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Torah Reading 1005 Haftarah 1033
VA'ETHANNAN
Our Sidra continues the address to the people by Moses that began in last week's portion. Moses recounts how God denied his request to be allowed to enter the land of Israel; Moses must view the country from atop Mount Pisgah. He pleads with the nation to adhere to God's laws scrupulously - especially the laws regarding idolatry. Failure to conform to these laws will inevitably result in expulsion from the land.
Moses apportions three cities on the eastern side of the Jordan River to serve as Cities of Refuge.
In an effort to stress the importance of maintaining all the commandments, Moses recalls how awe-struck the people were at the time of the Revelation when they assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. A slightly altered version of the Ten Commandments from the one found in the Book of Exodus is restated.
The most prominent of our prayers is found here: the first paragraph of the Sh'ma, asserting the exclusive relationship between God and Israel, and Israel's duty to study and observe the Torah at all times.
Future generations should be trained, not only in the observance of the Torah, but in the account of the deliverance from Egypt. A strict warning against intermarriage and idolatry is issued. The special relationship between God and Israel is stressed again: in love, God redeemed the Israelites from slavery; it is, therefore, their duty to observe the commandments
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Today is T"U b'Av (not to be confused with T'U b'Shvat)
On Tu B'Av, the "Jewish Valentine's Day" Jewish Astrologers and Intuitives Have the Key to Love
Tonight at 7:00 p.m.
Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.
Last week I spoke about Israel's new Basic Law. I totally misunderstood the purpose of the provision 6B: "The state will act to preserve the cultural, historical and religious legacy of the Jewish people among the Jewish diaspora." Well, now I understand it...in spades. I got my education in 6B through the arrest of Masorti Rabbi Dov Haiyun, and I'll fill you in tomorrow morning...
And here is some fallout from the new Basic Law:
( A note from KAS: I immediately saw the pigs as Animal Farm references, and I wasn't thinking treif until I read it in the article)
Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m.:
Minha, Seudah Shlishit, Ma'ariv & Havdalah
During Seudah Shlishit we will read:
Time to Rethink Our Attitudes Toward Middle East Refugees
The international response to the Palestinian refugee issue holds many lessons, mostly negative, for the international community, particularly for Europe
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Please join our MINIONS and help us to make our MINYAN
Sunday at 9:00 a.m. ~~~ Monday - Thursday 7:45 p.m. ~~~ Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m.
This Week's Yahrzeit Observances
We hope that our weekly listing of yahrzeit observances will serve 2 purposes:
1) To remind those who ha
ve the yahrzeit for a second time, much closer to the date of the actual observance
2) To alert friends and acquaintances that someone they know is observing a yahrzeit. We hope that you will show them your support by joining them at our minyanim, and helping to assure that Kaddish can be recited with a minyan
| Alfred Strauss will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Joseph Strauss on Friday evening, July 27th |
| Nili Cohen will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Ray Ostrowitz on Saturday evening, July 28th |
| Jack Reisner will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Abraham Reisner on Saturday evening, July 28th |
| Heidi Skolnik will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Jinny Skolnik on Sunday evening, July 29th |
| Solomon Arbeiter will be observing yahrzeit for his mother, Esther Arbeiter on Sunday evening, July 29th |
| Carolyn Tauber will be observing yahrzeit for her grandmother, Mollie Horowitz on Monday evening, July 30th |
| Ann Rosenberg will be observing yahrzeit for her daughter, Arlene Rosenberg DaSilva on Monday evening, July 20th |
| Myrna Weissman will be observing yahrzeit for her mother-in-law, Ella Weissman on Monday evening, July 30th |
| Harold Bendell will be observing yahrzeit for his father, Joseph Bendell on Monday evening, July 30th |
| Marilyn Saposh will be observing yahrzeit for her mother-in-law, Miriam Saposh on Tuesday evening, July 31st |
| Nili Cohen will be observing yahrzeit for her father, David Ostrowitz on Wednesday evening, August 1st |
| Shifra Ruda will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Mr. Benjamin Dubin on Thursday evening, August 2nd |
| Anne Sommer will be observing yahrzeit for her father, Max Sommer on Thursday evening, August 2nd |
| Marcia Sherman will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Helen Spirer on Thursday evening, August 2nd |
| Anne Salmon will be observing yahrzeit for her mother, Henny Stern on Thursday evening, August 2nd |
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ONLY 3 TICKETS LEFT!
