialism. The Festival Revson Foundation, with additional SUBSCRIBE TO for us and other English-only viewers, is also interested in very traditional support from the Koret Foundation, I making me wonder if something was Judaism.” Nancy observed that she is decided to use this exciting resource right The Jewish lost in the translated subtitles. I so highly “always amazed by how well the films away, searching for a film from a previous recommend this film that I do not want to that deal with Orthodoxy are received, festival entitled The Silver Crown that Post & Opinion spoil it by giving away the final twist. how interested people are in Orthodoxy,” had moved me considerably. The user- A film I would not recommend is the despite the secular orientation of many friendly database is searchable by film Send to: 87-minute Acné from Argentina. How Northern California Jews. title, director, country, year, and by tag. Jewish Post & Opinion this coming-of-age depiction of an overly The program director pointed out how At one of the screenings, Stein 238 S. Meridian St., Suite 502 horny and unpleasant bar mitzvah boy the SFJFF has provided leadership for announced that Nancy Fishman would be Indianapolis, IN 46225 made it into the Festival is beyond me. other Jewish film festivals. They have stepping down from her full-time post as I will not waste my time writing about it; served as consultants for funding and program director. I asked Nancy what her Or Online at: readers should not waste their time viewing programmatic issues. SFJFF hosted the next steps would be. “I will be pursuing www.jewishpostopinion.com it. Despite Acné, I believe 2009 was one of first conference of Jewish film festivals in creative projects: writing and freelancing, the best years for the Festival, in terms of U.S. five to eight years ago. curating. [I am] interested in the area of 3 years – $91 (SAVE $17) quality and variety of the films presented. “We have also been a leader in terms of Jewish film.” She explained that she is I My previous column in the P&O dealt entering Jewish media into the digital taking a break after her mom’s nine-year I 2 years – $63 (SAVE $9) with three of the nine Holocaust/World world.” She pointed out that Festival struggle with Alzheimer’s had ended. The I 1 year – #36 War II–themed films in the Festival. In a Director Peter Stein began the New film curator feels “sad about leaving; it’s (Outside USA, payment must be in U.S. phone interview, I asked SFJFF Program Media Initiative, some of which is now been an honor to work with Peter and all. funds and you must add US$10.) Director Nancy Fishman if there had been available on the SFJFF’s expanded web I will tremendously miss the people.” a change in the quota for Holocaust films. site, launched on June 23 of this year. Nancy’s ties with SFJFF have not been Name In prior years, there seemed to be very The press release used a catchy tagline completely severed. At next year’s 30th Address few such films; this summer, I was to describe this initiative: “Bringing films SFJFF, she will curate an archival program City State Zip delighted with the offering of so many. to a new audience; bringing audiences to for the 2010 SFJFF entitled,“Tough Guys: “Holocaust films keep coming, despite new films.”The press release detailed the Images of Jewish Gangsters in Film.” E-mail us at: prediction of their demise,” Ms. Fishman complexity of what will be available on The final press release summed up [email protected] observed wryly. No quotas; the number of the SFJFF web site, www.sfjff.org. some of her accomplishments over the NAT 10 September 23, 2009 Whenever we travel, we are often relationships were difficult or ended? Are Jewish greeted by someone who stayed with us. Kabbalah there people you have hurt or been hurt Unfortunately, we never kept a guest- by in this last year? Make a list of people book. There were hundreds of offers of of the you need to forgive or be forgiven by. America reciprocal hosting, and just recently, the Month In order to grow we need to look at neighbor our children in Illinois did host ourselves honestly and take responsibility BY HOWARD W.KARSH us, and having stayed with us some years BY MELINDA RIBNER for the suffering that we have caused and ago were grateful for the opportunity to endured. We need to look at the choices Hachnosis Orchim: repay the “kindness.” We have never The inner work of we have made consciously as well as the considered it “going out of our way,” just more hidden shadow-like motivations Welcoming Guests sometimes when the arrangements are Teshuva: Returning that have shaped the quality of our life. Most of us learned, in moments of made late in the week, or changed after to who you really are Take some time to write about what the discomfort, how difficult a new situation the work has been done, but that is only last year was about for you. Begin by can be, filled with people who seem to in the moment. In marking the beginning of a new writing,” This last year of my life was a be ignoring you. It happens in meetings, My sister and sisters-in-law who are all year, Rosh Hashanah offers us the time when I ______and then just continue in social events, and sadly in our wonderful people gasp at the numbers. opportunity to begin our lives anew. to write without thinking too much. synagogues and temples. It is never They can count on their fingers the times On Rosh Hashanah, we are told that Take time to pray to God that you will intentional, it simply is something that anyone even asked them to house anyone we receive a new contract for the next be able to be a better person in this we forget, a time of insensitiveness. they didn’t know. They can’t imagine why year of our lives. Our lives do not have to coming year. You cannot change on your I was privileged to know Aaron Richt, the we are so comfortable with the practice. continue as they have been. We can own. It is only by your conscious contact shamus and caterer at my congregation. I cannot speak for my wife, who bears change. Our lives can change. We can be with God who is Free, who is loving, that He was, by the way superb at both skills – more than half of the effort, but as for the people we want to be and have lives you will be able to release what has his warm smile and his kishka. Mr. and me, I am a strong believer that people that reflect who we really are. limited you and regain the power to make Mrs. Rich were survivors and like all demonstrate the truth of who they are, The time period before the High real choices in your life. survivors were trying not to carry their not in their words, but in their acts, and I Holidays and during the ten day period May the gates of teshuva open for wounds publicly. No guest was ever feel good about any opportunity to carry between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur you. “Blessed are you God who desires unwelcomed, not introduced, not out my beliefs in my life. is considered the most auspicious time repentance – teshuva.” inquired about, and then led to a The recent national news has not been for self-transformation. It is generally Melinda (Mindy) Ribner (Miriam comfortable seat, given prayer books, kind to the image of Jews. The light we believed that a person’s destiny is decided Shulamit), L.C.S.W. is a spiritual a tallis if asked for, and then had his were expected to hold up to the nations has on the ten days between Rosh Hashanah psychotherapist and healer in private presence announced to our Rebbe. sprung some leaks. We have governors and Yom Kippur. Others believe that it practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart.com). It was taken for granted until Mr. Rich resigning in shameful circumstances, extends even to Hanukkah. She is a teacher of Jewish meditation and died, and then the loss was profound. Up Jews who bilked Jews and non-Jews out Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of to this day, even with classes devoted to of their life savings and institutions out of Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age the principles and admonition, our now their endowments, and now religious- In order to grow, Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is much larger congregation has never met looking people who are alleged