The National Jewish Post &Opinion Volume 77, Number 3 • December 1, 2010 • 24 Kislev 5771 Three Dollars www.jewishpostopinion.com

Cover art by Stephen Schuster and Charlie Bunes NAT 2 December 1, 2010 Kenya receive at least one nourishing that about 400 years earlier dating to meal a day. I urge you to support the IHI, 586 BCE, the Jewish community in Editorial Shabbat Shalom Gleaners, or your own local food pantry Palestine was virtually destroyed by the with a gift. Babylonians. The leadership and Shortly after my last editorial where BY RABBI JON ADLAND At many Thanksgiving tables, families scholars were deported to Babylonia and I mention a priest who left only five Nov. 19, 2010, Vayishlach and friends will gather for a delicious the country was laid waste. Seventy possessions when he died, I got the (Genesis 32:4–36:43), 12 Kislev 5771 meal often overlaid with family recipes years later, the Jews began to return as following message, “Travel light, live and traditions. I know that many of us the Persians, the new rulers of the world, light, spread the light, be the light.” No, it In a few days it will be Thanksgiving. will stop to offer thanks for blessings wanted a Jewish presence in the land. Until wasn’t on a fortune cookie. It was on a Communities will be holding interfaith and bounty in our lives. I must say that Alexander arrived, Jewish life, as difficult small piece of paper stapled to the string at Thanksgiving services that bring people I have learned a deeper meaning of as it was, had been reestablished, and the end of a tea bag. I find these short together regardless of the church, family, friendship and blessing during living the life of Torah was in the soul of quotes to be uplifting and wise. synagogue, mosque, or temple they these last several months. Thank you to the people. The Greeks tried to rip this This message is appropriate for any time attend. Money will be collected to assist so many of you for your support, kind away, but the Jews, led by Judah of the year, but especially during those who may not have enough to eat. words, and concern. Who knows what Maccabee, fought back to preserve what Hanukkah with shorter days and longer Organizations like our own Interfaith tomorrow will bring, but I have my they loved and won a brutal war. nights. Also during this time of year, so Hunger Initiative (IHI) will remind us health, my wife, my children, and my It is hard to grasp the deep desire of much focus is on material things. The other that hunger isn’t only local and that we friends, so everything after that is just a our ancestors to cling to Jewish life. As messages we receive from manufacturers can help children in a small place in bonus. I hope that all of you take a American Jews, no one threatens our and retailers make us think that we cannot moment to stop amidst the noise, Jewish way of life. For the most part, this be happy unless we have every new gadget, j i football, or whatever your family is a tolerant country toward Jews. We live appliance, technical device, automobile, and others oppose it. Let the light traditions are and say, “Thank you.” where we want and go to the schools of jewelry and piece of clothing that comes swirl around the dark places where Even in the midst of the difficulties of our choice. We can consider ourselves into style. differences of opinion are. Imagine it this world, we have much to be thankful successful here. But success comes with To bring the spiritual back into the shining brightly over the situation for, and Thanksgiving is an opportunity a price. Being a Jew today is a choice for picture, I am reprinting most of my bringing new ideas to encourage a to remember and reflect on this. most Jews just as not being Jewish is a column written two years ago at this time. solution or compromise. Because next weekend is Thanksgiving, choice as well. If for no other reason, I write Fifth night: As the lights continue I won’t be writing a Shabbat Shalom. to you each Shabbat to remind you of Because in my part of the world it is getting brighter, think about the state Therefore, allow me a moment to what it means to be a Jew and encourage very cold and dark, I decided to create where you live. Are there challenges in comment on Chanukah, which begins a you to choose Judaism as your way of the following eight meditations for your state? Some citizens want prayers few days after the secular festival life. Celebrate Shabbat and the holy Hanukkah.These can be done before the before the legislative sessions and other weekend ends. Chanukah has a charming, days. Be a part of the organized Jewish candles are lit, after the blessings and want separation of church and state. kid-friendly side to it, as we spin dreidels, community. Fulfill our Jewish mission by songs are sung when the candles are Let the bright light swirl around those light candles, eat great food, and enjoy participating in tikkun olam to make the burning or even after they go out. citizens with opposing points of view the chocolate gelt. Yet, Chanukah also world a better place for all people. Study First night: Imagine bringing the light and help them to see both sides of the has a serious, deeper, and more Torah. Teach the next generation. Light from the one candle to any place in your situation and resolve to make an effort to important meaning as well. We celebrate your chanukiah each night for the eight body where there may be a health understand each other. Maybe a solution this festival to recall our struggle, battle nights. Be thankful for Judah Maccabee concern or simply little aches and pains. will eventually come from that. and survival for religious freedom. as he helped preserve this heritage for Let the warm sensation from the light Sixth night: The bright lights from the The Greek community that ruled in you and me. relax the tight muscles around the pain. candles are filling up the room. Are there the Middle East since the time of When you light your candles this Feel the area improving from the healing challenges in your country? Let’s see. Alexander the Great for about 170 years Shabbat, light one as a reminder of the glow of the light and all stiffness and No shortage here: the economy, the wanted to impose its will and way of life blessings we have in our lives. Light the soreness is releasing. stock market, the bailouts, adjusting to on the tiny Jewish community in what other for all those who came before us Second night: Feel free to repeat the the new administration, gays and was then called Palestine. Many Jews, and left us their teachings, traditions, first night meditation knowing that the lesbians struggling for equal rights, racial though not all, rejected this attempt to and love of a Jewish life. light is double in strength. Now think of prejudices, to name a few. Let the bright impose Hellenism. Jews wanted to live Rabbi Adland has been leading Reform any emotional pain you are feeling. Are lights shine over these very difficult topics Jewish lives filled with Torah, Shabbat, congregations for more than 25 years in you missing a close friend or relative and bring with it the needed patience traditions and rituals. We often forget Lexington, Ky., and Indianapolis, Ind. who had been celebrating Hanukkah and compassion to work through them. with you every year? Were you expecting Seventh night: Even brighter lights a raise or simply a holiday bonus but did are just in time for the planet’s woes. The National Jewish not get it? Let the light from the candles What about the challenges facing the whirl in your mind, dissolving all of the world that we all share together? Again sadness and bitterness replacing it with no shortages: the environment including the thought that something good is just safe drinking water and global warming, Post &Opinion around the corner. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, ongoing Third night: One can repeat night conflict in the Middle East. Let’s all shed www.jewishpostopinion.com one or any of the previous night’s some light on these ordeals and see meditations on any of the upcoming what becomes visible when the darkness Editorial and sales offices located at The Jewish Post & Opinion 1111 East 54th St., Suite 119, Indianapolis, IN 46220 Published biweekly by nights as needed, knowing that the light is dispersed. Maybe some fresh insights The Spokesman Co., Inc. office: (317) 972-7800 • fax: (317) 972-7807 will be even brighter than it was the first will come. (USPS 275-580) (ISSN 0888-0379) [email protected] time around. Now that you are feeling Eighth night: Tonight the lights are Periodicals postage paid at Address correspondence to: Indianapolis, IN stronger, think about any concerns with very bright! We have experienced how 1111 East 54th St., Suite 119, Indianapolis, IN 46220 All circulation correspondence your family or close friends. 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Then God said,“Let there Graphic Design Editors The National Jewish Post & Opinion, Fourth night: Are there challenges be light!” That same powerful light is Advertising Sales Charlie Bunes Jennie Cohen Subscription Department, Mary Herring Crystal Kurz Grechen Throop 1111 East 54th St., Suite 119 in your neighborhood, your synagogue available to us now in this dark, cold Indianapolis, IN 46220 or the city where you live? Some season and in this difficult time to help Subscriptions $36.00 per year, back issues $2.25, single copies $3.00. congregants want to allow women on us heal ourselves and heal our world. All advertisements designed and prepared by The Jewish Post & Opinion are the sole property of the newspaper and the bimah and others do not. Some Happy Hanukkah! may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Copyright © 2005 Spokesman Co. Inc. All rights reserved. Jews want a menorah in a public place Jennie Cohen, December 1, 2010. December 1, 2010 NAT 3 following it, Jewish families and friends ’Twas the night Chassidic Rabbi Share gifts will gather around the menorah, eating latkes, playing dreidel games, singing before Chanukah that won’t Hanukkah blessings and songs. Three BY RABBI BENZION COHEN weeks hence, Christian families will be recalled gather around Christmas trees, sharing ’Twas the night before Chanukah. One of my readers, a dear friend and festive meals and singing carols. On Oy! What a shock! colleague, thinks that it is important that both occasions, gifts will be exchanged. Somebody outside I write about my work in our local hospital. If we were to follow the news reports, was picking our lock! I love the work, and I’m happy to oblige. BY RABBIS the health of the country is measured Two weeks ago one of the patients in DENNIS C. by how much we purchase during this And there at the door the internal medicine ward came up to AND SANDY season. The more we spend, the better stood a zayda in blue- me and greeted me in Yiddish.To hear and EISENBERG SASSO off our economy is purported to be. and he wore on his kupp speak Yiddish is a pleasant experience. A Our children receive more than 5,000 a blue yarmulka, too! few minutes later we met again outside. December brings the holidays of messages a day telling them to buy He and his wife were sitting on a bench. Christmas and Hanukah, each with its something. Advertisers spend billions of His punim was shain – I blessed him with a speedy recovery and distinctive history and message. Yet at dollars to target our youngsters. And everybody would love it! suggested that he put on tefillin. He the heart of both there has evolved a they are paying close attention. Studies ’Round his neck hung a chain declined, saying that it has been 32 years common theme of light and gift giving. have shown that children younger than with a gold mogen dovid! since he has put on tefillin. We got into a In the course of time, the spiritual 18 spend $150 billion in consumer goods friendly conversation. His name is focus of the holidays has been over- and services in the United States He wore silken tsitzes Danny. He is 62 years old, and worked shadowed by the material. Even before annually. Experts report that by age 3 beneath his wool vest, many years as a truck driver. He had Thanksgiving, the consumerist thrust of children begin to believe that consumer and a small flag of Israel been a heavy smoker, and now he has the season begins to surface. What brands actually embody their personal was draped on his chest! serious breathing problems and can’t seems to matter most is what bargains qualities – whether they are cool, or work. He has been unemployed now for we can get, how much we can purchase strong or smart. In a recent study, He said: “I’m no burglar, four years, and his financial situation is for how little. researchers at Stanford University found so please don’t be nervous. difficult. In addition, he has four adult The first evening of Hanukah is that children ages 3 to 5 tend to rate food I’m the spirit of Chanukah, children, and none of them are married. arriving soon. During the eight days that is wrapped in McDonald’s branded here at our service!” I told Danny not to worry. We have a paper as tastier than the same food great and merciful Father in heaven.Turn j i wrapped in plain paper. They are unable “Menchen all call me to him, and He will help you. His wife, Rebbe has unlimited strength. He is to distinguish between facts and illusion. ‘Reb’Shalom Shapiro! who grew up in a religious home, also bringing profound changes in the world, Too often during this season we Without me, this yom-tov put in a few good words. Soon Danny in many people’s lives, on the way to the convey the wrong lessons. We teach our might need a new ‘hero!’” put on tefillin, and all three of us prayed complete and final redemption. We children that material products satisfy together. It was a moving experience for believe that the Rebbe is Moshiach, and he and that happiness can be bought. We “I visit all yidlach, all of us. Afterward I sat with Danny and will redeem us, hopefully today, right now. create in them increasing discontent by and bring - kinnahorra - his wife for another hour. I told them my What can we learn from this story? celebrating goods rather than goodness. good fortune as bright story, how I grew up in Indianapolis, Ind. When life is going smoothly it is easy to We train our children to be consumers as a glowing menorah!” the only Jewish kid in the class. How I forget about Hashem. For 32 years rather than stewards. returned to Hashem when I was 18, and Danny got up in the morning and went How do we help the next generation “Ich shlepp lots of blessings all of the wonderful blessings that to work. At the end of the month, he got to stand up to this consumer culture and Chanukah gelt, Hashem has given to me and my family. his paycheck and paid his bills. Hashem when what they want most is to be part and joys that are takka How the ways of Hashem are good, and blessed him with children and they grew of it? In a world of abundance where the best in der velt!” help us to have a beautiful life. I was a up. Danny was indeed blessed but didn’t so many have so little, how do we say little surprised at myself, spending an think twice about where his blessings no to a life devoid of care and concern “If you know nice menchen, hour and a half with one family, a very were coming from. He just took them for for others, to a life filled more with I’ll visit them quick, rare experience. An inner voice told me granted. Only when he lost some of his having than being, greed than gratitude? and I’ll bring them gezunt to stay with them. I have learned to blessings, when things got difficult, was At the heart of Hanukkah is the and a houseful of glick!” listen to that inner voice. he open to think about where his blessings refusal to succumb to the tyranny of the The next day I looked for Danny. He really came from, the Source of all blessings. majority. It is an affirmation of the So we sent him to your house, was sleeping, and I did not disturb him. From here are two lessons. Go to the unique gifts of the individual and of each and shook hands and parted. Two days later I met him and his wife hospital and visit the sick. This is a faith community. He shouted,“Shalom!” again sitting outside. Danny put on wonderful opportunity not only to Both Hanukkah and Christmas had out the doorway he darted! tefillin right away. He asked me if he comfort people who are suffering, but in their origins a countercultural and could keep the yarmalka. He said that if also to improve their life greatly. anti-establishment message. Hanukkah He ran to a wagon I give it to him, it will stay on his head. In addition, learn to see the good in confronted the homogenizing allure of with horses ahead. He will wear it all the time. Wow! I almost everything. One of my readers is having Hellenism and Christmas responded to He fed them some bagels, fainted. To wear a yarmalka all the time difficulty believing in Hashem. If the overpowering authority of Rome. and here’s what he said: means that you are an observant Jew. Hashem exists, and why there is so Both provided alternative visions to the (see ’Twas the night, page NAT 13) Danny was taking a really big step much suffering. Here we see an example ethos of their times. forward. In Lubavitch we learn how to of how suffering brought profound Sadly, in our generation there has make deals. I told him that if in addition goodness into someone’s life. been a reversal of the meaning and j i he will put on tefillin every day and We believe with all of our heart that deeper values of our holidays. For many, appreciation and wonder, the spirit of daven, he can keep the kipah. He agreed. this stage of our history is ending. Our the celebrations of both Hanukkah and generosity and sharing that are at the What is so special about my yarmalka? generation has seen much suffering, and Christmas have been transformed from heart of the holidays. Let us find ways to How did it make such a profound has seen profound changes for the good their message of light over darkness to unwrap with our children and loved one change in this man’s life? I will share in millions of lives. It is up to us now a message of glitter and tinsel; from gifts of time and memory, gifts of faith, with you the secret. On my yarmalka is to do mitzvahs, to do acts of loving lasting good to disposable goods; from gifts of the spirit. These will never written in big letters “Long live our zkindness to bring our complete service and caring to pampering be recalled. master, our teacher, our Rebbe, the redemption and goodness to all of the and acquisition. The Sassos have been senior rabbis Moshiach, for ever and ever.”I try to be a world. We want Moshiach Now! While it is fitting to show our affection at Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in shaliach, an emissary of the Lubavitcher Rabbi Cohen lives in K’far Chabad, and holiday joy by the exchanging of Indianapolis, Ind. for more than 30 years. Rebbe. I myself am nothing, but I am a Israel. He can be reached by email at gifts, let us not allow the material goods (Reprinted from the Indianapolis Star Dec. representative of the Rebbe, and the [email protected]. we purchase to overpower the sense of 4, 2007.) NAT 4 December 1, 2010 There is a concept in Hebrew new dimensions, enabling us to go expressed by the words B’Tzelem Elohim. forward in ways that we could not do Jewish It means that each of us is created “in the Kabbalah solely on our own. image of God.”What does it mean to be This month is a time when we go Educator created in God’s image? The rabbis of the Month beyond what is logical and go for what answered that question with words that we really want. Though the name Kislev BY AMY HIRSHBERG LEDERMAN help us understand the essence of what BY MELINDA RIBNER is Babylonian in origin, the word “Kis”in it means to be human. Simply stated, it is Hebrew means “pocket”and “lev”means Small change this: that each of us is unique, of infinite The empowerment “heart.”This has been said to refer to the value and of equal worth. capacity to be a vessel for what your inspires big changes These three ideas – that we are all of Kislev heart desires. Very often people may unique, equal and of immeasurable value – want and want, but they do not know It was quarter to five when Susan can and should influence our actions Every Hebrew month ushers in new how to receive what they want. During realized she didn’t have the fresh basil and and relationships. From encountering a spiritual energies and opportunities. this month we have a greater capacity black olives she needed for the chicken bag lady to addressing our children, from According to Kabbalah, the Jewish to actually receive what we want, but dish she was preparing for dinner. dealing with our own prejudices to calendar as a whole is a road map for just a small allowing within ourselves. In Guests were arriving at seven and she listening to people we don’t like or agree personal transformation. It is the original determining what we really want, we still needed to shower and change. with – B’Tzelem Elohim is meant to keep 12-step program. Those who are attuned may still need to sift and distill our Scribbling the few items down