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INTERNATIONAL If world situation ever improves, it will be incrementally ... by Ira Sharkansky in Jerusalem Incrementalism is dominant in the affairs of government. Reformers come and go. Occasionally they have an impact, but usually it is no more than an increment added on to what exists. READ MORE
A common-sense, non-ideological rationale for aliyah ... by Rabbi Dow Marmur in Jerusalem Because a Toronto recipient of my Israel reflections sent it to a friend in California, who alerted the editor of the electronic daily San Diego Jewish World, my pieces are now being featured there. Another regular contributor from Jerusalem is Professor Ira Sharkansky. We write from very different perspectives and the editor seems to like the range of opinions we present. READ MORE
2-state solution:why commit Israel but not Palestinians? ... by Barry Rubin in Herzliya, Israel Ring! Ring! The Israeli prime minister's alarm clock went off. He quickly sat up in bed and immediately shouted out: "Yes! I'm for a two-state solution!" At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during his talks and all his meetings, in greeting his staff as he walked down the corridor to the office, endless he repeated that phrase. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the world seems to want from Israeli policy. READ MORE
Bikers for Israel ward off Tel Aviv drivers, enjoy Arab hospitality, and meet a government minister ... by Ulla Hadar in Tel Aviv The reality of busy roads and Israeli traffic became very clear to the participants of BikeIsrael2009, when driving out of Caesarea on Sunday morning, April 26. Some of the roads lack shoulders and cars drive very fast when passing the riders. READ MORE JUDAISM The attitudes that we can project onto each other ... by Rabbi Baruch Lederman in San Diego
Attitudes affect and infect others, both consciously and subconsciously, as the following true story illustrates: A man and his elderly father once fell into a dispute. They were very poor and lived in a shack with no heating.READ MORE
The Bible in Pop Culture: Joseph, son of Jacob and Rachel... READ MORE
LIFESTYLES The Trail: A Paean of Praise to David’s Psalm ... by Sheila Orysiek in San Diego
My pathway to heaven begins just at the edge of a forest road. The highway winds in slow curves through the woods littered with the traffic of people – each encased in a vehicle, radio blaring, designed to keep the outdoors out. They are intent on a day in nature’s halls but instead zip by oblivious to the temple through which they pass. READ MORE
PMZ (Post Menopausal Zest) or How to Grow Older Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed ... by Natasha Josefowitz in La Jolla, California If we don’t want wrinkles and grey hair, we’ll have to die young! As this is not something worth considering, let us examine the alternative: aging. READ MORE
A new grandpa prepares for the baby boy's safety ... by Norman Greene in San Diego
In my day, you merely placed the baby in a car seat which was belted into the passenger seat of your car. No muss. No fuss. You just did it and drove off. Not any more! There are California safety laws governing such things now. READ MORE
Former South African starts up SAJACsingles in San Diego ... by Dale Phillips in San Diego
I emigrated almost a year ago from South Africa to San Diego, as this is where one of my sons resides. I have a younger son in New York, but the climate precludes my living there. San Diego’s weather is akin to what we are used to in South Africa. Living at the coast in a beautiful city with friendly inhabitants, is a plus.READ MORE
THE CO-PUBLISHERS' MAILBOX Balloon Utopia demonstrates making a balloon teddy bear ... VIEW VIDEO
JEWISH INTERNET FAVORITES We continue our examination of Jewish entertainers
In Memoriam, Bea Arthur May 13, 1922-April 25, 2009, in a parody of 'Sex and the City' VIEW VIDEO
Nadira, Indian Jewish actress, sings and dances in Shree 420 VIEW VIDEO
Shelley Morison as "Rosario" in "Will and Grace" VIEW VIDEO
Barry Newman in title role of "Petrocelli" VIEW VIDEO
STAFF BOX We congratulate contributors Norman & Bobby Greene on the birth and yesterday's brit milah for their grandson, Spencer Lachlan Matorin, and extend the heartiest of mazal tov's to Spencer's parents, Dana and Dr. Robert Matorin.
We also take delight in the editorial commentary and comment by two of our Jerusalem correspondents, Ira Sharkansky and Rabbi Dow Marmur.
And, once again we invite those of you with a penchant for writing to join the San Diego Jewish World family of contributors. Contact us at editor@sandiegojewishworld.com
JERUSALEM — Incrementalism is dominant in the affairs of government. Reformers come and go.
Occasionally they have an impact, but usually it is no more than an increment added on to what exists.
The past is powerful. Civil servants, politicians, and citizens who benefit from what is do not want to lose it for something that may be better. It is especially difficult to take money from a program that benefits one group of people to pay for something that will help others.
Simple assertions that a government must do this or that are seldom helpful. Policy accretions and judicial precedents limit the capacity of any proposal to affect the change that its advocates desire.