to be also the founder and director of Beit Miriam his standards of warmth, but we certainly rabbis caught in a corruption sting with we need to look at (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be reached by have grown, and are mentored by the the aid of an undercover religious-looking email at [email protected]. outstanding behaviors of our Rebbe and man identified as a rabbi, who was working ourselves honestly and his rabbi son. to get time off from his own in-judicial j i In one aspect of hospitality, our acts. No one was killed, and that was take responsibility… E OVEN community excels, that of housing guests. good, but it takes thousands of good D K Perhaps it is natural because we have deeds by thousands of well-intentioned The month before Rosh Hashanah (Elul) (continued from page NAT 6) large families and because we are part of Jews to erase the headlines. is a designated time for introspection, as belonging only to children unwrapping a growing community that attracts Many years ago when I was on Ulpan healing, forgiving and completing the one gift they’ve wanted ever so guests. This kind of hospitality is unique in Israel, there was a horrific incidence of unfinished business. On the remaining longingly long – a fun as deep as Yom in that 90% of all our guests, those to immoral behavior.I was using the incident as days of Elul, take some time to review Kippur fun, a fun that somehow reaches whom we give lodging and those who eat my presentation in easy Hebrew language, the accomplishments, the challenges, as high as even the highest of holidays. at our Shabbats table, were strangers but my outrage was obviously physically the highlights of this last year. It may be And Simcha Dick, despite his most when they arrived. demonstrated in the loudness of my voice helpful to use your appointment book to profound efforts, despite his most We have regular-irregular weekends and the redness of my face. I still remember refresh your memory. searching introspection, when he tried to with the high school students and Beis my teacher shaking her head, telling me As if you were watching a movie of determine which fun he thought to be the Medresh students of the Wisconsin that my presentation was acceptable, but your life, review, reflect and reexperience most meaningful – from the sweet fun of Institute for Torah Study, and with not my demand that every Israeli live up the highlights of this last year. Record the the new renewal of Rosh Hashanah, to guests who come for bar mitzvahs and to my high expectations. They were, events of the last year in your journal. the out-of-body fun of Yom Kippur, to the weddings.There is no alternative to home she opined, entitled to a small number of As you look at the last year from your fun of whole-body fun of Sukkot to the hospitality for the Sabbath. We have no sinners among a nation of saints. current, hopefully more objective vantage sacred dancing fun of Simchat Torah – hotel or motel within walking distance. Since then the level of anyone’s point of having almost finished the year just couldn’t come to a conclusion. It has become part of our lives. expectation of Jewish behavior has been and preparing to enter into a new year, a Fortunately, since this is just a story, it can. At the time of this writing, two young battered about. Whenever a Jew behaves new contract, what would you like to DeKoven resides in Indianapolis, Ind. men from Far Rockaway are staying badly, financially, politically, or in the have done differently in this last year of and calls himself a “funsmith” because with us for a week and a half while they entertainment field, I still remember the your life? What would you like to change it’s the easiest way he can define the last participate in a learning program at a look of disgust on my great aunt’s face within yourself? Where are you now? 40-plus years of his career. In brief, he helps suburban outreach center. Shloimy and and her Yiddish expression si pasht nisht, Evaluate the quality of your life on the people make things more fun: work, school, Moshie put in long hours in the program, loosely translated, while shrugging your physical level – your health, your diet, games (of course), marriage, parenthood, and we see them coming and going. In shoulders and moving your head from your living situation, your livelihood. exercise, healing, toys, recovery, retirement, this instance, we are just offering beds and side to side,“it is so unbecoming.” Evaluate your emotional well-being – life. He does this by helping people look bathrooms, homemade cookies and drinks. Howard W. Karsh lives and writes your relationships with friends, at things from a fun perspective, which While we have never kept count, in Milwaukee, Wisc. His e-mail is colleagues, family, your general disposi- usually turns out to be something people informally I would think that over the [email protected]. tion. Evaluate yourself spiritually – your under stress would never think of. And 32 years of our marriage, the total is inner prayer life, your connection to God. he happens to know a lot about this over 2,000. When I discussed the number What would you like to do better? particular perspective. Which is what he with my wife, she was incredulous, but What lessons did you learn last year? hopes you will conclude from reading when we did the math, it was a solid What relationships with people were more about him on http://deepfun.com/ “ballgame figure.” strengthened during this past year? What about.html. September 23, 2009 NAT 11 dentist finds out that he was just married to a good-hearted and otherwise well- Media endowed stripper, who is the mother of Cinema the baby. He first becomes aware of this Watch by seeing his grandmother’s “Holocaust Review ring” on the woman’s finger. The crazed BY RABBI ELLIOT B.GERTEL brother-in-law responds to the shocked REVIEWED BY CHARLIE EPSTIEN dentist with the line shown in countless The Hangover and previews of the film,“I didn’t know they Nazi Killers gave out rings in the Holocaust.” Mary Shannon (right) as Marshall Mary In Plain Sight The writers do manage to explain that Inglorious McCormack in In Plain Sight. If you want to regard Todd Phillips’s the ring “made it through the Holocaust.” The motion picture Inglourious slapstick comedy The Hangover as a After all, they refer to the ring at least two lead characters are Mary Shannon Basterds is a fantastic venture, fantastic in morality play, you may be rationalizing three times. While crass, the joke does (Mary McCormack) and another marshal many ways. Writer/director Quentin your compulsion – and most everybody not mock the Holocaust as much as named Marshall Mann (Fred Weller). She Tarantino’s cinematic screenplay changes else’s – to laugh at the vulgar antics. those who have silly and inappropriate is head-strong with some kind of axe to history. I was not a fan of Quentin Director Phillips and writers Jon Lucas responses to the Holocaust. So does the grind. He is easy-going, but prone to Tarantino until I witnessed this latest film and Scott Moore want to inebriate us film mock itself? It does deal rather tease her. of his. His script has so many tense scenes on silliness. shamelessly with the Jewish elderly, both In an intriguing episode, aired on June one right after another, built in the like of If anything, The Hangover preaches that in this reference to a Holocaust survivor 28, about a man who insists that he has a a Hitchcock movie. Tarantino knew what one needs to let loose in a group with at grandmother and in parading around a son though there is no public record of he was doing every step of this violent least one certifiable crazy person in order naked old Jewish man in a hospital scene the lad, our marshals call in a psychologist and terrific film. to truly decide which relationships and just for gratuitous laughs. Shelley Finkel (Ali Marsh), who, I gather, The violence is not as much as one responsibilities are worthwhile in life, and is intended by writer David Graziano to would think even though the “Basterds,” which are not. be a Jewish woman. One of her first all eight of them promised their non- A soon-to-be groom (Justin Bartha) It does deal rather official acts is to check out Marshall’s Jewish leader Brad Pitt that they would