The Cleveland Indians play host to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the World Series hoping to build on their 1-0 lead. Will Indians reliever Andrew Miller have enough juice to shut down the Cubbies again? Can Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta return to his early season form and get the National League champions even? Which franchise will move closer to ending its historic Series drought?
But we have another question: Which team is more Jewish?
Both clubs have long-suffering fans. The Indians last won the championship in 1948, and their most recent Series appearance, in 1997, ended in heartbreak: The Tribe lost to the Florida Marlins in extra innings of Game 7 after leading in the ninth inning. The Cubs have an even longer record of futility: It’s been 107 seasons since they won the World Series. Before this year, the last time they appeared in the Fall Classic was 1945.
So which team should the Chosen People choose? Two fans make their cases:
The Cubs
During the Jewish fall festival of Sukkot, the Cubs slaughtered a billy goat.
In 1945, a disgruntled fan allegedly cursed the Cubs after he was kicked out of Wrigley Field with his pet goat. And for seven decades, the Curse of the Billy Goat held. Despite a handful of promising seasons and playoff appearances, the Cubs never again advanced to the World Series.
Until a Jewish hero arrived to return the team to greatness.
Theo Epstein, its president of baseball operations, came aboard in 2011 and built a squad that won a major league-leading 103 games this year — the franchise’s best mark since 1910.
On Saturday night, the final day of Sukkot, Epstein’s team accomplished the seemingly impossible: With a shutout of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs advanced to their first World Series in 71 years while breaking the curse.
But long before Epstein, the Jew and the Cubs fan were kindred spirits: The Jew laments the exile of 2,000 years. The Cubs fan mourns more than a century without a World Series win. The Jew remembers death and destruction — in Spain, Russia, Poland and Germany. The Cubs fan remembers seasons snatched away — in 1945, 1969, 1984 and 2003.
The Jew holds strong to tradition — fasting on Yom Kippur, recounting the Exodus at Passover, abstaining from pork and shellfish. The Cubs fan stays true to custom — waving the W flag, throwing back opponents’ home run balls, pounding Old Style beer and singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”
The Jew travels to a holy site — the Western Wall, covered in green plants, steeped in memory and mired in controversy over who can pray where. The Cubs fan also travels to a holy site — Wrigley Field, covered in green plants, steeped in memory and mired in controversy over a hideous Jumbotron.
Now, just as the Jews just finished a series of holidays heralding a new year, the Cubs hope to finish a series by ending professional sports’ longest championship drought.
-Ben Sales
The Indians
The Cleveland Indians are the most Jewish team in baseball. All Indians fans, in fact, are MOT, or Members of the Tribe.
The most prominent Jewish member of the Tribe was slugger Al Rosen, called “The Hebrew Hammer,” who spent his entire career from 1947 to 1956 with the Indians. He also refused to play on the High Holidays and threatened to fight the myriad of opposing players who slurred him for being Jewish. Hank Greenberg, the best Jewish hitter of all time, became the team’s general manager after retiring in the late 40s.
In 2002, Mark Shapiro was named general manager. In 2010 he became the team’s president, a job he held for five years. He currently holds that job in the Toronto Blue Jays organization (so the Blue Jays’ American League Championship Series against the Indians, in the playoffs’ last round, had to have hurt). The GM now, Mike Chernoff, also is Jewish.
For 14 years, beginning with its inaugural season in 1994, Jacobs Field was the home stadium of the Indians. Though it has been renamed Progressive Field (for the Cleveland-based Progressive Insurance Company, helmed for 35 years by Jewish philanthropist Peter Lewis), the park is still referred to by many fans as “the Jake.”
The Indians have had a kosher hot dog stand at their field for more than 15 years and hold an annual Jewish community night that draws hundreds of Jewish fans and fans of Jews to the downtown Cleveland venue.
Cleveland Jewish News columnist Regina Brett pointed out in an article on Tuesday that while Chicago Cubs baseball has had a longer record of futility than the Indians, it is indeed Cleveland sports fans who have suffered the longest.
Before the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA championship four months ago, no Cleveland sports team had held a title since the Browns of the National Football League in 1964.