Dramatic changes do occur. A crisis may produce the condition that leads people to accept something new, even at the cost of losing something old.
President Obama is facing an intersection of several crises. First up was the threat of economic collapse. Whatever happens with that will limit the money he can spend on any of the other crises. Among them is the prospect of military collapse in Afghanistan. He talked about transferring military personnel from what seemed like success in Iraq. Now multiple attacks in Baghdad have killed 160 in the space of two days. The president may have to reconsider the option of downsizing. And with the Taliban threatening Islamabad and even Karachi, things may get worse before they get better.
Iran is another problem. Its leaders made positive responses to an American proposal to begin talks, but now assert that they must do what they want.
The latest panic focuses on an illness that may spread from Mexico. It would help if there was better health care in the United States, especially for the poor. All those people having ties to Mexico may not come forward with their headaches and sniffles. And with insurance companies demanding their considerable slice of health expenditures, there may not be a thorough, quick, or cheap fix for the country's ills. In any case, it will not happen in time to deal with this health crisis. Maybe this one will spur an increment of progress that lessens the impacts of a later one.
Israel also figures in these musings. Forty-two years ago it experienced the Six-Day War, then settlement in the West Bank, Golan Heights, and Sinai. Those in the Sinai were modest, and opportunity came a decade later to reverse course for the sake of peace with Egypt.
Israel's presence in the West Bank has continued to grow. Arabs want to turn back the clock. A substantial number of
Israelis do not even want to stop where they are in hopes of getting an agreement with Palestinians they have come to know, but not to trust.
The Golan is another story. Peace with Syria is tempting, and the Golan is not right up against major Israeli cities. However, Syria has ties with Iran and others that may keep it from more than occasional expressions about the Golan and peace.
As far as it is possible to tell from the media, Israelis with responsibilities for defense and foreign policy have been arguing about Iran. The threat is considerable. Sanctions have not deterred those who deny the Holocaust and condemn Israel to oblivion. President Obama's commitment to engagement is not assuring. Will Mutually Assured Destruction work against the mad mullahs, or equally fanatic Muslims who may gain control of Pakistan?
Thomas Jefferson occasionally tired of piecemeal reform. "A little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing." "The tree of liberty must . . . be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
Those sentiments are inspiring but dangerous, especially for intellectuals who may be the first to demand change, and the first to be trundled off to something unpleasant. It is safer to stand on the sidelines, and wonder what, if anything, will change dramatically in response to multiple crises.
Some may dream of starting over and making the world rational and stable.
Not likely.
Sharkansky is professor emeritus of political science at Hebrew University. Email: msira@mscc.huji.ac.il
JERUSALEM—Because a Toronto recipient of my Israel reflections sent it to a friend in California, who alerted the editor of the electronic daily San Diego Jewish World, my pieces are now being featured there. Another regular contributor from Jerusalem is Professor Ira Sharkansky. We write from very different perspectives and the editor seems to like the range of opinions we present.
When we met a few months ago, Professor Sharkansky told me that, like me, he writes primarily for himself but is happy for others to read it. He also described our different approaches with precise and impressive academic terminology.
His latest contribution is autobiographical. Readers have asked him to tell how he came to be an Israeli. All of it is worth reading , but I’m only quoting the parts that have persuaded me that he’s the best spokesperson for aliyah (immigration to Israel) I’ve ever come across. It’s common sense aliyah at its finest.
The reason: he came here for sensible, not ideological, reasons. His background is neither Zionist nor religious. He visited Israel more by chance than design and stayed teaching political science and public administration at the Hebrew University; he’s now professor emeritus but still very involved in academic and other work. He writes:
The United States dwarfs Israel in size, power, and wealth. No doubt many more people (Jewish included) aspire to live in the
United States than aspire to live in Israel. Yet Israel compares favorably to the United States on the quality of
health care and education, especially higher education available to the average citizen, indicators of health and longevity, income quality, levels of addiction and crime, and family stability. Despite persistent assertions of discrimination, Israel’s Arab minority does better on those indicators than American minorities. Israel has learned more than the United States how to deal with its enemies, without occupying them or aspiring to change their societies.
Though Professor Sharkansky may be right when he compares conditions in Israel to those in the United States, in absolute terms the level of secondary education here seems to be less than ideal for a society that should be rooted in Judaism’s commitment to learning. The status of Israel’s Arab minority also seems more problematic than suggested. Without wishing to argue with Professor Sharkansky, but with the history and the teachings of Judaism in mind, I worry about both education and minority rights here.
But I’ve no reason to disagree with any of this: When I came here, my monthly income declined by more than 60 percent. Over the course of 34 years, Israel has become less socialist and more capitalist. Some want it to become even more like the United States, but wiser heads have prevailed. From what I hear from American friends, my old age is better protected than theirs. I may have decided well after all.