runs off to Las Vegas with two longtime derriere as he walks away. It does not scalp 100 Nazis, much like the Apaches.The buddies, a wildish high school teacher shamelessly with the require too much prodding for her to scalping was graphic but not abundant. Brad (Bradley Cooper) and a reserved dentist reveal that she is “just out of a six-month Pitt, an American soldier, selected eight (Ed Helms) and with his brother-in-law Jewish elderly... relationship with a depressed man.”Yet, Jewish volunteer soldiers to go to German to be, and a raving maniac (Zach while searching for a witness in danger occupied France to savagely kill Nazis because Galifianakis). The writers, by the way, The “Holocaust”ring is reduced to little because of possible delusions, with of their cruel treatment of the Jews. thought it hilarious to depict the future more than a good luck charm, or, rather, precious time being lost, Shelley finds the The cast of this film was extraordinary brother-in-law as having been arrested to a symbol not so much of marriage, but time to hit on Marshall: “I don’t know as each performer other than Pitt must for a crime that is no laughing matter. of awareness when not to enter into what your situation is. Would you be speak several languages fluently: English, After the first night in Vegas, the friends marriage, for in the end our dentist interested…in getting together for coffee French, and German. There was some and the maniac awaken without a shred chooses not to offer it to the overbearing some time?” He appropriately responds: Italian thrown in for good measure. of memory of what transpired the night and nasty woman with whom he has “Well, I’m flattered. I’m in the middle of a Obviously there were subtitles, which before. All they know is that their chic “happily” been living. (Is there a veiled man hunt.” helped immensely. One actor stood out hotel room is trashed, there is a real live assault here on Jewish women, or at least At the end of the episode, Shelley, who above the rest – Christoph Waltz, as a tiger in the bathroom, and an adorable on the “type” of women to whom Jewish helps a bit with the search but is not as Nazi colonel who is suave and treacherous. baby – yes, a real baby – tucked away in men are drawn?) His friends remind him effective at helping the witness as the two He won the best actor award at Canne their midst. Also, the groom is missing! repeatedly that she has abused him and marshals, tells Mary that her ex- boyfriend, and it was well deserved. Taratino also cheated on him with a bar tender. His the “depressed” one, called and said he was nominated for a Golden Palm Award missing tooth somehow ends up as a wanted to get back together. She rushes at this film festival. reminder that he has been too influenced into that “reconciliation.” The film title comes from a 1978 Italian by others (especially by that woman) and For what reason is the Jewish woman movie The Inglorious Bastards, whose title must now think for himself. brought into the series to be depicted as a was altered many times.The best one was All the characters (except perhaps for psychologist who bears a torch for an Counterfeit Commandos. Taratino’s film the lunatic future brother-in-law) learn unstable boyfriend, lacks the self-esteem is rather long, around 150 minutes of lessons about self-worth, the importance to think twice about returning to such enjoyable entertainment. There was not of family and, in the case of the groom, a relationship, and is unprofessional enough Jewishness as I expected but the redemptive desire to enter into mar- enough to hit on a colleague while she enough to keep me interested. riage. Maybe those who see the film will should be focusing all her on-duty It keeps you guessing with all its ponder over whether it was necessary for efforts at finding someone in physical and surprises. This is a fine film, expertly the characters to make these “discoveries” psychological danger? directed and constructed. by rushing into a reckless getaway that Rabbi Gertel has been spiritual leader of Charlie Epstein, from Indianapolis, has resulted in physical bruises and near- Conservative Congregation Rodfei Zedek been a theater, movie and the performing death experiences, risking life and limb since 1988. A native of Springfield, Mass., arts critic for The Indiana Jewish Post & and the esteem of others, and irresponsibly he attended Columbia University and Opinion for more than 30 years. destroying property that was precious to the Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the groom’s father-in-law-to-be, and almost author of two books, What Jews Know jeopardizing the wedding ceremony. But, About Salvation and Over the Top On this date in then again, stopping to reflect on these Judaism: Precedents and Trends in the things will make one feel foolish about Depiction of Jewish Beliefs and Jewish history In retracing their steps, they encounter, laughing at all the stuff along the way. Or Observances in Film and Television. He and not necessarily in this order, Mike will it? has been media critic for The National On September 23, 1737 Tyson (yes, the boxer, playing himself), Is there a hangover from laughter? Jewish Post & Opinion since 1979. New York’s General assembly Asian mobsters, Latino mobsters, resolved that Jews should vengeful cops, vindictive school children, In Plain Sight Visit our Web site: a rather heartless physician, and the In Plain Sight is a rather charming and not vote for representatives. strange proprietor of a wedding chapel. well-written USA Network program www.jewish And speaking about the wedding about United States Marshals watching ~ From The Jewish Book of Days published by chapel, I should mention that, in addition out for individuals and families who end postopinion.com Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York. to having lost a tooth (poetic justice?), the up in witness protection programs. The NAT 12 September 23, 2009 As I Book Review

Heard It REVIEWED BY EDWARD HOFFMAN

REVIEWED BY MORTON GOLD The Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and Mysticism by Geoffrey Dennis. More music Llewellyn Publications, 2007, 384 pp., $26.95. composed in In recent years, the Kabbalah has concentration camps experienced a global resurgence that would have seemed unthinkable not long This will be the second column devoted ago. Throughout the United States and to a CD in the first series of CDs known as Western Europe, as well as South KZ Musik: Encyclopedia of Music composed America and even Southeast Asia, men in Concentration Camps (1933 – 1945). beauty and tranquility is all the more and women of all faiths and backgrounds This CD No.5 has the number 231788. remarkable. One can quibble if one would are finding Jewish esoteric ideas a potent (KZ stands for concentration camp. For a prefer to describe this work as a sonata source of meaning and inspiration. And fuller description please refer to the or even a suite for piano rather than a yet, this tremendous and undeniable column that appeared in this space two symphony. No matter. Whatever one may growth of interest in the Kabbalistic weeks ago.) want to call it, it remains a documentary tradition comes at a costly price – namely, world of immanence, of structure separable This CD contains music by two in music to the horror of his arrest and massive distortion and confusion about from or “outside” God. composers, Ervin Schulhoff and Karel imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp. authentic Judaic teachings. This problem Bells: Bells appear in a significant role only Berman. With regard to Schulhoff, he was The other composer whose music is has become even more acute with the once during biblical times, when the High born in Prague, June 8, 1894 and perished represented on this disc is Karel Berman influence of the Internet, when erroneous Priest was required to wear them on the hem on Aug. 18, 1942 in Wulzberg from (April 1, 1919 –Aug. 11, 1995) who writing can reach an audience of millions of his ephod (72 of them according to the tuberculosis. He is represented by an survived Dachau. He was a singer (bass), overnight. Talmud). Whether they were merely aesthetic unfinished eighth symphony, completed theatre director, conductor, composer and