Volume 3, Number 38
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"There's a Jewish story everywhere"
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LETTER FROM JERUSALEM
The indecisiveness of Israel's election process
JERUSALEM—Why are Israeli elections so indecisive?
The condition has been apparent for some time, as shown by the difficulty of cobbled-together government coalitions to last for the maximum four years. Since 1996 there have been five national elections, in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2009. The results this time are close to a tie between the leading parties. There may be an actual tie, depending on absentee ballots.
Defined as a problem of democracy, Israel's lack of decisiveness is not all that unique. Other regimes appear simpler, with fewer parties and more stable governments. However, they may wrestle with their problems in political parties that are large, but not united, or with various interests that can keep the legislature tied up without the resolution of chronic problems.
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There is no single, dominant cause of Israel's situation.
Explanations can begin with the parties that appeal to narrow and fixed constituencies, that pretty much stay out of disputes about the general problems that citizens voting for other parties want to solve. Largely Arab parties typically get 10 or so seats in the Knesset, and spend their time on the outside, criticizing whatever government is in power. Ultra-Orthodox parties count for another 15-18 seats, and limit themselves to the occasional fray about a religious matter, as well as money for their schools and (along with Arab parties) welfare payments for their large families. Another 6-10 seats go to Orthodox and nationalist parties (currently Jewish Home and National Unity) that are concerned mostly about settling the Land of Israel.
That leaves 80 to 90 seats open to parties with more general concerns, located at varying degrees to the right or left of center. When one of these parties leads a government, it is unlikely to have enough seats to dominate the government, without having to accommodate several others concerned about their own interests.
Another factor contributing to instability is the elephant in the living room, or the issue of Israel's unresolved relationships with its neighbors. We can define this as a tangle made up of Palestinians who will not compromise; Arab governments who continue to fan Palestinian aspirations in order to keep their own populations from focusing on their misery and their corrupt governments; and Americans and Europeans who also fan Palestinian aspirations. The fanning from American and Europe is milder than that from Arab countries. However, it contributes to Palestinian stubbornness, hoping that they do not have to compromise with Israel in order for someone else to provide them with a state along with the financial aid to operate it.
The Palestinian split between Hamas and Fatah makes the elephant in the living room all the more difficult. Europeans, Americans, moderate Arabs or Israelis have not figured out what to do.
There are Israelis, and lots of others, who blame Israel for the continued impasse. However, one can view the rightward tilt in this year's elections to indicate that many Israelis feel they have offered enough by way of reasonable accommodations.
The day after the election results that disappointed many, politicians and commentators proclaimed that the problem was the nature of the government. By this they mean a cluster of items that include the parliamentary system, proportional representation, many parties, and governments that cannot decide on the crucial issues and remain in power for four years. Several pledged themselves to work for reform. However, it has been tried before, without great success. This week's advocates agree on reform, but not its details.
Given its problems, the country is more or less successful. It has maintained its security, along with its self-critical and competitive democracy, despite intense enemies. Its social services do not fall below the levels of other countries who have similar levels of economic resources. It cannot afford everything that activists demand, partly because of the wide agreement to spend so much of its resources on defense.
On account of the structural problems of the Middle East, and its own fragmented society, Israel is likely to putter along more or less like it has. It is not neat, or satisfying, but it is.
Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. He may be contacted at msira@mscc.huji.ac.il
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UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF SAN DIEGO
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TIFERETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
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FROM THE SIDELINES
Can Netanyahu go from salesman to statesman?
JERUSALEM—The color red that once dominated the Israeli political scene has faded. In Tuesday’s elections, Labor - the heir of socialist Mapai, the traditional ruling party of Israel - did badly. Meretz, usually further to the left, did worse. Hadash, which was once the communist party of Israel appealing to both Jews and Arabs, has also shed most of its ideology. Thus we now have only traces of a very pale pink on the banners of no more than 20 of the 120 members of the new Knesset.
The color that has taken the place of red is orange, the symbol of much of contemporary reactionary revolution. In Israel it manifests itself as the color of those who support existing settlements and their expansion and oppose every attempt to dismantle even the illegal ones. It has brought under its banner the nationalist camp that, as things stand, has 65 of the 120 Knesset seats. For many of us it’s an ugly color.
Thus even though colorless Kadima has one mandate more than Likud, it’ll be Netanyahu, the leader of Likud, the largest partner in the orange bloc,who’s likely to be the next Prime Minister of Israel. It’s impossible to envisage a different scenario.
It’s not easy to discern the true color of Kadima. Some describe it as pale orange; others see it as pale pink. It’s not likely to lead Israel into the future, despite its lofty pronouncements about cooperation with the United States in the promotion of peace and the creation of a Palestinian state. Israel waged two wars while Kadima was in power.
The color of Israel’s, indeed the world’s, future ought to be green, but the voters here think otherwise. I voted for one of the Green parties that made common cause with Meimad, the Orthodox-progressive party of Rabbi Michael Melchior, but it didn’t get the required minimum of votes to qualify for seats. Life in Israel will become very precarious without an aggressive green policy that reaches out to the population across all divides and is committed to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors. It’s not enough to care about the size of the land of Israel unless we also care for the quality of that land.
So what’s next? A Netanyahu led government, at best with Kadima. This might keep out some smaller parties on the orange fringe, but not Lieberman’s Yisrael Beiteinu, which is currently leading the post-election circus; and probably not Shas, even though it has recently demonized Lieberman. So things aren’t likely to get better soon.