For all its power and passion, ideology is fickle. That’s why so many women and men change their ideologies here at the drop of a kippa, often going from one extreme to another. Those who nowadays come to Israel for ideological reasons are often drawn to the extremist camp and some stay in it for life, at times becoming something of a menace.
Pragmatism is, by its very nature, more stable and solid. That’s why Ira Sharkansky’s arguments for living in Israel are so very persuasive.
HERZLIYA, Israel—Ring! Ring! The Israeli prime minister's alarm clock went off. He quickly sat up in bed and immediately shouted out: "Yes! I'm for a two-state solution!" At breakfast, lunch, and dinner, during his talks and all his meetings, in greeting his staff as he walked down the corridor to the office, endless he repeated that phrase.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what the world seems to want from Israeli policy.
But the fact is that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted the two-state solution back in 1997 when he took over in the midst of the Oslo agreement peace process and committed himself to all preceding agreements.
This is not the real issue. The real issue is this: much of the world wants Israel to agree in advance to give the Palestinian Authority (PA) what they think it wants without any concessions or demonstration of serious intent on its part.
The first problem is that the demand is totally one-sided. Does the PA truly accept a two-state solution? That isn't what it tells its own people in officials' speeches, documents of the ruling Fatah group, schools, the sermons of PA-appointed clerics, and the PA-controlled media.
The second problem is that PA compliance with its earlier commitments is pretty miserable, though this is a point that almost always goes unmentioned in Western diplomatic declarations and media.
More often than not the PA's performance could be called one of anti-confidence-building measures. In other words, what it does makes Israel and Israelis less certain that it is ever going to make a stable and lasting peace.
The third problem is that this leaves no room for asking the question: what does Israel want in exchange for accepting a Palestinian state, leaving West Bank territory, or even agreeing to a Palestinian capital in east Jerusalem.
How about recognizing Israel as a Jewish state since, after all, the PA Constitution defines its country-to-be as an Arab Muslim state and the PA makes clear that all Jews who have come to live there since 1967 must leave. These stances don't bother me in principle only the hypocrisy of doing one thing and demanding Israel do another.
How about agreeing-which any nationalist movement should be eager to do-that all Palestinian refugees be resettled in the state of Palestine.
How about accepting that a two-state solution would permanently end the conflict?
How about stopping daily incitement to kill Israelis and destroy Israel in PA institutions?
How about being open to border modifications or security guarantees like not bringing foreign troops onto Palestinian soil?
Aid to the PA is conditioned on absolutely nothing of the sort. These points aren't even mentioned and Western diplomats and journalists don't wax indignant about the PA's intransigence.
In short, Israel is asked to give without getting in return.
The foreign policy of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Foreign Minister Tsipi Livni often consisted of ritual confirmations that yes indeed they favored a two-state solution and couldn't wait until a Palestinian state came into existence.
That behavior didn't bother me, though they should have raised Israeli demands more often as well. Still, the problem is-and every Israeli saw this-that it brought little benefit. Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip, criticism of Israel in
defending itself against Hizballah attacks in 2006, and the general growing hostility of the Western intelligentsia all took
place during the era of "We-favor-a-two-state-solution" repetition.
In the longer-term, the growing demonization of Israel has taken place after it pulled out of the Sinai Peninsula, south Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and large parts of the West Bank; offered to accept a Palestinian state with its capital in east Jerusalem; let the PLO come in to govern the West Bank and Gaza Strip (including bringing 200,000 Palestinians with it); and provided or permitted the arming of its security forces.
Remember that recent history the next time you hear someone say that more Israeli concessions will bring it peace, security, and a good image.
In recent weeks we have still another myth born, that supposedly the Netanyahu government said progress with the Palestinians depends on action against Iran's nuclear program. This never happened. As Deputy Foreign Ministry Danny Ayalon made clear, this government policy has three themes: negotiations with the PA, stopping Iran's nuclear program, and improving relations with moderate Arab states.
There's also a third myth regarding the Arab peace plan. Israeli governments welcomed the plan as a step forward but pointed out two problems preventing them from accepting it. Most important is the demand that any Palestinian who lived or whose ancestors ever lived on what is now Israeli territory can come and live in Israel. This is correctly seen as a ploy to destroy Israel. The other is that borders must be precisely those of 1967. If there's room for discussion t Israel will discuss this plan; if it's take-it-or-leave-it, there's no alternative but the latter.
Finally, the fact that Hamas rules the Gaza Strip is no Israeli rationale for refusing concessions but a huge fact of life. How can Israel make peace with "the Palestinians" when the PA has no such mandate? And how could Israel make peace with a Fatah-Hamas PA regime when such a coalition's effect would not be to moderate Hamas but to make Fatah even more radical.