on a us on track so that we treat each person to these energies know how to use this visions to make sure that they are not scrap of paper, she dashed out of the with the respect and dignity they knowledge for their personal growth contaminated by the ego mind and house – hair in a mess and T-shirt deserve as human beings. Judaism and success. come for the purest place within us. To stained with olive oil. teaches that when we honor others in In the last month, Cheshwan, we did know what we really want inside, we Like a bird in flight, she flew from the this way, we also honor God. the hard inner work of shedding the have to listen to what God wants for us. parking lot into the store and headed So what made Susan so upset? The past, letting go of what is no longer true. straight for the spice aisle. fact that by giving her less than 50 cents, Now in the month of Kislev (Nov. 8th – What was it she needed again? her “benefactor” did something more Dec. 7th, 2010) we embrace all the We are able to take risks Shuffling through old receipts and damaging than helpful: He robbed her possibilities before us and we are coupons in her purse, it hit her. She of her dignity.That gesture made her feel empowered to go for what we really want. …because [this] is a threw the list in the trashcan outside small and unworthy. Kislev is a time of going forward, the store with a used tissue that was in actualizing one’s dreams. It is also a time of deepening faith her pocket. great time for travel. We are able to take Back outside, Susan began to rummage How we treat a beggar, risks in Kislev because Kislev is actually and trust in God. through the garbage. At first, she gingerly a time of deepening faith and trust in set aside the greasy bags and magazines bag lady or homeless God. Kislev is a time of clarity, a time to By a simple allowing and deep listening stained with food. But it didn’t take long receive important guidance about one’s on our part, the light of our highest soul to abandon her squeamishness and pride person is an issue that life purpose. connection with the Divine emerges to and engage in a full-out search and rescue The whole month of Kislev is shaped shine upon us and guide us during this mission for the list. goes to the heart of who by the holiday of Chanukah, the holiday month. When we do this, we experience Which was right about the time a of miracles that occurs at the end of the miracles. This is the month of miracles. good-looking, middle aged man tapped we are as human month, the darkest time of the year. With the light of Chanukah, we see even her on the shoulder. During Chanukah, we learn the most the ordinary aspects of life as miraculous. “Excuse me miss, can I help you?” he beings. Do we offer a important truth about life. At the darkest By the way, Kislev according to the asked solicitously. time, there is light and there will be light. Talmud, is a time of unexpected money. Susan hoisted herself up, garbage smile, a kind word, some Actually, the light in the darkness The fixing of this month is sleep. So clinging to her sleeve. Before she could spare change? shines even more brightly because of Kislev is a time to allow oneself to sleep a answer, he continued. the darkness that surrounds it. little longer than usual. Sleep is not a waste “I’d like to give you something, to help Like the Maccabeans who redeemed of time, but it provides an opportunity to you out.” Since the fateful afternoon of the the Holy Temple in ancient times, during live in another dimension. So much “Oh no, really, I’m fine,”she stammered. trashcan, Susan keeps a roll of dollar this month we redeem the Holy Temple healing occurs during sleep. The healing “Really, I’m doing great.” bills in her purse. Now she gives – not within us. The Holy Temple represents of sleep also means that this is a time “No, no, I insist. Here, take this,” he one, but two dollars – to the woman in the holiest, the most pure dimension when we should wake up from the said somewhat gallantly and thrust some front of Walgreens or the newspaper within us. It is the seat of our deepest sleepy dimension in which we usually coins into her hand before walking away. man on the corner. Why? hopes and visions of life that are beyond live, and see clearly. When we sleep, we Susan closed her mouth and opened “Because even though a dollar might the mind, not bound by the laws of should sleep, but when we are awake, her palm. In it was 48 cents, mostly be enough to show my respect, I know logic and reason. The oil used for the we should not be sleeping. dimes and nickels. that two will make them feel much rededication of the Temple was pure and May we individually and may the Her humiliation turned to shame, but better. And really, it won’t make much of undefiled, reminding us of the possibility Jewish people as a whole be blessed with then another feeling swelled inside her. a difference to me in the long run, except of returning to a state of original purity. miracles in Kislev. Amen. Amen. “Forty-eight cents? That’s the best you in how I feel about myself.” The miracle of the rededication was that, P. S. The information and knowledge could do? You could have at least given There are many ways we can respond although there was only enough oil to in this article are excerpts from my me a dollar!”she fumed as she marched to others in need. Some would argue burn for one day, it lasted for eight days. It book, Kabbalah Month by Month. This back into the store with the list clenched that it is best not to give to individuals was not logical, but God is beyond logic. book contains so much more additional in her other hand. who ask for help on the street but rather, During this month of Kislev, we too information, and meditations, about the When Susan told me this story, I to give to organizations like the local leave the shackles of the limiting Greek months, holidays. laughed at first. But as she went on, I food bank or homeless shelter that mind and open to greater faith. When Melinda (Mindy) Ribner, L.C.S.W. is a understood the scenario differently. support them. However we choose to we are limited by the mind, we are spiritual psychotherapist and healer in How we treat a beggar, bag lady or give, we should recognize that it is an always tied down to what is known and private practice (www.kabbalahoftheheart homeless person is an issue that goes to opportunity to do more than just hand familiar. We seek to understand why and .com). She is a teacher of Jewish meditation the heart of who we are as human over a few dollars. It is a chance to how. Faith is, by definition, beyond the and Kabbalah for over 25 years. Author of beings. Do we offer a smile, a kind word, engage another human being and dignify reasoning powers of the mind. Faith Kabbalah Month by Month, New Age some spare change? Do we give her a their value and existence. enables us to be present, to not dwell in Judaism, and Everyday Kabbalah, she is sandwich or a coupon for McDonalds? Lederman is an award winning author, the past or worry about the future, but also the founder and director of Beit Do we dodge the situation altogether by Jewish educator, public speaker and attorney live moment to moment fully with trust Miriam (www.Beitmiriam.org). She can be avoiding eye contact or pretending to be who lives in Tucson. Visit her website at and fearlessness. It is faith, not the mind, reached by email at Miriam@kabbala- talking on our cell phone? amyhirshberglederman.com. that opens us to new possibilities and hoftheheart.com. December 1, 2010 NAT 5 3. I believe with perfect faith that God and write 13 principles of faith. It is too much to bear. We try to reach for does not have a body; physical concepts important to remember that we come some magical occurrence that will bring Wiener’s do not apply to Him. There is nothing together as we do for prayer and back our love so that the hurt will go whatsoever that resembles Him at all. meditation to proclaim some belief away and our feelings of happiness Wisdom 4. I believe with perfect faith that God because we know that without faith return. We remember the bliss of an is first and last. there can be no future. embrace, the thrill of a kiss, the orgasmic BY RABBI IRWIN WIENER, D.D. 5. I believe with perfect faith that it is Faith is just not belief in God. Faith is expression of love’s completion. only proper to pray to God. One may not also confidence in ourselves. Faith is The days and nights are empty now. I believe pray to anyone or anything else. loyalty to family. Faith is being in love. The touching and reaching are beyond 6. I believe with perfect faith that all Faith is all these things and more. We our grasp. The marvel of a smile or a Many times I hear from different the words of the Prophets are true. round it out with an expectation of a gleam in an eye seems so distant as if people with different attitudes and 7. I believe with perfect faith that the benevolence that we understand to be God. they never really were there at all. It is histories who indicate that it is not prophecy of Moses is absolutely true. He If we all knew the true essence of God such a lonely sensation.Tears, like falling necessary to do many things that are was the chief of all prophets, both before what would we be? Part of the mystery rain fill our eyes and roll down our expected regarding faith observance and after him. of life is the mystery of our birth and the cheeks. Sometimes we cry uncontrollably because all that is needed is to believe. 8. I believe with perfect faith that the mystery of our continuation after death. and our body trembles. It is so awful. We “I believe in God, what more is entire Torah that we now have is that Faith is trust. The Hebrew word Shechina are so desolate. needed?”“I am a good person, isn’t that which was given to Moses. indicates a “presence or manifestation” The respected poet-philosopher Noah enough?” Both questions sound logical 9. I believe with perfect faith that this and allows us to imagine the meaning of ben Shea tells the following story: on the surface but are actually difficult to Torah will not be changed, and that there God without really knowing the reality answer. We observe different customs will never be another given by God. of God because we can never really Once there was a student who was with because of background or location and 10. I believe with perfect faith that God know God. This is the beauty of faith: a teacher for many years. And when the then change them to fit our present knows all of man’s deeds and thoughts. The imagination of magnificence. teacher felt he was going to die, he wanted requirements. Some enhance those It is thus written (Psalm 33:15), “He Maimonides searched for this reality to make even his death a lesson. traditions by strict observance and some has molded every heart together. He and came to his conclusions after a life time That night, the teacher took a torch, dilute them by saying that they are old understands what each one does.” of learning and teaching and applying called his student, and set off with him fashioned and hold no relevance in 11. I believe with perfect faith that his craft as given to him by God. We may through the forest. today’s world. God rewards those who keep His not be as extensive in our search, but we Soon they reached the middle of the We even excuse the lack of response commandments, and punishes those know that each of us has the ability to woods, where the teacher extinguished the by finding excuses such as, “The laws who transgress them. reach heights that seem unreachable torch, without explanation. of Kashrut were originated for health 12. I believe with perfect faith in the because of two simple words: “I believe.” “What is the matter?” asked the student. and cleanliness. Now that we have coming of the Messiah. How long it “This torch has gone out,” the teacher refrigeration and health inspections, it is takes, I will wait His coming every day. answered and walked on. no longer necessary.” That’s just one 13. I believe with perfect faith that the Change is not a repudiation “But,” shouted the student, his voice example. There are many more. dead will be brought back to life when plucking his fear, “will you leave me here I am reminded about a man who lived God wills it to happen. of the past but rather an in the dark?” in the 12th century. He was called The There are many who will dispute some “No! I will not leave you in the dark,” Rambam, an acronym for his real name, of these beliefs because they seem enhancement. We could not returned the teacher’s voice from the Rabbi Moshe Ben Maimon. He was foreign in today’s understanding of God surrounding blackness. “I will leave you better known as Maimonides. He was a and religion. As time progresses, so does have modern ideas if they searching for the light.” physician, philosopher and rabbi. His our thinking and our understanding of feats were many, primarily in the field of life and its origins and its finality. were not preceded by Such is the path we should take when medicine and Torah. In fact some of his Each generation goes through its battles we lose a loved one. During their lifetime medical pronouncements are still used with beliefs. Each generation has its ancient heritages. they gave us light, the light of hope and today. He promoted and developed standards of these beliefs. Each generation completion. They lit our path so that we philosophical traditions of Aristotle. goes through adjustments of thought. could experience fulfillment. And when Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas And each generation proclaims its Miracle in the rain that light is extinguished, it is not really were among the notable Western commitment in ways that may seem I borrowed the title of this column gone because the flame that burned our readers of the Rambam. There was an strange to generations past and even from a movie I saw recently, vintage passion is now embedded in our heart equal legion of Torah scholars who stranger to the generations that will follow. 1956, starring Jane Wyman and Van for all time – that is called memory. embraced his writings on Talmud and This does not mean that each was Johnson. It was both moving and heart Memory will not replace the intensity explanations of Scripture. right or wrong. What it does mean is that wrenching. It was nostalgic and timely. It of the joy, but it will enable us to Because of his worldly appeal and his just as we have alternative concepts of was all these things and more. embrace the very depth of understanding love of philosophy, he was criticized God, we alter the traditions to fit those The saying goes that art imitates life and realization that without the shared by his peers and even threatened with notions. God gave us the ability to think and that is true in most instances. One love, there can be no memory and memory ex-communication. He sat down, and and choose. That is why change is not thing is for sure, movies can make you guarantees immortality. Memory is the among his most notable writings we find a repudiation of the past but rather feel glad and at the same time make you next step in the thrilling journey of life. the Thirteen Principles of Faith. It is a an enhancement. We could not have feel sad. It is sort of like life. We have Sorrow is the rain, and the drops digest of all the laws of Judaism and their modern ideas if they were not preceded moments of ecstasy, and in an instant, remind us of the tears we shed, and the significance to human values and our by ancient heritages. we are despondent. We are designed to miracle is that our affliction will be relationship to God. We began communicating with each withstand euphoria and disappointment; washed away together with the sadness These principles are repeated time and other with fire followed by drums it’s built into the system. Fortunate for allowing us to begin a new day filled again in many different ways.You can find succeeded by wireless, and then came the us. Sometimes, however, the system with sunshine and a life yet to be lived. them in song and prayers and poems.They telephone and cell phones and computers breaks down and we can’t discern one This is the legacy that was left to us and are repeated on the lips of the devout as and who knows what will follow. Does from the other. we leave others: That the next generation well as the martyrs who sacrificed their that make fire less important? No, The one emotion that can carry us and the next will be able to share what we lives for the sake of their faith. because we have found a way to harness through dark days and help us rejoice had and make it into what they now have. 1. I believe with perfect faith that God that flame to create warmth for comfort when there is light is called love. It works To have loved and to be loved is a miracle is the Creator and Ruler of all things. He and enjoyment. We just moved forward in mysterious ways. Our hearts can be whether in the rain or in the clear skies alone has made, does make, and will with the help of what was. filled with unimaginable happiness. that dry up our tears. We must carry-on make all things. So saying,“I believe in God”is not as bad When we love someone and are loved because that is the true miracle of life. 2. I believe with perfect faith that God as it sounds as long as it is accompanied in return, we enter into the realm of Rabbi Irwin Wiener is spiritual leader of is One. There is no unity that is in any by further clarification through word and divine fulfillment. the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation near way like His. He alone is our God He deed. We all can’t be as firm in our faith But then the worst happens, and we Phoenix, Ariz. He welcomes comments at was, He is, and He will be. as Maimonides, and we all can’t sit down lose someone we love, and that hurt is [email protected]. NAT 6 December 1, 2010 We really have more important issues (“a person’s a person, no matter how Jewish to deal with. Some years ago Jewish Action The Roads small”), which is conveyed with sound- Magazine sponsored a symposium on the play. Soundplay is not incompatible state of Jewish Life in America. Although with an important message. Indeed, America there was a continuum of participation, from Babel “translating” Dr. Seuss into ordinary it was an all-Orthodox sharing of ideas, prose would diminish the effectiveness BY HOWARD W. KARSH from left to right. I cannot imagine that BY SETH BEN-MORDECAI of his books. Likewise, ignoring the anyone who read the symposium was soundplay of Hebrew texts impoverishes Don’t you just more familiar than I was. For many “Oy,” saith Isaiah, our holy books. years, I used it to teach critical thinking Of course, changes in Hebrew love Jews in my 12th-grade English curriculum. It “Things could be pronunciation have obscured some was invaluable in helping students read soundplay in ancient texts, just as Jewish students at Brandeis University 20 opinions on a limited subject area, verse!” changes in English have obscured meter are holding anti-Israel programs; aren’t trying to develop the critical skills of and rhyme of the Middle English verses we the most interesting people the separating one from the other. The Hebrew word qadosh is usually known as the Canterbury Tales. Using world has ever known. Even though I am laying this out for you because translated as holy, i.e., spiritually perfect, the ancient pronunciation of Hebrew from the beginning of time, we have one of those “important” issues of our associated with God, and untainted by can restore soundplay, but in some texts never lacked for critics and enemies, we time is the lack of dialogue between evil. But the root of qadosh originally soundplay is heard even with modern are relentlessly self-destructive. All of Jews. The years have drawn us into a meant “reserved.” Thus, wine jugs of pronunciation. In Isaiah 30:1, we read these young students feverishly trying to national position of a right-wing ancient Judean kings were stamped “Woe to the rebellious children, says save the world will grow up with adult Orthodox and a left-wing liberal qadosh lammelekh, i.e., “reserved for the Adonai, who do as advised [by humans], counterparts. As those of you who read population that do not traffic in ideas. king.”Over time, qadosh took its current but not as I wish, who pour out [molton my column know, my current favorites What little communication there is is meaning, and as it did, Jews began metal] to form an idol, but do not pour are J Street and the Peace Now Party in shouting and derision. This comes at a approaching national holy texts with out my spirit, thereby piling sin upon Israel. Nothing our critics can do or say time in our history when the biggest greater solemnity. Understanding a sin.” In the transliteration that follows, about us will ever match the venom single block within the Jewish world is text’s meaning displaced listening to a capitalized syllables are stressed, the of these highly motivated and self- “unaffiliated and uninterested.” They text for pleasure. words la’asot and le-ma’an are shortened destructive brethren. We wouldn’t get rid are not embarrassed about