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Friday, May 9 Israel at 60 talk by Eyal Dagan
Sunday, May 18 Community Israel Independence CelebrationWednesday, May 28 JFS~Ellen Saks lecture on mental illness
FROM THE SIDELINES
Shas leaders: so 'religious,' yet so corrupt
By Rabbi Dow Marmur
 JERUSALEM—It’s impossible to be a liberal Jew in Israel without being alarmed by yet another conviction of a prominent member of Shas for bribery, corruption, withholding evidence, etc. Rabbi Shlomo Benizri, member of Knesset and former minister in the government of Israel, has just been sentenced to 18 months’ jail and given a hefty fine. He joins an impressive collection of colleagues, including the former party leader Arieh Deri.
He insists, of course, that he’s totally innocent. Though we haven’t heard that yet from him – perhaps out of fear of having his sentence increased on appeal – we’re bound to hear it soon from his associates that it’s the corrupt court system that it’s at fault, not this innocent rabbi who does so much good in the community.
A TV host interviewed last night a deputy editor of one of the ultra-Orthodox publications in Israel and asked him why is corruption so prevalent in Shas. Though members of other parties have not been immune to such indictments – among them a former minister of finance – the statistics are very much against Shas.
 The journalist ascribed it to the inexperience of the Shas members of Knesset. They usually come from yeshivot without schooling in public service that a Western education offers. They’re like babes in the wood once they get power.
It’s a nice spin, but, alas, no more than that. The truth may be less flattering to the party and to the kind of Judaism it stands for. Not that I claim to be neutral on the subject, yet the possibilities below should be considered.
1. Shas sees itself as representing the underdog in Israeli society. Its leaders feel that the Ashkenazim have grown rich and powerful at the expense of the poor Sephardi immigrants from Arab lands whom Shas represents. What in the eyes of the (westernized/Ashkenazi) law seems like crime is perceived by many of them as justice. Though they may not be familiar with Robin Hood, they nevertheless seem to try to emulate him. Characteristically, in their defense they invariably tell the court how much they’ve given to yeshivot, destitute brides, etc.
2. They espouse a religion that hasn’t quite adjusted to the fact that its practitioners live in the Jewish state and are elected to office there to lead the people. Subconsciously they may add to their feeling of being discriminated against the sense that they’re still in the Diaspora that’s ruled by evil alien forces (the “goyim). Non-observant Ashkenazi politicians and judges often seem to them like the “goyim” of old, even though they live in Tel Aviv and other affluent places.
3. Their religious commitment – what we call ultra-Orthodoxy – concentrates on ritual observance (mitzvoth between human beings and God) much more than on ethics (mitzvoth between human beings). In this scheme of things stealing from the state becomes much less offensive than, say, eating non-kosher food. They may regard robbing individuals, especially if they’re Jews, as totally abhorrent, but they don’t necessarily feel the same about robbing the state, even if it’s the state of the Jewish people.
Much of the criticism by Reform Judaism of this kind of ostensibly religious behavior points to this discrepancy. That’s why Reform from its inception laid stress on ethics and proper behavior vis-à-vis the state. That’s also why the Progressive movement in Israel sees itself as a watchdog of moral behavior. Shas, alas, has many more members.
THE JEWISH CITIZEN
Dreamcoat': A cup for Judaism's candle
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By Donald H. Harrison
 SAN DIEGO—When we carry a candle in the wind, we often form a cup with our hands to protect it. When that candle is Judaism the cup can take many forms. In the case of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it took the form fashioned in a collaboration between two non-Jewish geniuses-- playwright Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice.
Shor, now 7 and a first-grade student with a love for Torah studies at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School, joined me Sunday at a San Diego Junior Theatre production of this musical in the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park. He whispered to me during the scene in which Potiphar’s wife ( Sarah White ) told her husband (Jacob Sampson) that Joseph (David Siciliano) had tried to dishonor her, that according to a midrash taught to him Potiphar was well aware that his wife was lying.
  I personally was unaware of this midrash, but as I looked around the auditorium, I couldn’t contain my sense of pride. How many others in this crowd of children and parents were aware of this interpretation? I wondered. And then the thought hit me. It was very possible that some of the children on stage or in the audience, motivated by “Dreamcoat,” will decide to look more deeply into the Bible. I remembered that such a spark perhaps had been ignited in Shor in 2005 by another production of this same play staged by the J*Company.
That spark subsequently was fanned by numerous plays, productions and movies based on biblical tales, especially those about Shor’s and my favorite biblical character, Noah. All this, I believe, fueled my grandson’s receptiveness to learn Torah in a more serious and learned manner from his teachers and rabbis at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School.