When Netanyahu was Israel’s Finance Minister he promoted the economics of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. He may do it again. Take a deep breath!
And he isn’t in a rush to embrace the President of the Palestinian Authority, let alone talk to Hamas. Even though he knows how to sell Israel to the media, he’s not likely to improve its post-Gaza image. My hope is that a steady and sane member of the cabinet, though never present at meetings, will be George Mitchell.
Obama’s special envoy may force Netanyahu to make concessions that’ll belie the election rhetoric. From that point of view, a broad coalition that includes Kadima may be a good thing, for it might make it easier for an orange Prime Minister to force the Israeli right-wing to face reality and swallow some of its dangerous nationalist aspirations.
None of this makes the actual result very cheerful. But perhaps Netanyahu will surprise us by keeping the orange under wraps and demonstrate that he can be not only a salesman, which was once his profession, but also the statesman he now wants to be.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Confronting anti-Semitism; what would you have done?
Editor, San Diego Jewish World:
On a recent trip to California, my wife, two boys and I just had a wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. After a brief walk about, we returned to get our car to head back to our hotel. As we waited for our car, we watched the hustle and bustle of a vibrant night. The streets and restaurants were packed; the traffic had slowed to a crawl. It also happened to be during the week of Chanukah. Chabad had their parade of cars, vans, and trailers with menorahs lit, creeping slowly (maybe 12 to 15 vehicles) through the main street. In the slow moving traffic, they were honking their horns as they went. The noise was a bit much, even for me.
A few feet from where I stood waiting, three guys were standing there, also watching the night go by. One said something like “God Damn Jews” and they all proceeded to give the “Heil Hitler” salute as the last of the vehicles passed. Luckily, none of my family had witnessed what had happened. They were about twenty feet away looking in a store front window. I did not want to embarrass my family by acting aggressively, so I did nothing. And I was quite disturbed at my lack of response and being so unprepared to respond appropriately in this situation. I was embarrassed even though no one saw what had transpired.
The next day, I could not let go of what had happened, and my lack of a response. Finally, I came up with a solution that I believe works for me, but I am not so sure it would work for most others. Here is my scenario. I should have taken out my cell phone, and told the trio that I was so happy to have captured that moment on my camera. And tell them that I was going to share the picture with the local newspapers (It didn’t matter if I had taken the picture or not). It was the fear that their behavior would be seen by all: maybe their family, co-workers, boss, friends and neighbors. And I should have walked away and let them figure out a response. It would have taken a few moments for them to realize the implications of what they had done, and the impact it could have on their lives if the picture was actually published.
Now this action has some potential to provoke a physical confrontation. Honestly, I believe that I would have long been gone by the time they processed my comment. I am comfortable with the risk involved. I‘m not sure it is a risk others would or should take. But it is an alternative and one I was comfortable with. I have never imagined or contemplated the need to develop a response to such behavior. The question remains: “what do you do when confronted with Anti-Semitic or racist gestures in ordinary settings?” Many have said that no response was actually the best option. I’d be glad to hear others’ opinions, as I have struggled with other non-confrontational options. What would you have done? What should have been done? I’m still not sure.
How do we teach our children to address Anti-Semitism & Racism when we ourselves have no idea?
—Ira Jevotovsky
Pittsford, New York
SOILLE SAN DIEGO HEBREW DAY SCHOOL
The Mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah at Soille Hebrew Day
SAN DIEGO (Press Release) —Give a girl challah and you sanctify one day, teach her how to make it and you sanctify the home. The 8th grade girls’ Chumash class at Soille Hebrew Day recently finished learning about the mitzvah of Hafrashat Challah - separating the challah. The mitzvah, in short, is considered a women’s mitzvah and involves removing a small piece of the dough from the batch. In Temple times the dough was given to the Kohein, a servant of Hashem, for consumption, as a way of showing gratitude to Hashem for the different aspects of their lives.
Today we burn the piece of challah in commemoration of its practice. The removal of the piece comes after a long process, beginning with the harvest that culminates with the challah. Therefore, Hashem’s participation is less apparent in the process. The woman is entrusted with the task of knowing and relaying the message that even things in her life that are seemingly produced by her own hands depend completely on Hashem’s blessing. The Talmud tells us that a home is blessed when the women brings Hashem into its realm. Therefore, every ingredient added and every action performed to make the challah is an opportunity to focus and think about the important parts of our lives, specifically our homes.
Hebrew Day, as a school community, gives children the life skills to go on, achieve, and build homes and communities of their own. The idea of taking a mundane object and giving it purpose and higher meaning, combined with creating an awareness of their surroundings and the idea of gratitude are valuable lessons. These are lessons that cannot just be taught, but must be experienced.
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School serves children from infants through eighth grade and offers generous financial aid grants to families to make a Jewish day school education affordable to all. For more information on the school, visit the web site at http://www.hebrewday.org/ or contact Audrey Jacobs, Director of School Advancement at 858-279-3300 ext. 106 or ajacobs@hebrewday.org
A story for Valentine's Day of a love that is lasting
SAN DIEGO—He was over thirty, a bachelor schoolteacher, returning to a new school year after a summer in Europe. He had traveled carefree and alone, from free Copenhagen to unfree East Berlin. An enlightening trip. How much better it would have been to have shared it with someone to talk with, listen to and laugh with.