As Brett writes: “Yes, the Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908. But Cleveland sports fans endured ‘The Catch,’ ‘The Drive,’ ‘The Shot,’ ‘The Fumble,’ ‘The Move’ and more, while Chicago fans were celebrating the following litany of sports victories … The Bears’ Super Bowl in 1985. The White Sox World Series in 2005. The Chicago Bulls’ six NBA titles between 1991 and 1998. The Chicago Blackhawks’ six Stanley Cups. The last one was in 2015.
“People, that was LAST YEAR, so no crying in your Coors for the Cubs when they lose to the Tribe.”
Author Patrick Sheane Duncan is on hand to tell his tale of professor Van Helsing, who Romanian resistance forces turn to when they become ravaged by the Nazi Secret Service during World War II. Van Helsing brings back a monster from centuries of slumber — Prince Dracula. He proves more than willing to again drive out his country’s invaders. Hitler is intrigued by the possibility of becoming immortal, so the two must confront each other. 4 p.m. Free. Book Soup, 8818 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 659-3110. SUN | OCT 30
TOUR DE SUMMER CAMPS
Join in The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles’ fourth annual Tour de Summer Camps. Last year’s bicycle ride raised $1.16 million for thousands of kids in our community to attend camp. You can choose from four scenic courses of 18, 36, 62 or 100 miles. 5 a.m. Camp Alonim, 1101 Peppertree Lane, Simi Valley. (323) 761-8013. ” target=”_blank”>beverlyhills.org.
TUES | NOV 1
“HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH”
On several nights in this innovative production of the rock musical, Lena Hall will star as Hedwig, who assumes a female persona after a botched sex-change operation; on the other dates, Hall will play Hedwig’s husband and backup singer, Yitzhak. It is the first time an actor will play both Hedwig and Yitzhak during a run. (Darren Criss plays Hedwig for most of the performances.) Hedwig has the surgery so she can marry an American man and escape East Germany; witness how the couple’s relationship unfolds. 8 p.m. Runs through Nov. 17. Tickets start at $49. Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (866) 755-2929. ” target=”_blank”>international.ucla.edu.
MEET THE “MOZZA” CHEF
” target=”_blank”>skirball.org.
WED | NOV 2
CLASSICAL JEWISH MUSIC FROM POLAND
Come enjoy this “Kol Polin” concert of Jewish chamber music and art songs by Polish composers. The concert will feature 20th and 21st century music by émigré and exiled Polish-Jewish composers. The performers will be current and recently graduated UCLA students. 7:30 p.m. Free, RSVP requested. UCLA, Jan Popper Theater, Schoenberg Music Building, 445 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles. (310) 825-5947. ” target=”_blank”>booksoup.com.
“BY SIDNEY LUMET”
Film director Sidney Lumet tells his own story in his own words in the new documentary “By Sidney Lumet,” which features a never-before-seen 2008 interview with the filmmaker whose works include “Serpico,” “Dog Day Afternoon,” “12 Angry Men,” “Network,” “Prince of the City” and “The Verdict.” Lumet, who died in 2011, talks about his life and work, and the poverty and left-wing politics of his upbringing in a Jewish immigrant family. The film, directed by Emmy Award winner Nancy Borski, also features clips from the prolific Lumet’s work — he made 44 films in 50 years. A Q-and-A with producer Christopher Donnelly and guests will follow the screening. 7:30 p.m. $12. Laemmle Music Hall, 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (800) 838-3006. THURS | NOV 3
CONVERSATION AND TASTING
Join Liz Alpern and Jeffrey Yoskowitz in celebration of their new book, “The Gefilte Manifesto.” Alpern and Yoskowitz are co-founders of the well-known Gefilteria in Brooklyn and are on a mission to revitalize Jewish comfort food with this new book. They will be joined by Amelia Saltsman, author of “The Seasonal Jewish Kitchen,” for a lively conversation and some seasonal tastes from “The Gefilte Manifesto.” Proceeds from this event go to benefit Netiya, a food and faith network. 7 p.m. $100. Tickets available at ” target=”_blank”>bit.ly/NetiyaBenefit. Address given after reservation.
At 10 years of age, we had to say the Pledge of Allegiance, and I would put my hand over my heart and say the pledge. The final line is “with liberty and justice for all,” which I just could not say. At 10 years of age, I knew then as I do now that there is no liberty and justice for all, unfortunately. I have a 101-year-old friend, Sarah, who keeps me from losing faith, who is Jewish.