As a result, there has been an increasing or also served a protective function is a matter by Francesco Lotoro, the pianist who pianist. He is represented here by a Suite need for an accurate and reliable textbook of speculation. Unlike Christian-based was the moving force behind this entire for Piano (Terezin) written while in that to “set the record straight” on Jewish theurgic practice, bells do not appear to have project. Schulhoff studied piano and concentration camp. Like the music by Kabbalah – and The Encyclopedia of Jewish been used much by Jewish practitioners. composition initially at the conservatory Schulhoff, it is full of frenetic energy. It is Myth, Magic, and Mysticism has now Rabbi Dennis is to be commended for in Prague, and later in Vienna and not pretty. amply fulfilled it. Written in a warm, providing this wonderfully accessible Leipzig. Among his teachers were Max The first movement features a relentless engaging style by Rabbi Geoffrey Dennis entrance-way to learning about Jewish Reger and Claude Debussy. triplet in the left hand. In the second of Congregation Kol Ami in Flower mystics and sages, mythic beings and His musical language included elements movement, one can readily picture Mound, Texas, it represents the first mysterious texts, metaphysical and of expressionism, neo-classicism as well moonlight illuminating the barbed wire, and only comprehensive one-volume theological concepts. More than just a as jazz elements. It may as well be noted even though there are brief tender reference guide to the lore of the Jewish well-researched reference work, The up front, that he was an adherent of moments as well. In the third movement, esoteric tradition. There are over a 1,000 Encyclopedia of Jewish Myth, Magic, and communism and that his 8th symphony the horror and tension return, while in A to Z entries, running from a single Mysticism is an invaluable aid to includes an extended poem written by the concluding movement, one finds a sentence to article length, on virtually everyone interested in spiritual growth himself that extolled its virtues and was quiet resignation. every aspect of Kabbalah and related through the Kabbalah. written for a male chorus in the first (As the Days of Awe are almost upon Jewish historical currents. Rabbi Dennis is Edward Hoffman, Ph.D. is an adjunct movement. In the first of the four us, with many a sermon being unleashed to be especially commended for cross- associate psychology professor at Yeshiva movements, there is a relentless ostinato by various speakers on a variety of referencing every entry to multiple related University and author of numerous books (repeated rhythmic pattern) in the left hand subjects, many even relevant to the season, topics elsewhere in the Encyclopedia – including The Wisdom of Maimonides with dissonant march-like sonorities I feel my own mini-sermon to be in order.) which admirably and effectively shows (Trumpeter, 2008). above. Begun on March 16, the first Epilogue. For many of you, the idea of the interconnectedness of Jewish esoteric movement was completed on April 29. music, especially Jewish music means beliefs and practices. Also provided is The second movement presents the either a lively tune of dubious Hassidic a thorough glossary to help readers Call/Write for Free Books listener with a calm, even lyrical as well as provenance, or a saccharin, sentimental with the Hebrew and historical terms introspective piece that is in stark contrast one, of course in unison and probably frequently used in the Encyclopedia. We are 100% Judaism; not to the restless first movement. This accompanied by guitar (ugh), then you If you think that such extensive disguised of any other science was completed on April 30. The third will probably be unhappy with the music scholarly production inevitably leads to movement, completed on April 7, is an of this disc and probably with the other dullness, think again. Rabbi Dennis, who Jack Botwin energetic piece with another ostinato in CDs in this series. (A second set of six has also teaches Jewish studies at the Books by Morris Lichtenstein the left hand. It may be characterized as a just been released.) After all, the brutal, University of North Texas, has a lively yet nervous, restless piece in the style of a ugly circumstances of the composers are informative style – admirably avoiding FREE BOOK by scherzo. The last movement was not reflected in their music. the twin dangers of “talking over the completed by the composer but by You may prefer to dismiss the music on heads” of readers and “talking down”to Rabbi Morris Lichtenstein Mr. Lotoro as noted. these discs with the epithet that they are them. I found the material so fascinating Truth to tell, it is hard for me to tell all goyish. If you do, what experience with that I read this Enyclopedia cover-to-cover Applied Judaism where Schulhoff leaves off and Lotoro Western art music (aka classical music) do in just a few consecutive sittings; Jewish Science begins. My ear detects influences of you bring to the table? You may dismiss admittedly, I was on vacation in Brazil at Reger, Martinu as well as Ravel in all instrumental and choral (especially if the time and most readers will probably 11 AM Sunday • 109 E. 39 NYC Schulhoff’s music. Politics aside, the chorus includes women singing with adopt a slower pace, dipping here-and All Welcome/Friendly/Free Schulhoff was a major talent whose life men) as simply goyish (not Jewish; there for mystical enlightenment. To be and creativity were cut short too soon. He ho-boy, the next thing the women will specific, here are two sample brief entries: 12301 San Fernando Rd. #406 was arrested in Prague before being want is to be called to the Torah for an Atzilut: “Emanation.” The highest of the Sylmar, CA 91342 deported to Wulzberg. He was able to aliyah!) If you do, however, this is what Four Worlds created by the divine emanation, save the score of an oratorio and his 7th has occurred and will continue to occur. a realm of pure spirit and intellect. The world (818) 367-4532 (24 Hr.) Symphony before his arrest. Your children and/or grandchildren will of Atzilut is closest to the Infinite Light of www.appliedjudaism.org The tension he must have felt is apparent have no sense of key or pitch. Ein Sof, even though it is not united and in all but the second movement, whose (see Gold, page NAT 15) identified with it. Atzilut is the first plane or September 23, 2009 NAT 13 through a long line of distinguished Elie Wiesel might rabbinic scholars – back to Rashi himself. Book have become This book is the product of a series of lectures that Wiesel gave in Paris and at Rabbi Wiesel New York City’s 92nd St. Y. Like all of Review Wiesel’s novels and nonfiction works, BY PROFESSOR ARNOLD AGES Rashi was written in French (Wiesel’s first REVIEWD BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN Western language) and translated into New York – In an interview conducted English. However, unlike his previous Amos Oz – recently in the offices of the Elie Wiesel books, Rashi was published in English first; Foundation on Madison Avenue, Nobel the French version will appear shortly. Masterful storyteller Laureate Elie Wiesel noted, in a Wiesel’s essay is neither a comprehensive Scenes from a Village Life by Amos Oz. conversation about his new book, Rashi biography nor a scholarly analytical study Keter Books. Pp. 217. In Hebrew. (translated by Catherine Temerson and of the great Jewish exegete but rather a Amos Oz is the best known and published by Schocken) that during a beautifully written compact layman’s admired Israeli author worldwide. His 17-year learning experience with the late overview of the subject with more than a books have been translated into 37 Saul Lieberman, professor of Talmud at few dollops of historical insights and languages. His latest work of exquisite The Jewish Theological Seminary of comments, some of which are slightly art reflects both his talent, which is of America, the eminent scholar offered revisionist in their contours. Wiesel notes, Nobel Prize stature, and his commitment to give Wiesel semicha, or rabbinic for example, that conventional accounts to placing the Israeli individual in the ordination. Wiesel smiled when he of Rashi’s trade as a