After arriving home exhilarated from the Junior Theatre, I consulted the Stone Edition of the Tanakh, edited for Art Scroll by Rabbi Nosson Scherman. In a footnote, it stated that the reason why Potiphar simply didn’t have Joseph killed on the strength of his wife’s accusations has been the subject of speculation by commentators such as Ibn Ezra and Moshe ben Nachman (the Ramban). Ibn Ezra opined that God protected Joseph, while the Ramban explained that Potiphar knew Joseph’s righteousness.
Citing the Yalkut, an ancient book of Bible interpretations, the footnote went on to state that “Potiphar’s daughter Asenath swore to him that Joseph was innocent and told him what really happened. In this merit, she was privileged to eventually marry Joseph.”
Webber and Rice deviated here and there from the Torah text, for example, making Joseph’s brothers and their wives into country-western hoe-downers (“One More Angel in Heaven’) and the Pharaoh into an Elvis figure (“Song of the King”), and the repentant brothers into calypso signers (“Benjamin Calypso’) so it was only fair that the Junior Theatre production also strayed now and again from the original version of the musical. When doing what seems like an elaborate Purim-style shpiel like “Dreamcoat,” who can resist throwing in a little shtick? Certainly not Director/Choreographer Holly MacDonald; nor set designer Heidi Atchison.
For example, when Joseph was being taken as a slave to Egypt, a road sign popped up on stage pointing the directions to Egypt and to (of all places!) San Diego. And prior to the French-style song “Those Canaan Days,” a violinist began to play a melody from Fiddler on the Roof. Up from the pit popped a floor director. He shouted something to the effect of “Hey, wrong play!”
Shor and I moved from our assigned seats to an empty row in the back left side of the auditorium, and thereby were privileged to watch the Ishmaelites—complete with a guy dressed up as a camel—lead Joseph out of the auditorium, and watch Pharaoh (Alex Dunbar, who also played Jacob) make his entrance. One of the bonuses of our new seats was that in a joyous finale when cast members went into the audience to dance, some pulled members of the audience into the aisles to dance with them. Do you believe it? My little Torah scholar got into the aisle dancing with tremendous enthusiasm!
One of the ironies of watching the production on Sunday afternoon was that it coincided with the last day of the Passover festival. On that evening, in fact, Shor’s parents and brother, Sandi, Shahar and 1-year-old Sky Masori—gathered with my wife Nancy, Shor and me for our family’s traditional “chametz feast” of pizza. It was Joseph who encouraged the Hebrews to settle in Egypt, where, as the subsequent Passover story relates, they had lived happily until a new Pharaoh arose “who knew not Joseph.”
Going to theatre on the last day of Passover (instead of observing it more prayerfully) and having “chametz feasts” may seem to those more Orthodox than I to be a strange way to practice Judaism, but in 21st century California, I believe such practices provide a shielding cup for its flame.
Having a wonderful time with my grandson in a secular setting, and also having the privilege of learning some Torah from him—what an experience that was! The Junior Theatre’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lasts through May 11 in which Siciliano is a very strong Joseph, and three young women— Katerli Crail, Devon Hollingworth, and Marianne Zumberge—admirably divide the singing role of the narrator.
Should these four in particular so desire, I’m certain that they—as well as other cast members—will be appearing in professional plays that my esteemed San Diego Jewish World colleague Carol Davis no doubt will enjoy reviewing.
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Balloon Utopia
Sandi Masori
619 339 8024
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WHAT'S GOOD TO EAT IN SAN DIEGO?
Liz Bartell ambiance, Paul Murphy cuisine are perfect mother's reward at Humphrey's
By Lynne Thrope
 SAN DIEGO—Mother, Mother, Mother. Can’t seem to get Mother out of my mind. With her endless preparation and execution of a spectacular Pesach seder, my thoughts turn to her once again to honor her this upcoming Mother’s Day on May 11, should you need reminding.
I can think of no better find to take her to than to the newly decorated, reinvented San Diego landmark, Humphreys By the Bay, known for its romantic waterfront dining on Shelter Island, live music every night, sophisticated food, and award-winning wine list. She won’t recognize the place! The chic and comfortable contemporary décor is designed by Liz Bartell Designs. Her stunning interior accents and oversized upholstered chairs happily sustained my three-hour stay. And still, I wasn’t ready to leave. The attitude of the place Liz Bartell has created was more than welcoming and warm. Your mother will love it, too.