Until you feel the sting, please let us not use the word “cowardice” so loosely.
Carolyn Ann Britton via email
Gehry’s Jewish Museum Plan
I was aghast when I read the following in Danielle Berrin’s article (“Frank Gehry Takes on Tel Aviv,” Oct. 14): “… the Aspers turned to the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., which determined in a report that ‘there is no must-visit cultural institute in Tel Aviv …’ ” I have visited Beit Hatfutsot, the Nahum Goldmann Museum of Jewish Diaspora Museum since 1950. It has been completely revamped since its early days and is now an absolute gem.
I really would like to see a building created by Frank Gehry in Tel Aviv or anywhere in Israel and stand in awe of the Asper family’s generosity, but would hope they reconsider this particular project.
Henny Moëd Roth via email
Reflecting on Transgressions
I too have a “blue couch,” Gina Nahai. I share your feelings just about to the letter (“Me, Myself and the Blue Couch,” Oct. 14). Being retired carries much guilt. Ask anyone who is stretched out on the couch.
Chloe Ross, West Hollywood
Veal and Apples Recipe: Please Hold the Veal
I’m all for eating apples, but it’s inhumane and unnecessary to prepare them with veal or any other animal-based food (“Core Values,” Sept. 23).
The main ingredient in veal recipes is suffering. Calves raised for veal are typically taken from their mothers and chained in tiny crates when they’re just 1 day old. Mother cows frantically cry out for their calves for several days after they have been separated.
The calves are fed a milk substitute that is purposely low in iron so they’ll become anemic and their flesh stays pale. They take their first weak, wobbly steps — to slaughter — when they’re between 3 and 18 weeks old. Instead of promoting such cruelty, I hope the Jewish Journal will feature tasty vegan recipes that don’t prompt compassionate readers to contact PETA or other animal protection organizations.
Readers can find free vegan recipes — including wholesome apple-based recipes — at PETA.org.
In the United States, we are constantly surrounded by the media and their interpretation or bias of certain events, peoples, or places — one of those being Israel. Sadly, many people’s impression of Israel is based solely on what they hear or read in the news. As has happened to most people who have visited Israel, Branlandingham’s opinion on Israel changed. Upon visiting Israel, people see the truly incredible country that it is. I think that Branlandingham beautifully described the emotions that go into visiting Israel for the first time.
Noa Radaei via email
Housing for the Homeless
Thank you, Rob Eshman, for your beautiful article (“Blue Tents,” Oct. 14). The whole magazine was so exceptional that I read it word for word and intend to keep it. A year ago I received Section 8 housing that got me off the streets. I’m (was) a homeless veteran and a neuropsychiatric patient.
Daniel Kirwan, Los Angeles
It’s Just Not Right
Each week, when I read the Jewish Journal, I start with the assumption that I am reading a publication that is supposed to serve the Los Angeles Jewish community. This past week’s edition has proven once again that the Jewish Journal subordinated its mission of serving the Los Angeles Jewish community to, instead, be part of the liberal left media.
If the mission of the Jewish Journal is to serve the Jewish community, it has an obligation to sever itself from the liberal left, pro-Democratic, pro-Hillary Clinton media and at least make some semblance of an effort to be fair, balanced and credible.
Earlier this week as we celebrated Simchat Torah, we unscrolled the parchment and placed ourselves around the sanctuary, surrounding our kindergarten class within the text of our people. It felt like a group hug!
I looked around the room, and it really made me think…
What do we surround ourselves with each day? Who are the people? What are the hobbies? How is the time used? Where do we walk to? Do we immerse ourselves in positive thinking?
It's important to take a moment in time each morning to be purposeful in how we want to bring meaning to the day. Like Torah, our day should not constrict or constrain us. Rather, each day should anchor us, embrace us, and enable us to dream!
. Silverton is involved with such L.A. restaurants as Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Chi Spacca and La Brea Bakery. In her new cookbook, she shares the recipes that inspired her to cook at home again after a long hiatus. Books available for purchase. Q-and-A and book signing to follow the program. 8 p.m. Free. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. <a href=)
” target=”_blank”>skirball.org.