being Jews, Certainly, Jews have always valued our to la-sot and le-man as in ancient times, of a single one of them. They keep us it is simply irrelevant. Some of this is ancient texts’meaning. But the texts were and the symbol // marks the end of a poetic alive and lively in our thinking and our expressed in the section of the Sunday also meant to be read aloud to be heard line. Note, too, the word e-lo-KAH is own desire to set the world right. Times, which features marriages. One and learned. And texts intended for hearing substituted for Adonai to restore the sound Some years ago when people categorized of the Times requirements is to list the are crafted to be memorable. Features matching of the ancient text but without Jews, we talked about “cardiac Jews,” officiant, and reading the notices about that make a spoken text memorable pronouncing God’s preeminent Name. people who held Jewish life basically in the one partner-Jewish names, reveals a include drama, pathos, wisdom, wordplay Thus: hoy ban-IM so-re-RIM // their hearts, even when it was not evident significant number of intermarriages and soundplay – playful use of rhyme, ne-UM e-lo-KAH // la-SOT ei-TSAH// in their attachments and behavior; with no apologies. Assimilation is a alliteration, assonance, and meter. (For ve-LO min-NI // ve-lin-SOKH ma-sei- “gastronomical Jews,”who ate the food, run-away plague in Jewish life today that example, “road rage” is a more KHAH // ve-LO ru-KHI // le-MAN but not did not limit their diets; and my threatens our very soul, and we lack a memorable phrase than “highway rage,” se-FOT // kha-TAT al kha-TAT. newest category,“migraine Jews,”people who proper venue to talk about it. because the words in “road rage” have Just as “a stitch in time saves nine” is might cause you to leap off buildings, matching initial consonants and the memorable, so is Isaiah 30:1. but would be there on the ledge to keep same number of syllables, unlike the An attorney and Semitic linguist with you from jumping off. May the Almighty …one of those words in “highway rage.”) degrees from Brandeis, Stanford and Univ. bless them all, keep them safe, and give Now, the Dr. Seuss book Horton of Calif., Seth Watkins (pen name, Ben- us the strength to wait until their senses “important” issues of Hears a Who has an important message Mordecai) merges linguistic analysis with catch up with the reality of life. legal sleuthing to uncover lost meanings There is hope. If you have been a reader our time is the lack of j i of ancient texts. His Exodus Haggadah of the New York Times, you know over near future, the Post & Opinion will gain uniquely includes the full story of the the years that they relentlessly hired or dialogue between Jews. some financial recognition of their Exodus in an accessible format. Email: recruited self-hating Jews. Most of them, unique place in Jewish publications [email protected]. at some time in their career saw the light One of the participants in the today, and will have the where-with-all and repented, but not all. Anthony and aforementioned symposium was Rabbi to sponsor both written and live Call/Write for Free Books Flora Lewis never found a single Emanuel Feldman, then of Atlanta, now symposiums drawing leading Jewish moment in the life of the State of Israel of Israel, who lamented that while we figures in one paper and under one roof. We are 100% Judaism; not that they could even tolerate; A.M. have a healthy core of Jewish life, we There are plenty of voices to consider. disguised of any other science Rosenthal, was never allowed to use his are faced with a blighted periphery. If Many of them have appeared in the first name, Abraham, but officially gave we are to change this basic fact, we have pages of the paper. But when they come Jack Botwin up his venom to become a proud Jew, as to find some way of talking to each other together, they can not simply come to Books by Morris Lichtenstein did William Safire. Thomas Friedman on a substantive level. present, but rather to talk to each other. tried to maintain some level of disdain, For some time we deluded ourselves There needs to be a place for AIPAC and FREE BOOK by until Yasser Arafat refused his efforts to about the strength of the “peoplehood” J Street on the same dais. The young Rabbi Morris Lichtenstein solve the Palestinian-Arab dispute, and with the support for Israel, for the people from Brandeis need to come simply moved on. While Friedman’s support of Russian Jews, then Ethiopian to discuss why they feel so alienated. early history as scholar and journalist Jewry, but, as of now, we are out of causes, There needs to be religious and secular Applied Judaism who came to his convictions about Israel and faced with factional differences in voices from Israel, and enough Israeli Jewish Science through study and research was fraught the Diaspora as well as in Israel. politicians need to come willing to tell us with self-deception, life and times have We have lost the comfort of being able and each other about why the country is 11 AM Sunday • 109 E. 39 NYC helped him move on and he has to talk to each other without being continually deadlocked and seeming at All Welcome/Friendly/Free matured into a thoughtful and more judged or judging one another. If you odds with each other. mature commentator. read the National Jewish Post & Opinion The issue is not the survival of the We will survive them all. J Street and from cover to cover, you are probably Jewish people. We have the Biblical 12301 San Fernando Rd. #406 the Brandies “organizational-terrorists” seeing the widest and most diverse historical evidence that we will endure. Sylmar, CA 91342 will come to understand that Israel discourse in Jewish life today, all under The question is how we will survive intact? deserves and needs to survive, and the one masthead. The challenge is how to Howard W. Karsh lives and writes in (818) 367-4532 (24 Hr.) Washington establishment will not be make it a conversation. Milwaukee, Wisc., and can be reached at www.appliedjudaism.org moved by their self-loathing. I am hoping that at some time in the [email protected]. December 1, 2010 NAT 7 corrupt local officials, transport lack you are at the end of the game, the stalked the treasure trove of nutrition better the game. Spoonful that the American Relief Agency brought Fun Coach This is less apparent when you play into Central Europe through Danzig. with your peers.You tend to think of the of Humor Somehow, Hoover, who knew more game as being the ultimate arbiter of about getting nourishment into hungry your relationship: “Let the best man BY TED ROBERTS mouths than anyone on the planet, BY BERNIE DEKOVEN win” and all that. When, of course, negotiated this gauntlet of obstacles. neither the game, nor your relationship Herbert Hoover In most cases, the food supplies were Having fun together has anything to do with who is the best shepherded directly to the schools by person. Both, in fact, the game and your and the Jews the American relief workers. Hoover – more important relationship are about your being better, wisely avoided government channels. together. Not better than each other. Herbert Hoover was not a man He wanted to feed kids, not enrich than any game Better with. blessed with great timing. He gets elected corrupt bureaucrats. Millions were fed. On the other hand, for the sake of the ear Fun Coach, sir, in 1928 and in ‘29, he’s smacked with a The Hoover Institution at Stanford D game, we have to play as if one of us, or I believe in fun and games and kids, World Depression. Three years later he’s University a couple of years back one team of us, will prove to be better really I do. I mean, I think it’s really voted out of office and replaced by Franklin illuminated this bittersweet chapter in than the other. It’s called “winning.” To important to play with my kids. But, well, Delano Roosevelt with a huge plurality history – an era that has not found its make winning seem as important and playing games with my kids is something of votes. Don’t let the door hit you in the way into our text books. Several years meaningful as we possibly can – again else. Because when we play games, it gets rear end, said six million Americans. And ago they released a report on Hoover’s for the sake of the game – we add all about winning. And, if you know what as the White House door slammed shut work by Elena Danielson. It tells us how officials and official rules, trophies and I mean, not about fun at all. – the song ringing in the ex-president’s she came upon an old “beautifully gold- prizes, records and world standings. It Your friend and mine, ear was: Happy Times are Here Again. tooled leather portfolio” in the archives. makes the game seem more real (when Shalom Bayit His four years were no Camelot. It contained presentations, proudly we know it’s nowhere as real as we are), more significant (when we know we’re Bad timing. Few remembered that he given to the “Great Humanitarian,”upon Dear Mr. Bayit, far more significant than a game could saved millions of Europeans from the his visit to Poland in 1921, by school One thing you learn from playing with ever be), more permanent (when we clutches of starvation – first in post– kids. She went to Zachary Baker, curator children – especially the very young – is know that neither the game nor any of World War I Belgium.And again in hungry of Judaica at the Stanford University that the fun you are having together is us can last forever). Central Europe. We Jews, who naturally Libraries – a Yiddish translator – for help. more important than the game you are So, again for the sake of the game, we look at the world through our own ethnic The portfolio was overflowing with playing. This is equally apparent when play as if it’s not just a game, as if it’s in spectacles, consider Herbert Hoover and letters from another world – a time and you play with the very old. What good is fact more real, more significant, more say – what’s he got to do with us? place called loosely, Poland 1921. The it to win if it makes the other person not permanent than we are. Which is fine. Everything. Because the starving land of many of our forefathers – of want to play with you anymore? Or if it And fun. Unless we’re playing with masses he fed in the early 1920s were shtetles, hasids, cheders, and Isaac makes the other player cry? Or get people who are much younger or older the bubbes and zaydes, uncles and aunts, Bashevis Singer, the Baal Shem Tov, and angry? Sure, you can blame it on their than we are. Because what they have to maybe parents of many of us. If Oscar Sholom Aleichem. And finally, the very immaturity (or postmaturity), but, still, if teach, all over again, is that when it Schindler was pronounced a hero for ground zero of the Holocaust. your goal is to play together, the game comes to games, the people who are saving a few thousand Jews, Herbert Here are letters from school children, has to end with your being together. In playing are more important. If it’s not Hoover should be anointed as the most of whom never reached middle fact, that’s how you have to measure the fun, change the rules, change the goals Mosiach, the Messiah, or maybe granted age. They write thank you letters to the success of the game – the more together charter membership to the Hall of American businessman, Herbert Hoover, or the way you keep score or the number Righteous Gentiles. His contribution who culturally was as unlike them as a of pieces you get or the number of (“The Great Humanitarian” they called Hindu Maharaja, a continent away in j i players you have on your team or where him) is told in the Hoover Digest, affiliated India.They could not imagine the wealth be able to study the Torah without fear. you play it or how long you play or what with Stanford University. and freedom of Herbert Hoover or the — One of the students in the Pinsk side you’re on. Or try a different game. World War I – “the war to end all average American if they spent a lifetime Talmud Torah: Ary Goldman, 17 Sivan Sometimes, this is a very hard lesson. wars” – eventually brought us World of study in their cheder or study rooms. It 5681, June 23, 1921.” Because we want to make the game as War II, Communism in Russia, and the was beyond their wildest dreams. Another group of youngsters presents real as we can. And we forget who we’re subsequent Cold War. But its first curse Their letters are perfumed with the a card vivid with orange cornflowers and playing with or why. And we hurt each was starvation in Central Europe. innocence of youth and the warm gratitude declares,“We the Jewish children signed other. But as difficult as it is, it’s probably Between 1919 and 1921 the American of full stomachs. The children elaborately below of the town of Siemiatycze, the the most important lesson we can learn relief effort, headed by Hoover, fed a thank the American businessman. Then country of Bielsk, and the land of from playing with the elderly and million and a half Jewish children proudly demonstrating their newly Grodno, kitchen no. 4 send our greetings youngerly. It’s the reason we need to be primarily in newly independent Poland – learned ability, there’s a scrawl of childish to American children, from Poland to playing with them whenever we can. To disgorged from Germany, Austria, and signatures and decorative artwork. noble America in homage to Herbert be reminded what games are really all Poland. The challenge was daunting Other cards and notes bear pictures of Hoover. — On the day of July 4th, the about. Because otherwise, we forget. because Central Europe was convulsed the children’s school, festooned with year 1921.” And the games get too important. And in warfare. The Russians were marching American flags. Sometimes the past is as hidden from we play too hard. And we break. on Warsaw, while Russia, roiled by One letter, in Hebrew, is decorated us as the future. This mitzvah, this Bernie DeKoven is a Fun Coach. He revolution, was pillaged by rival with a drawing of a can of sweetened good deed by a Quaker humanitarian works with individuals and groups, Royalists and Red gangs. This was like condensed milk. Such cans were used unrecognized by the history books, is institutions, organizations, by phone, Katrina relief in the middle of a war. for drinking cups. Tin cans for cups; a unknown to Jewish hearts. email, chat, Skype and in person to help The easiest part was getting the poverty unknown to us was endemic Ted Roberts, a Rockower Award winner, them recover the fun of life. Online at money to buy food. Uncle Sam, as usual, in Central Europe. The cups came to is a syndicated Jewish columnist who looks http://deepfun.com. was the first to open his wallet. The U.S. symbolize the American effort. at Jewish life with rare wit and insight. Congress contributed 100 million A youngster named Ary Goldman When he’s not writing, Ted worships at On this date in dollars, and the U.S. Army contributed a adds a poem to his thanks and does not Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville, fleet of railroad cars to transport food forget to ask for money to buy books. It Ala., where for 25 years he has served as Jewish history to out-of-the-way shtetles like Pinsk, is a blessing in disguise that we know bar mitzvah teacher. His inspiration is On December 1, 1935 Bielsk, Siemiatycze, and Brzesc. not what happened to Ary and his his patient wife, Shirley. Check out his Getting the food to starving Polish schoolboy friends when Nazi and Web site: www.wonderwordworks.com or Woody Allen, actor, director, kids in this savage political environment Communist armies carved up their blogsite: www.scribblerontheroof.typepad and producer was born. had all the challenges of feeding country. His final verse says it all. .com. His collected works The Scribbler on ~ From The Jewish Book of Days published by malnourished Africa today. Hungry armies, Send us “Money for clothes, for rice The Roof can be bought at Amazon.com or Hugh Lauter Levin Associates, Inc., New York. murderous gangs, black-marketeers, and other types of food, so that we may lulu.com/content/127641. NAT 8 December 1, 2010 5 years – in fact it stretched as far as nine in the everyday influence of the Nazi Party students at one school to take courses at of some cases –and took in only four students and its philosophy. A box of Trommel another, a great benefit to our students. I The Art at the beginning, out of 17 applicants. Brand matches, “Drum Brand,” with a could send a student to take a Mishnah The others were not rejected outright, picture of a little blond Aryan drummer course at Humboldt and a history course Observation but were encouraged to undertake boy in shorts on the cover. The Trommel at Potsdam or a course in Hebrew further preparation and apply again. was a symbol of the Nazi Party. literature at the University of Berlin. BY RABBI ALLEN H. PODET Valerie Jill and I became inordinately Nazi beach towels, Nazi umbrellas, Boys What a very civilized relationship, and a close to our first classes. Our home and Girls Clubs, cute children’s board rational way to maximize resources. As Back to Berlin became an open house for them since games about how to take Poland, how to a result of this arrangement, Geiger they were far from home, and we kill Jews, how to assert the superior did not have to offer courses that were and Abraham undertook to forge a close alliance with German culture, martial uniforms for available elsewhere once our students the University of Potsdam so that our everyone. The effect is to show that no were part of the system. Geiger College students – and the AGC itself – would one man hypnotized an entire country. I taught at Potsdam and elsewhere a have credentials from the very prestigious Lots of ordinary people, everyday citizens Mishnah course and one in Bible, We have returned from Germany, German University System. with children and dogs and church analyzing the Hebrew text of the Book of thoroughly exhausted, blissfully happy, We have retained this closeness, and I memberships, were the strength and Amos. Apart from my AGC students, the with a silly grin plastered on our faces. would not have missed this ordination backbone of the Nazi atrocities. other students were not Jewish. Two The week, taken off in the middle of a for the world. These are, after all, my It is a very courageous examination. It young non-Jewish women in particular school year, began with an invitation to students. I was there at the beginning leaves no doubt as to where the strength sat in the front row, where I could see come to Berlin for the ordination and of their rabbinic careers, when we had of the machine lay. their faces but my male Geiger students graduation ceremonies of the Abraham to engage tutors for them because some In Berlin we stayed with Professor Dres seated behind them could not. The Geiger College. of them did not know German. We (meaning “doctores,” or more than one women were so far superior to my In 2001–2002, I was brought to Berlin shepherded them through the German doctorate) Wolfgang Loschelder, rector Jewish students that I frequently saw to become the founding principal or academic system prior to educating (ret) of the great University of Potsdam. them looking at me and rolling their grundungsrektor of a new institution, them in rabbinic studies. It was Loschelder, as much or more than eyes while the boys were blundering the Abraham Geiger College at the anyone else, who saw to it that the AGC through a clumsy recitation. I had to University of Potsdam.The AGC was the became a formal and permanent part of the keep myself from laughing. first seminary for the training of liberal …one gentile Jewish university he headed, and consequently I asked one gentile Jewish studies rabbis on the continent of Europe since of the prestigious and German university major why she was in this challenging Hitler and the Holocaust. Since 2002, studies major…explained system. Valerie Jill and I have spent field. She explained that Jewish studies Valerie Jill and I have been back to Berlin many days and nights with him and his involved her with every world culture several times to see our students, to whom that Jewish studies wife, Christiane. and every civilization, a fascinating we remain very close.They asked us to come When Loschelder became an historic entity, a persistent and evolving to marry them, and eximious, now they involved her with every administrator, the classroom lost a great group with profound intellectual wanted me to take part in their ordination. talent. Many evenings in his home, over achievements, a classical language and a When I was grundungsrektor, it was a world culture and every a glass or two, we would discuss history, faith that is the foundation stone of time of high excitement. The creation of civilization, a fascinating philosophy, or law (he is one of the her own, and a multifaceted and living a rabbinical seminary in the very city and acknowledged senior jurists in Germany) philosophy. The whole issue of identity land that had been purged of Jewish life historic entity, a persistent for many hours. His profound under- and perseverance of identity is nowhere meant sleepless