It's silly to assure Israel that peace will bring it greater security when it's unclear whether the Palestinian government would be taken over by Hamas; wage another round of warfare; fire missiles and be "unable to stop" cross-border attacks; and invite in Iranian or Syrian troops. That king of two-state solution would be far worse than the status quo.
So let's say it again: If the PA shows itself ready to make and keep a reasonable two-state peace agreement there can be a deal. Let them get two dozen billion dollars of international "compensation" Let the Palestinian people live happily ever after in their Arab, Muslim state with rising living standards.
AT ISRAEL'S DEFENSE MINISTRY—BikeIsrael 2009 members met in Tel Aviv with Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai (in white
shirt). From left, upper row: Leo Spiegel, Rick Kornfeld, David Mitchell (guide), Vilnai, Alon Schuster (mayor of Sha'ar hanegev) Robert Lapidus, Ulla Hadar, Gary Kornfeld, Mitch Shack, Mardelle Davis, Allan Goldstein, Jeff Davis; lower row: Andi Neugarten, Susan Lapidus
TO THE GATES OF THE NEGEV
Bikers for Israel ward off Tel Aviv drivers, enjoy
Arab hospitality, and meet a government minister
Editor's Note: This is the fifth in a series of stories by our bureau chief (and chief bike rider) Ulla Hadar on the BikeIsrael 2009 project created by United Jewish Federation to raise money for the protection of Sha'ar Hanegev students against rocket attack. To contribute to this cause, please click on this link to a webpage of the United Jewish Federation of San Diego County.
TEL AVIV— The reality of busy roads and Israeli traffic became very clear to the participants of BikeIsrael2009, when driving out of Caesarea on Sunday morning, April 26.
Some of the roads lack shoulders and cars drive very fast when passing the riders.
The route went from Caesarea inland to the “Green Line” and then along the security fence and wall.
The term "Green Line" is used to refer to the 1949 Armistice lines established between Israel and its neighbors (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria) after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The Green Line separates Israel not only from these countries but from territories Israel would later capture in the 1967 Six-Day War, including the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights and Sinai Peninsula (the latter has since been returned to Egypt).
Its name is derived from the green ink used to draw the line on the map during the talks. In March 1949 as the Iraqi forces withdrew from Palestine and handed over their positions to the smaller Jordanian legion, three Israeli brigades moved into threatening positions in operation Shin-Tav-Shin in a form of coercive diplomacy. The operation allowed Israel to renegotiate the cease fire line in the Wadi Ara area of the northern West Bank in a secret agreement reached on 23 March 1949 and incorporated into the General Armistice Agreement. The green line was then redrawn in blue ink on the southern map to give the impression that a movement beyond the green line area had been made.
The bikers' route continued South through the Arab-Israeli towns of Kalansua, Taibe and Tire. In Tire a visit was made to a
local bakery and the owner Wasam invited the whole group for tea and local cakes at his house.
After this visit everyone got back in the saddle of the bicycles and drove to Hod Hasharon for a quick visit at the Alexander Muss Institute for Israel Education.
This school works to provide a superior Israel education experience to learners of all ages in Israel and within communities throughout North America and abroad. The Institute promotes, builds and strengthens lifelong bonds between Jews and Israel through education, experiences and understanding
The Alexander Muss High School in Israel was founded in 1972 by Rabbi Morris Kipper and the Greater Miami Jewish Federation to help teens to better understand Israel's living history through hands-on exploring. By recognizing that using Israel as a living classroom would boost interest in and attachment to the land and its fascinating history, AMHSI, with its chronologically ordered time-line curriculum, revolutionized the way 'Israel' was taught.
From Hod Hasharon the riders continued in cars to central Tel Aviv and after driving in circles in Central Tel Aviv the way into the defense ministry was finally discovered.
Matan Vilnai, deputy minister of the defense ministry,
greeted the San Diegans in one of the offices at the ministry.
He is a former Major General in the Israel Defense Forces and currently a member of the Knesset for the Labor Party.
He talked about the importance of the relationship between USA and Israel, and also emphasized the importance of understanding the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
He aslso said tht "looking at the Middle East today you have the Syrian president who is ready to talk with Israel. Not because he wants to be in Tel Aviv but because he wants to be in Washington.
"We appreciate highly your effort to come to Israel, and to do whatever you believe that you can do for the people in the Sha'ar Hanegev municipality."
Vilnai is a biker himself and he proudly showed a picture of himself on his mountain bike that had been published in a local magazine. The group presented him with the bike jersey that has been created especially for all the
riders of this trip.
The evening was spent walking the small streets of Jaffa.
The name of Jaffa or Yafo is most probably a western Semitic one, being related to the Hebrew word yafah, which signifies "beautiful."
