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Jewish Journal

Connect. Inform. Inspire.

April 17, 2009

Hebrew Union College may close campuses

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Last summer, the dean of the L.A. campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion told me his university was considering reducing its workweek to four days. Nothing came of this, but I believe in February the school’s academic senate voted to invoke a pay cut rather than lay off faculty. And now Rabbi David Ellenson, president of the four-campus university, has sent a letter explaining that HUC-JIR’s financial troubles are so profound that two campuses may be shut down:

As a result, Ellenson wrote, the college’s board of governors will meet next month to discuss such “radical” scenarios as keeping just one of its three U.S. campuses, which are in Los Angeles, New York and Cincinnati, where it was founded. Other alternatives include merging some academic programs but keeping more than one campus open in the U.S., he wrote. A final decision is expected in June.

The Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion also has a campus in Jerusalem, which apparently is not in danger of closing but faces budget reductions.

Cincinnati is the historic home of the college, and the Los Angeles campus has a close relationship, including sharing faculty and facilities, with USC. My colleague, Rachel Heller, is calling around trying to confirm just what’s on the table. Being that this is the last day of Passover, reaching anyone has thus far proven challenging.

Hebrew Union College may close campuses Read More »

That’s Where The Debate Is Going

Leave a Comment / Blogs /

Last week, we and three senior officials of the Jewish Federation met with a senior editor of The Los Angeles Times editorial page.  We arranged the meeting to express widespread criticism among members of the Los Angeles Jewish community of editorial decisions by the Times regarding Israel.  Specifically, we focused on the newspaper’s decision to publish an opinion piece by Hamas political deputy Mousa Abu Marzook on January 6, 2009, during the peak of the Hamas War.

In his piece, Marzook dismissed Israel’s response to Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket fire as a “preemptive strike” and “simpl[e] aggression . . . designed to sow terror and loose anarchy.”  In his sole reference to rocket fire from Gaza, Marzook claimed that only one Israeli had been killed in the six-months prior to the conflict.  The Times ran, then later corrected this outright lie.  Marzook also slammed calls for Hamas to recognize the right of Israel to exist as “hollow,” given Israel’s “murderous onslaught” and “military occup[ation].”

We asserted that publishing such a piece in the Times lends credibility to the views and actions of Hamas.  The editor, however, pointed to the democratic election of Hamas in Gaza and the favorable views of some world leaders towards Hamas, including President Jimmy Carter.  We understand the journalistic obligation to publish a broad spectrum of viewpoints and to let the marketplace of ideas rebut those views that some find pernicious.  But, our freedom of speech and freedom of press must be used responsibly.  This is especially true given that Hamas’ ultimate aim is the murder of Jews and the destruction of Israel.  Disseminating the views of a senior Hamas leader in a mainstream newspaper furthers those objectives.

Our conversation returned often to the larger issue of context.  We debated whether the average reader is aware of the founding Charter of Hamas or of Marzook’s terrorist history.  The Hamas Charter calls for the “obliteration” of Israel and its replacement with an Islamic state and quotes from the infamous Protocols of the Elders of Zion.  Marzook, meanwhile, is no political official, but a man the United States government indicted as conspiring to fund terrorism and listed as a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist.”  The editor noted that the Israeli media prints much more controversial pieces.  That argument is, of course, a straw man.  Every Israeli reader is aware that Hamas is committed to the death of innocent Jews; Israelis live daily in the shadow of Hamas’ terror.  Not all American readers are similarly aware of Hamas’ genocidal goals.  Publishing a piece by Marzook with a byline that fails to mention his admitted aim of killing Jews is akin to publishing a piece by former senatorial candidate and former KKK “Grand Wizard” David Duke with a byline that identifies Duke solely as a “political candidate.”  Doing so is misleading and dangerous.