nights and full days. With standing and eagerness to teach remain as clearly to be studied as here, she the aid of Rabbi Dr. Walter Homolka, a and evolving group with among my fondest memories of Berlin. explained, in Jewish studies. former student of mine at London’s Leo One night, late, he casually turned to As a Jewish studies major at a German Baeck College and who is now rector profound intellectual me with the information, “Meine name university, she is required to study both of the AGC, and Dr. Anne Brenker, ist Wolfgang.” Hebrew and Yiddish and one other our super-efficient secretary then and achievements, a classical I knew his name was Wolfgang. I language, such as Polish, each of them to the college’s managing director now, we doubt there are many members of the a considerable level of competence. set about the business of establishing language and a faith academic and legal community who do There were at that time 200 such majors, curriculum, deciding if and at what point not know his name is Wolfgang. and at present there are about 400 in our students should experience a period that is the foundation He was saying that he felt close greater Berlin. Abraham Geiger College of study in Israel, setting standards that enough to me so that he wanted me to had at one time a rabbinical student would win the respect of the eximious stone of her own, and use the intimate address, “Du” (you), body of four, and at present has 20 German academic establishment, procuring with him. It was and is a great honor, including a cantorial contingent of four. quarters for the school, recruiting a multifaceted and and one with which I am uncomfortable. Our standards have not diminished. professors of skill and competence, …in I remember when I was ordained, and For our own students, it was important short, the thousand and one details that living philosophy. my professors, suddenly my colleagues, to me to forge a connection with the are involved in an enterprise of such scope. expected me to address them on a first military chaplaincy. I have been a We were all very aware of the moment in Words cannot express how we felt name basis. I learned to do so, but not chaplain in the United States Navy for history that we were living through. when I stood with them and Walter without some discomfort. some 29 years, and the experience has I had been, for the most part, shielded Jacob and Walter Homolka before the With Wolfgang now, it was the same. It enriched me beyond measure. I have from the enormous economic burden of ark of the great Pestalozzi Strasse took a deliberate effort, but I appreciated met many people from varied walks of the college by Rabbi Dr. Walter Jacob, Synagogue for their ordination. the honor and did it. life, have served in hospitals and brigs, past president of the Central Conference Berlin is very aware of the War, and of You might say we were both rectors, I was as a personal counselor, marriage of American Rabbis and a beloved figure the Jewish community that once thrived rector of a tiny collection of a few graduate counselor, guide, and friend to many on the U.S. rabbinic scene, and by Rabbi here and even, in some areas, dominated students and he of a mighty institution that I would otherwise never have Dr. Homolka, a former vice president the Berliner culture. Memorials are of thousands. Surely equals, yes? encountered. I have lived on ships, a of the Deutsche Bank and a tireless, everywhere to be seen, and historical As part of our connection to the submarine, air bases, and among people workaholic, type-A personality. Walter notes as to what happened here and university, I became an honorary of every ethnos. I am grateful that Jacob and I ordained Walter Homolka, what happened there. At the present professor in the German university because of my positive experiences, our an event that Walter Jacob considers one time, as part of the need to confront the system, was admitted to vote and decide students will have a similar opportunity. of the finest things we have ever done. past fully in order to deal with it and, one on certain policy matters, and to teach Not least, I want my students to We determined at the outset that it hopes, transcend it, the most popular both Geiger students and students in encounter many ordinary Germans who was easier to lower standards than to and recent exhibit in town is the Hitler general at the university. At that time know little or nothing of Jews, rabbis, or raise them, and so we started with high exhibit at the Berlin Historisches there were some 200 Jewish studies Judaism. I want them to learn to deal demands of prospective students. We Museum. There is no attempt at Grand majors in greater Berlin at the three with them, to befriend them and to care proposed a curriculum of a minimum of Guignol horrors. This exhibit deals with major universities, which all allowed for them, and to care about them, about December 1, 2010 NAT 9 these ordinary Germans who people the complimenting us on the hat and asking airport, very efficient, very well planned, military establishment. And I suppose I where they could get one. and scheduled to be closed. And want these ordinary Germans to know When I functioned as rector, I Schonefeld, large and inconvenient. A Jews’ News my people as well. The bonds of military represented the AGC at many new airport is being planned, far out of life are very powerful, even though they congregations in Switzerland, Vienna, town, which I am told will be enormous U of Memphis are hard to explain to those who have Prague, all over Germany, and in spite of the horrible experience of not experienced them. I should prefer Amsterdam. This was partly to generate Americans and others with enormous renames Hillel that they went Navy, of course, but let’s interest in finding posts for the eventual airports such as JFK and O’Hare. not make an issue of that. employment of our students and partly We landed in JFK with the usual BY MARK HAYDEN It was also important to establish to publicize the college itself. I also met delays, flying around endlessly looking Memphis, Tenn. – The bonding of warm relations between AGC and Leo with the vice president of the Bundestag for a landing slot.Valerie Jill was using a music and harmony kicked off a Baeck College in London and with or Parliament, the minister of education, wheelchair, and we were taken in tow by rededication ceremony and concert for Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. and other officials, all of whom were a very competent airport employee who the renaming of the university’s Hillel My credentials were ideal for that work. unfailingly helpful and eager to promote shepherded us through customs and here in Memphis recently. I had taught at Baeck and was then and the college and its mission. elbowed some rude flight attendant to Daniel Pearl World Music Days named still on its Board, and I was determined Among other dignitaries, it was my job make room for us on the elevator. When after the slain Wall Street Journal that there would be no turf wars but to meet the American ambassador, who I offered her a tip, she handed it back reporter has grown in scope to more rather friendship and respect between was charming and friendly and who and informed me that airports are than 101 countries, was created to us. Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Magonet, our promised to help us in any way he could. very expensive and she couldn’t hardly inspire tolerance and respect for others. close friend and the principal of Leo Well, it develops that he could indeed. buy anything without a lot of money. The Memphis concert consisted of 15 Baeck College (ret), would be invited One of my students, Alina, was a lovely Welcome to New York. musical performers who came to honor most cordially to join with us in common redhead (at the time) with the voice of She solicited a letter of reference to Pearls’ memory and to celebrate the actions and to give lectures here at Geiger. an angel. I wanted to bring her to my her boss, and we dutifully emailed one. rededication of the University of I held three doctorates, two of them American congregation in Jamestown, I estimate the trip, even with the Memphis Hillel after local philanthropist earned (a German professorship requires NY, as a special treat for her and for AGC paying for my ticket and with Morris S. Fogelman. what amounts to two doctorates), and I them. We figured out an appropriate accumulated travel points on our Fogelman was instrumental in was a graduate of Hebrew Union time gap for the trip, I sprang for the Mastercard buying Valerie Jill’s ticket, purchasing the land for the new building College and a member of the Central ticket, and we applied for her visa. was quite expensive. Valerie Jill seemed 25 years ago. Conference of American Rabbis, the key She was, after all, a dependent of and a to find it necessary to buy German Mark Hayden is a freelance writer in accrediting institution to which I wanted student of the college, with a commitment chocolate and regional marzipan delicacies Memphis. He can be reached at marktn58 my students to have eventual access. to a multi-year rabbinic program, and for sundry people there and here, and to @aol.com. Berlin has changed even in the year with my personal and institutional invest in German horse magazines and we were away, a city of constant guarantees and those of the college and, riding literature to the point where I was evolution. The excellent public transport if need be, the university. sure our luggage would be over the system is, if anything, better. Clean, fast, She was refused, without reason. weight limit. Thank God she never in frequent city trains are everywhere When I called the Embassy, the young found a genuine German saddle she Jews Sports available and accessible, and inexpensive. man who took my inquiry – a second could not live without. (She came We bought a week pass for 26.20 euros secretary, I suppose – assured me that close once or twice.) The airline staff at Yeshiva U of (US$39), and with this in our pocket, there was no difficulty even though she Delta were kind, however, and the hopped without a thought on busses, was technically still a Ukrainian national, airline food was even good, well beyond LA scores trains, subways, and all other transport since her German citizenship papers had our expectations, especially since the except taxis. A car is quite unnecessary in not cleared yet. magazine horror stories have mentioned championship town. Aah, civilization. Well, it turned out that she was Delta specifically. BY MARK HAYDEN We roamed around the refused, with no official reason. But the Having been a central part of Geiger Kurfürstendamm, a kind of Fifth secretary, much embarrassed, confided College at its creation has been a notable Memphis,Tenn.– Avenue, near our old neighborhood. to me that since she had no blood event in my life. I entertain some small A perfect 4-0 record Berlin is a town meant for walking. family in Germany, might it be that she regrets that we could not stay and make for the Yeshiva The streets are broad boulevards, and would not return from America? Perhaps a life there as rector of the college, an University Panthers everyone walks. The town is built of she was a Ukrainian terrorist? Or offer which we very seriously considered. of Los Angeles made neighborhoods: near our old residence someone seeking a job who would stay But it was our decision that our life is their long trip home are shops, doctors and dentists (cheap or illegally in America? here, and so we shall be bound by bonds from Memphis worthwhile recently as free on the National Health Plan), too I appealed of course to the friendly, of love and concern to the college and YULA took the tier I championship many bakeries each one more seductive charming ambassador, the helpful one. our students, to Anne Brenker and of the Cooper Yeshiva High School than the last, shoe repair places, places He refused to take my calls, or even Walter Homolka and Walter Jacob and Invitational here. that sell rubber stamps that Valerie Jill to acknowledge them, even when I the Loschelders and our other friends, but Jack Gindi’s 34 points led his Panthers loves, pet stores, an amazing assortment made it a matter of official enquiry by the decision to return was the right one. to a 54-45 win over the Stern Talmudical of restaurants, mostly small, and of every the college. I suppose that the State We will never forget these moments. Academy Lions in a mostly see-saw ethnic kind. All are in walking distance, Department had had time to find out Rabbi Walter Jacob’s father, Rabbi Benno affair until the midpoint of the third quarter. and it is easy and pleasant to put away that I was a mere American citizen, with Jacob, ordained the last rabbi in Berlin YULA’s strangling defense and superior lots of miles, which means that you no special political clout, and certainly before his school was closed down by passing skills proved too much for Stern won’t gain much weight even without unworthy of their special attention, or Hitler. And now here we stand to ordain and the rest of the 16-team field. Weight Watching. even of their courtesy for that matter. the first liberal rabbis since that time, Tier II champions were the Chaim Niko’s, our old favorite Greek It is not the first time I have heard products of our college, here in this land, Knights of Toronto. Host Cooper High restaurant on the Kurfürstendamm, is such tales about the State Department the birthplace of liberal Judaism, a School Macs took seventh place after a still there, and Niko recognized us and and its treatment of our citizens. In fact, rebirth in this place. The emotions are rough 1-3 weekend. called us by name after all this time. I worked at the State Department for beyond imagining. I have now made The Cooper Invitational, which hosted My red Western hat, a sort of personal a time, and should have been better about 26 lecture tours to German- its first Canadian team this year, is listed trademark, may have aided his memory. prepared for this reception. speaking areas, and have been the as the second largest yeshiva tournament I wore that hat everywhere, on this trip So we “ate” the round-trip ticket for founding rabbi of synagogues in Vienna in North America. Ranked behind one and previously. The U.S. Department of Alina. It was not especially tasty. and elsewhere. And I have come to think played at YU in New York the Memphis State was publishing warnings about The trip home took off from Tegel that much of that was preparation, surely tournament is slated for its fifth annual how dreadfully dangerous it was to be Airport, very convenient to central Berlin. engineered but certainly not engineered championship late next year. identifiable as American at the same Berlin has three airports, Tempelhof, a by us, for what we did in Berlin. Mark Hayden is a freelance writer in time as Germans on the streets were familiar name from old WW II movies Our blessings are greater than we can say. Memphis. He can be reached at marktn58 cheerily yelling, “Hi, Yank!” and and pretty much closed; Tegel, a small Comments? [email protected]. @aol.com. NAT 10 December 1, 2010 begins this year at sundown on December 1, at which time we begin lighting the candles of our Hanukkah menorah (or hanukkiah) for eight Hanukkah consecutive nights.The shamas candle is placed in its elevated or unique position on the menorah each night and the other candles loaded from the far right to the left in the quantity corresponding to the night (first night-one, second night-two, etc.). The shamas is lit, the blessings are recited, as stated below, (remember to include the third one – the shaheheyanu – on the first night only), then the other candles are lit in sequence of the new night first in reverse order (left to right). All the candles should be allowed to burn down completely each night and fresh ones placed for each new night. Happy Hanukkah!

R MBE DECE 1 2010 December 1, 2010 NAT 11 Hanukkah Songs I Have a Little Dreidel Maoz Tzur – Transliteration Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah I have a little dreidel Maoz tzur yeshua-si Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah, I made it out of clay Lecha na-eh li-sha-beyach come light the Menorah And when it’s dry and ready Tikone bais ti-fee-lasi Let’s have a party, we’ll all dance the hora Then dreidel I shall play! Vi-sham todah ni-za-beyach Gather round the table, we’ll all have a treat Li-ase ta-chin mat-beyach. Sivivon to play with, and latkes to eat. Chorus: Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel Mee-tzar ham-na-beyach And while we are playing I made it out of clay Az eg-more vi-sheer meez-mor The candles are burning bright And when it’s dry and ready Hanukkahs ha-meez-beyach One for each night, they shed a sweet light Then dreidel I shall play! Az eg-more vi-sheer meez-mor To remind us of days long ago. Hanukkahs ha-meez-beyach. One for each night, they shed a sweet light It has a lovely body To remind us of days long ago. With legs so short and thin Popular English Translation (Rock of Ages) And when my dreidel’s tired Rock of ages, let our song Light One Candle It drops and then I win! Praise Your saving power; By Peter Yarrow (Chorus) You, amid the raging foes, Light one candle for the Maccabee children My dreidel’s always playful Were our sheltering tower. With thanks that their light didn’t die It loves to dance and spin Furious they assailed us, Light one candle for the pain they endured A happy game of dreidel But Your arm availed us, When their right to exist was denied Come play now, let’s begin! And Your word, Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice (Chorus) Broke their sword, Justice and freedom demand When our own strength failed us. But light one candle for the wisdom to know Who Can Retell When the peacemaker’s time is at hand (Translation) Who can retell, O Rock of my salvation, the things that befell us, Chorus: with delight we praise You. Who can count them? Don’t let the light go out! Restore the Temple where In every age a hero or sage, It’s lasted for so many years! we will bring offerings. Came to our aid. Don’t let the light go out! When You will eliminate our enemies, Hark! In days of yore in Let it shine through our love and our tears. Then I shall sing at the rededication. Israel’s ancient land, Brave Maccabeus led the Light one candle for the strength that we need Hanukkah, Hanukkah faithful band. To never become our own foe But now all Israel must as one arise, Hanukkah, Hanukkah And light one candle for those Redeem itself through deed and sacrifice. Chag yafeh kol kach who are suffering Who can retell, Ohr chaviv, mi-savis Pain we learned so long ago the things that befell us, Gil li-yeled rach. Light one candle for all we believe in Who can count them? That anger not tear us apart In every age a hero or sage, Hanukkah, Hanukkah And light one candle to find us together Came to our aid. Sivivon, sov, sov With peace as the song in our hearts Sov, sov, sov! Sov, sov, sov! (chorus) Sivivon, Sov, Sov, Sov Ma nayim vi-tov. What is the memory that’s valued so highly That we keep it alive in that flame? Sivivon, sov, sov, sov (Translation) What’s the commitment to those Hanukkah, hu chag tov Hanukkah is a great holiday. who have died Hanukkah, hu chag tov Surrounded with lovely light. That we cry out they’ve not died in vain? Sivivon, sov, sov, sov! Fun for little children. We have come this far always believing Dreidel, spin, spin, spin. That justice would somehow prevail Chag simcha hu la-am How wonderful! This is the burden, this is the promise Nes gadol haya sham This is why we will not fail! Nes gadol haya sham (chorus) Chag simcha hu la-am. Don’t let the light go out! Don’t let the light go out! (Translation) Don’t let the light go out Dreidel, spin, spin, spin. Hanukkah is a great holiday. It is a celebration for our nation. Let’s Play Dreidel! A great miracle happened there. From two to eight people can play, but it’s most fun in groups of four to six. Everybody gets an equal number of pennies (or nuts or counters) and puts one in the center for the pot. Each player gets a turn to spin the dreidel. If it lands with the i (nun) up, the player gets nothing; with the g (gimel) up, the player takes all the coins from the pot; with the x(heh) up, the player takes half of the coins from the pot; with the c(shin) up, the unlucky player gives one penny to the pot. When the pot empties after a gimel, each player puts a penny in and the games goes on. Play can continue until a predetermined time limit, at which point the player with the most coins wins, or until one play has all the coins that all of the players began with. NAT 12 December 1, 2010 The fear is that because of their some deeply-ingrained ethnic inclination, growing demographic numbers and the end up moving and shaking both ends Shipley fact that they “block vote” – what the An Observant of the political seesaw? Rebbe says is what goes – Israel will One approach is to simply note that Speaks become a Halachic State. Anyone Eye Jews tend to be cerebral (a generalization, committed to a democracy