He came back to school a day late because of plane schedules. Even in 1969 planes got delayed, especially charters. He missed the teacher meetings where procedures are explained and new teachers are introduced. He had been at the school four years, since its opening; he knew the procedures. He would meet the new teachers during the first weeks of classes.
And so he did. She came walking down the hall towards him. It was between classes. Under 30, for sure; pretty, bright, intelligent face. Long, dark hair. A fashionable mini-skirt, which showed off her well-formed legs. She taught Latin, French and English. She still teaches English. He was smitten. He still is.
They dated for over a year and a half before they married. They let very few teachers and fewer students know that they were going out—they wanted some privacy from hundreds of prying eyes and tongues. When she did announce her engagement after more than a year of dating, some teachers congratulated her and asked whom she was engaged to. A well-kept secret.
She converted to Judaism months before the wedding. Her family didn’t, so they had his Jewish relatives, her Episcopalian ones, their mixed bag of friends, some of their students, and some of his parents’ friends. Her mother put on a first-rate reception at a local Naval Officers’ Club. The food was excellent and tasty—so the happy couple heard. They were so busy greeting guests, and the guests liked the food so much, that not much was left for the bride and groom. That’s probably what’s meant by having to live on love.
They drove off from the reception in her VW van, loaded with presents. They stopped off at his/ their beach apartment to unwrap the gifts. Those were the days of fondue pots—lots. Then they drove off for the honeymoon. Both prided themselves on their educated good taste. They loved art museums, serious music, fine architecture, tasteful interior decorating, literary classics, and all that delights the eye, ear, and other senses.
Each harbored a secret joy, an occasional ache for a plunge into flamboyant vulgarity and bad taste. It was lucky for the marriage that their vulgar descents were mutual and guiltless. Their honeymoon city wasn’t San Francisco, Paris, London, New York or New Orleans. Their freely chosen, mutually agreed-upon destination was Las Vegas. They loved it then and they do today.
Such a marriage is fated to endure. We celebrate our 38th on April 4th. We still love, laugh and talk together, often about our Sarah, who's now 33, as is her husband Ken. Their Noah and Sam are 4 and one year old respectively. We had no idea at all 22 years ago how wonderful grandparenthood would be.
We live in the same house as in 1987, but the old dwelling is 101 this year. When it was built my parents were still residents of the Czarist Empire in Poland and Lithuania and Jane's mother and father were not yet born.
Life is pretty good for us this Valentine's week, and will be even better when Jane finally defeats her brain cancer; the odds are promising.
This column was adapted by the author from one he wrote for the April 20, 1987 edition of the now defunct San Diego Jewish Times.
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LAWRENCE FAMILY JCC, JACOBS FAMILY CAMPUS
High school playwright Jacob Axelrad on the right track
SAN DIEGO—After seeing The Stationmaster, I decided to seek out the playwright, Jacob Axelrad (pictured at right), and interview him about the inner workings of his play.
He is a Jewish student in his junior year at Harvard-Westlake School, a co-ed college prep private day-school for 7th -12th graders in Los Angeles, where the average class size is 16 students. Although the school is not affiliated with a particular religion both a rabbi and a chaplain are on staff.
Jacob wrote The Stationmaster as a sophomore during his school's Playwrights Festival. Of the forty scripts submitted by 10th -12 graders, Jacob’s was one of fifteen accepted and staged into a play. He recently submitted the script to the California Playwrights Project where it was accepted along with seven others from a pool of 352 submissions by students under the age of 19.
His idea for Stationmaster originated from his belief in reincarnation and his interest in Greek mythology, particularly his fascination with the Goat Man, also known as Charon, who ferried those ready to die, over River Styx,
The play takes place at a train station where passengers are preparing to embark on a journey. Mr. Dunning, the stationmaster, greets the passengers as they arrive. Jacob told me “I did not initially pattern Mr. Dunning after Charon but rather I intended him to be an angel whose job is to guide lost souls either in a direction to save their lives or to guide them to death if it's their time to die. I was trying to write about a guy who was an angel and helping these people.”
Each passenger represented a different aspect of Mr. Dunning. When I asked Jacob, which passenger he identified with most, he chuckled and told me he identified with Jack because the character was in love with a beautiful woman but often felt awkward about how to show his love in a way she could appreciate. It was a classic case of “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” that many men have experienced.
The message he hopes to convey in The Stationmaster is “Just because you feel labeled as something, doesn’t mean you are that way. Mr. Dunning realized he had a choice. He didn’t have to live up to his job title as stationmaster.” He was free to leave but he knew that it would be a one-way ticket with no possibility of ever returning.
Jacob’s love of reading played a part in his development of his play. His favorite author is J.D. Salinger, who wrote Catcher in the Rye, and he also enjoys the writings of Ray Bradbury.
The desire to try new things helped him to risk writing a play. I asked him what he would say to a middle-school student who asked him for advice. He would encourage the student to try as many things as he can. Find out what he’s good at and have fun.
The biggest lesson Jacob learned in the Playwrights Project was about working as part of a team. He said he appreciates all of the help he received from Maria Glanz, Artistic Director, Chelsea Whitmore, The Stationmaster director, the actors, the lighting, and sound crews.
Although I felt surprised that a teen would write about life and death issues, I am impressed that Jacob while still in high school, created The Stationmaster which evokes a deep train of thought.
Columnist Appel-Lennon may be contacted at appels@jewishsightseeing.com
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MUSIC NOTES
Can we love the music but hate the composer?