The editor, a thoughtful journalist who to his credit welcomed our meeting, assured us that neither he nor his editorial board treats the decision to publish pieces by Hamas lightly.  We discussed the decision by The Washington Post to run an editorial critical of Hamas alongside an opinion piece by Hamas foreign minister and founder, Mahmoud al-Zahar.  Whether The Post’s decision was designed to avoid meetings like ours or reflected the newspaper’s desire to make a bold statement about the terrorist organization, it seems unlikely that Hamas would submit any pieces to The Post in the future.

Recently, The Los Angeles Times ran a pair of dueling opinion pieces: “Zionism is the Problem” by Ben Ehrenreich and “Is Anti-Zionism Hate?” by Judea Pearl.  We maintained that the editorial decisions of The Times frame debates on important issues—as evidenced by the Ehrenreich and Pearl pieces—and shape how policymakers view those issues.  The editor responded that while newspapers may to some extent frame debates, they also follow debates.  He then made a startling observation—that whether Israel should continue to exist as a Jewish state or whether Hamas’ grievances are valid and justified . . . “that’s where the debate is going.”

If that is true, anyone who values Israel as a bastion of freedom and democracy and a historical homeland for the Jewish people should be concerned.  That after sixty years and countless wars and conflicts the very right of the Jewish people to peace and autonomy is being revisited reflects an incalculable failure:  the failure to stand up effectively to Israel’s critics.  Our failure to speak up in a united and consistent fashion enables former American Presidents to label Israel an apartheid state, American diplomats to blast the “dishonor” and “indecency” of the “Israel lobby” when they are passed over for government positions, and the President of the United Nations General Assembly to accuse Israel of “genocide” for defending its citizens from rocket fire.

If indeed newspapers like the Times follow the debate and that is where the debate is going, our community must speak up.  If you disagree with something that a newspaper publishes, write a letter to the editor (for the Times, email letters@latimes.com).  Submit opinion pieces.  Request meetings with newspaper editorial boards.  Our silence, especially after a piece like Marzook’s, is deafening.

We are in danger of losing the debate.  If we do, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

David Peyman and Sam Yebri are co-founders of the Iranian-Jewish civic action organization “30 Years After” (www.30yearsafter.org).  Peyman, a graduate of UCLA and Harvard Law School, and Yebri, a graduate of Yale University and USC Law School, are attorneys in Los Angeles.

 

That’s Where The Debate Is Going Read More »

hometest

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Durban II

Durban II

Ahmadinejad
Accuses Israel
of Genocide,
Europeans Walk Out

European diplomats walked out of a session of the Durban II conference when Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on the world to unite against Israel.In a speech at the U.N.-sponsored anti-racism conferencein Geneva, the Iranian president first blamed the West for injustice, then went on the offensive against Israel, calling it the “racist perpetrators of genocide.” more

Durban

Exclusive Coverage from DURBAN 2 – DAY 1: Arrival

I arrived in Geneva around 10:30 AM on Sunday, and met up with the rest of the American Jewish Committee delegation.  The city couldn’t feel more tranquil, which is odd considering Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is preparing to welcome the Durban Review Conference at 3:14 pm the next day.  Iran is one of the Human Rights Committee member states in charge of organizing this conference to combat racial discrimination. more

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Saving Shanhai’s Jewish Past


Last Chance for Matzah Balls

Take Orit Arfa and Jay Firestone and gently place them into the private kitchens of 3 contestants: Michelle Chaim, Hilit Gilat, and Katsuji Tanabe. Extract the stories behind each of their matzah ball soup recipes to create 1 unique webisode per contestant. more

Opinion

‘My Name is
Joseph Neustadt’

 

Podcasts

L.A. Officials
Celebrate Persian
New Year of
“No Ruz”

 

Green

Tel Aviv’s
Green
Scene

 

more news below

 

hometest Read More »

Catching up with the Jewish Jordan

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Still doing interviews for my coming article about Jew ball and Lakers back-up point guard Jordan Farmar, I just got off the phone with the original “Jewish Jordan.”