Parts of the Old City have been renovated, turning Jaffa into a tourist attraction featuring old restored buildings, art galleries, theaters, souvenir shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes and promenades. Beyond the Old City and tourist sites, many neighborhoods of Jaffa are poor and underdeveloped.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, California—My pathway to heaven begins just at the edge of a forest road. The highway winds in slow curves through the woods littered with the traffic of people – each encased in a vehicle, radio blaring, designed to keep the outdoors out. They are intent on a day in nature’s halls but instead zip by oblivious to the temple through which they pass. One must be still in order to enjoy, be willing to linger awhile to slowly absorb. It is difficult to let go of the daily sensual overload we experience – to allow quiet to replace noise, frenetic movement to give way to studied observation.
The forest works its magic only when one is ready for it. So pull to the side of the road, step out and place a foot in the dust of the forest trail, feel its eternity, allow it to enter your soul. In but a pace or two the noise of human enterprise is left behind and G-D’s wonder will enfold you. We celebrate this creation every Sabbath - but how often do we allow it to embrace us?
The air is green and soft. A spangled haze hangs in sunlit shafts connecting the trees. Can you hear the congregation of firs whisper? Or the choir of pines singing the wind’s song? One must be still to hear it. The forest footpath streaks a soft brown blaze between the groves, winding through and around, inviting us forward. “Come follow me,” it says. With each footfall a small puff of forest duff rises – it is the disintegrated bones of bygone ages.
A ground squirrel sounds a warning chirp at my approach, but I tell it “hush” we are at truce. I am not your enemy, but a fellow traveler. The blue jay’s wing flashes his raucous cry at odds with his physical beauty. Between the tall pines I spy the true monarchs of this land; guardians of secrets and ages; the Giant Sequoias. A tree so huge I cannot see its crown, my arms cannot hug its girth, my mind cannot compass its life span. It is a red giant that listens to a slower drummer than I do.
The forest path turns and other vistas open. Aspen leaves shimmer with the dappled light, their bells trilling in a soft breeze. I stop in awe. I see the fallen wood soldiers of long ago, once they stood great and tall. I wonder what it was like when they were alive, who stood and admired them then? Did anyone hear them fall? They are now but a log to sit upon, a place for an ant to carve or feed.
One small brook snakes its way across the trail. Does anyone stop and listen to its song? It sings of the high cold places from which it came and the low salt sea to which it is going and sings to all it will nourish along its path.
Occasionally a pillow of white snow still lies in the shadow of a rock or tree. Winter was here not long ago. While its frost caused some creatures to leave, some to sleep, and others to hunger – it left behind nature’s aqueduct to slake summer’s coming thirst.
A shadow of brown and two soft eyes – a doe and a fawn run by intent on unknown errands. Along the edge of a meadow wild roses and mountain laurel twist and twine competing for life in the shadow of the giants. Fragile alpine flowers
Hazelwood trees, Sequoia National Park.
{
Sheila Orysiek photo}
flourish at their rooted feet, the tiny flowers and the giant redwood in stark contrast attest to the Creator’s whimsy. A woodpecker’s staccato stutter echoes through the woodland hush as his red headed mallet hammers out a home. The nest of a paper wasp rolls at my feet and I retrieve it and admire its delicate intricacy.
A butterfly flits and flickers, hovers a moment to look at me and then finding me unworthy continues his seemingly haphazard flight. I watch as he disappears in the forest maze – only seeing an occasional glimmer of his graffiti wings.
So many creatures make their home here. At one time my kind did, too. But no longer, now we come only as visitors thirsty for what we have lost, but not thirsty enough to forsake our external comforts. I can sense many eyes watching my progress along the forest path. A freshly eaten pine cone marks where a hungry chipmunk dined. Some creatures are fearful of my presence and some have ignored it. I take the latter as a compliment; they see no harm in me.
It has been a lovely stroll, some up hills, some down slopes, but always something new to see and wonder at. I have almost reached the end of my life’s walk now but I am not afraid and I don’t need to look back because when I have gone to meet my Maker I shall return and walk here forever.
I believe in David’s Psalm: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” And that includes me.
PMZ (Post Menopausal Zest) or How to Grow Older Bright-Eyed and Bushy-Tailed
Large affairs are not performed by muscle, speed, nimbleness, but by reflection, character, judgment. In age, these qualities are not diminished but augmented. —Julius Cicero (106–43 BC) at age 62
LA JOLLA, California—If we don’t want wrinkles and grey hair, we’ll have to die young! As this is not something worth considering, let us examine the alternative: aging.
Not only aging as anyone who is born begins to age, but going past our mid-century into the second half of our lives, and it is truly a second half since as a population we are tending to live longer and longer. There are about 80,000 people living in the United States today who are over 100 years old.
Until very recently I thought of myself as middle-aged, that was until I realized that it is my children who are middle-aged. I have just hit eighty-two, and I mean HIT, for it was with a bang and a shudder that I plunged into my ninth decade.