as envisioned to be sure; many of us don’t seem to do BY JIM SHIPLEY by Ben Gurion and Jabotinsky could not BY RABBI AVI SHAFRAN much thinking at all) and so there will live in such a state. always be a good sized pool of bright and The enemy within I have always loved the way that Gotta serve motivated Jews from which influential Israeli politics are conducted. Loud, political players and activists of varied The Jewish people have survived for argumentative, in-your-face debates. somebody stripes will emerge. thousands of years. This much we know. A cross between a synagogue board But there is something else at work here, There is historical evidence of that fact. meeting and a bar room discussion. Not Most people will be forgiven for not and it has less to do with brainpower How come? You know that any odds any more. The self-serving Religious imagining that the late Theodore than with a sense of Jewish mission, of maker would have us in the dust bin of Party, throwing its weight around with Sorensen, President John F. Kennedy’s wanting to better society. To effect, in the history by now. But we did it. By pulling its grand total of eleven seats in the close confidant and speechwriter, born phrase fashionable these days in some together against all odds. Syrians, Knesset manages to hold the entire in Nebraska to a father whose first name Jewish circles, tikkun olam – the Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Nazis and process hostage. was Christian, might be Jewish. But in “perfection of the world.” Arabs couldn’t destroy us. Now, back in Their attitudes on everything from the eyes of halacha he probably was. And that drive, holy at its roots if not our own land, Israel, there is a real marriage to dietary laws are from another Mr. Sorensen, who died on October 31 always in its fruit, has long taken Jews in danger of pulling the Jewish people age. Look, those who desire to live as at the age of 82, was born to a Russian- different, sometimes diametric, directions. apart and in the effort, destroying the “The Other”are entitled to do so. But not Jewish mother, Annis Chaiken, although Wherever on the political/social spectrum very land we have sought so long to be at the exorbitant cost to the State that he was raised as a Unitarian. He was they may end up, though, what drives them ours once again. this minority foists on the majority. Their responsible for much of the soaring there – often without their realization – Israel has an unusual elective system. large families, often intermarried, put an oratory associated with President is sourced in a desire…to serve G-d. In an effort to give all its citizens a voice, incredible burden on the overstressed Kennedy, who once called the celebrated Yes, G-d.The Torah makes clear that the Israel has created a political mess. If you, medical system. They have a large speechwriter his “intellectual blood Jew is intended to be an instrument of your brother Max and cousin Ari want to percentage of children disabled at birth bank.” Sorensen had an extensive role the Divine, to help bring the rest of the form a political party, then the three of cared for by the State. Money is not (some say a full-fledged ghostwriting world to recognition of His glory. That is you and a bunch of assorted cousins, important to them – why should it be one) in producing Kennedy’s Pulitzer true tikkun olam, as the phrase is used in friends from the neighborhood and some when the State covers most of their costs. Prize-winning book Profiles in Courage, the Aleinu prayer. Every Jew is hard-wired non-aligned hangers-on can form a Where in Torah does it say that “thou and the president included him in to want to do the will of the Creator. political party and get one or more seats shall throw stones at busses and cars important foreign policy discussions, The shame lies in the obliviousness of most in the Knesset. Okay, so I exaggerate, but driving on Shabbat”? You don’t want to including those revolving around the Jews to how, in fact, they can create a better not that much, drive? Fine. Englewood, N.J., is dead 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, a truly hot world.To be sure, Jewish tradition requires In the present set-up, there is no way quiet on Saturdays because of the large point in the Cold War. empathy and charity; as it does personal that a single political party can control the percentage of Orthodox Jews who live Although Sorensen was not a self- responsibility and morality – “liberal”and Knesset and therefore the premiership. there and walk to shul. But, those who promoter, his death brought focus to the “conservative” ideals alike. But the Now, in many ways this is not a bad do drive do not have to worry about considerable role he played in the Torah’s bottom line is that the observance system. The British have been doing being pelted with rocks on their way Kennedy White House and, thus, in and study of its laws comprise the ultimate pretty well with a similar system for the to the doctor or the golf course or American history. And, for those who path to perfection – our own personal past 200 years or so, But Israel is, well, into Manhattan. take pleasure in (or are suspicious about, perfection and that of the entire world. just different. One small, self-centered There is another reason why they do or just find curious) the influence that Many Jews would – and do – scoff at group can bring down the government not work. Their children graduate from Jews – recognizable as such or not – have that contention. G-d, if they think of and bring the governing of the nation to their religious schools with no clue as to come to wield on world affairs over the Him at all, is there to be beseeched for a standstill. how to survive in a modern society. ages, he was but another good example. sustenance, health and success. But Here, in a word, is the problem: The Untrained in science, history (other than He was an example of the particular making a better world, they insist, Haredim. The ultra-Orthodox. They for Torah history), mathematics, languages prominence of Jews in progressive causes. requires political or social activism; the most part do not even believe in the or philosophy, there are no careers for In his teens, Sorensen registered with observing often challenging or arcane State of Israel. Like fundamentalist them outside their own world. the military as a conscientious objector laws and studying ancient texts could Christians, they are waiting for the They can be kosher butchers or bakers and in his later years he relentlessly not possibly lead to world peace, security Messiah to come and create a land for or even candlestick makers. But not championed liberal ideas and ideals, and human welfare. Of course, the the Jews. Hello! We have one. Bought scientists, inventors, Nobel laureates or working with Nelson Mandela on voter scoffers will happily use their computers with blood and sweat and yes, money. any of the other professions for which registration in South Africa and with without a thought to how this or that Money paid for every inch of land for Israel is famous. As I said, fine. Let them President Obama’s presidential campaign. click here or there manages to yield this which there was a legitimate claim. live their own separate lives. But, if they He served, too, as a board member of the or that effect. But to imagine that the And for the most part, that is what do not want to contribute to the State in International Center for Transitional Justice, Engineer of the universe may have they do: They wait. They do not work. any way shape or form, let them then which seeks to pursue accountability for programmed His creation to respond to They study.They have incredible numbers fend for themselves. human rights abuses. Jews’ observance of the Torah’s laws of children. For which the State pays This is not meant to be cruel or even Such activities well fit the stereotype somehow taxes their imagination. them. So they do not have to work. They anti-religious. It is my own personal rant of the American liberal Jewish activist, And yet, the seed of that truth lies do not serve in the army. Why? Religious in favor of leveling the playing field. Of which engenders pride or disdain waiting somewhere in every Jew’s soul. principles? No. Many, many Orthodox taking power away from those who have depending on the observer. What is Sought out and nourished, it will grow. Israelis serve and serve bravely. no right to it. People who live this way striking, though, is how noticeable Jews The nourishment might be said to lie in In a recent op-ed piece published on and take these advantages because they are on the other side of the American a paraphrase of a thought often associated the web site YNet, two of them held say, God told them they could. And if political spectrum as well.The Kristols and with Theodore Sorensen (although he forth. They could not serve, they wrote, God is on your side, you cannot lose. But Podhoretzes, peres et fils, are examples insisted the words were those of his because they were exposed to “Swearing the State of Israel can – and is. that most readily come to mind. But boss, the 35th president): “Ask not what and nonreligious practices.” Hey guys: Jim Shipley has had careers in broadcasting, there are many others. New York Times your Creator can do for you. Ask what Think of the boys and girls from distribution, advertising, and telecommu- columnist David Brooks famously you can do for your Creator.” disparate cultures drawn to the Jewish nications. He began his working life in observed that for some people,“con”in the © 2010 AM ECHAD RESOURCES State for its freedom, the fact that it is radio in Philadelphia. He has written his word “neocon,”is “short for ‘conservative,’ Rabbi Shafran is director of public the Jewish State. They seem to survive JPO column for 20 years and is director of and neo is short for ‘Jewish’.” affairs for Agudath Israel of America. and even thrive in the multicultural Trading Wise, an international trade and So how exactly does one make sense of Communications and subscriptions: environment of the IDF. marketing company in Orlando, Fla. the fact that Jews, presumably channeling [email protected]. December 1, 2010 NAT 13 the service. Our temples are complete folk. (I nearly wrote artists here. It is ’TWAS THE NIGHT with modern amenities. Only the music good to proof read.) Any “rap”treatment (continued from page NAT 3) As I we employ does not reflect either the is given by Y-love, and the majority of the glory or spirit of the written word. solo “singing”is done by Jules Brooks. “Let’s go, Moish and Mendel! Heard It Informality is now the way of the The songs performed may surely be make quick, Moe and Yussle! world. In the unlikely event you were the traditional Hanukkah songs. However Please give a rush, Malkah! BY MORTON GOLD invited to have tea with the Queen of the irreverent modern commercial hey, Hymie, please hustle!” England (or the monarchs of Sweden, treatment is assuredly not. It is not a Let’s keep it sacred the Netherlands, and such), would you question of whether these arrangements Then they raced like the wind! come wearing jeans or your favorite are good or poor. Actually in the context And they galloped so shnell, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving sweats? I think not.Yet our people show of commercial music, they are all quite all his clothing blew off, and into his courts with joy”(Psalm 100). up at the place where the King of Kings good. What I would question is if these and his gatkes as well! Often, however, many people do not have causes His name to dwell in anything arrangements and their performances much to feel thankful when (or if) they but their Shabbos best. (If it would make are appropriate or not. That is a question Soon he was so kalt attend services at temple or synagogue. some people happier, substitute Queen that well meaning people may disagree. that his tushie turned bluish! The same observation may be applied to of Queens, and Her for His in the The songs will probably be entertaining He moaned and he hollered “joy.”Both sentiments are best expressed preceding sentence.) for unsophisticated listeners (i.e., the in English and Jewish! through music more effectively than We have any number of educated and kids who like such as “Lady” Gaga or through words. This is an era when talented musicians who would like to even Matisyahu). For these consumers So, don’t act embarrassed, words are dominant. (See rap, which to create new and usable music for our these renditions will be great. and please don’t be rude my taste may be described as words services, music that would and should There was a time when these when that frostbitten zayda without music!) In a time not too long elevate and inspire the worshipper, arrangements would be deemed to be arrives in the nude! ago, approximately until the last quarter music that would be composed for the disgraceful, poking fun not only at the of the last century, the reverse was true. hazzan, mixed choir and organ. Yes, I songs themselves but also for those for Quick! Wrap him in blankets! It is not that I do not like words. On the wrote organ, not guitar. It is my belief whom they were a source of the sacred. Don’t beat ’round the bush! contrary, I do, but like seasoning, I can that the guitar is suitable, even I suspect that the rendition of the And tie a hot water bag absorb them best in small quantities. As admirable for use in camp or outdoor children’s song “I Had a Little Dreydl” on his cold tush! for “joy” particularly expressed through services. It goes with the atmosphere of with different lyrics would probably be music, that is another matter. informality. It goes with the notion that more suitable for use in a strip club. I Quick! Feed him some chicken soup The Hassidim in the 18th century, anyone can be the song leader (i.e., the could go on like this, but I would only be heiss as can be! unlike their contemporaries, were simple, hazzan), good voice or otherwise. In fact, irritating some of my readers. It is not And give him some shnapps unschooled and unlettered folk. They the less trained the song leader is, the only that I believe that these arrangement and a glez’l hot tea! wanted to express their feelings of better. He (she) is just like us. Let him to be inappropriate at best. The singers thanksgiving and joy through music. not wear any special garb or lead the have no voices to speak of. The fact that ’Cause he brings you a houseful They did not know the words, but they service from the pulpit. If one carries this one can “carry” a tune does not also of Chanukah wishes could sing and even dance to express their to its logical conclusion, let us do away mean that one has to have any kind of a as warm and geshmock feelings. Like many worshippers today with the prayer book and we can write voice or know anything about using it. as plate of hot knishes! who cannot read Hebrew but who want our own services. The fact that many of these performers to “participate” in communal worship, If fact, let us restrict formal prayers to are no worse than one may find in other And he brings them from our house the practice of the early Hassidim offers a few communal songs, take out the successful CDs is irrelevant. so friendly and bright, a way out (or in if you wish). I wish Torah, do a lot of irrelevant talking (i.e., It means that many people, especially so your house will keep glowing to underline the fact that I love listening discussion), have the Torah read, put the adolescents, have no basis for judging with Chanukah light. to Hassidic music when it is performed Torah back and have a decent snack quality.They do not know what a trained by Hassidim. afterward. The only element missing voice sounds like. They want to hear Plus joy sweet as tsukker, I am not against communal singing at here is the heart and soul of a Jewish and/or see those who most closely and peace and good-cheer services, only the amount, and particularly service. To quote from the concluding sound (and look) like they do. To sum and everything fraylach the quality, of the music being sung. service on Yom Kippur, “the gates are up: If you like to listen to “rap”and hear each day of the year! It does not bother me even if some closing.”While it is late, there is still time things like Electronic Hocus Pocus, worshippers who are tone deaf do the to bring back that which I believe is now Studio Trickery, Studio Stuff made by Mr. And none in your family singing, unless I happen to be seated lacking at too many of our services: Cohen, then by all means this CD is for will be a shlemazel, in front of or beside them! Our rabbis namely a sense of the sacred. No you. On the plus side, there is a booklet for life will bring each of you discovered that responsive reading only amount of ay-ay-ays can achieve this. that contains the texts of the songs. simchas and mazel! goes so far in fostering feelings of Aside from lacking all semblance of thanksgiving or joy at services. Singing, Songs in the Key of Hanukkah Jewish religious association, the treatments And all through the future on the other hand, especially by the Normally I am more than willing to of these songs are lacking in taste as well your hopes will come true, congregation, accomplished that end. cut the performers of a CD some slack as tam, a Yiddish word with shades of and himmel will bless The difficulty (for me) is that the especially if I believe that (like pornography) meaning that vary from taste to quality. your mishpocha and you!!! essence of a music-religious transcendent it has some redeeming social quality. I (Erran, pick one.) If the likes of these Submitted by Arnold Parris experience was negated or even can find nothing to recommend on the goings on is what the Maccabees and eliminated in the process. As a religiously following CD. Since this is still the many of our ancestors fought for, then committed Jew and also as a musician, I Hanukkah season, I would have to wait we should simply eat some latkes and am appalled and embarrassed by what another year before I evaluated it.You have forget about the blessings and the songs I see and hear at many of the services I been forewarned, so read on if you want. that follow them. One doesn’t have to be attend. The role, the function of the Erran Baron Cohen Presents Songs in Jewish to enjoy eating latkes. Come to hazzan has either been severely reduced the Key of Hanukkah featuring Jules think of it, one doesn’t have to be Jewish or eliminated. He or she is now the Brooks and Y-love, released by New Live to enjoy these songs either. The words song leader at services. The ditties are Records (NL39122). Mr. Cohen is not may have a Jewish association, but the interrupted only with a few lines of adverse to claiming his association with surrounding mishigas assuredly do not. chanted text here and there. Melodies, this CD in a variety of roles.There are ten My thumbs and all other fingers are even composed melodies with their own tracks of various (Kh) (Ch) Hanukka(h) pointing down. Way down! texts (e.g., Erev Shel Shoshnim) are now songs on this CD. The holiday is spelled Dr. Gold is a composer, conductor and extensively used in the Kedusha, simply in a variety of ways these days and the recipient of the 2010 Kavod Award from because people may be familiar with treatment of these songs is in that spirit. the Cantors Assembly of North America. the tune. Hassidic sound-a-likes even The songs are partially played by various He may be reached at: drmortongold@ composed ones (Carlebach) dominant instrumentalists as well as “back-up” yahoo.com. NAT 14 December 1, 2010 Media What is Hanukkah? Watch BY ELLIE SANDLER Hanukkah, often referred to as the BY RABBI ELLIOT B. GERTEL “Festival of Lights” or the “Festival of © detroit187.net, CravingTV Network. Dedication”is the holiday commemorating Detroit 1-8-7 that the bodies were not found because wife of company principal Roger Sterling Jewish victory in the struggle for religious he cut them up. Maybe Max takes the (John Slattery). Precisely because Roger freedom. An episode of the new ABC urban death of his grandson harder than he is tiring of his marriage and hoping to When a small band of Jews, called the police drama, Detroit 1-8-7, begins in the thought possible for one so “prepared for resume his affair with (newly married) Maccabees, were compelled to battle a blood-splattered room of a missing adversity.” He declares that he killed shapely office manager Joanie Harris much larger Syrian-Greek oppressor in suburban teenager, Seth Cantor, whose Seth and chopped up his body because (Christina Hendricks), he takes every 165 BCE, the Jews emerged victorious, widowed, hard-working mother returns Seth was talking about leaving the drug- opportunity to placate his rather needy wife. resulting in the recapture of Jerusalem home, fears the worst, and calls police. smuggling crew. “You make a pact, you Danny impresses neither of his and the rededication of the Holy Temple. The mother insists that Seth is a “good stick with it,” Grandpa Max reflects. “I interviewers, brilliant but treacherous ad When the Temple menorah was relit, boy”who does not “do drugs”and has a killed Seth to teach my grandson how man Don Draper (Jon Hamm) or up- there was only enough sacred oil to burn girlfriend with the (possibly Jewish) last men should behave.” and-coming ad woman Peggy Olson for one day. Yet, according to tradition, name of Langer. She does add, though, So an alternative concept of “Jewish (Elisabeth Moss), with his portfolio that the oil miraculously lasted eight days that he enjoys classic gangster movies. covenant” is presented through Zaide consists either of trite slogans (dubbing until more purified oil could be found. But traces of drugs are found in the Max by writer Nick Bentancourt. The each product as “better than ordinary…” It is custom to mark the holiday by ravaged room, as well as indications that “covenant” here is not that of loyalty to or “the cure for the common…”) or of lighting the Hanukkah menorah, adding body parts were severed there. God’s moral teachings, that of being a favorite ads written by others. More an additional candle with each night of The police start investigating Seth’s “light to the nations,”but the gang code, annoying is his constant name-dropping the eight-day festival. According to workplace (the country club) and also pure and simple. It is not to preserve the of his Roger Sterling “connection.” Maimonides, the preeminent Jewish his friends. One friend, Trevor, has a “Torah of life,” but a culture of death in Still, Danny displays a certain earnest- scholar, it is fitting for each member of a grandfather, Max Elkin, who is a which suicide is admirable if one can ness.