'Fiddler on The Roof' Review: A Richer, Deeper Interpretation
A thrilling new production in Yiddish, directed by Joel Grey, offers a fuller understanding of Jewish religious life.
By Edward Rothstein July 17, 2018 The Wall Street Journal
"Fidler afn Dakh." Sounds crazy, no? But at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, that is what is presented: "Fiddler on the Roof," a classic American musical, entirely performed in a language now rarely heard (Yiddish), neither spoken by its director (the Broadway veteran Joel Grey ) nor by most of the cast (which includes some players from the most recent Broadway production).
Yet the result is thrilling: It is almost as if "Fiddler on the Roof" (1964) were being restored to some primal form. And though Russian and English translations are projected on sides of the stage, they are often unnecessary. When Tevye-the dairyman who regularly argues with God and quotes Scripture-dreams of being a wealthy man and sings "Ven ikh bin a Rotshild," can anyone doubt the meaning? In fact, so virtuosic is Steven Skybell in that role that he often needs no language at all for us to feel his character swerve from ironic mockery to righteous anger to heartbreak
Steven Skybell
PHOTO: VICTOR NECHAY/PROPERPIX
The sense of restoration partly arises because "Fiddler" is loosely based on stories by the great Yiddish writer Sholem Aleichem ; the language's culture, intonation and imagery leave traces throughout the musical. This ancestral influence can even be personal: Mr. Grey is but a generation removed from Yiddish performance culture (his father was the musician and comic Mickey Katz ).
The main force here is the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene, which has been reviving Yiddish theatrical and musical traditions under the artistic direction of Zalmen Mlotek. Mr. Mlotek's taut yet supple conducting of a reduced 12-member orchestra reaches back to the klezmeric spirit and devotional melody that the musical often alludes to, making the results seem more authentic while inspiring Staś Kmieć 's homage to the original's choreography.
In Beowulf Boritt's stage design a few basic props are moved by actors; the stage's space is simply framed by enormous hanging paper sheets that look like aged parchment. Aside from Mr. Skybell's memorable Tevye, Mary Illes as Golde is engaging and steely and Jackie Hoffman's Yente is comic and a bit over-the-top. And while there is some unevenness among the main daughters ( Stephanie Lynne Mason as Hodl, Rosie Jo Neddy as Khave, Rachel Zatcoff as Tsaytl-all names in Yiddish transliteration) and their matches ( Daniel Kahn as Pertshik, Cameron Johnson as Fyedke, Ben Liebert as Motl), the production's polish and verve make for an exuberant and touching celebration.
Kirk Geritano and Jackie Hoffman
PHOTO: VICTOR NECHAY/PROPERPIX
But there are also crucial complications. The show's attitude to the observantly Jewish culture of the shtetl, which it portrays in its death throes-assaulted by modernity, individual desire, and anti-Semitism-is itself quite ambivalent. "Fiddler" was created by four assimilated Jewish-Americans- Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), Joseph Stein (book) and Jerome Robbins (director and choreographer)-none of whom had any deep knowledge of Yiddish or Judaism. They were trying to evoke the world of their fathers, bathing it in a sentimentality that undercut the acidic muscularity of Sholem Aleichem's stories. But they also meant to demonstrate why Tevye's shtetl had to be left behind-not just physically, but religiously.
This translation by Shraga Friedman (1924-1970)-a native Yiddish speaker who fled the Nazis to settle in Israel-was created for a 1965 Israeli production. Almost deliberately, it presses at the source of the musical's uneasiness: religion. The show's opening number, "Tradition," typically defines the glue that holds the community together, determining roles for each family member. Even 50 years ago, this was meant to suggest a repressive patriarchy that merited being overturned-as the daughters' marriages successively did.