I have begun to notice that formerly flat surfaces like the street leading to our home have suddenly become small hills, that newspapers are reducing the size of their print on a yearly basis, and that everyone around me has started to mumble.
And those aren’t the worst changes we face. Yes, we are forgetting everything! From the name of our best friend the moment we have to introduce her to the phone number we were dialing two seconds ago.
We think we have Alzheimer’s every time we misplace our keys, wallet, or the piece of paper upon which was written our list of things to remember.
I don’t remember my parents worrying about this loss of memory as much as all my friends and I do. Think of how much more is stored in our brains than a generation ago. We are overloaded with information, much of it not pertinent to our daily lives. I know that I am more interested in and more knowledgeable about a host of significant as well as insignificant facts.
I remember how I didn’t have a key to our house, as the front door was never locked. It didn’t need to be. No one had a security system, and we left the keys in our cars when we did errands. When I was eighteen, on a visit to New York I walked at night in Central Park holding hands with a boyfriend—it was safe. Later, as a social worker, I worked in Harlem, doing home studies for foster care, I went alone, and it never occurred to me to be afraid.
So the world has become less safe, but on the other hand, the world is offering us more opportunities than it did to our mothers.
Bewildered as we may be by the overload of information, we can take advantage of it. Some of the more fascinating recent research has been on brain function. What has been discovered is that our brains can keep growing until the day we die, if we keep them active and challenged. We can grow neurons and new synapses every time we do something which requires a difficult mental effort, like learning a new language. I decided to start piano lessons in my late sixties,
even though my mother and piano teacher said that I was hopeless at age eight. Taking music lessons or becoming adept at the computer
We need to become mentors, advisors, confidants, to the younger generation, we need to be available to the members of our communities who could use a helping hand, a friendly suggestion, an intelligent perspective.
Studies have shown that volunteering only one or two hours a week, improves our immune response and increases longevity. Being part of our own communities as a functional member fulfills our basic genetic predisposition to belong to a group.
Having friends you care for and who care for you are as important for mental health as food and exercise is important for physical health.
So go out where you can interact with people, meet for a cup of coffee, invite someone to share takeout with you if you don’t like to cook, walk with someone, go to a movie, do something together with others, and you will be not only enriched, but healthier and live longer. You will have PMZ: post menopausal zest. If you’re there for others, they will be there for you. But you start!!!
This column appeared previously in the La Jolla Village News.
So she called his name Joseph, saying "May Hashem add on for me another son."
John E. Finley found this store at Crenshaw and El Segundo Boulevards in Hawthorne, California.
SHARE YOUR PHOTO SHOWING A BIBLICAL REFERENCE IN POP CULTURE —Please send your jpg photo for posting to
editor@sandiegojewishheritage.com. If possible, please send it at 72dpi resolution and 400 pixels wide. Please include the name of the photographer, the date and place the photo was taken, and any other relevant caption information.
SAN DIEGO—Attitudes affect and infect others, both consciously and subconsciously, as the following true story illustrates:
A man and his elderly father once fell into a dispute. They were very poor and lived in a shack with no heating. They only had one coat and the father felt that he should get to wear it since he was a frail old man, stuck all day in a house with no heat. The son felt that he should get the coat since he had to work outdoors to support the family. His father who was being supported by him was at least indoors out of the wind.
They couldn't settle their dispute so they went to the Rabbi to seek his decision. Each one told the Rabbi, his side of the story. The Rabbi asked them to each return in two days
and he would render his decision.
On the way home, the son started thinking to himself, "What am I doing? What sort of 'Honor thy Father' is this? How can I deny my own father this coat? He is sick and frail. I am
healthy. If I get cold I can light a fire at the work site. He should get the coat."
At the same time, the father started thinking to himself, "What am I doing? My son is working hard to support me? How can I let him do this and deny him the coat? If I get cold I can
put on a sweater or a blanket or drink a glass of hot tea. He should get the coat."
Each man now refused to wear the coat and insisted that the other wear one it. Neither could convince the other so they went back to the Rabbi to ask him to rule on their new
dispute. The Rabbi thought for a moment and said, "I have a spare coat. Why don't I lend it to you and then you each can have a coat." Now everyone could be happy.
The son then asked the Rabbi, "I do not mean to be disrespectful; rather, I am burning with curiosity. If you are going to offer your coat, why did you not offer it the first time we came here?"
The Rabbi replied, "The first time you came, you each said 'I must have the coat' so without thinking, it made me feel 'I must have my coat.' The second time you came, you each
said, 'I don't need the coat, I want the other one to have the coat,' so I felt 'I don't need the coat, I want the other one to have the coat.'
Dedicated in honor of Irene Solodoff's 92nd birthday by her daughters Barbara & Melina, her two grandsons Michael & Jason and greatgrandson Guf.