SAN DIEGO—Do we accept and enjoy poetry, music, theatre, or art if we dislike its creator or interpreter?
The obvious classic example that is familiar to us is Richard Wagner. Many a music lover of wide and varied musical tastes is repulsed by Wagner because of his strong anti-Semitic views, and will have nothing to do with his music. This has been debated and discussed openly for decades. Wagner almost stands alone as the vicious spokesman for anti-Semitism in the nineteenth century, and his music was a kind of “signature” and inspiration for Hitler and the Third Reich. But, let’s deal with Wagner in more detail in a future article.
But, it may not surprise you to know that many other composers whose music you know and love also took their turns in taking a few verbal swipes against the Jews. Should we ignore them, forgive them, banish them forever from our listening list, or overlook the comments as if nothing was said? Mel Gibson, who drew our community ire for his The Passion of the Christ, is not alone, he is not the first, and, unfortunately, will not be the last.
But, I am also referring to other kinds of unsavory personalities that have nothing to do with anti-Semitism. Being directly involved with music-making here and elsewhere, I personally see and hear stories from others in the music world of unspeakable bad behavior of some composers and performers whose names are household words. The word gets around, even if it does not make the news. Should this influence us?
In my case, it does, up to a point. Maybe at times it is best not to know much of the inside story. (On the other side, the majority of the great musicians I have met are truly magnificent people, whose kindness, integrity, ethics, warmth, and human skills are not known or much appreciated).
Here is a much debated situation: The great German conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler opted to stay in Nazi Germany during the Hitler regime. By all accounts, he hated Nazism, was never a member of the Party (as opposed to Herbert Von-Karajan), and it is documented that he did all he could to protect his Jewish musicians, even going into the concentration camps to provide them with exit visas, using his political influence. But, he did not leave Germany, as so many other Jewish and Gentile artists did.
His reason for staying? “I remained in Germany to protect the integrity of the great German arts."
For this, he was strongly criticized before, during, and after the War. In the late 1930’s he ran into the freedom-loving, Facist-hating conductor Arturo Toscanini in a neutral country during an international music festival. Their encounter was brief and verbally violent, because Toscanini directly chided Furtwangler for staying in Germany. Even after the War, the Allied tribunals in Nurenberg summoned him as a potential war criminal, but not much happened there. But, many people never forgave him. History will remember him as a pure artist who tried to transcend the political and human ugliness which surrounded him by immersing himself in his music.
Yehudi Menuhin, in a different way, separated himself from any political causes, even support for Israel, in order to remain above all such matters.
Other musicians follow their hearts in different ways. Pianist-conductor Daniel Barenboim is very vocal in his stand for human rights, and at times his words and actions have displeased the Israeli government. Leonard Bernstein was a strong supporter of Israel and Jewish causes, raised many an eyebrow with his endorsement of the Black Panthers and other radical organizations.
We do not live in a vacuum. I know of conductors, composers and other performers who are just silly, discourteous boors and/or despicable characters, and I can not help being somewhat aware of this when I hear their work. In a milder context, to complicate matters, there were conductors such as Fritz Reiner and George Szell, who were perfectly ethical, but not known to be very nice people. Nevertheless, their music is so magnificent, that I rank them among my favorites. Here, I transcend all questions of personalities, and simply admire their greatness.
And this is what music is all about. The more we know about it and its makers, the more colorful and exciting is the entire palette. Legends, personal stories, and anecdotes all form part of the wonderful world of classical music.
Amos is the conductor of the Tifereth Israel Community Orchestra and has been a guest conductor of orchestras the world over. He may be contacted at amosd@sandiegojewishworld.com
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FROM THE BULRUSHES—Jasmine Allen portrays Bulrusher, the title character in a play by Eisa Davis. Below Grandison
Phelps III and Tim Parker engage in a duet.
Photos by Adam Brick
ARTS IN REVIEW
A story fished from the bulrushes at New Village Arts
CARLSBAD, California—It’s been over thirty years since I taught religious school in San Diego, but Bible stories taught over the years never go away; the memories just fade. I remember teaching those wide-eyed second graders about Abraham; ‘the first Jew’ because he broke all the idols in his father’s shop. The most convincing of course is the Moses story and how Moses was put into a basket or craft of bulrushes coated in pitch and sent down the River Nile by his mother Jochebed. This was done in order for her to save him from certain death because of his Jewish birthright when a command by the then Egyptian Pharaoh to kill all male Hebrew children by drowning was decreed.
Fast forward to Eisa Davis’ (niece of political activist Angela Davis) drama Bulrusher now on stage at the New Village Arts Theatre in Carlsbad. The play takes place in Boonville, California in Mendocino County 1955. Bulrusher is making its regional premiere and the similarities to Moses and the central character; Bulrusher (Jasmine Allen) being found in the bulrushes of Boonville doesn’t stop there. It seems only those homegrown folks who lived there know the lingo of Boonville’s isolated Anderson Valley called Boontling.
Remember the hot coals on the tongue theory as to why Moses needed his brother Aaron to speak for him because of his stammer or ‘slowness of speech’? Those in the audience on opening night of Bulrusher were given a glossary of words to help us out with the Boontling lingo of Anderson Valley not because of any Biblical proportions, but because we just didn’t know the language. We didn’t need an Aaron to interpret, but many of us just went along with the dialect and vocabulary until we made it work for ourselves.