Don’t recognize the reference? Don’t worry. I’ve resurrected this blog post from last June for that:

That was once a name claimed by Tamir Goodman, a red-headed Orthodox kid from Baltimore who could seriously play back in the day. (Goodman is my age.) He had a scholarship at the University of Maryland, but that fell through when he refused to play on the Sabbath, and two years later he signed a contract with Israel’s top team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and, surprisingly became the league’s first observant Jew. Here he is talking with Gelf:

Anything I’ve ever done, I only did for Judaism. All along, all I’ve ever said is, “I’m just trying to use my God-given talent.“ I’m no different than anyone else—you’re a reporter, a lawyer is a lawyer; for me, my talent is basketball. I don’t know; it’s not like I wanted it, or asked for it. I try to be as simple and as humble as possible all the time.

Goodman is still playing, but he’s proven to be no Jordan. He was a standout high school player, and for the Tribe that was enough.

You can ead the rest of that blog post, which actually focused on Jordan Farmar, here. As for Goodman, his days in the limelight have passed, but he’s made a comeback and is playing for Maccabi Haifa.

On a related note, I will, in the Shaqtastic tradition of self-styled nicknames, heretofore be known as the Jewish J.J. Redick. That’s about all the hyperbole I could afford.

Catching up with the Jewish Jordan Read More »

Picks and Clicks for April 18–24, 2009

Leave a Comment / Picks and Clicks, What's Happening /

SUN | APRIL 19

” title=”http://www.mountsinaiparks.org” target=”_blank”>http://www.mountsinaiparks.org.

(ART)
Artist Mitzi Trachtenberg incorporates fragments of documents, personal letters, photos and genealogy charts in her collage series — a body of work that was inspired by the Holocaust. Trachtenberg, along with Bill Aron, Carol Inez Charney and Ruth Snyder, will be featured in American Jewish University’s “Remembrance/Yom HaShoah” art exhibition, opening today. Hannelore Hillman, survivor and author, will be the guest speaker at the artists’ reception. Sun. 3-5 p.m. (reception). Gallery is open Sun.-Thu., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Through July 12. Free. Platt and Borstein Galleries, AJU, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Los Angeles. (310) 476-9777, ext. 201. ” title=”http://www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org.
” target=”_blank”>http://www.hollywoodmasterchorale.org.

(LECTURE)
Former neo-Nazi Tom Leyden will speak about his book, “Skinhead Confessions,” at the Museum of Tolerance. Leyden will be available to sign his book following the program. Sun. 2 p.m. Free. Museum of Tolerance, 9786 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P. required. (310) 772-2527. ” title=”http://www.plays411.com/dead” target=”_blank”>http://www.plays411.com/dead.

(WORKSHOP)
Brush up on Israel’s history, learn how to counter anti-Israel rhetoric and discover how to become an advocate for Israel at “Israel 101: An Advocacy Boot Camp for Young Professionals.” Sponsored by StandWithUs Young Professionals, 30 Years After and The Jewish Federation, this half-day seminar of lectures, videos and discussion sessions is for and by young professionals who want to get involved. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free (includes kosher brunch). Jewish Federation Building, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. For security purposes, registration is required. {encode=”Israel101event@gmail.com” title=”Israel101event@gmail.com”}.

MON | APRIL 20

(BOOKS)
Academy Award-winning producer Walter Mirisch will be the guest of honor at Books ‘N Brunch, a fundraiser for the Brandeis National Committee, Conejo Valley Chapter. Mirisch, who produced “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Some Like It Hot” and other Hollywood classics, will discuss his recently published memoir, “I Thought We Were Making Movies, Not History.” Jacqueline Berger, author of “Love, Lies and Tears: An Intimate Look at America’s First Ladies,” will also appear at the program. Mon. 9:30 a.m. $40. Hyatt Westlake Plaza, 880 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. (818) 874-0044. ” title=”http://www.skirball.org” target=”_blank”>http://www.skirball.org.