Rabbi Lederman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillas Torah in San Diego. Email: rbl613@nethere.com
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Editor's Note: Spencer Lachlan Matorin was born April 18, 2009 and had his brit milah yesterday at the home of his parents, Dr. Robert Matorin and Dana Greene Matorin. Spencer is the first grandson of columnist Norman Greene and Bobby Greene.
SAN DIEGO—In my day, you merely placed the baby in a car seat which was belted into the passenger seat of your car. No muss. No fuss. You just did it and drove off. Not any more! There are California safety laws governing such things now.
So, as a grandfather-to-be, I was recruited to help my son in law, Robert, for a baby seat installation inspection and class by Rady Children’s Hospital’s safe baby seat inspection team. Our appointment times were 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. on Tuesday, evidently the only day of the week they are scheduled.
9 a.m. has never been my favorite time of the day, but what’s a grandfather-to-be to do? 9 a.m. also meant a wake up call at 7 a.m. (definitely not my best time of the day), since I had to contend with the traffic going up to Carmel Valley where the car was located and then race down to a parking lot located somewhere behind the National Guard Armory on Mesa College Drive.
Robert had accompanied mom-to-be, Dana, to her 39th week obstetrical visit and so he wasn’t home as I drove to their home to pick-up Dana’s car. Robert had the elaborate base of the baby seat strapped into the rear seat of the 1997 Celica convertible and planned to meet me at the inspection site with his own car and baby seat base.
At the appointed time, an extremely affable Children’s employee greeted me and the examination began. Robert had spent over an hour installing the base according to the directions, presumably in English, given by the Italian manufacturer. Naturally, the installation was not according to Hoyle and with amazing speed the lady inspector tore the base out of the back seat of the car.
As she struggled to re-install the base, I kept thinking about those installation directions that brag "even a child can do it." She was more than a little cramped for space in the back seat so I put the top down even though it was windy and uncharacteristically cold for San Diego. After five or ten minutes, she removed her jacket, although I was freezing helplessly standing there. Another ten minutes passed before the inspector asked for assistance from her female colleague. This no-nonsense Brunhilda attacked the mission with great gusto and seriousness of purpose. I was impressed, shivering, but definitely impressed.
Robert arrived in his newer four door car just as the base installation was completed in Dana’s car. The inspector decided to tackle his car’s inspection before giving us a joint class on the proper positioning of a baby in the car seat. As it turned out, Robert’s base installation in his car also didn’t pass muster, but was rapidly re-installed with copious explanations on how to
tighten and secure the base properly, watching that it was at a 45 degree angle and testing ("from the back only") that its position would not move.
I don’t believe that I would ever hazard re-installing that base on my own.
Then the class instruction began on that windy parking lot as the instructor placed a baby doll into our baby seat. No. No. You don’t need those extra shoulder pads provided by the Italian manufacturer. "They will only chaff a baby." And so she removed them. Robert paled.
The adjustment process went on for at least 15 minutes and then Robert, as the father to be, was tested to see if he could in fact install the baby doll correctly in the Italian manufactured baby seat. "Grandpa, you give him some guidance," the instructor coached.
Somehow, the doll survived the ordeal. My son in law, was happy there would be no written exam on the process. I could just imagine him repeating the performance as he would have to demonstrate the techniques to my daughter. "Robert, when you do, please call me so that I can arrange to be in Arizona at the time," I told him.
"Grandpa, you will need a car seat, too," the instructor informed me. "Just go to Wal-Mart or Target and get one of these," she said, pointing to a stack of seats. "They only cost $40 to $50. No sense in spending hundreds of dollars," she added. My son-in-law was stunned, the color drained from his cheeks. His on-line purchase of the Italian car seat and its two bases had cost considerable more that $50.
Former South African starts up SAJACsingles in San Diego
Editor’s Note: Interested in introducing San Diegans to new Jewish groups and organizations and the people behind them, we invited Dale Phillips to share with our readers her story about starting SAJACsingles. If you have a story to share, contact editor Don Harrison at editor@sandiegojewishworld.com
SAN DIEGO—I emigrated almost a year ago from South Africa to San Diego, as this is where one of my sons resides. I have a younger son in New York, but the climate precludes my living there. San Diego’s weather is akin to what we are used to in South Africa. Living at the coast in a beautiful city with friendly inhabitants, is a plus.
Three weeks after arriving in San Diego, I contacted Pam Nathan at SAJAC (South African Jewish American Community) who put out the word that I needed a job. I have extensive experience working as an office administrator and bookkeeper in a legal practice; as a teacher, teaching Math and English at Jewish day schools in Johannesburg; and I have also taught bookkeeping to adults at a college. I am currently a substitute teacher at the San Diego Jewish Academy and other private schools. It is, however, my intention is to get a full time job, either in an office or at a school. Given the present economic climate, it’s an uphill road.