“I’m a 24-year-old kid,” he says.“I household to kindle the Hanukkah “surviving member”of the Purple Gang, thus avoid deserved prosecution and want to be in the ad game. I know I’ve lights on one’s individual menorah. which “disappeared in the 1970s,” and punishment by the legal system, or, even got a lot to learn, but I’m a hard worker.” Though the holiday is considered a was known for smuggling drugs from better, spare the gang from justice. There Danny can also be annoying, at first, or minor festival, Hanukkah has taken on Windsor, Ontario. The police officers is no question that Max is not much of a even second or third, impression. When increased significance in modern times. discuss the infamous and feared gang Jew. But why did veteran actor Jerry Adler he asks a secretary where he can find “a The holiday has become an occasion to with more than historical interest. An rush to play the part with such aplomb? place to eat around here,”she snaps back exchange gifts, sing Hanukkah songs, African American cop describes it as a Why, indeed, did Nick Bentancourt, or that she does not work for him. Though play the Hanukkah game “dreidel,” and “major Jewish mob in Detroit for the show’s producers, come up with this he asks politely enough, she correctly eat Hanukkah treats such as potato latkes, decades.” Her colleague adds his plot to begin with? True, about five to detects a certain sense of entitlement in an Ashkenazic tradition, and sufganiot recollection that Al Capone “stayed out seven years back, there was a faddish his tone. (jelly donuts), a Sephardic tradition. of Detroit”because of this gang. interest in the old Jewish gangsters, with (see Sandler, page NAT 19) It turns out that Seth’s friends, nice some books appearing on the theme and suburban teenagers all, and, it would some researchers and authors cruising j i seem, predominantly Jewish, have the writers’circuit. But at this juncture of Peggy chides that because Don used “the become latter-day smugglers. One time and TV seasons, this episode of kid’s slogan,”he must pay Danny for the father, whose son, Adam, helps him at Detroit 1-8-7 recalls the Jewish gangs all idea. But Danny insists that he wants a job his tool-and-dye business, is so horrified too needlessly glorified in order to offer rather than the $50 or $100 honorarium. by the scenario that he declares that the a macabre depiction of a Jewish elder. To So Don reluctantly hires him. police “can keep him.”Yet that (Jewish?) what end? In subsequent episodes, we see Danny father is hardly a moral presence, for our as a reliable and hard-working member sympathies are with the fearful son who Mad Men of the team. But when the firm is in seems all the more bereft of a guiding The 2010 installment of Mad Men, jeopardy at the end of the season, Don parent. There just don’t seem to be any the Emmy-winning ad agency drama, and Peggy have to let him, and several figures with moral gravitas among these operated largely without Jewish others, go. By then, Don seems rather young people or among Jewish parents. characters or references to Jews. Given Pictured (l-r): Vincent Kartheiser, sad to do it, but Danny has shed his Adam and his friend Cliff don’t hold the strange past portrayals of Jews, and Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, sense of entitlement and “connection” up well under the pressure of police especially of Jewish women, this was enough to leave graciously and with Elisabeth Moss, and Jon Hamm. Photo scrutiny, and accuse one other of killing rather refreshing. understanding of the difficult situation. Seth, but the police wisely sense that they This season’s first episode, penned by credit: AMC/Mad Men web site. Such were the “Jewish” elements of are turning on one another out of fear. series creator Matthew Weiner, cited, for It is clear that Roger is not impressed Mad Men in the Summer/Autumn 2010 Trevor, who is Max’s grandson, kills comic relief, the foolishness of setting up with Danny: “I told him to be himself. season just completed, demonstrating that himself by overdosing on drugs. In the test markets for ham sales in a Jewish That was pretty mean, I guess.” Yet, gentle spicing will more than provide end, Grandpa Max affirms that suicide is neighborhood. In a more serious vein, it hoping to keep pulling the wool over his enough flavor until tart garnishes can “more honorable than surrender.”He referred to Andrew Goodman, who was wife’s eyes, Roger inquires as to whether be introduced with thoughtfulness and does think that Trevor “was a good kid,” killed in 1964 Mississippi for volunteering his colleagues have set a starting date for tastefulness. and declares,“I loved him.”But he offers an to register African American voters. It Danny. Don blurts out that the date for Rabbi Gertel has been spiritual leader of abiding critique of Trevor and his friends: even provided a Yiddish word, tzuris that would be “the first of never.” Roger Conservative Congregation Rodfei Zedek “Young people nowadays – they’re not (trouble). Harry Crane (Rich Sommer), laments he will have to spend between since 1988. A native of Springfield, Mass., prepared for adversity. They’re soft. They the TV ad man in the firm, tells his $500 and $1,000 on gifts for his wife Jane he attended Columbia University and want everything to be easy.” colleagues that a California trip was no if Don doesn’t hire her cousin. Yet it Jewish Theological Seminary. He is the This episode will go down in the vacation because he “had a lot of tzuris is clear that he would not push for the author of two books, What Jews Know annals of depiction of the Jewish elderly with Lucy and Desi.” hiring of this unimpressive relative. About Salvation and Over the Top in the popular media. It has the dubious Another episode by Brett Johnson and As it turns out, Don makes the Judaism: Precedents and Trends in the distinction of depicting the zaide (Jewish Matthew Weiner introduced a rather mistake of drinking excessively before Depiction of Jewish Beliefs and grandfather) as mass murderer. The nebishy but solid character, Danny Siegel an important ad presentation and blurts Observances in Film and Television. He police suspect that Max executed two (Danny Strong), a cousin of Jane Siegel out one of Danny’s clichés, which is has been media critic for The National people for the mob in the 1970s, and (Peyton List), the ex-secretary trophy enthusiastically embraced by the clients. Jewish Post & Opinion since 1979. December 1, 2010 NAT 15 march peacefully toward the Convention as question of what this weird and powerful Use words to Jewish it began voting on presidential candidates. “Jewish thing”meant in my life.) Although the main official investigation So I tell Kunstler I want to wear a construct, not of Chicago described it as a “police riot,” yarmulke, and he says – “No problem.” Activist the Nixon Administration decided to Somewhere I find a simple black destroy – to indict the antiwar leaders. So during the unobtrusive skull-cap, and when I go to inspire, not BY RABBI ARTHUR WASKOW Conspiracy Trial in 1970, Tom Hayden, be sworn in, I put it on. David Dellinger, Abby Hoffman, For the oath (which I did as an discourage BY RABBI YISRAEL Arlo Guthrie, et al., figured I would be reasonably affirmation, as indicated by much of GETTINGER respectable (as a former delegate) and Jewish tradition), no problem. Thanksgiving, therefore relatively convincing to the Then Kunstler asks me the first question The Indianapolis Star poses question jury and the national public, in testifying for the defense, and the Judge interrupts. to local clergy: and my yarmulke that the antiwar folks were not trying to “Take off your hat, sir,”he says. Q: Elections often turn ugly toward the organize violence but instead were the Kunstler erupts: “This man is an end, and the one just completed was On Thanksgiving Day, a little before victims of police violence. Orthodox Jew, and you want to force no different. noon, my phone rang. I knew at once As the trial went forward, it became clear him to violate his religious obligation?” Now that the campaigning is over, how who it was: my old friend Jeffrey Dekro that the judge – Julius Hoffman, a Jew – I am moaning to myself,“Please, Bill, one can politicians and their supporters draw (founder of The Shefa Fund, which was utterly subservient to the prosecution thing I know I’m not is an Orthodox Jew.” on faith to overcome hurt feelings caused gathered millions of dollars of Jewish and wildly hostile to the defense. (Some But how can I undermine the defense by negative advertising, mudslinging and money to invest in American inner cities of us thought he had become possessed attorney? So I keep my mouth shut. accusations of wrongdoing? and to reconstruct New Orleans), calling by the dybbuk of Torquemada, head of Judge Hoffman also erupts: “That hat A: The hurt from destructive words me and several other members of a the Inquisition. How else could a Jew shows disrespect for the United States cannot be overcome quickly or easily. long-ago, long-scattered men’s group, behave that way? We tried to exorcise his and this Honorable Court!”he shouts. Jewish sources have compared such reminding us to turn on the radio. dybbuk. It didn’t work.) “Yeah,”I think to myself,“that’s sort-of words to feathers scattered in the wind; Every year at noon on Thanksgiving, Judge Hoffman browbeat witnesses, true. Disrespect for him, absolutely. For how could you possibly gather up every WXPN Radio in Philadelphia plays Arlo ultimately literally gagging and binding the United States, not disrespect exactly, feather? In today’s world, how do you Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant,” about a Bobby Seale, the only Black defendant, but much more respect for Something recapture that vindictive e-mail sent Thanksgiving dinner in Stockbridge, Mass. for challenging his rulings – and so forth. Else. That’s the point!” in haste and passed on to countless in 1967; about obtuse cops; and about Dozens of his rulings against the Eight They keep yelling, and I start watching other people? nonviolent resistance to a brutal war. were later cited by the Court of Appeals the prosecutor – and I realize that he is We should use words to construct, not And every year, this seemingly non- as major legal errors, requiring reversal watching the jury. There is one Jewish destroy – to inspire people, not discourage Jewish set of rituals stirs in me the of all the convictions the prosecution juror. What is this juror thinking? them. Judaism instructs us not to spread memory of a moment long ago when my had achieved in his court. Finally, the prosecutor addresses the negative statements about someone, first puzzled, uncertain explorations of So when I arrived at the federal court judge: “Your Honor, the United States even if they are true. A famous rabbi the “Jewish thing”took on new power for house in Chicago, I was very nervous – certainly understands and agrees with once pointed to people preparing a me. And when I came to understand the about the judge, much more than the your concern, but we also feel that in telegram. “Notice how carefully they power of a yarmulke (the skullcap many prosecution or my own testimony. the interests of justice, it might be best consider each word before they put it Jews wear at prayer). The witness who was scheduled to simply for the trial to go forward.” down. That’s how careful we must be Sharing this story has become a ritual testify right before me was Arlo Guthrie. And the judge took orders! He shut when we speak.” for me. Welcome to the campfire! He had sung “Alice’s Restaurant”to/with up, and the rest of my testimony was Therefore, the concern over negative In 1970, I was asked by the Chicago the crowd at Grant Park, and the defense quiet and orderly. campaign advertising and mudslinging Eight to testify in their defense. They wanted to show the jury that there was It took me another year or so to start must come at the beginning of the were leaders of the movement to oppose no incitement to violence in it. wearing some sort of hat all the time. For election season. At the conclusion, it’s the Vietnam War, and they had been So William Kunstler, z’l, the lawyer for years, it was a Tevye cap. For years, and already too late. Candidates place charged by the US. government (i.e., the the defense, asked Guthrie to sing some of the time now – a beret. Sometimes themselves in the public arena and are Nixon Administration and Attorney- “Alice’s Restaurant” so that the jury a rainbow yarmulke. Sometimes in a inevitably subject to scrutiny. However, if General John Mitchell, who turned out could get a direct sense of the event. rough winter, an amazing tall Tibetan others engage in negative campaigning, to be a criminal himself) with conspiracy But Judge Hoffman stopped him: “You hat with earflaps and wool trimming we have the choice to ignore them, in to organize riot and destruction during can’t sing in my courtroom!” that I found in a Tibetan Buddhist spite of what campaign managers might the Chicago Democratic National “But,”said Kunstler,“it’s evidence of the harvest festival that came right during advise. To engage in it ourselves is to go Convention in 1968. intent of the organizers and the crowd!” Sukkot (when else??!!). against what should be our conscience I had been an alternate delegate from For minutes they snarled at each And whatever its shape, the hat and our faith.There are times when we must the District of Columbia to the other. Finally, Judge Hoffman: “He can continues to mean to me that there is a say,“I do not approve this message.” Convention – elected originally as part SAY what he told them, but NO Higher, Deeper Truth in the world than Remember, you will never regret of an antiwar, antiracist slate to support SINGING.” any judge, any attorney-general, any saying something that you did not say. Robert Kennedy. After he was murdered, And then – Guthrie couldn’t do it. The president, or any pharaoh. Rabbi Gettinger is the spiritual leader of we decided to nominate and support the song, which lasts 25 minutes, he knew It’s my – our – “Alice’s Restaurant.”Or Congregation B’nai Torah in Indianapolis, chairperson of our delegation – Rev. by utter heart, having sung it probably maybe “Alice’s Restaurant” is Arlo’s Ind. This is reprinted from the Indianapolis Channing Phillips (alav hashalom), a more than a thousand times – but to say yarmulke. Watch and hear Arlo singing Star on Nov. 6, 2010. Black minister in the Martin Luther King it without singing, he couldn’t. His the song at www.youtube.com/watch?v mold. Our delegation made him the first memory was keyed to the melody. And =5_7C0QGkiVo. j i Black person ever nominated for maybe Judge Hoffman’s rage helped Why listen to it? Not just nostalgia or song, a “men’s group” – something that president at a major-party convention. dis-assemble him. historical curiosity about the long-gone renews our inner sense of the Unity The following spring, on the first So he came back to the witness room, 1960s. Here we are, so many years Beyond. And laughter. anniversary of Dr. King’s murder, on the crushed. later, in the midst of another brutal, Arthur Waskow, director, The Shalom third night of Pesach in 1969, his church And I’m up next. I start trembling, trying unwinnable war, in the midst of many Center www.shalomctr.org; co-author, The hosted the first-ever Freedom Seder. to figure out how I can avoid falling apart. other restrictions on our civil liberties, in Tent of Abraham; author of Godwrestling AND – I had also spoken the first two I decide that if I wear a yarmulke that the midst of other judges who bow – Round 2, Down-to-Earth Judaism, and nights of the Convention to the antiwar will strengthen me to connect with a down to super wealth and superpower, a dozen other books on Jewish thought and demonstrators at Grant Park, at their power Higher/Other than the United in the midst of damage to our Earth we practice, as well as books on U.S. public invitation, while the crowd was being States and Judge Hoffman. (Up to that couldn’t even imagine in 1967. It’s not policy. The Shalom Center voices a new menaced by Chicago police and the moment, I had never worn a yarmulke in just judges we need to go Beyond. It’s prophetic agenda in Jewish, multireligious, National Guard. The police finally did a non-officially “religious” situation. I Big Oil, Big Coal, Big Banking, the bullies and American life. To receive the weekly explode in violence on the third night of had written the Freedom Seder in 1969, of Talk Radio, all the Big Guns. online Shalom Report, click on – the Convention, when the crowd tried to but was in 1970 still wrestling with the Beyond them. We all need a hat, a www.shalomctr.org/subscribe. NAT 16 December 1, 2010 grow. He went straight to Jerusalem’s Already part of the education the famous Beit El Yeshiva for inspiration, “chosen” refugees receive, the aim was Book but experienced bitter disappointment Book to separate them from their fellow Jews in seeing how this once-renowned who could not qualify to undergo the Review academy of Kabbalah had fallen in rigor. Review necessary radical changes to become Rabbi Ashlag then underwent an “new Jews,” free from the supposed REVIEWED BY EDWARD HOFFMAN,PH.D. epiphany: He would devote the rest of BY RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN handicaps of the Diaspora Jews. his life in the Holy Land to revealing the However, those “inferior” refugees kept Authentic Kabbalah magnificence of the Zohar and Rabbi Saga of surviving our protagonist alive when he was Isaac Luria’s teachings. Iconoclastically, unable to care for himself as he gratefully for our time too, Rabbi Ashlag saw a tremendous refugees from remembers. This liberating process that need to promulgate the esoteric the leader Ephraim is in charge of, A Tapestry for the Soul: The tradition to all contemporary Jews – not Shoah in Israel involves acquiring a Hebrew name to Introduction to the Zohar. By Rabbi just a tiny elite. reflect and reinforce the transition to a Yehudah Lev Ashlag Compiled by Over the next three decades, he The Man Who Never Stopped Sleeping. kibbutz life, which reconnects them to Yedidah Cohen. produced several highly influential By Aharon Appelfeld. Kinneret, Zmora – their ancestral homeland as returned Nehora Press, works including the first translation of Bitan, Dvir – Publishing House. 