(HOLOCAUST)
Sinai Temple’s Yom HaShoah commemoration event, Voices of the Soul, will feature the music of composers from the time of the Holocaust and will include the synagogue’s clergy, Holocaust music scholar Nick Strimple, Cantor David Kane, vocalist Rickie Gole, dancer Tina Finkelman Berkett, musicians Aryell Cohen and Tali Tadmor and the USC String Quartet. Mon. 7:15 p.m. Free. Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. R.S.V.P. required to park in building. (310) 481-3243. {encode=”dgreenbaum@sinaitemple.org” title=”dgreenbaum@sinaitemple.org”}. ” title=”http://www.rjchq.org” target=”_blank”>http://www.rjchq.org.

TUE | APRIL 21
(CLASSES)
Contemporary Jewish Music is one of several adult education courses being offered at the Skirball Cultural Center this spring. Taught by Jeff Janeczko, a doctoral candidate in the UCLA ethnomusicology department, the course explores the various musical styles that fall under the broad title of “Jewish music” — klezmer, spiritual, hip-hop, rock, folk and world music – and their significance to modern Jewish identity. Tuesdays through May 26 (six sessions). 7-9 p.m. $150 (general), $120 (Skirball members), $90 (students). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4651. ” title=”http://www.museumoftolerance.com” target=”_blank”>http://www.museumoftolerance.com.

WED | APRIL 22

” title=”http://www.lesleywolman.com” target=”_blank”>http://www.lesleywolman.com.

(FILM)
Roni Hirshenzon’s oldest son was killed in a suicide bombing in Israel. His other son committed suicide five years later after his best friend was also killed in a suicide bombing. In spite of his tragedies, Hirshenzon works to promote peace and co-founded a support group for Israeli and Palestinian parents who have lost children in the conflict. The Shalom/Salaam Film Salon will screen “Another Side of Peace,” a documentary that chronicles this Israeli father’s path from grief and anger to reconciliation and activism. Co-sponsored by Brit Tzedek v’Shalom. Wed. 7 p.m. $5 (suggested donation). Arbeter Ring/Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 552-2007. ” title=”http://www.colcoa.org” target=”_blank”>http://www.colcoa.org.

THU | APRIL 23

” title=”http://www.fathomevents.com” target=”_blank”>http://www.fathomevents.com.

(LECTURE)
Oliver Sacks has skillfully combined medicine and literature in bestselling books such as “Awakenings” and “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” and in numerous essays in publications such as The New Yorker, earning the nickname “the poet laureate of medicine” by The New York Times. Sacks will be featured at UCLA Live’s “Music, Healing and the Brain” spoken word program. Thu. 8 p.m. $25-$50. Royce Hall, UCLA, Westwood. (310) 825-2101. ” title=”http://www.tbala.org/lehrhaus” target=”_blank”>http://www.tbala.org/lehrhaus.

(PANEL DISCUSSION)
Author and Journal contributor Gina Nahai will be moderating a panel on the subject of book publishing, organized by the usc master of professional writing program. “The Literary Marketplace: The Changing Face of Publishing” will address topics such as the failing economy, the Internet, finding an agent and achieving both critical and financial success. On the panel: Louisa Ermelino, novelist and reviews director at Publishers Weekly Magazine; Barbara Lowenstein from the Lowenstein/Yost agency; and Suzanne Wickham, director of publicity at Harper One, a division of Harper Collins. Thu. 7:30 p.m. (discussion), 9 p.m. (reception). Free. Parking at structure X; enter gate 3 at McCarthy Way. USC University Club, Main Dining Room, downtown Los Angeles. R.S.V.P. to {encode=”mpw@college.usc.edu” title=”mpw@college.usc.edu”}.