But the Yiddish translation suggests something different. Instead of seeing tradition as merely ancestral, the Yiddish text declares that it arises because "God is a father and holy is his Torah." This may not be entirely accurate for some customs (like matchmaking), but it establishes a different context for Tevye's way of life: not arbitrary custom, but law and belief. In this production, the Hebrew word "Torah"-the first five books of the Hebrew Bible as well as an allusion to law and teaching-is inscribed on one of the hanging mock-parchments. That sheet is later torn in two and only jaggedly repaired. If the musical reduces religious life to a few ceremonies and allusions, the translation reminds us how incomplete an understanding this is.
We are still moved by events, but we should realize we are seeing the past only as the Broadway show's creators wished it to be seen, in which traditions are justifiably overturned by the fast-talking challenges of a secular revolutionary Jew (Pertshik) and a literary-minded Russian (Fyedke, who pulls one of Tevye's daughters out of the fold). By the end, we see that most characters will end up in the U.S., where, no doubt, their descendants-like the show's creators-will pay sentimental tribute to a world they never really understood.
For those who would like to get some idea of the wild, ironic and robust volubility of Sholem Aleichem, take a look at "Tevye Served Raw"-a three-person, 85-minute sampling of his work in Yiddish (accompanied by translations) at the 62-seat Playroom Theater, 151 W. 46th St. The show is directed and translated by Allen Lewis Rickman, who, with his co-stars, Yelena Shmulenson and Shane Baker, offers a glimpse of the author, pre-"Fiddler."
- Mr. Rothstein is the Journal's Critic at Large.
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Important Reads
Anti-Semitism and the British Labour Party
To fully appreciate the next article, please familiarize yourself with this
Working Definition of Anti-Semitism
, set forth by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance:
In the spirit of the Stockholm Declaration that states: "With humanity still scarred by ...antisemitism and xenophobia the international community shares a solemn responsibility to fight those evils" the committee on Antisemitism and Holocaust Denial called the IHRA Plenary in Budapest 2015 to adopt the following working definition of antisemitism.
On 26 May 2016, the Plenary in Bucharest decided to:
Adopt the following non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism:
"Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities."
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To guide IHRA in its work, the following examples may serve as illustrations:
Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic. Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for "why things go wrong." It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action, and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.
Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to:
- Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.
- Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective - such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.
- Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.
- Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).
- Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.
- Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.
- Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.
- Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.
- Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.
- Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.
- Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
Antisemitic acts are criminal
when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property - such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries - are selected because they are, or are perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and is illegal in many countries.
And now...
An important video: Chen Kotler Abrahams, Who Lives on the Gaza Border Has a Story and a Message:
Written by Kushner, Greenblatt and Friedman, you should know about this. In essence, they are advocating for regime change in Gaza:
This article adds a fourth author: Ambassador Nikki Haley:
And the Ambassador Haley also said:
"Last year, Iran's contribution to UNRWA was zero. Algeria's contribution to UNRWA was zero. Tunisia's contribution to UNRWA was zero....China provided $350,000 to UNRWA. Russia provided $2 million to UNRWA. The U.S. gave $364 million....And that's on top of what the American people give annually to the Palestinians in bilateral assistance. That is another $300 million just last year....Since 1993...the United States has provided over $6 billion...in bilateral assistance to Palestinians....Americans are very generous people....But we are not fools. If we extend a hand in friendship and generosity, we do not expect our hand to be bitten."
A grim but hopeful vision of the future
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Good News
New Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac (Nuji) Herzog Invites Druze Sheikh Tarif to Address Conference of Diaspora Leaders
In a tribute of respect and appreciation for the Druze community in Israel, and in the context of the community's protest over the legislation of the Nation-State Law, Isaac Herzog, incoming Chairman of The Jewish Agency for Israel, invited Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, to speak before the leadership of the Diaspora which will convene at the next meeting of The Jewish Agency's Board of Governors in Tel Aviv at the end of October.
The invitation was made also on behalf of Michael Siegal, Chairman of the Board of Governors. It will be the first Board of Governors Herzog will attend as the new head of The Jewish Agency.