2010. chalutzim (pioneers) who speak only 2010, 296 pages, the Zohar into modern Hebrew, a major Pp.236. In Hebrew. Hebrew and are capable of farming and $18.95. treatise on the ten sephiroth, and his Aharon Appelfeld, the indefatigable fighting. At kibbutz Misgav Yitschak in Ever since its magnum opus titled HaSulam (The Holocaust author and survivor, continues the Judean Mountains, the recruits are appearance in Ladder), comprising a 21-volume to compel our undivided attention with instructed from the war-filled biblical late 13th-century commentary on the Zohar. his magical rendition of a frightful theme Book of Joshua concerning reconquering Spain, Sefer Ha- Rabbi Ashlag’s voluminous writings in an inexhaustible manner that truly the land of Canaan. Religious practice Zohar (The Book on the Zohar were composed in Hebrew, distinguishes him. His latest work, The is discouraged as an outmoded of Splendor) has of course – and therefore remain largely Man Who Never Stopped Sleeping, takes a Diaspora experience. entranced Jews inaccessible to most American readers. new creative turn for Appelfeld as he Not everyone is able to adapt to this and other interested spiritual seekers Yedidah Cohen is therefore to be chooses to focus with both a critical and imposed communal living, and Mark, with its inspiring poetic images and commended for producing this lucid sympathetic eye on the postwar demanding the protagonist’s roommate in Naples dazzling vistas of the universe. Based guide to Rabbi Ashlag’s Introduction to saga of the surviving remnant of and the kibbutz, even commits suicide. loosely in organizational format on the the Zohar. She and her late husband, refugees who contended with the Irvine-Aharon hears early what his uncle Five Books of Moses, the Zohar is a highly Mark Cohen, co-edited an earlier, complex dynamics of acquiring an Israeli Arthur tell him in his sleep – that surrealist and yet intensely metaphysical English anthology of Rabbi Ashlag’s identity in a new this approach to Judaism which he work, filled with references to dreams, writings, which they titled In The Shadow land with its own defines as ”muscle Judaism” is wrong, visionary states of consciousness, near- of the Ladder, and this sequel succeeds distinct culture. because the Jewish spirit is primarily death experiences, the nature of the admirably. In essence, it is a compilation All of that in about spirituality. Irvine-Aharon’s father afterlife, the mind-body relationship and of Rabbi Ashlag’s Kabbalistic writings face of an ever- was intent on studying at Berlin’s physical healing, the spiritual power of drawn from many works, arranged here to beckoning past rabbinical seminary but instead became music, the Hebrew letters as divine accompany his Introduction to the Zohar. with its alarming an author though no one published forces, and of course, the ten sephiroth reminder of a his books for a long time. Father and the Kabbalistic Tree of Life. different kind of wishes for his son to follow him in his The Zohar is also a highly abstruse The Zohar has entranced life prior to the literary pursuit. work, and extremely difficult for novices interrupting The account of the refugees’problematic to enter even at a simple level. Many Jews…with its inspiring Shoah’s water- path to mastering Hebrew is a clue to Kabbalists have sought to explicate its shed drama. Appelfeld’s own journey of painful wisdom, and among the greatest in poetic images and dazzling The young and able-bodied among adaptation. Expressed is the view that modern times was Rabbi Yehudah Lev the refugees are recruited by Jews from those survivors who were not yet 18 Ashlag. Born in 1885 Warsaw, he became vistas of the universe. Mandatory Palestine (A reference to the years old (some who even lacked basic drawn to Hasidism but did not affiliate Bricha organization) to be trained and preparation) should have been spared with a particular dynasty; throughout Presented in the format of 18 cogent transformed physically and psychologically the tragic fighting and dying that his life, he maintained an undeniable lessons, Adidah Cohen addresses such in anticipation of the birth of the Jewish happened in 1948, yet the urgent hour’s maverick streak like his Hungarian intriguing topics as the nature of God, state, and the inevitable war with the demands could not be overlooked. contemporary Reb Ahrele Roth. the multi-dimensional human soul, the vehemently opposed Arabs. Irvine- On the book’s back cover, Professor Upon achieving early prominence as a nature of evil, the human body, the Aharon, the book’s protagonist, an Yigal Schwartz, the book’s editor, Talmudic scholar and halachic adjudicator, purpose of the higher worlds, and of almost-17-year-old who shares autobio- properly shares, The Man Who Never Rabbi Ashlag turned intensely to course, the ten sephiroth. Her text well graphical features with the author, and Stopped Sleeping is a must read for those Kabbalah. Precisely how he mastered documents Rabbi Ashlag’s erudite as he reveals some of those fascinating who love Appelfeld’s work. It is a mature the Jewish esoteric tradition remains commentary on the Zohar – providing features for the first time, he shows why and impressive work in its own right and unclear. In his own account, he studied helpful citations to his many theological he is known by those around him as “the also an important piece in the giant privately beginning in 1919 with a explanations derived from the Talmud sleeping boy.” He spends some of what artistic contemplative puzzle that the mysterious businessmen who died the and other timeless Judaic works. In should be his wake-up time in a state great author has been dedicated to for day after imparting his final lesson. With addition, she offers insightful suggestions – of sleep, a psychological defense over 50 years. Appelfeld, winner of the a strong idealistic bent, Rabbi Ashlag based on Rabbi Ashlag’s teachings – to mechanism enabling him to cope with Israel Prize, was recently described by a also absorbed the writings of Western enhance our inner development. the war trauma he has experienced and prestigious publication in the U.S. as philosophers including Hegel, Marx, A Tapestry for the Soul is a must-have subsequent difficulties he has relating to “one of the world’s most inspiring Nietzche, and Schopenhauer during volume for all interested in authentic people. In that unique state of escapist 50 authors” (Zoberman’s translation). I Europe’s tumultuous years following World Kabbalah for our time. I look forward sleep, the troubled teenager manages to fully concur. War I. Unusual for a religious Jew of the eagerly to Yedidah Cohen’s future communicate with his lost family and Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman, spiritual time, he joined socialist and communist presentations of Rabbi Ashlag’s past life, thus keeping him connected to leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Warsaw street demonstrations clamoring inspiring writings. a vital part of his life even as he learns Virginia Beach, was born in 1945 in Chu, for revolutionary economic change. Edward Hoffman, Ph.D., is an adjunct disturbing facts of what transpired in his Kazakhstan, to Polish survivors from In 1921, Rabbi Ashlag made the sudden associate psychology professor at Yeshiva forced absence. Victoria, for example, Zamosc, Sarnay and Pinsk. From 1947 to decision to settle in the Holy Land. He University. He is the author of numerous who was his mother’s maid, now claims 1949 he lived with his family at the seemingly felt that his life-purpose was books including most recently The to be the lady of the house and refuses Wetzlar Displaced Persons Camp in over in Poland and that only in the Land Kabbalah Reader (Trumpeter/Random him entry, for she declares that he no Germany. He grew up in Haifa, Israel, and of Israel could his soul find challenge to House). Email: [email protected]. longer belongs there. came to Chicago in 1966. December 1, 2010 NAT 17 the prime ministers on their trips to to ask forgiveness from the person he In 2006, to celebrate the 150th serve as a note-taker and speech writer, had wronged and to resolve not anniversary of Freud’s birth, a conference Book Reviews his presentation is based on his unusual to repeat the sin. His book describes was held at the Center for Jewish History vantage point. the journeys he took to complete the in New York on the subject of Freud’s REVIEWED BY MORTON I. TEICHER While Avner’s admiration for each of unfinished business. Throughout the Jewish World. This book contains 14 of the prime ministers he served shows, it narrative, Kravitz refers to aspects of his the papers given at that meeting. Editor Valuable insider’s is clear that his favorite was Menachem firm Jewish identity – his six months on Richards brought to his task combined Begin to whom half the book is devoted. a kibbutz, his bar mitzvah, his love for qualifications in psychoanalysis and presentation More of Begin’s speeches are presented Yiddish, and his grandmother’s joy at Jewish scholarship. He is a practicing verbatim than those of anyone else. Also, learning that he was marrying a Jew after psychoanalyst The Prime Ministers. By Yehuda Avner. more of Begin’s respectful relationships he had dated many non-Jews. and training Milford, Connecticut: Toby Press, 2010. with many dignitaries, beginning with Kravitz began with his aunt Fern to analyst who 754 Pages. $29.95. his predecessor, Yitzhak Rabin, are whom he had been close as a child but edited the Journal Because of its length and weight, this detailed than those of the other three with whom he had no contact for more of the American is a heavy book to pick up. Because of prime ministers that Avner worked for. than 20 years. She had been institution- Psychoanalytic the intriguing story it tells in lucid prose, Avner valued Begin’s courtliness and his alized as a schizophrenic, and her Association from the book is hard passions, especially for his wife and for location was a family secret. She was 66 1994 to 2003. to put down. Part Ze’ev Jabotinsky, the leader of the years old when he managed to track her In addition, he autobiography, Zionist Revisionists, whose ideas and down in a facility near Cleveland, and he served as a board part history, part ideals inspired Begin. Detailed accounts was amazed that she recognized him member of YIVO analysis, part are given of Begin’s interaction with even though she didn’t know where she since 1986 and commentary, and Jimmy Carter and Anwar Sadat, including was. Also, he was chagrined to learn that as chairman from part opinion, this the Camp David accords that led to the Fern had just one visitor in the 14 years 1987 to 1990. lengthy volume Nobel Peace Prize for Begin and Sadat. she had been in the institution. He Most of the presenters at the conference tells the remark- There is also a fascinating description of visited her several times, even making a do not share Richards’s dual skills. By able story of the encounters between Begin, Reagan birthday party for her, and, moved by the and large, they are psychoanalysts, four Israeli prime and some of Reagan’s advisors. example he had set, Fern’s brother, classicists, or Jewish scholars. Their ministers and Since Avner was a participant-observer Kravitz’s uncle, also went to see her. A failure to emulate Richards who combines what happened on their watch. The in the events from 1947 to 1992 when cousin who lived in Cleveland promised two disciplines under one skill is reflected vantage point of author Avner is that of Begin died, his singular perspective makes to see Fern once a week and Kravitz kept in their papers. Their high degree of active participant. He served in the this book indispensable for anyone in touch with her by mail. He felt that he specialization results in jargon, producing prime minister’s office as advisor and interested in Israel.This is truly a valuable had done a mitzvah and was ready to such words as: prosopographical, para- speech writer to Levi Eshkol, Golda insider’s presentation that places readers turn to other unfinished business. praxis, aphoristic, pathography, phonate, Meir, Yitzhak Rabin, and Menachem in Avner’s debt for his skill in providing a The second person Kravitz sought out faradization, sociality, originary, aniconic, Begin. He also held diplomatic human picture of Israeli history. was Andre who was his teammate on asymbolia, and consubstantial. In assignments in the Israeli Consulate in their high school baseball team 40 years addition, there are errors such as “hoards New York, in the Israeli Embassy in ago. In 2007, Kravitz learned that of patients” for “hordes of patients;” Washington, D.C., and in London as the Take time to finish Andre’s daughter had been killed while “premiss”for “premise: and “Hapsburg in Israeli ambassador. postponed tasks teaching in Iraq. He procrastinated about one place and “Habsburg”in another. Born into a religious family in writing a condolence note but now,as These quibbles aside, the authors Manchester, England, Avner joined Bnei …unfinished business…. By Lee Kravitz. part of his effort to deal with unfinished tackle the tough issue of explaining Akiva, a religious Zionist youth group. New York: Bloomsbury, 2010. 224 Pages.$25. business, he made contact with Andre Freud’s ambivalent Jewish identity. When he graduated from high school, In 2007, Kravitz, a graduate of Yale and and reestablished their relationship. Still Although he was opposed to religious he went to Palestine in 1947 ostensibly Columbia Journalism School, was fired another successful atonement was observance, he clearly saw himself as a to take a one-year course for overseas from his job as repaying a $600 debt that he had Viennese Jew who was part of the Jewish youth leaders, but he decided to stay in editor-in-chief of contracted 30 years ago. At about that people and who interacted primarily Palestine permanently. He served in the Parade Magazine, same time, Kravitz was close to a with other Jews. This may not have been Israeli armed forces during the War of a position he had Pakistani friend who was his roommate completely a voluntary choice since there Independence and then settled on a held for seven but they had broken off contact. Now was considerable anti-Semitism and kibbutz, only to be sent back to England to years. At the Kravitz arranged to meet his friend and ghettoization in Vienna. Freud lived in a become Bnei Akiva’s general secretary. time, he was 54 they were happy to see each other. Other district where 18% of the population was In 1953, he was married in London and, years old, happily reunions were with a high school teacher Jewish, twice the percentage of Jews in the a year later, he took his wife to his married and the who had greatly influenced Kravitz and total population of Vienna. He reflected kibbutz, only to leave for Jerusalem after father of three a high school classmate who had the common identity of Viennese Jews – a year. In 1959, he was appointed to the children. His become a monk and was now a bishop “politically Austrian, culturally German, Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work on wife’s earnings in an austere California monastery. and ethnically Jewish.” Foreign Minister Golda Meier’s African and his severance pay provided enough All in all, Kravitz completed 10 journeys The picture of Freud in Vienna, his initiative, designed to provide Israeli financial resources for him and his family to take care of his list. He describes them family, his education, and the beginnings assistance to the newly independent to get by for a year. He confronted the in this book, expressing the feeling that of psychoanalysis is followed by two African nations. In 1963, by which time choice of reeducating himself and seeking his year was well spent, especially since papers that deal with Freud’s testy Avner and his wife had four children, he a new job or making himself “a happier it brought him closer to his wife and relationship with a Viennese journalist became Prime Minister Eshkol’s English and more appreciative person.” children. He highly recommends that all who was critical of psychoanalysis and speech writer. This began a lengthy After reviewing the contents of ten his readers tackle their unfinished business. an examination of Freud’s rejection of career during which Avner served four storage boxes that had not been touched His well-written, highly personal electrotherapy. Deviation from the prime ministers with great distinction for 13 years, Kravitz realized that there narrative replete with candor should central theme of the book is apparent in and with increasing influence. were many instances of unfinished indeed inspire others to follow his path. these two presentations. By contrast, the In describing each of these experiences, business – tasks that he had postponed next paper by Harold P. Blum returns Avner provides insight into the character and eventually set aside because he was squarely to Freud’s Jewish world. Blum is of the prime ministers as he describes too busy. He decided to devote the year Freud’s ambivalent a highly regarded psychoanalyst who has how they dealt with the issues they to eliminating these “loose emotional Jewish identity written more than 150 psychoanalytic encountered. This involves recounting ends.” He recalled what he had learned papers as well as several books. He history, especially the relationships from Judaism as a youngster – the The Jewish World of Sigmund Freud. concedes that anti-Semitism was between Israel and its Arab neighbors as obligation to make amends for the sins Edited by Arnold D. Richards. Jefferson, “rampant in Vienna during Freud’s well as between Israel and the United committed against other people. He North Carolina: McFarland & Co., 2010, lifetime,” and he claims that this was States. Since Avner often accompanied remembered the Yom Kippur requirement 204 Pages. $45. (see Teicher, page NAT 19) NAT 18 December 1, 2010 2 tsp. salt Bakeries are making new-style sufganiyot 1 tsp. black pepper Chanukah eating filled with: ricotta cheese, poppy seeds, My Kosher 1 lightly beaten egg home-made marmalades, chocolate, 3 Tbsp. melted pareve margarine and partying strawberry jam, blueberry jelly, sweet Kitchen coffee, champagne whipped cream, Preheat oven to 375°F. Peel and shred BY SYBIL KAPLAN berries, espresso, anisette, coconut milk, BY SYBIL KAPLAN potatoes on large hole of grater or in Kahlua, lemon meringue, butterscotch food processor. Toss potatoes, rosemary, Jewish law does not prescribe any and halvah. Some are covered with Cookbook review salt, pepper, egg and 1 Tbsp. margarine specific feasting or elaborate meal for pearls of sugar, and sugarless; in a bowl. Heat 2 Tbsp. margarine in Chanukah as it does for other holidays. miniatures are filled with halvah creme, and recipes for 6-inch nonstick ovenproof skillet. One possible explanation for this is cinnamon, and mocha; bite-size are Spread potato mixture over bottom of because the holiday, which is not in the dusted with sugar and spiced with Chanukah skillet to make one large pancake. Cook Bible, but in the Apocrypha (books of chocolate. Frostings include: chocolate, for 10 minutes. Place in preheated oven Jewish religious literature not incorporated white chocolate, chocolate and almond Quick & Kosher: Meals in Minutes by and bake 30 minutes more. Remove into the Hebrew Bible) commemorates a cream, cinnamon and white chocolate, Jamie Geller, Feldheim Publishers, from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Cut victory in a long war. pistachio cream, vanilla chestnut, sherry, $34.99 hardcover, December 2010. into 6 wedges. Abraham Chill, in his classic, The cardamom, coconut and chocolate In 2007, Quick & Kosher: From the Minhagim, suggests that the Assyrians coconut, M&Ms, and apple cinnamon.... Bride Who Knew Nothing by Jamie Geller Samosa Latkes (6 servings) only wanted to annihilate the Jews Chanukiyot of all shapes and sizes are was published. Now, five years after her spiritually, so for Chanukah meals one appearing in store windows – not just for marriage, and four children later, she 3 shredded potatoes should set the table more elaborately sale, but store owners light a chanukiya offers us 217 recipes based on her past 1 finely chopped medium onion than on an ordinary weekday. He also in their stores during the week...The five years’ experiences and her current 1/2 cup thawed frozen peas adds that a Sephardic sage suggested main streets of Jerusalem are decorated position as chief marketing officer of 1/4 cup matzah meal that in the Chanukah story there is no – with lit chanukiyot on the light poles.... Kosher.com and as a New York City 2 large beaten eggs connection to food (such as banquets in Near closing time in Machaneh TV producer. 