(YOM HAATZMAUT)
Israel’s hit show “Kochav Nolad” (aka “Israeli Idol”) is coming to Los Angeles to find its next superstar. Celebrating this occasion and Israel’s 61st Independence Day, DJs Eliran and Tal are hosting a Kochav Nolad Yom HaAtzmaut Party with Israeli television personalities and the show’s judges, Tzvika Hadar, Margalit Tzan’ani and Gal Uhovsky. The party will also feature live performances by an Israeli rock band, music by the DJ brothers and a limited number of auditions. Ages 21 and over. Thu. 9 p.m. (doors open). $25 (presale). Vanguard, 6021 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. To sign up to audition, visit http://www.mako.co.il. For tickets to the party, visit ” border = 0 vspace = ‘8’ hspace = ‘8’ align = ‘left’>(THEATER)
The story of Hillel Kook, aka Peter Bergson, a Zionist activist who fought to rescue Jews in Europe during World War II and faced opposition from the U.S. government, journalists and even Jewish community leaders, is back for a second run. The Fountain Theatre and the Israeli Leadership Council are sponsoring the re-opening of “The Accomplices,” written by former New York Times reporter Bernard Weinraub. Fri. (preview performance). 8 p.m. $15. Thu.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. Through June 14. $18-$30. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 663-1525. ” title=”http://www.bn.com” target=”_blank”>http://www.bn.com.

(THEATER)
The Ahmanson Theatre is hosting the 30th anniversary of “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show,” a Tony Award-winning revue that pays homage to the black entertainers of the historic Harlem Renaissance, with a particular focus on Thomas “Fats” Waller. Murray Horwitz was instrumental in conceiving the show; the lyricist also collaborated with Richard Maltby, Jr. — his partner for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” — on “An Evening of Sholom Aleichem” and co-hosts the annual NPR special, “Hanukkah Lights.” Fri. 8 p.m. Tue.-Sun. Through May 31. $40-$100. Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. (213) 628-2772. Picks and Clicks for April 18–24, 2009 Read More »

Bibi’s new government must be an April fool

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Mr Binyamin Netanyahu has just formed the largest government ever in the history of Israel: 30 ministers and seven deputy ministers. People have raised doubts about this government’s ability to function. A government spokesman agreed to address questions of the concerned public.

Q: Why so many ministers? Isn’t that just a pure waste?

A: On the contrary. This is a good use of taxpayer money. Had all these people not been ministers, they would be roaming around the Knesset, scheming against the government and trying to undermine it.

Q: But isn’t that the duty of the parliament — to limit the power of the government?

A: In normal democracies, yes — but not in Israel. In a country surrounded by so many enemies, the last thing you need is hassle from parliament.

Q: What will a government meeting look like? If every minister speaks for 10 minutes, it’s 300 minutes altogether, or five hours.

A: You really have to look at the bright side. When the first 15 ministers speak, for two and a half hours, the others can take a nap. Then they rotate.  Hard working ministers need a rest.

Q: How will this government deal with the economic crisis?

A: That’s simple. It will take from the poor and give to the rich.

Q: You mean, the other way around?

A: Yes, of course, I’m sorry. It will give to the rich and take from the poor.

Q: What about the peace process?

A: What peace process?

Q: Between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

A: Oh, that peace process. This government will surely give it its fullest attention.

Q: But how? Half of the ministers are for a two-state solution, while the other half are totally against it.

A: Precisely. This government is fit to address the situation we are facing. Those favouring a peace move will deal with Fatah and Abu Mazen, while those opposing it will deal with Hamas.

Q: How the [expletive] is it going to work? This is nothing but a government of paralysis!

A: Calm down, sir. Sometimes, inaction is better than action. Look, for example, at the actions of the last government, in Lebanon and inGaza.

Q: What about Avigdor Lieberman?

A: What about him?

Q: Is he really the right person to represent Israel as Foreign Minister? Didn’t he threaten in the past to bomb the Aswan Dam? Didn’t he just declare the Annapolis agreement null and void? Isn’t he a bull in a china shop?