Sheikh Tarif was deeply moved by the gesture and accepted the invitation. The event will mark the deep bonds of friendship, respect and equality with the Druze community in Israel.
20 Rwandan Children with Heart Disease to Undergo Surgery in Israel
"Instead of listening to Hamas, listen to us Christians. We are here representing millions of South Africans and we want the relationship with Israel to be strengthened."
Israeli Startup Uses Army Night-Vision Tech to Help Prevent Car Accidents
Permission for Air India to fly over Saudi Arabia, cutting travel time significantly, probably has something to do with this:
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Hypocritical, Unsurprising and Ignoble News
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Worrisome News
The superstitious Israeli rabbinate is trying to spin the breaking off of a chunk of a Western Wall ashlar as divine displeasure with the egalitarian prayer space. Nonsense!
And what will the rabbinate say, when similar chunks fall out of the Wall in the men's section and/or the women's section?
The stone fell out of the Wall on my Hebrew birthday; what does that mean??? Answer: Nothing!
But this is serious:
Entire Western Wall is 'Danger Zone,' Archaeologist Says
A 220-pound stone that fell from the wall didn't hurt anyone, but one Ph.D. student sees more incidents to come
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Weekly Cultural Highlights
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Gil Shaham
July 27-July 28
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Juanjo Mena returns for a second BSO performance to conduct works by Haydn and Mozart, as well as Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, with American virtuoso and frequent Tanglewood guest artist Gil Shaham as soloist. The concert begins with Haydn's Symphony No. 88, one of the composer's best-known works in the genre and a favorite of Bernstein's (including a Tanglewood performance in 1988), and completing the program is Mozart's dramatic Symphony No. 40 in G minor, one of Mozart's final trio of symphonies and one of only two that he wrote in a minor key.
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LIOR MILLIGER QUARTET
Sunday July 29, 8pm
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Lior Milliger, an Israeli-NY based Saxophonist, brings a new and fresh sound to the New York scene, combining avant garde jazz
, middle eastern and modern music influences into an hour of hard driving performance.
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After highly successful festival runs, including Karlovy Vary and The New York Jewish Film Festival, The CAKEMAKER, a complex mix of "national identity, sexuality, and, of course, food", will be screened in theaters commencing Friday
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Mark Morrris Dance co.
August 9-12, 2018
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" The performance culminates with a highly anticipated world premiere that brings new life and lift to Schubert's enchanting chamber-music masterpiece, the "Trout" Quintet."
The Trout (World premiere) with Inon Barnatan, piano Ariel Quartet (Mostly Mozart Festival debut)
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Daniel Ori
July 17 - August 8
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Since his move to New York in 2008, Daniel has been a prominent young voice in the contemporary jazz and world music scene, and has performed/recorded with world class musicians such as Oz Noy, Lionel Loueke, Kenwood Dennard, Marcus Printup, Frank London, Jamie Haddad, Alon Yavnai, Mark Turner, Dave Liebman, Logan Richardson, Dayna Stephens and Aaron Goldberg among others
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NOW- SEPTEMBER 30 ONLY!
IMAGINATION MEETS REALITY
VITALY
AN EVENING OF WONDERS
"AMAZING MAGIC. INGENIOUS!" -Penn & Teller
"VITALY BRINGS ART TO LIFE." -HuffPost
BUY NOW & SAVE OVER 30%
$59 Orchestra Seats (reg. $89)
3 WAYS TO BUY YOUR TICKETS:
3. IN PERSON: Print this offer & bring to The Westside Theatre 407 W. 43rd St. Btw 9th & 10th Ave
Vitaly, celebrated as one of the most unique and innovative illusionists in the world, brings his most ambitious work yet, An Evening of Wonders, to New York audiences for a strictly limited engagement June 13 - September 30 at the Westside Theatre. "He is an ingenious inventor, full of charming surprises and amazing magic" hail Penn & Teller. Creating a theatrical experience that takes the audience on a magical journey blending art and illusion, Vitaly conjures some of the most amazing spectacles ever witnessed and dazzles us with the realization that ours is indeed a world of extraordinary wonder and beauty!
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