Mother will also be impressed with the newly revamped menu that boasts of global cuisine influences from Asia, North Africa, America, and France. “We’re putting a new twist on the Humphreys experience that locals and visitors have known and loved,” shared the affable and creative Chef Paul Murphy. “By fusing high quality ingredients with unique flavors from around the world, we have created a culinary offering sure to inspire your palate.”
 And mine was…beginning with the superb Treviso Salad ($8) that combined the sweet and bitter tastes of grilled radicchio, watercress, papaya, and candied pecans balanced together with a creamy white balsamic dressing. From Northern California came next the Point Reyes Stuffed Figs ($9.5) served hot with piping blue cheese, toasted almonds, watercress, and aged balsamic. I would highly recommend that Mother try the Halibut Cashew ($27) served with a basmati rice and Mirin-ginger sauce. The portion is sized for take home. My companion also won out with his selection of the perfectly cooked Herbed Australian Lamb Chops ($32) marinated in rosemary and accompanied with roasted
fingerling potatoes. Some highlights from Chef Paul’s new menu also include seared Sacramento sturgeon ($27) with orange marmalade, polenta, and brown butter-sage sauce ($27), seared lemongrass crusted swordfish ($25) with basmati rice and red Thai curry sauce, and grilled Brandt natural beef filet($32) with spoon spinach soufflé and port wine sauce.
Throughout my lavish dining experience, I sipped on my very fun and tasty C5 martini ($10) made with Mandarin and Ruby Red Absolut, Cointreau, and a blend of citrus juices. If you’re a fan of inventive martinis, you won’t be disappointed with this classy repertoire. The wine list, too, is unique and thoughtful in its 230 selections and price points as well as having in inventory (approximately 4500 bottles) that special one to celebrate Mother or any other life cycle event!
For reservations at the all-new Humphreys, call (619) 224.3577. For more information about the restaurant and its outdoor concert schedule, visit www.humphreysrestaurant.com
SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Donald H. Harrison in La Mesa, California: La Mesa developer saw 'Promised Land' from the heights of his own Mount Nebo
Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem: How Israel at 60 differs from Israel at 50
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: Klezmer—Jewish music for your soul
Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem: Palestinian choice: delusions or own state
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: What was the Jewish community news in 1949? Archives of the Southwestern Jewish Press provide some of it.
Judy Lash Balint in Jerusalem: A Jerusalem sight not to be passed over
Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.: Why is Olmert discussing Golan Heights?
Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego: Chofetz Chaim Yeshiva leader Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz, ztzl, had spiritual magnetism
Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem: Is Kadish kaddish for Pollard's freedom?
Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in San Diego: Minyan prayer for 3 kidnaped soldiers
Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem: Political smoke in the Israeli winds
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History: The Southwestern Jewish Press in July 1949 printed articles detailing the histories and purposes of various Jewish organizations in San Diego. We reprint some of them here.
Shoshana Bryen in Washington D.C.: Syrian-Korean nuclear program mysteries
Gerry Greber in Carlsbad, California: Is afikomen needed if end-product near?
Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem: Syrian-Israeli peace: genuine offer from President Assad or just a cynical ploy?
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: Chapter Five in the serialization of her novel, Reluctant Martyr
Adventures in San Diego History: The Southwestern Jewish Press in July 1949 printed articles detailing the histories and purposes of various Jewish organizations in San Diego. We reprint some of them here.
Carol Davis in Carlsbad, California: A 'Kiss' that completely shook their world
Donald H. Harrison in San Diego: And what if you are wrong, Jimmy Carter?
Sheila Orysiek in San Diego: Confidence counts; kindergarten counts
Hal Wingard in San Diego: Two songs--'Oh, Jerusalem' and 'The Wisdom of Chelm'
Adventures in San Diego History: The Southwestern Jewish Press in July 1949 printed articles detailing the histories and purposes of various Jewish organizations in San Diego. We reprint some of them here.
Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.: Hamas made a goat of Jimmy Carter
Garry Fabian in Melbourne, Australia
—Youth sought for Holocaust program
—Educators learn about Pesach
—Lips sealed on Jewish pre-summit talks
—ADC denounces dinner honoring Pavelic
—University students bake matzah on campus
—Power company relents on Pesach power cuts
—Pesach encompasses every Jew
—Matzah selling like hot cakes—literally
—A minyan near you?
Donald H. Harrison in San Diego: Book on Golda Meir trashes Shimon Peres
Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem: Israel's brightening diplomatic picture
Adventures in San Diego History: The Southwestern Jewish Press in July 1949 printed articles detailing the histories and purposes of various Jewish organizations in San Diego. We reprint some of them here.
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Nancy Harrison