1/4 tsp. curry powder the Purim story). Yehudah, the Jewish market, dealers The triple-tested recipes have very 1 tsp. salt Another unique aspect of this holiday were doing last-minute business on clever chapter headings – “If You’ve Got 1 cup canola oil is the fact that in the Books of the apples, onions, potatoes, wicks, oil, 20 Minutes,”“If You’ve Got 40 Minutes,” sour cream Maccabees there are no women chanukiyot and more varieties of and “If You’ve Got 60 Minutes.” Among 1 10-ounce jar chutney mentioned. Finally, all of the myths sufganiyot than you could imagine...The the recipes in the 20-minute category about the oil are Talmudic and become Ministry of Jerusalem announced it is are: Beef and Green Bean Stir Fry, Fines Line a cookie sheet with paper towels. the only source from which Jewish distributing fir trees for those who cele- Herbes Goat Cheese Omelet, and Mix together potatoes, onion, peas, people could create culinary traditions. brate Christmas on December 23 from 9 Mozarella Mushroom Burgers. In the matzah meal, eggs, curry powder and Nevertheless, the myth of the oil to 12 at Jaffa Gate.... 40-minutes chapter are: Aromatic salt in a bowl. In a large nonstick sauté lasting for eight days gave rise to the use Reprinted from a previous Chanukah Baked Flounder over Capellini, pan, heat 1/4 cup oil for 1 minute. Ladle of oil in food products. European Jews issues of this newspaper. Chicken Marsala, and Honey-Glazed 1/4 cup batter per latke, spreading to served goose and gribenes, the skin of Skewered Beef. form a 3-inch round. Make 3 latkes at a the goose after the fat was rendered. If you’ve got 60 minutes, you can time. Reduce heat and cook 4 minutes They also served noodle and potato kugels really expand your talents with Beef on each side until golden. Place on paper (puddings), and latkes (pancakes). Israelis Bourguignon with noodles, Smoked towels to drain. Continue making 3 serve the sufganiyot, jelly doughnuts. Salmon Crepes and more. latkes at a time until all batter is used. Middle Eastern Jews traditionally serve Subsequent chapters include: Holiday Serve with sour cream and chutney. fried pastries in oil to symbolize the Meals, What’s New in Kosher, Become miracle of the oil, and Jews from other an Expert Wine Taster in 10 Minutes Flat, Since New Year’s Eve is Friday parts of the world also serve varieties of Kosher.Com, Cheese and more. evening, why not see the secular New fried pastries. Each recipe is preceded by a full-color Year in with a few friends on motze In order not to get caught in the photograph, and after the recipe is a Shabbat (Saturday evening). Here’s a fun “December dilemma”of competing with SUBSCRIBE TO recommended wine and comments dessert to serve. the Christian holiday many Jewish relating the wine to the recipe. Many people have intentionally played down The Jewish recipe pages have the primary recipe Chocolate Fondue the significance Chanukah has come to paired with an accompanying recipe. achieve. Often families concentrate on a Post & Opinion family dinner, lighting candles and Blueberry Cheese Quesadillas is 2 16-ounce bags semisweet Send to: accompanied by Sweet Potato Leek chocolate chips minimal gifts. Soup; Loaded Baked Potato is 2 cups heavy cream Following the guideline of Judah Jewish Post & Opinion accompanied by Chopped Salad; 2 tsp. vanilla extract Maccabee himself who only declared 1111 E. 54th St., Suite 119 Vegetarian Chili is accompanied by rinsed, hulled, dried strawberries that the holiday should be celebrated Indianapolis, IN 46220 Homemade Corn Bread. sliced bananas eight days “with mirth and gladness,” Or Online at: Personally, as a busy woman who marshmallows Chanukah parties can take on a variety www.jewishpostopinion.com cooks practically every day and entertains pound cake cut in 1-inch cubes of styles for the eight nights. a lot, I found the book extremely useful cubed brownies, chocolate chip I 3 years – $91 (SAVE $17) on a practical level with many old ideas cookies, and dried fruits (optional) More eating and partying as well as new, creative dishes to try. Chanukah has started, and the weekend I 2 years – $63 (SAVE $9) Don’t neglect to read the glossary with Place chocolate chips in a fondue pot. Jerusalem Post had a very amusing arti- I 1 year – $36 clever definitions. Heat cream in a small saucepan over low cle titled,“Festival of light tends to Give this book as a gift to any kosher heat to low simmer but do not boil. Pour make us heavy.” People gain an aver- (Outside USA, payment must be in cook, and she’ll love you for it! cream over chocolate chips, add vanilla age of two kilos (4.4 pounds) during U.S. funds and you must add US$10.) Chanukah from eating sufganiyot and Here are some recipes from the book and stir until chips are melted. Serve Name for Chanukah and a motse Shabbat after in fondue pot over low flame with latkes. The average jelly doughnut con- New Year’s Eve evening. strawberries, bananas, marshmallows, tains 500-600 calories; potato pancakes Address cake and other dippers. have 150 to 200 calories each. The City State Zip Jumbo Potato Pancake (6 wedges) Sybil Kaplan is a journalist, book nutrition and diet recommended baking reviewer, lecturer, food columnist, feature doughnuts in the oven and exercising.... E-mail us at: 3 potatoes writer and author of nine kosher Speaking of sufganiyot, the variety [email protected] 1 tsp. rosemary cookbooks. She lives in Jerusalem. available in Israel is mind-boggling! December 1, 2010 NAT 19 that accompany us as we get older. My Jewish and democratic principles, if TEICHER to the congregation consists primarily of retired we don’t allow for multiple ways to (continued from page NAT 17) Letters Editor individuals and I see their pain and legitimately support Israel, if we agonize with them as they endure illness immediately assume that all those who reflected in Freud’s writing, including his Freedom of the Press – The Post & and loneliness. criticize Israeli actions are anti-Semites case histories. His clear examination of Opinion encourages readers to send I urge everyone to remember that they out to destroy the state, we will not only the case histories demonstrates how letters. All letters to the editor should be are not alone. The closeness we achieve look like the boy who cried wolf, but will better understanding can be achieved addressed to The Jewish Post & Opinion, with each other enables us to not only succeed in ostracizing many within our about Jewish identity “in Freud, his 1111 East 54th Street, Suite 119, share the burdens but allows us to own community. patients, and their treatment.” This is a Indianapolis, IN 46220, or by e-mail: understand that we can overcome the I, for one, would feel a whole lot better significant contribution to the reader’s [email protected]. hardships and continue to enjoy life. if the $6 million were spent on shoring understanding of the book’s subject. I pray that you will find the comfort up the institutions of Israeli democracy, Most of the following papers focus Dear Seth Ben-Mordecai, you seek and that God will be there in supporting Israeli-Palestinian grassroots directly on Freud’s Jewish identity, As a student of Hebrew, I read your your time of need. May the blessings we efforts at peace-making, and providing a basing the comments for the most part column regularly in the Jewish Post & celebrate at Thanksgiving continue to be forum for the full range of ideas to be on two of Freud’s more contentious Opinion. In the Oct. 7, 2009 column, you fulfilling. civilly discussed without name-calling. contributions: The Moses of Michelangelo say that the Greek hepta and the Latin Rabbi Irwin Wiener, D.D. Unfortunately, that kind of approach is (1914) and Moses and Monotheism septa derive from an Indo-European less likely to raise millions than one (1930). Freud claimed that there were ancestor meaning “six.”I always thought Israel Action Network based on fear and the sense that it’s actually two Moses characters. One was these meant seven. Kindly explain. When I first read that the Jewish always the other guy. an Egyptian and one a Midianite. It was I am writing a masters paper on the Federations of North America are Sue Swartz, Bloomington, Ind. the Egyptian Moses who brought Origin and Development of the Hebrew launching the Israel Action Network, a monotheism and other values to the Alphabet. I have read Naveh, Sass, $6 million project to fight “efforts to Jewish prisoner wins lawsuit Hebrew slaves. Freud’s version of the Sanders, Powell and Goldwasser. Any delegitimize and demonize the state of for kosher meals story is that the Hebrews rejected thoughts you have would be appreciated. Israel”(JPO, Nov. 10), I thought: that’s a Dear Editor, Moses’s contribution and murdered him. Edward J. Klein, Jamaica, NY waste of money. For the past year and a half I had a Eventually, the Midianite Moses [email protected] Don’t get me wrong. I am no fan of the federal lawsuit against the Indiana persuaded the Israelites to accept BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) Department of Correction for kosher monotheism. Needless to say, Jewish Dear Edward, movement. Its international proponents meals to be served to Jewish prisoners. scholars do not accept this story. Thanks so much for writing, Mr. Klein. often fail to explicitly recognize Israel’s On Nov. 1, the A.P. Press posted my Two papers deal with Freud’s move to You are absolutely correct! Both words right to exist. They are usually one-sided victory. An article ran in the Nov. 5 London in June, 1938 and his life there mean “seven,”as did the Indo-European in assigning blame for the Israeli- Indianapolis Star. Jewish lawyer Ken Falk until his death in September, 1939. root they derive from.Thanks for alerting Palestinian conflict, and for some the of the American Civil Liberties Union Critically ill with cancer of the gums and me to my error. language and tone of their arguments (ACLU) of Indiana took my case. I would mouth, Freud persuaded his physician to As for the origin and development of and actions are nothing more than like for the community out there to consult with his daughter, Anna Freud, the Hebrew Alphabet, a recent article by barely disguised anti-Semitism. Some of know what the community inside is and then to administer a lethal dose of Professor Orly Goldwasser in Biblical these players are, as Kathy Manning doing to better Jewish lives as well. morphine. This assisted suicide took Archaeology Review is useful and inter- (Federations CEO) suggests, “bearing Approximately two years ago they took place on Yom Kippur. esting. You can find it at: www.bib-arch false witness against Israel.” our kosher diets from us, so I put together Despite the varying caliber of the .org/bar/article.asp?PubID=BSBA&Volume I don’t know what the leaders of the a suit, and with my rabbi’s help and the papers in this collection, the book as a =36&Issue=2&ArticleID=6. A rebuttal Israel Action Network have in mind, but ACLU, we won and the federal judge whole makes a useful contribution to and reply can be found at: www.bib-arch I hope they take into account the Jewish rewarded our efforts with the return of our understanding of Sigmund Freud .org/scholars-study/alphabet.asp. Council for Public Affairs’ recent kosher meals to be served at every state and his relationship to his Jewish identity. Also, I’d recommend reading what you statement on civility: A frank and civil facility. My rabbi, Avi Grossbaum was a Dr. Morton I. Teicher is the Founding can find about the Ugaritic alphabet. exchange of ideas helps to inform our great help on this matter as well. Dean, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, That alphabet is written in cuneiform decisions, provoke new ways of thinking, Maston Willis, Miami Correctional Yeshiva University and Dean Emeritus, wedges that were invented to stand for and sometimes even change our minds. Facility, Bunkerhill, Ind. School of Social Work, University of North the letters of the Semitic alphabet – an There are those – in and outside the Carolina at Chapel Hill. alphabet that the inhabitants of Ugarit Jewish community – who call for targeted Summary of Indianapolis Star article: were already familiar with, as they boycotts or divestment to oppose not A federal judge has ruled the Indiana j i adopted the same order in use for the Israel itself, but the continued occupation Department of Correction (IDOC) is ROGER Semitic alphabet. of the West Bank. It is possible to violating the law by not offering kosher (continued from page NAT 20) Again, thanks for your letter. I hope advocate a strategy of refusing to buy meals to prison inmates whose religious you continue to enjoy the column. olive oil from groves in a settlement beliefs require them. Maston filed a share personal stories and experiences. Seth Ben-Mordechai defined as illegal by the Israeli government class-action lawsuit last year after the Hosted by Michael “Mickey”S. Maurer of without being anti-Semitic or anti- IDOC began substituting vegan meals for Carmel, Ind., it is a live talk show that is Dear Rabbi Wiener, Israel. Labeling all those who disagree kosher meals it formerly served, citing costs. similar in format to Bravo TV’s Inside the Your column in the Post & Opinion with you as dangerous to Israel doesn’t American Civil Liberties Union of Actor’s Studio. In 2009, Mickey’s Corner dated Oct. 13, 2010 brought tears to my seem like a particularly sophisticated Indiana attorney Ken Falk says the with soprano Sylvia McNair won an eyes the first time I read it, and even now, strategy, and I hope that the Network change affected 90 to 120 inmates. Judge Emmy Award. The shows are taped and I am deeply moved by the thoughts you will, in their words, succeed in being “fair Jane Magnus-Stinson this week ruled in can be viewed at: www.jccindy.org/page have shared, not just with your readers, and balanced.” favor of inmate Maston Willis, finding .aspx?id=195038. with me. My husband and I saw our own I fear that every dollar spent trying to that the department’s handling of the parents grow old. Now we are at the convince other people that Israel is okay issue had violated his religious rights. About Michael S. Maurer time when our children point out our will be wasted when West Bank settlers The judge set a hearing for Nov. 30 on “Mickey” is a successful attorney, inadequacies, as if we didn’t realize our publically flaunt Israeli law, when the scope of a possible injunction. entrepreneur, civic leader and own short comings. It’s not easy. Perhaps Palestinian olive groves are uprooted to philanthropist in the Indianapolis when I show them your column they make way for the separation barrier or j i community. He has been involved in will stop, take another look at us and loyalty oaths applicable only to non- SANDLER the industries of film production, understand. Jews are passed by Knesset (not to (continued from page NAT 14) radio broadcasting, cable television Rita B. Stein, Hollywood, Fla. mention the violent enforcement of throughout Indiana and Michigan, gender-segregation on public buses by On the Jewish calendar the holiday newspaper publishing, and banking. Dear Ms. Stein, the ultra-Orthodox). begins on the eve of the 25th of Kislev, Cantor Roger recently celebrated 31 years I thank you for your words and truly I fear that if we remain silent when which corresponds this year to at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and understand the anxieties and frustrations Israel fails to live up to our highest Wednesday evening, Dec. 1, 2010. 30 years of marriage. NAT 20 December 1, 2010 jobs in bars, restaurants and at parties, six years, Feinstein was his assistant, and Feinstein got a break when he was hired he catalogued the Gershwin archive – Music Jews to play a party at Chasen’s Restaurant which gave him unprecedented access Travel given for Frank Sinatra. He learned to to Gershwin’s work. Ira also taught BY HAROLD JACOBSON play obscure Sinatra songs,“from movies Feinstein about the repertoire of the he wishes he had never made”and even Tin Pan Alley composers. Feinstein’s CANTOR JANICE ROGER accompanied the chairman of the board enthusiasm for the standards of Staying in New that evening. The rest is history, as they American popular music led him to Jersey on a trip Mickey & Michael: say, and the evening of Michael and create a foundation for the “Education Mickey was, to quote Ira Gershwin, and Preservation of the Great American to New York City The Great American “’S wonderful, ’s marvelous.” Songbook.” It is Feinstein’s mission Feinstein is an engaging performer, to pay “tribute to the men and Interview! creating intimacy and connecting with women who wrote the great canon the audience. His mellow voice and of American song.” In his introduction on the evening of beautiful falsetto are complemented by Mayor Jim Brainard of Carmel, Ind., Nov. 11, Michael “Mickey” S. Maurer the facility with which he plays the approached Feinstein to house his own said, “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” as he piano. Riffs, trills, jazzy chords all roll off collection as well as the music and was greeted with warm applause from a his fingers with incredible control and memorabilia of others in the soon to be packed house. It was a very special agility, sometimes even snippets of other opened Carmel Center for the event: Mickey interviewing Michael tunes showed up as Feinstein accompanied Performing Arts. Because Feinstein sees Feinstein, the ambassador for the Great himself in song after song from the Carmel as a model city, the Center as an American Songbook. The evening opening number. He played “How About extraordinary complex, and Brainard as a provided wonderful music and delightful You?” through standards like “The visionary, he couldn’t say no to the offer. banter for a more-than-appreciative Nearness of You”and even the repertoire In addition, Feinstein will serve as There are at least five reasons to stay audience that filled the room at the of Indiana’s native son Cole Porter, the artistic director for the Center – a in Livingston, New Jersey’s Westminster Jewish Community Center in about whom he quipped,“he must have once-in-a-lifetime appointment. For Hotel even if your ultimate destination is Indianapolis, Ind. been Jewish”and briefly quoted a phrase Feinstein, being in Indiana is like coming New York City. First, this four diamond Born in Columbus, Ohio, Feinstein began from “My Heart Belongs to Daddy” home. It is his hope that people will have luxury establishment has a tariff rate one his journey at which seemed lifted from traditional access to the works of American popular half less the cost of similar hostelries in the piano playing Jewish chant. When Feinstein sang music composers because “the music Manhattan. “Do, Re, Mi”from “You’re the Top,” Mickey suggested the can’t survive if it is not shared.” In Second, accessing the Westminster, Sound of Music lyrics needed some updating – which, of addition to the Feinstein collection, he which lies 20 miles west of New York on a piano that course, he had done – and Feinstein also has contributions from the estates City, is easily accomplished in 40 his parents had sang the new texts as if they were part of of Henry Mancini, Hy Zaret, and Sammy minutes via rental car or limousine serv- just purchased. the original. Kahn, among others. The Foundation ice from Newark or LaGuardia airports. When his mother The Great welcomes donations and will catalogue, Hourly bus service into Manhattan’s asked who had American Song document, and display its holdings Penn Station is available within walking taught him how Book is Feinstein’s of music, pictures, and recordings at distance from the hotel. to play the song, passion. In 1977, the Palladium. Once ensconced in The Westminster’s she didn’t believe June Levant (the In addition to a wonderful evening of verdant setting bordering nine when Feinstein answered, “no one.” He widow of Oscar music, Feinstein shared his experiences neighboring New Jersey towns, guests continued to play by ear and at age 20 Levant) introduced with many celebrities. He credits Ginger will experience the third reason – a Feinstein moved to Los Angeles Feinstein to Ira Rogers for introducing him to the work quiet, pollution free, leafy environment because, as he put it, “a voice inside of Gershwin, who was of Fred Astaire; Rosemary Clooney in an upscale section of New Jersey him said to go there.”Playing a variety of 80 at the time. For was described as generous and funny – where you can walk or jog on she advised him, “Smile when you Livingston’s suburban streets and admire sing…people can hear it.” Feinstein the town’s lovely homes and estates. spends Passover with Barbra Streisand at The Westminster itself offers a fourth Marilyn and Alan Bergman’s home – reason – 183 large, luxurious and their matzah is made by Spago! Of Liza beautifully appointed rooms and suites Minelli, he quipped,“we’re joined at the with an accent on environmentally hip.” According to Feinstein, she has friendly linen usage, energy-saving light vision and was most influenced by her bulbs and organic in-room amenities. father, Vincent. He met Nancy Reagan The public and guest rooms are lavishly when he played a party at the White furnished with paintings by local House, and Prince Edward got him into artists. The hotel also has a beautifully Buckingham Palace. designed, tastefully decorated indoor Feinstein gave the following advice to swimming pool on its main floor. aspiring performers,“Find a place where The fifth and perhaps best reason you can work. You have to learn how to is the hotel’s personnel, a staff dedicated interact with your audience.You must be to the highest service traditions. A co motivated by passion and devotion to mplimentary breakfast served from music. Above all, don’t be afraid.” He 6:30 a.m. is one such tradition. Another added,“The harder I work, the luckier I is the free shuttle service to local get.”Feinstein ended the evening with a corporations housed in the area and fun rendition of Irving Berlin’s “I Love a to the famous Short Hills Mall, a Piano.” For the audience, even though five-minute ride from the hotel. the “Song Is Ended – The Melody Jewish visitors to the area will find five Lingers On” and, for this writer, “They different synagogues in the Livingston, Can’t Take That Away From Me.” N.J. area, representing Modern Orthodox, Conservative, “Independent” About Mickey’s Corner and Reform congregations. Kosher food Mickey’s Corner is always entertaining is also available in the area at the Maple and informative as “Mickey’s” guests Kosher Meat Market.The phone number (see Roger, page NAT 19) there is 908-688-2080.