That said however, there were things happening in Davis’ six-person play and most of them are the town folk interacting (read lots of dialogue and little action) with one another about matters concerning them and their town: The one income producing money maker, the sawmill, was closing and cash was drying up, and Madame was threatening, once again, to sell her Brothel business and move away. It seems she did this on a regular basis. But at this juncture their lives were about to change.
The setting is Mendocino County. That’s three thousand miles away from Alabama. The Montgomery Bus Boycott that happened in 1955 is about to change the face of race relations right up to Boonville. While the race issue isn’t the prime focus in Bulrusher, there is the issue of race, which appears to be the non-issue. Bulrusher is bi racial which no one, not even Bulrusher seems to notice. The only passing reference made to that fact is that Boy, who makes a claim on her, has never put his arm around her in public. But when Vera, Logger’s niece makes a surprise visit, the outside world is brought in and these oddly assembled loners find their voices.
We don’t (wink, wink) really know who Bulrusher’s parents are since she was found in the water by Schoolch who is white (Jack Missett) seemingly the town’s only schoolteacher and rather complicated bachelor who raises Bulrusher. Also residing in this little corner of rural America are Madame, with the accent on the DAM, also white (Sandra Ellis Troy), Logger or Lucas an African American (Grandison M. Phelps), and Boy (Tim Parker) who is white. At some point, Vera (Asia Nicole Jackson) who is Logger’s niece comes to Boonville from Alabama for reasons we later learn about.
While all the known (at least to us) residents interact to some degree among each other, Bulrusher talks to and is energized by the river which gives her powers to read people; “The river hears me and turns to molasses. With a sharp bank through high shams (thick brush), I am born into a new language.” She just turned eighteen as the play opens on Kristianne Kurner’s multi level and rustic set. (Kurner, who went to school at the Actors Studio Drama School in New York with Davis, also directs.)
At one end of the long stage at New Village Arts is Madam’s front porch where she holds court often. Off to the side is a short flight of stairs that appears to lead to ‘where the girls are’. On the other end of the stage is the home of both Bulrusher and Schoolch. In the middle are Bulrusher’s sanctuary, the river, trees and a place for her to be at one with the all of these. The backdrop is lit from behind (Ashley Jenks) and shadows and water rushing sounds (Adam Brick and Joshua Everett Johnson) can be heard throughout. It is a feast for the senses.
And so we watch the exchanges between Madame and Lucas evolve as something more than mere teasing. Both Sandra Ellis Troy and Grandison Phelps III are engaging and charming as they play cat and mouse with each other. There is definitely a little more we need to know in their story. The prodding and nudging of Schoolch by Madame is something to keep an eye on as Jack Missett is picture perfect as the ‘I’ve got a secret bachelor’ Schoolch. As a man of very few words, he manages to keep his balance and his past a secret. All of the stories evolve in mysterious ways, some believable others not so. While Bulrusher is the center of this play’s universe, Madame is the moving force behind it.
Both Jasmine Allen and Asia Nicole Jackson play well off each other as Allen’s Bulrusher comes of age and finally finds a friend and soul-mate whose skin color not only looks like hers but whose very presence conjures feelings she never knew she had. Both however were too tentative on opening night especially Ms. Allen whose dialogue in the opening minutes of the play was almost inaudible.
Tim Parker’s Boy has the quirkiest character in the play. He’s Hillbilly, innocence and rebel all at the same time. It’s impossible not to root for him as he boyishly tries to win Bulrusher over. His enthusiasm is infectious and his outlandish singing, guitar playing and Yahoos make you sit up and smile. Davis wrote the songs that Boy sang in Bulrusher.
Davis explores ideas from many different directions most of which are sound, poetically beautiful and feel related. Race relations, personal and familial identity, sexual awakenings, belonging and self discovery are but a few. One of the distractions, however, is that she overloads the piece with too many issues. The opening night production took too long to connect to dots, yet Davis’ Pulitzer Prize finalist-play received a fine airing from NVA. By now the cast should be settled into their respective roles and moving to the currents of the river.
Bulrusher continues through March 1st.
See you at the theatre.
Critic Davis may be contacted at davisc@sandiegojewishworld.com
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BALLOON UTOPIA
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FREEDOM AT ISSUE
Are we capable of Defiance?
ENCINITAS, California—Are we capable of Defiance? A friend whose relatives valiantly served in US forces in World War II, and lost relatives in combat and concentration camps, credits me with similar heroism for volunteering to serve in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. She said to me recently that she thought of me when she saw the movie Defiance, which I had not yet seen, that I would have been one of those partisans fighting back against the Nazis and locals exterminating the Jews in the Byelorussia wheremy family came from and the film takes place.
I replied that she gives me too much credit. There is a big difference between my experience and theirs. I was trained by and part of an elite armed service of the most powerful nation on earth. They found themselves running into the forest alone or in a small group, most untrained and devoid of experience in the harsh decisions of survival or war, and fought back against the overwhelmingly powerful occupying Nazis and their local collaborators.
I told my friend that I have asked myself often over the years whether I would or could have had the sense and guts to do what they did, still with
no firm answer.
I've now seen Defiance, and still am little closer to that personal answer, but a few other questions are answered. None of us really know what we'll do under stress or threat until we do, despite whatever our self-image or the guesses we may make. However, experience tells us that being prepared in attitude and training is essential to rising to any challenge, and qualified, decisive, courageous leadership acting with integrity is essential to cohering in an effective organization.