A: Don’t worry, we already took care of it. As we speak, the police are investigating him for money laundering.

Q: What’s the matter with you people? Every prime minister or minister you elect is eventually found to be a crook.

A: Not true. We know they are crooks before we elect them. This way we avoid the scandal later.

Q: Excuse me, but it just occurred to me, that the date this government was established…

A: Sorry, I really have to go…

Q: …No wait, wasn’t it April 1, All Fools’ Day?

A: Well, if you insist, yes, it was.

Bibi’s new government must be an April fool Read More »

David Brooks Lands in Israel, Is Bemused

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In today’s New York Times, columnist David Brooks does a nice job capturing what so many of us civilized Jews feel when we touch down in Israel:

“As an American Jew, I was taught to go all gooey-eyed at the thought of Israel, but I have to confess, I find the place by turns exhausting, admirable, annoying, impressive and foreign.”

It’s a nice, gentle piece—probably like Brooks himself. And it shows up as clearly as anything the difference between the Israeli and American Jew.  There’s a fish out of water quality to Brooks’ observations and experiences that even Palestinians in Israel couldn’t relate to—they’re more Israeli than him.  He ends his piece holding out the hope that one day Israelis won’t cut in line. He can rest assured that they don’t—after they’ve lived in America for a while.

David Brooks Lands in Israel, Is Bemused Read More »

Imagining a world of Christian video games

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Redmond Carolipio found a pretty funny blog post at Live Granades. It’s called “If Christians Made Vidoegames Like We Make Shirts.”

Red writes:

You must see this and feel the power yourself. Be sure to leave your arrow on the picture to see the sweet captions.

Personally, I’m all about “God of Love.” If Jesus is rocking the pitchfork in the game, I am SO upgrading the crap out of it. Eat it, Blades of Chaos.

I think I’m more of a “Tomb Raider: Magdalene” man.

Imagining a world of Christian video games Read More »

Reflecting on the J Street lobby

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J Street started a year ago as a Jewish lobby for doves. There was some criticism of the group then, and I still hear some today. Most memorably, J Street attacked then-president candidate John McCain for “exploiting the Holocaust” and releasing a survey of American Jewish attitudes.

A year in, The Washington Post reviews J Street’s record and finds that the PAC has dramatically exceeded expectations. An excerpt:

In a break with common practice among U.S. Jewish groups, J Street has not been shy about aggressively criticizing Israeli leaders. This month, the group launched an unusual YouTube video accusing new Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman of running a “racist and incendiary” election campaign and alleging that many U.S. Jewish leaders are “whitewashing what Lieberman stands for.”

David Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee, told the Jewish Week newspaper that such criticism “doesn’t help Israel.”

J Street also came under fire for loudly criticizing Israel’s recent military incursion against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip. “While there is nothing ‘right’ in raining rockets on Israeli families or dispatching suicide bombers, there is nothing ‘right’ in punishing a million and a half already-suffering Gazans for the actions of the extremists among them,” J Street wrote in a message to its members.

Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, called J Street’s position on the Gaza conflict “morally deficient, profoundly out of touch with Jewish sentiment and also appallingly naïve.”

One of J Street’s biggest targets is Washington’s preeminent pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has more than 100,000 members and spent $2.5 million on lobbying last year. J Street, by contrast, has spent little on lobbying so far; AIPAC does not directly contribute to candidates as J Street does.

AIPAC declined to comment on J Street or its aims. But Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the new group has a long way to go before it can rival AIPAC, which has often taken hawkish positions on Israeli defense issues.

“AIPAC has found a way over a half-century to tremendously energize people about their mission,” Alterman said. “Can J Street build a donor base who believe that it is something that is vital in the way that AIPAC does? I don’t know if that’s possible.”

You can read the rest here.

Reflecting on the J Street lobby Read More »