vintner are not context of a demanding society with recounted this story but added that he backed up by evidence. Rashi certainly unique dilemmas and tensions. declined Lieberman’s gracious offer. knew a great deal about wine and wrote The interaction among the book’s Wiesel also related that in late May of about the subject, but doubt exists as to characters takes place in the imaginary 1967, while he was engaged in regular whether that knowledge came from an village of Tel Llan. This village’s Throughout the book, we find Oz’s Talmudic studies with Lieberman, the involvement in the wine business itself. landscapes and people would fit special touch of delicate humor soothing professor seemed unperturbed by the war Another insight offered by Wiesel common Israeli villages that were once the thorny issues, which back clear clouds that were gathering in the Middle pivots on Rashi’s tendency to put the agriculturally based but in time gave way resolution.The last story, which stands on East. While Wiesel himself was so most positive interpretations on Biblical to providing the city folks who flock there its own, seems to be a satire on a world concerned that he was preparing to fly heroes, whose conduct might, under on Shabbat with local cheeses and wines gone mad. It is not obvious to me if the to Israel to be with “my people” at that contemporary lenses, appear to be as well as Far East furnishings. author has a particular place in mind. epoch-making moment. morally problematic. Whether it is There is a good deal of overlapping Perhaps it reflects the human potential for Wiesel was so curious about Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac between individual concerns and the low descent. Though brief in size, each Lieberman’s sanguine attitude that he in the Akedah, or Jacob’s questionable collective agenda. Elderly Pesach, a crafted work fits so well in the hands of a asked him to explain. “Elie,” he said you deception of his ailing father, Isaac, former Knesset member who’s Labor masterful story teller. know a lot about literature but you don’t Rashi always presents a plausible if Party was once the dominant political Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of know much about the business world. somewhat imaginative defense dossier power, is in pain over its deterioration Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia When banks invest huge amounts of to explain their ambiguous acts. and at the same time is critical of the Beach, Va., is the son of Polish Holocaust capital in a company, they want to do Why this imperative to explain away damaging internal squabbles and of not survivors. He grew up in Haifa, Israel. everything to guarantee that the firm seemingly inexcusable behavior? Wiesel being heard. He also bemoans a bygone remains solvent. God has been making says that Rashi, who was born in 1040 past where relationships were trustworthy, huge investments in the Jewish people for and lived most of his life in Troyes (a city yet he is suspicious of Adal, the Arab more than 3,000 years. He is going to which today celebrates Rashi’s legacy in student who temporarily lives in the Bit of Wit make sure that the investment is secure.” myriad ways), knew about and experienced backyard of his widowed daughter Rachel That kind of granitic faith in the God of the worst aspect of the First Crusade. with whom Pesach now shares the house. A Sukkah on Park Avenue Israel was also the hallmark of Rashi, While the Crusaders’aim was the liberation Adal, who is referred to by Pesach as An observant Jew who lived on Park Judaism’s greatest Bible and Talmud of Jerusalem from the Muslims in the “Arab Goy,”was allowed to be the only Avenue built a sukkah on his balcony. commentator and the subject of Elie Palestine, pogroms against Jews were a Arab in a Jewish village due to his father’s Some of his “high society” non-Jewish Wiesel’s latest book, Rashi. Wiesel is regular ancillary activity in France and good relations with Rachel’s late husband neighbors brought him to court. They obviously proud of this achievement as he along the Rhine River where small Jewish who died suddenly at age 50. Interestingly, claimed that the sukkah on his balcony can personally trace his family lineage agglomerations flourished. Adal is engaged in writing a book was an eyesore and was having a negative Rashi lived during a period when comparing the Arab village with its impact on the value of their homes in this insensate hatred was being directed Jewish counterpart. However, the Jewish posh neighborhood. against Jews both in the Christian residents are antagonistic to Adal’s In court, the man was very worried theological discourse against Jews and presence, with Pesach believing that he is about the outcome. It was the eve of the Judaism and in the rapaciousness of the digging at night underneath Rachel’s eight-day holiday, leaving him no time to Crusader assaults against Jewish house in hopes to prove that it belonged make alternative arrangements in case communities. He felt no obligation to to his Palestinian family. the judge ordered him to take down the interpret the Torah text in a way that Pesach is convinced that the Arabs sukkah. He prayed for help. might be used by mischievous and would never give up what they regard as And Hashem listened. malevolent minds to be turned against their own land, and that he would have Judge Ginsburg, who was Jewish the Jewish people – which was precisely done the same were he in their shoes. himself, had a reputation of being a very the tack used by some Christian exegetes After all, he admits to hating even his wise man. After hearing both sides, he in their tendentious attacks against own people. “He is searching under our turned around to the observant Jew and Hebrew Scripture. basement because he simply does not scolded him, “Don’t you realize that you Wiesel’s originality in exploring Rashi’s love us. And why should he? For what live on Park Avenue, and not in Brooklyn? work may also be seen in his observations reason? For all our ugly acts? For our There is a certain decorum which is about Rashi’s poetry. Poetry? Yes, few cruelty and arrogance? For our self- expected on Park Avenue. You have no people are aware of the fact Rashi righteousness? “(p.84 My translation). right to be putting up an ugly hut on this composed “kinot”liturgical poems on the Oz’s center-left orientation is coming lovely street without a building permit themes of sin, suffering and atonement, through. Pesach, who represents the old authorizing it. I hereby rule that either you but Wiesel suggests that Rashi’s poetry generation, cannot give up his fear of remove the hut, or I will fine you $1,000.” is not, from the esthetic point of view, of a anti-Semites musing that “the last of the “You have exactly eight days to do so! very high order. anti-Semites was not yet born and never Next case!” (see Ages, page NAT 15) will be”(p.84. My translation). Submitted by Arnold Parris, Louisville. NAT 14 September 23, 2009 portrait of the well known German colorful images is accompanied by an Jewish Calendars: Jewish artist, Moritz Daniel Oppenheim explanation of the Jewish tradition portrayed. Aesthetic link to (1814–1816). Pomegranate’s The Jewish Woman’s There are also paintings by Israeli artist, Weekly Planner (plus creative ideas for past and present Reuven Rubin; American artists, Lee inspired Jewish living) is the perfect Krasner, Max Weber, and Robert Indiana. hostess gift for the holidays. This BY ROSE KLEINER There are ceremonial objects made of compact, lovely weekly planner comes silver, pewter, brass, copper and other with 32 kosher recipes for Jewish Marking time with a Jewish calendar materials. The Samaritan Torah Case is holidays, and everyday, and shopping, is always more than checking the date. made of copper, inlaid with silver. It guest, and menu lists. Almost every monthly page of such a comes from Damascus, 1568. Devorah Rosen Goldman, the author of calendar is laden with so much history Pomegranate publishers have no less this calendar, says she created this planner and tradition that one is constantly in than four wall calendars, and one desk “to bring order and a sense of well-being touch with the past of the Jewish experi- calendar, which also