Otherwise, we are subject to the whims and follies of others, sometimes fortunately well but often not. When our very lives are at stake, or even
our or our children's financial security, standing around awaiting someone else's choice of our fate is less likely to be practical. Relatively few American Jews of my generation chose to serve in our armed forces, and most have adopted near-pacifist attitudes. Many are even
conflicted about our brethren in Israel taking the measures necessary in the jaws of survival threats.
Hopefully, as if hope were enough, American Jews will not have to make those decisions for themselves, as did those in Defiance. But, to believe in orcounsel being ill-prepared or weak-kneed or effete for those Jews who do have to make those life-saving decisions is dangerously suicidal. To engage in wishful thinking or to evade training or service here in the US is just as dangerous in being unschooled and unprepared for those training to or attacking us as Americans or Jews.
For a discussion of the existential decisions and consequences in the film Defiance, I recommend this review in the Chicago Jewish News.
Then, don't miss seeing the movie.
Kesler is a freelance writer based in Encinitas, California. He may be contacted at bnksd1@aol.com
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Jewish Internet Favorites
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Keren Peles sings "If This Is Life" (Hebrew)
Lucy Kaplansky sings "The Red Thread"
Tina Karol sings "Millie"
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CAROL ANN GOLDSTEIN
Carol Ann Goldstein provides the following services: Web Developer-information and ecommerce sites Database programmer Math Tutor -- all ages (San Diego, CA.) Call 858 452 0386 or email cag_92122@yahoo.com |
Web tip: Keep your commercial site uncluttered
SAN DIEGO (Press Release)— Successful commercial websites are most oftenclean and not cluttered. Some examples will illustrate this feature: Math Is Easy; Claritas; Aronberg Goldgehn; Yellow Bucket Janitorial, and Hearts & Minds
A visitor to a website wants to see an organized, clear message of what is offered and not be distracted by unnecessary information. Advertisements from other entities or surveys from unrelated websites can be unwarranted intrusions unless they are carried in a separate section. Even online newspapers should take care to place ads properly so as not to obscure the actual content of the newspaper.
Some examples of websites that seem cluttered to me are: Yahoo; FunEducation
If you have a website that is not clean and is cluttered, or if you want a new website, I can help you. Per the ad above, I may be reached at 858 452 0386 or email cag_92122@yahoo.com.
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Adventures in San Diego Jewish History
Editor's Note: Read in this continuing column how the generations who came before us helped to build San Diego's Jewish community! You may access an index of San Diego Jewish history articles by clicking here. You may also use the Google search program at the top of this page or on the headline index page to search for keywords or names.
Pioneer Women Set For Regional Meet
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 8
Pioneer Women are proud and honored to announce a great even which will take place Oct. 17th to 20th. Our city has been chosen for the Western States Regional Conference of Pioneer Women. The Manor Hotel will be Registration headquarters for delegates. We are cognizant of the great responsibility as well as the prestige to have been chosen as the Conference city and are making plans to put forth our best hospitality to the many delegates. Preliminary plans were drawn up at a joint meeting of Negba and Shoshana groups of Pioneer Women held on Monday, August 11th at which time guest speaker was Bea Kuchner, Regional President from Los Angeles. The following Committees and Chairmen were chosen: General Chairman, Florence Barach; Publicity, Phyllis Weisenberg and Bess Borushek; Registration, Dora Berner and Zema Fromer; Hospitality, Anne Shelley, Elanore Gordon and Goldie Kitaen; Reservations, Alma Yarus; Steering Committee and Souvenir Program Book Rose Brooker and Pauline Press.
A reminder to Negba Club members that the next meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4th so plan to be there.
USO-JWB Activities
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 8
“What a wonderful time”—“Gee it was swell!” are some of the echoes still being heard about the big Twilight Beach Party held last Sunday at Mission Beach.
Over fifty servicemen and girls swam, romped on the sands, roasted “hot dogs” and marshmallows. As the sun went down and darkness arrived, it was truly a heartwarming picture to see these boys and girls singing, laughing and having fun. No one wanted to leave until the last ember burned.
Similar outdoor parties and picnics will continue or the rest of the summer. In addition, regular dances are held on Wednesday and Sunday nights.
At the Naval Training Center, Chaplain Azriel Grishman conducts regular Friday night services and also The breakfast Instruction Club on Sunday morning. The Jewish War Veterans and Auxiliary are hosts for both of these socials.
Chaplain William A. Sanderson conducts religious services every Friday at Camp Pendelton and is organizing a servicemen’s choir which will participate in the services.
A special meeting of Rabbis and Chaplains will be held this week to formulate plans for the High Holy Days. For further information contact Esther I. Siegel, USO-JWB Director, 215 Spreckels Bldg., F. 9-3712.
Breitbard Foundation Sponsors Annual Football Game
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952, page 8
Mail orders for tickets to the Breitbard Athletic Foundation’s Fourth Annual Southern California College Prep Football game in Balboa Stadium Aug. 29 are now being accepted, Bill Whitney, game chairman, said today.
Reserved seat tickets at $2.50 each may be ordered from Palmer Box Office, Thearle’s, 640 Broadway, San Diego, Calif. Each order must be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope.
General admission tickets priced at $1.25 will be on sale at Balboa Stadium the evening of the game.
This year’s game is again being co-sponsored by the Ninth District PTA as a benefit for the San Diego Childrens Dental Health center, which was reactivated last year with the help of funds received from the Foundation’s promotion of the annual all-star football tilt.
New Center Head
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 5, 1952, pages 1 & 2
Sidney Posin of Los Angeles received the appointment as Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center Association of San Deigo according to a joint announcement from Eli H. Levenson, president and Herbert Haimsohn, chairman of the Center Personnel Committee.
Picked from over two dozen applicants Mr. Posin will begin his work in San Diego immediately. He will be joined by Mrs. Posin and their child.
Considered one of the leading group work technicians on the Pacific Coast, Posin had been the Director of Activities at the Soto Michigan Center in Los Angeles for the past 8 years. Well equipped by experience for his new undertaking he has also a fine educational background. A graduate of the City College of New York, he secured his masters degree in Social Work at Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Posin is a former resident of San Diego having worked at Anthony Home in 1943 and 1944 as recreational director.
Mr. Levenson, president of the Center, in making the announcement of the new appointment to the professional staff of the Jewish Community, said “We feel that with the addition of Mr. Posin’s specialized skills the center will make rapid advancement.”
“A complete group work program for youngsters, adults and aged is being planned, and facilities for the operation of the center are being sought. We are very fortunate in being able to secure a person of Mr. Posin’s caliber for this position.”
Henry Price, chairman of the committee on facilities has seen several buildings which may be rented as temporary facilities for an active program. Synagogue, city and park facilities will be used until a center building is completed.
The center board of directors is planning a reception for Mr. Posin and his family and a rally to discuss center proposals before the community. The meeting will be held in the near future.
U.J.F. Asks for Pledge Payments
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 5, 1952, page 1
The 1952 Combined Jewish Appeal of the United Jewish Fund has passed the $204,000 raised in the 1952 campaign, according to Murray D. Goodrich, president. However, approximately $8,000 additional is anticipated in a campaign that will take place in early September. To date, according to Goodrich, Jack Gross and his co-chairmen, Sol Price, Lou Moorsteen and Henry Snyder have done the best job on the Pacific Coast.
The allocations committee chaired by Milton Roberts will begin meeting to distribute the monies raised to overseas and national organizations. Made up of both board and non-board members the committee will be a representative group of the leadership of the Jewish Community.
“Money is actually needed by all of the beneficiary organizations of the Fund. To meet the urgent appeals of the many overseas agencies, the national hospitals, religious schools, community relations organizations and service groups it is necessary to have cash. Please help by playing your pledge now.”
Al Hutler Active on All Fronts
Southwestern Jewish Press, September 5, 1952, page 1
The September issue of the Jewish Social Service quarterly will contain an article by San Diego’s executive director, Albert A. Hutler, on “Interpreting Social Service Needs in the Jewish Community.” This paper was presented at the National conference of Jewish Communal Workers in Chicago.
Mr. Hutler has been asked to speak before the executives of communities at the Western regional Executives Institute on the same subject on September 13 in Los Angeles.
He has also been asked to present a paper before the League of California Cities meeting in October in San Diego on the subject of “Day Camping by Private Organizations.”
On October 22 he will participate on the panel at Beth Israel Sisterhood on the subject of “Moral and Spiritual Education in the Public Schools.”
“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our indexed "Adventures in San Diego Jewish History" series will be a daily feature until we run out of history.
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SAN DIEGO JEWISH WORLD: THE WEEK IN REVIEW
Thursday, February 12, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 37)
MIDDLE EAST
Now commentators worry about mood on Israeli street ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.
Antipathy between SHAS and Israel Beitenu may complicate Netanyahu's task of coalition building ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Remembering Lincoln and the Jews on his bicentennial ... by Norman Greene in San Diego
ARTS
New York in the ‘30s meant Minsky’s Burlesque ... by Cynthia Citron in Los Angeles
Thursdays With the Songs of Hal Wingard ... in San Diego
#57 Now That I Am 21
#240 This Time
#241 Myla and Lou
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
From Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952:
—Rabbi Levens Honored
—Milt Mollick Bar Mitzvah August 30
—Kiddush at Beth Jacob Honors Eugene Aronoff, Robert Penn
—Beth Jacob Sisterhood
—Tifereth Leaders Attend Seminar
—Rabbi Cohn Elected Camp Director
—Hebrew Home For The Aged Aux.
COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Students guarding their tongues, and their ears, at Soille Hebrew Day
United Jewish Federation: UJF’s Options Event Addresses Global Terrorism
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
—Billy Joel sings "We Didn't Start The Fire"
—Eddie Fisher sings a medley of Al Jolson songs on Dean Martin Show
—Judith Edelman sings "I'm Feelin' Lucky Today" with Theo Burke on harmonica
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 36)
INTERNATIONAL
In Israel, Kadima a winner; Likud, apparently, the WINNER ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
The politics of the fearful and the secure ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
The Jews Down Under, roundup of Australian Jewish News .... by Garry Fabian in Melbourne
—Jewish-Muslim relations at breaking point in Australia
—AGE columnist suspended
—Jewish cricketer wins top award
—Celebrating Australia Day at The Lodge
—Camp Gan Israel a success in Perth
—Rabbis' tiff continues
—Huppert third Jewish Labor MP in state Parliament
—Jewish community outrage at Pope's decision on bishop
LETTERS
You see almost everyone in Inauguration photo by Bergman ... from Larry Gorfine in San Diego More
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
From Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952:
—Birdie Stodel B.B.