serves as a weekly to the lives of Jewish women everywhere.” ence, as well as with its present. This link planner. The themes of each of these The recipes are simple and tempting. with past and present is even more calendars are so diverse, they will suit the There is Pomegranate Apricot Chicken, enriching when the Jewish calendar interests and tastes of many, from book just in time for the New Year. And how comes with illustrations of extraordinary lovers to nature lovers. can one resist the poached salmon recipe, works of art. Pomegranate’s Illuminations calendar with its only two ingredients – just pour a From Universe publishers come two has as its theme, this year, the Book of 750-ml bottle of Moscato d’Asti sparkling attractive calendars, one for the wall and Esther, which is traditionally recited on wine into a fish poacher. Add the salmon one for the desk. The wall calendar’s Purim, from a handwritten parchment filet, cook for 16 minutes, and voila, an illustrations are from the collection of the scroll. The calendar showcases 13 appetizer for 10. and eucalyptus. Several other products Jewish Historical Museum in Amsterdam. beautifully ornamented scrolls. The changing beauty of trees, as seen also come from Israel’s apiaries. Its holdings consist of about 30,000 objects, throughout the different seasons is the The explanation why we wear running documents and photos. Some of the finest theme of a smaller size wall calendar also shoes, or sneakers, on Yom Kippur examples are included in this calendar. The illustrations are from Pomegranate. A Celebration of Time concludes with the “green” suggestion, Accompanying each of the illustrated and Trees Through the Seasons, A Jewish that old, or used sneakers, can be objects is a short, but precise, description from the collection of Calendar, comes with illustrations by recycled, through Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe of the custom, or ritual, or purpose, for Sandra Felzen. program. These shoes are ground up and which the particular item is used. the Jewish Historical It captures the magic that trees, universal used for creating sports fields (soccer, The aesthetic dimension of the objects symbols of life, exude in their seasonal football, baseball, running tracks, or is seen in the materials used to create Museum in Amsterdam. incarnations, throughout the year. Trees playground surfaces). About 2,500 the various ceremonial items – silver, are accorded special reverence in Jewish pairs of recycled shoes will cover one brass, bone, wood, glass, parchment and These scrolls are all part of the collection thought, and each of Felzen’s illustrations basketball court. luxurious textiles are just a few examples. of the Library at the Jewish Theological is accompanied by a Biblical passage Among the inspiring stories in the The Universe calendar’s illustrated Seminary, in New York.The scrolls span a relating to trees or the natural world. calendar is one about Abraham Nemeth, Torah mantle, the Torah ark curtain, or the period from the 17th to the 19th centuries. For the younger set My Very Own who was born blind, and was the inven- Torah reader’s desk cover are all made of All of them show fine artistic talent, and a Jewish Calendar (Kar-Ben Publishing) tor of a code of mathematical notation, intricately woven fabrics, from the 18th majority of them come from Italy. makes for a fun, and educational, back- the Nemeth Code, which is now the century, including wool, leather, silk, The 18th century is represented by to-school gift. This calendar can be standard in the United States. Nemeth velvet and metal threads. There is a silk scrolls from Germany and Italy. Scrolls enjoyed by persons of any age, which also transcribed prayer books into Braille, and cotton tapestry marked with scenes from Morocco, Austria, Turkey, as well as means that parents, and grandparents, and tutored blind students for bar mitzvah. that all represent different aspects of Italy, date back to the 19th century. will find it interesting as well. Speaking about Chanukah and the Jerusalem. A beautiful illustration depicts Pomegranate’s Jewish Museum (New Compiled by Judyth Groner and crucial jug of oil, the calendar turns to the a wall calendar for counting the Omer. York) Calendar 2010 features works that Madeline Wikler, this calendar is filled subject of conserving energy, fighting This Omer calendar is made of wood, range from an embroidered Torah cover, with facts and trivia, anecdotes, recipes global warming, avoiding the waste of parchment and glass. dating from 1600 Prague, to a 1988 ultra- and activities to challenge, occupy, and resources and more. The Universe Jewish Calendar for the modern seder plate, by Kerry Feldman, of inspire the youngster in all of us. It helps Purim: The Green Way encourages desk is illustrated with a rich variety of Marina del Rey, Calif. children feel as much at home in their youngsters to make Purim environmen- magnificent art and Jewish ceremonial Other antique Judaica pieces illustrated Jewish culture, as they feel at home in tally friendly, sending healthy snacks (as objects from the collection of the Jewish in this calendar are an 18th-century work their secular culture. shalach manot), in reusable containers, Museum in New York. titled The Chastity of Joseph, by Joseph Among the nutritious, easy recipes, recycling/swapping costumes, donating A unique feature found only in this Ottinger; a Marriage Contract from 1836 which youngsters can manage to follow, food to shelters or foodbanks. calendar is the chart of all holidays, Florence, and an 1870 papercut Mizrakh there is a chocolate honey cake (just put Youngsters are introduced before festivals and fast days, including Rosh by American artist, Joseph A. Michael. all ingredients in a bowl and mix). Equally Passover to a book, Why Is This Night Chodesh (the New Moon, a semi-holiday Besides the seder plate from Marina simple are the pumpkin soup, the cheese Different From All Other Nights: The for women), Yom HaShoah (Holocaust del Rey, the 20th century is represented latkes, or the broccoli salad. Four Questions Around the World,by Remembrance Day), and Yom HaAtzmaut by such modern works as Stefan Hirsch’s The various entries on each monthly Ilana Kurshan. (Israel Independence Day). Portrait of A.M. Liebman (1927); page, besides the recipes and illustrations, This book gives the Four Questions This handy chart classifies these special Robert Indiana’s ultra-modern Purim: include all sorts of information about in 23 other languages. Along with the days according to ten different categories, Four Facets of Esther; Frank Stella’s community, environmental issues, Jewish translated questions, the book gives among them are the Hebrew date, The Butcher Came and Slew the Ox living and history, that will broaden any capsule histories, and seder customs, of Biblical readings, theme or major (1984); Joan Snyder’s Hard Sweetness child’s horizon and will help make them a the communities from the 23 countries element, Biblical, Historical and Seasonal (1971); and Avraham Ofek’s Silent more informed member of both the represented. Significance, the Mood or Setting, and Conversation (1970). Jewish people, and society at large. Among the myriad other anecdotes, Selected Customs. For today’s busy Colorful reproductions of paintings by One example is the entries on the data, photos, tips, activities and trivia, households, this chart can be most Malcah Zeldis decorate Pomegranate’s September page. Speaking of Israel the there is a charming photograph of helpful as a quick reference. Jewish Celebrations calendar. Zeldis’ Land of Milk and Honey, the calendar Israel’s National bird, which was Of the works of art depicted in this vibrant folk art focuses on the observances, describes the magnitude of the honey crowned relatively recently, during calendar, one can truly say that they’re a festivals, rituals and traditions that give industry in Israel.The country has 100,000 Israel’s 60th anniversary. feast for the eyes, and rich in texture and shape and meaning to Jewish life. beehives and 700 beekeepers. They Called the long-billed hoopoe, the bird variety.There is an elegant Portrait of Mrs. Her works joyfully illustrate the union produce 3,000 tons of honey annually. has a black-tipped orange crest. Its Israel Mintz (artist unknown) from 1844 of the spiritual and the domestic that There are flavored honeys, and those Hebrew name is “duchifat,” and it was a Warsaw. Equally elegant is the self- characterizes Judaism. Each of the calendar’s made from citrus flowers, wildflowers well-known character in rabbinic lore. September 23, 2009 NAT 15 sauce. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake in WIENER during the Shoah, this is your music even preheated 400°F. oven 15–20 minutes or (continued from page NAT 5) if it is strange and not pleasing to your Kosher until light brown and bubbly. ears. It was meant to be. Just because the Everyone exclaimed that if he continued style or content may be unfamiliar to you, Kuisine Fish, Spinach and Noodle Casserole to drill the hole, the boat would fill with you have no taste for it, does not mean (8 servings) water and everyone would drown. that it is not Jewish. It may be that it BY SYBIL KAPLAN We are responsible to others for our is and you simply do not recognize that 2 Tbsp. margarine actions and for the consequences that will it just might be! After all, moshiach, Breaking the fast 8 fish filets result. We are responsible to G-d for those whenever he (?) comes just might not 3 Tbsp. chopped scallions things that relate to our spiritual well being. have a beard and be wearing a kittle! or for the sukkah salt and pepper to taste We are responsible to ourselves to ensure Dr. Gold is a composer, conductor, pianist with fish dishes 2/3 cup dry white wine that our lives have meaning and purpose. and retired educator and may be reached at: 1 1/2 lbs. spinach Our lives are tenuous, our existence 6 Webster Street, Springvale, Maine 04083 Many people break fast with cake and 3 cups noodles indeed fragile, and the gift of life so or by email at [email protected]. a drink then eat dairy foods such as 6 Tbsp. margarine temporary that we must take the time to bagels and lox and cream cheese, herring, 6 Tbsp. flour celebrate, rejoice, and give thanks. Then j i blintzes or other fish dishes. If you don’t 3 cups milk the ultimate blessing of the season – AGES make these for breaking fast, the following 2 egg yolks sukkat shalom – peace, in our homes, (continued from page NAT 13) week Sukkot presents challenges for 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese which translates into peace in our lives, those who eat in the sukkah. So the food will be our reward. On the other hand, some of his Biblical preparer doesn’t have to make many trips Grease a large baking dish. Preheat Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of commentary, extracted in part from carrying food, here are dishes that will oven to 400°F. Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation near Midrashic sources, is astonishingly work for Sukkot. frying pan. Add fish. Sprinkle with Phoenix, Ariz. He welcomes comments at refreshing and provocative. On the All can be made the day before serving, scallions, salt and pepper. Add wine, [email protected]. punishment meted out to the snake for refrigerated and then baked before serving. cover and cook 10 minutes. Boil water tempting Eve, Rashi invokes a quasi in a saucepan. Add spinach, cover and j i Darwinian-oriented explanation when he Salmon Loaf with Cucumber Dressing cook 2 minutes. Drain. Boil water in a SILVER says that the snake previously had legs, but (8 servings) saucepan. Add noodles and cook 7 (continued from page NAT 5) they were removed to force it to slither minutes. Drain. Melt 6 Tbsp margarine along the ground to forage for food. 2 pounds salmon in a pan. Add flour and stir. Gradually Thursday, a day when people of all faiths This reviewer found one minor lacuna 1/2 grated onion add milk and cook until thick. Add liquid could celebrate. in Wiesel’s delightful book on Rashi. 4 eggs from fish pan. Cook 5 minutes. Add egg Sukkot and Thanksgiving remind us Although he mentions the many French 1 cup sour cream yolks. Spoon noodles into baking dish. that we prove how mature we are by our (and Germanic) words in Rashi’s glosses 1 1/2 cups crushed corn flakes Add spinach. Arrange fish and scallions readiness to say thanks and by the ways – the “la’az,”Wiesel does not expatiate on on top. Spoon cream sauce on top. we show our gratitude for the many the importance of this vocabulary for the Dressing Sprinkle with cheese. Bake in preheated blessings we enjoy. study of pronunciation patterns in the 1 chopped cucumber 400°F. oven 15 minutes or in 350°F. oven Rabbi Sam Silver, z”l, had written for the Picard dialect of Old French that Rashi 1/2 tsp. dried dill 25 minutes. P-O for more than 50 years. This article was transliterates with Hebrew letters. 2 cups sour cream published in previous issues at this time of Wiesel noted that he was quite aware of 4 chopped green onions Chinese-Style Tuna Casserole year. His wife Elaine may be reached at this, but that limited space precluded a (8 servings) 2730 NW Timberlake Circle, Boca Raton, lengthier treatment of the subject. Wiesel Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a loaf FL 33431. also acknowledged that while Rashi lived size baking dish. In a mixing bowl, 1 cup Chinese noodles during a period of great literary and combine salmon, onion, eggs, sour cream 2 1/2 cups water j i intellectual fermentation in France, there and corn flakes. Fit into loaf baking dish. 3 1/3 Tbsp. cream of mushroom GOLD is no hint of that phenomenon in his Bake in preheated 350°F. oven one hour. soup powder (continued from page NAT 12) work – which is devoted exclusively to the Combine cucumber, dill, sour cream and 2 cans tuna world of Torah. onions. Serve slices of loaf with dressing. 1 cup chopped celery Listen to any bar/bat mitzvah trying to Among the many vignettes in Rashi’s 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts or chant either the blessings or the haftorah. Biblical orchard, Wiesel plucks some of Baked Fish with Cream Sauce bamboo shoots or 1/4 cup of each (“What a wonderful job,” the rabbis will the most beautiful and charming.Thus he (8 servings) 1/2 cup chopped onions say, meaning thank G-d, they got through quotes Rashi’s depiction of Rebecca’s 1/2 cup chopped green peppers it!) Few if any of the kids can or do sing or unilateral decision to leave hearth and Someone who lived in Alaska gave this 2 tsp. soy sauce play a musical instrument. (Drums or home – Eilech – “I shall go,”she says, as a to me 35 years ago. 2 tsp. sherry guitar do not count!) Few can or do statement from one of the world’s first 1/2 cup Chinese noodles participate in band, orchestra or chorus women’s liberation spokespeople, and as 2 pound frozen fish, cut in pieces while in or out of school. Music in the a Halakhic pronouncement that a woman salt Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a temple or synagogue will be of poor can make up her own mind and cannot dry white wine casserole. In a saucepan, combine water quality and consist of questionable be forced to marry against her will. bread crumbs and mushroom soup powder and cook unison singing and that usually in the Joseph’s behavior in Potiphar’s household until mixed. In a mixing bowl, combine lowest key possible and not be pleasing in Egypt, says Rashi, exhibited the same 2 Tbsp. sour cream 1 cup Chinese noodles, tuna, celery, either to G-d or to one’s fellows. All narcissism he showed back home. And 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise water chestnuts or bamboo of this has and will continue to occur when he rebuffed Potiphar’s wife, she 1 Tbsp. finely chopped onions shoots or both, onions, and because you dismiss all western music revealed the false allegation about the Paprika green peppers. Add as being non-Jewish. This is the same alleged rape during moments of sexual mushroom soup, soy mindset as the Taliban have. intimacy with her husband. Preheat oven to 400°F. sauce and sherry. Musically speaking you would prefer to Rashi’s great commentary on the Torah Grease a rectangular Mix then spoon keep things as they were umpteen years is surpassed only by his commentary on baking dish. Place fish in a into casserole. ago. Is it progress for the use of a mixed most of the Babylonian Talmud. Wiesel bowl in layers and salt. Pour wine Top with 1/2 choir and an organ, commonplace in alludes to this in his present work but over to cover. Cover bowl with wax cup Chinese Conservative congregations not too long does not deal with the subject.