—Barbecue Raises Money
—B.B. Conference Calls
—Gross Home Scene of Hadassah Tea
—Bay City B.B Women
—Untitled Humor
COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Havdalah Night at Soille Hebrew Day Preschool
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
—Hayden sings "Dynamite Walls"
—Sarit Hadad sings "Malahe Shamayim"
—Susanna Hoffs sings "Eternal Flame"
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Tuesday, February 10, 2009 (Volume 3, No. 35)
INTERNATIONAL
Election 'issues:' Bibi’s schnitzel and Tzipi’s salad ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem
A satiric look at Israel's elections, political parties ... by Yarden Frankl in Neve Daniel, Israel
Middle East peace has two interwoven threads ... by J. Zel Lurie in Delray Beach, Florida
178 die in Melbourne area wildfires; toll may go higher; Jewish community affected ... by Garry Fabian in Melbourne, Australia
ARTS
Ma Tovu: A prayer to prepare for prayer ... by Cantor Sheldon Merel in San Diego
San Diego Jewish World's book reviewer Reiss writes books too ... by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
From Southwestern Jewish Press, August 22, 1952:
—Double Wedding Ceremony
—City of Hope Aux.
—Labor Zionist Organ.
—Cottage of Israel
—Yo-Ma-Co
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
—Edyie Gorme and Steve Lawrence sing "This Could Be The Start of Something Big"— View video
—Serge Gainsbourg sings "The Initials BB" -- An ode to his former lover Brigit Bardot —View video
—Simon & Garfunkel sing "Homeward Bound" on the Smothers Brothers Show —View Video
COMMUNITY WATCH/ ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Tu B’Shevat in Soille Hebrew Day’s Preschool- 3’s class
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Monday, February 9, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 34)
INTERNATIONAL
Yes, we must vote February 10, but for whom? ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem
Internal Catholic politics should not concern Jews ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem
ARTS
Thoughts on over-enthusiastic audiences, and The Zookeeper's Wife, a book by Diane Ackerman ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego
DINING
Eclipse Chocolat: San Diego’s elixir for a grand life ... by Lynne Thrope in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
August 22,1952 Southwestern Jewish Press archives:
—George Scott Kicks Off J.W.V. Poppy Sale
—Highest Award Given for Bravery
—The Destiny of Youth (Commentary)
—Abramis Takes Leave
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
Charlotte Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin in a daughter-mother duet
Jean Ferrat sings "La Montagne" (The Mountain)
Ofra Haza sings "Chai"(Alive)
COMMUNITY WATCH/ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Jewish Family Service: Music lecture by David Amos, Dance with Sharon Emerson on tap at College Avenue Older Adult Center
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Sunday, February 8, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 33)
INTERNATIONAL
If 'right of return' applies for Jews of Gush Etzion, why not for Palestinians of pre-1948 Israel? ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem
Some old realities of Israel's election politics ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
Thoughts of a frequent visitor on returning to Israel ... by Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal in Jerusalem
JUDAISM
The soldier who saved another's life in Hebron ... by Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego
ARTS
Unsophisticated audiences abound in Los Angeles ... by Cynthia Citron in Los Angeles
LETTERS
American Jewish University professor's lecture on Islam was positive .. from Carol Ann Goldstein in San Diego Read More
SPORTS
A Bissel Sports Trivia by Bruce Lowitt in Oldsmar, Florida
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
August 8, 1952 Southwestern Jewish Press archives:
—Hadassah Invites Young Marrieds
—Pioneer Women Read
—Beth Israel Sisterhood to Hold Annual Membership Tea
—Alpha Phi Pi
—Boy Scout Troop Plans Hike
—Temple Teens
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
—Jakob Dylan sings "Something Good This Way Comes" on the David Letterman show
—Julia Feldman in Renaissance costume sings Yeled Vebeer (The Boy and the Well)
—Sagiv Cohen sings "Yashkef" (Observe) — Sung in the Yemenite Jewish style
COMMUNITY WATCH/ADVERTISERS' NEWS
Jewish Family Service—The March of music at JFS College Avenue Older Adult Center
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School—Every Student Can Be a Leader at Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School
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Friday-Saturday, February 6-7, 2009 (Vol. 3, No. 32)
INTERNATIONAL
Erdogan's behavior signals shift away from West ... by Shoshana Bryen in Washington, D.C.
Obama has a P-R problem with Gazans ...by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem
ARTS
Fond remembrances of Italian artist Emanuel Luzzati... by Ulla Hadar in Kibbutz Ruhama, Israel
Leah Salovey is budding playwright ... by Sara Appel-Lennon in San Diego
Standing ovations should be reserved for very best ... by David Amos in San Diego
ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO JEWISH HISTORY
Southwestern Jewish Press, August 8, 1952:
--Bay City B.B.
--J.W.V. Auxiliary
--S.D. Birdie Stodel Chapter Member Honored
-- News of the Fox
-- City of Hope Aux.
-- Deceased {Louis Lasher}
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES
We continue our exploration of Jewish singers from around the world:
David Draiman of Disturbed sings “Down With the Sickness”
Lynsey de Paul sings “Sugar Me”
Matt Dusk sings “Back In Town"
COMMUNITY WATCH
Carol Ann Goldstein: What are the elements of a successful commercial website?
Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School: Alumni Join in on Soille Hebrew Day’s Learning Program
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Link to previous editions
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