“Perhaps in paper and set aside in cool place for two noodles. Bake in ago to be regarded as illegal? Why in the volume two?”this reviewer asked. hours. In a bowl, combine sour cream, preheated 350°F. oven name of congregational participation has “Perhaps,”replied Eli Wiesel. mayonnaise and onions. Drain and pat 30 minutes. the musical baby been tossed out with the Arnold Ages is distinguished emeritus fish dry. Roll fish pieces in bread crumbs. Sybil Kaplan lives in proverbial bath water? professor of French language and literature, Place in greased baking dish. Cover with Jerusalem. Getting back to the music composed University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. NAT 16 September 23, 2009 pretty-much unknown, ignored and almost all. Almost everyone has been forgotten holiday, except by those who were released, freed. The one exception is Musings seriously religious. So, unlike wine and Pollard. Pollard’s chair is still empty. matzah on Passover and honey on Rosh from Shiloh Hashanah, there certainly weren’t many I needed today Jews studying Torah all Shavuot night. Today I stayed home. I needed it. You BY BATYA MEDAD In recent years, the study of Jewish texts just can’t imagine how much. Yesterday on Shavuot night can be found all over when I got to work, I felt like I had too Seder Rosh Hashanah the world and not only in strictly much caffeine in my system, but I hadn’t Orthodox frameworks. In Israel, there’s had more coffee than usual. I just hadn’t and other expanding an amazing variety of learning, lectures had enough sleep this week. Jewish traditions and discussion groups throughout the I forced myself to relax and ate a few night open to Jews of all observance, all walnuts that I now keep in my bag for I grew up in a Jewish home of minimal stripes and styles. Many Jews who don’t when I need some food. And then I went Jewish traditions. I discovered Torah Judaism fit the mold, or don’t wear the uniform, to teach and felt fine, even though it was when modern Orthodoxy was beginning are taking their Judaism very seriously. a long day. to shake off the “new immigrant”mentality Thank G-d. No doubt Moshiach Ben Luckily I hadn’t made any plans for where the priority was to fit into David is on His Way! Shannah Tovah, today, other than to be home and relax. I American society.That was about 45 years Gmar Chatimah Tovah! even turned off my alarm. But strangely I ago, and since then Jewish learning and dreamt that I was awake.There are people delving into the Halakhic (Jewish Law) The empty chair who think they’re insomniacs who do literature has grown amazingly. It seems like forever since Jay Jonathan that all the time, but it’s rare for me. Batya Medad is a veteran American olah, Pollard has been imprisoned by the My big plans for today involved cooking immigrant in Israel. She and her husband United States government. His entire for Rosh Hashanah. I cooked chicken, made aliyah in 1970 and have been in case, from beginning to the present, is which is now already in the freezer, and I Shiloh since 1981. She’s a wife, mother, totally unprecedented in American judicial, made some gefilte fish, a little differently grandmother, EFL Teacher, writer and security, and such. Periodically, his wife, from my usual. When the fish cools, I’ll photographer. Besides her articles and lawyers and so forth protest anew with freeze it, too. It’s really very easy. The photographs we’ve been featuring in this some PR statements or campaigns. ground fish has been in the freezer since publication for a number of years, Batya is When he was first arrested, he had a before Passover. We always get extra. very involved in the international cyber wife named Anne, and my husband was I defrosted it and added shredded/grated community as a Jewish blogger. She has two then working as an aid to then MK onions and carrots, a couple of eggs, active blogs, http://shilohmusings.blogspot (Knesset Member) Geula Cohen. As I matzah meal, salt, pepper, sugar and .com and http://me-ander.blogspot.com, remember, Geula, one of Israel’s most dehydrated parsley. besides having established the Kosher sincere, dedicated, honest and idealistic While it “sat,”I boiled water with sliced Cooking Carnival; details on me-ander. You public figures, and was the first to adopt onions, salt, pepper and sugar. When it can contact her at [email protected]. the Pollard cause. Geula and my husband was boiling hard, I “double-spoon” were in contact with his family, and my dropped the fish mix into the water. I husband even visited him in jail. added sliced carrots, covered and let it all The basic story is (from my memory) of cook for an hour or so. Just take the Rosh Hashanah meal for an idealistic American Jew, who was Yes, that’s it! It’s really that easy to example. Honey with apple and challah working in a sensitive position in the make gefilte fish. For basic quantities per were all that many Jews had to signify American government, saw/was purposely half kilo or one pound ground fish that Yihi ratzon... It should be G-d’s will allowed to see documents proving that (whatever is available): a medium onion, that we have a sweet year. Many families the United States was ignoring signed an egg or two (depending on size), also had some sort of animal head on the promises to Israel concerning Israel’s enough matzah meal, so it sticks together, table...“...to be a head not a tail.” security. In response, Pollard began not runny. feeding information to Israel. When he was caught, he tried escaping to the The calm before the storm, or Israeli Embassy. The Israelis turned him last chance to live it up over to the Americans. The day before meeting my students, Pollard’s family hired lawyers who I was at the Mamilla Mall. It’s a made a deal with the Americans in which photographer’s dream there. Pollard would confess and get a “lighter punishment.” Instead the Americans reneged and gave him the heaviest punishment, short of execution, much, much worse than any Communist or j i enemy spy ever got for anything even ADLAND worse. That is, besides the Rosenbergs… (continued from page NAT 2) Those two sufficed even in the religious who were also Jewish. homes a generation or two ago. But now, I left out a very basic element of the empty, but we never forget these special like the “bragging” about how late one story. The charge against Pollard was moments. We mark time as we remember. was up expounding Torah and yitziat spying for an ally, a friendly country, not On behalf of Sandy and my family, Mitzrayim, the Exodus from Egypt, at the for an enemy and not to destroy/damage let me wish all of you a Shana Tova Passover seder, now on Rosh Hashanah American security. u’m’tukah, a happy and sweet New Year. there’s competition l’shaim Shamayim, of Our family custom used to be to set I’ll be busy with teaching and lesson As you light your Shabbat candles this course in the Name of G-d, for the extra places at our Passover seder for planning and grading papers, so I really week and your Shabbat/Yom Tov candles number of foods and blessings, in many missing and imprisoned “Prisoners of won’t have all that much time for the next week, light one set for the beauty of cases no more than Hebrew puns, to bless Zion” Jews. I can’t remember all the computer now. Unfortunately, I committed our Torah, the wisdom it offers, and the the new year. names, but I do remember Ida Nudel and to a few jblog carnivals this month, guidance it gives our lives. Light the other Another Jewish Holiday that has seen Natan Sharansky and of course Jay actually all three! Yes, insane, isn’t it? I’ll set for the memories we have and the a boom, unexpected increase in the Jonathan Pollard. We’re not the only have to cut back on my daily blogging to memories we share. observance of a once minor aspect, is people who did that, and I’m happy to say do the big stuff and the teaching. Rabbi Adland is senior rabbi of Shavuot. Outside of Israel, Shavuot was a that it proved a positive experience for Shavua Tov, Have a Good Week! Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.