SAJAC really goes out of its way to welcome new-comers. Pam had a welcome basket delivered with the SAJAC directory, wine and challah. I got to work almost immediately on the committee; their current project being the Reporter magazine. I called members and made contacts. Everyone went out of his/her way to be helpful. South Africans still invite people into their homes, despite no longer having live-in help. The first week I arrived, I was invited to a Shabbat dinner. It blew me away!
I do believe it is necessary to integrate with American society and culture. It would be so easy, given the number of South Africans living here, to become totally immersed in their enclave. It is fortunate that I play duplicate bridge and so meet people from different walks of life.
In South Africa, I was involved in the junior Chess World on a voluntary basis as Secretary, Treasurer and then, President of the association. Tournaments were held to select the province’s/state’s teams. From these players, South African National Champions were selected to compete in the World Championship. I am thus used to running a large organization, speaking at functions and chairing committee meetings. In 1999 our province hosted the National Championship in Johannesburg. I organized the venue, playing halls and residences for 2000 players, officials and parents.
Emigrating as a single Jewish woman has made me aware of the need for Jewish singles in my age group (50’s – 60’s) to meet, make social arrangements and find activities, hobbies and sports in common. With this aim in mind, I formed the
SAJACsingles club. In keeping with SAJAC’s poIicy of integrating with the American community, the club is open to all Jewish singles – affiliation is not limited to SAJAC members. I already have a growing list of single people whom I email on a weekly basis with news of upcoming events.
Present and future activities include but are not limited to:
Walk the Talk– walk at the Cove on Sundays followed by coffee * Shabbat dinners on the beach/at a clubhouse *Group discounts for theater, music, travel *Big opening bash * Dinners out *Movies * Travel *Theater * Jewish cultural events
Members form smaller groups with similar interests including: Walking * Boogey- boarding * Beach * Hiking *Scrabble *Photography *Bowling *Mahjong *Bridge *Kaluki* Tennis *Jewish events * Golf *Art
It’s essential that we grow this club big enough to accommodate the needs of all and to socialize meaningfully. I cannot tell you how many single people I have met, who are thrilled to have this avenue open to them. This is not a dating club. However, should one meet the partner of one’s dreams, who is to say that this would not be a bonus?
On the cards is a trip to the Yosemite National Park. It’s far more enjoyable for singles to travel with others.
It is essential that we publicize the SAJACsingles club to all Jewis singles in their fifties and sixties. What have they got to lose? There is no fee involved. Everyone is asked to bring their friends and tell their colleagues about the club. Married couples also know Jewish singles and should let them know about this great opportunity to socialize. Contact me at Dale@SAJAC.com to receive emails of our activities. Our motto is: ‘You snooze. You lose.'
Adventures in San Diego Jewish History With thanks to Gail Umeham for the transcription
Linda’s Lookout Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1953, page 5
By Linda Solof
Well, gang—one semester is completed and another is about to begin; so let’s store up our energy and work hard ‘til the summer!
Home from college (UCLA) to rest in between semesters are Gary Chenkin, Edie Press, Leonard Naiman, Carolyn Silverman, Shirley Krasner, and Beverly Addleson.
The YPL had their installation of officers recently and following the installation they had a party, complete with dancing and refreshments at Janet Solof’s. Everyone had a terrific time! Their next party will be a weekend at camp (with snow?).
“Fun” was the password to George Lewis’ party and fun it was! The gals ‘n guys including Sonya Weitzman, Neil Kleinman, Susan Solof, Fred Goodman, Linda Zuckerman, George Wise, Phyllis Tuchin, Dianne Fogelman, Allan Friedman had a super colossal time.
The T.Y.L.ers had a dynamic time at the last meeting which included a panel of Aaron Kolkey, Don Goldman, Jean Goldstein, Steve Kirshel and the Rabbi in “What Jews Know?” this panel included questions and answers of some of the teen-agers problems. A social hour followed.
Wonder if Andy Leeds had plans of spending her thirteenth birthday in peace and quiet? If so her plans were changed by a large group of her friends who gathered at her house to help her celebrate. They had a fabulous time eating luscious dinner and dancing. Happy Birthday, Andy!
The Beth Jacob Youth Group had election of officers and here are the results. President Sonyia Weitzman; V.P. Ronald Doctor; Sec. Marjorie Lowitz; Treas., Marc Ulansky. Congrats, kids! I know you’ll do a fine job. Their next affair will be a dance this coming Sunday. For more details call Sonyia. So long—W.5-0679.
Center Activities Planned
for All Ages Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1953, page 5
Adult Activities—Registration is now open for another section of the popular ballroom dance class inasmuch as the Sunday evening class is filled to capacity. The rhythmic exercise class and folk dance group, led by Mrs. Ernest Wolf, meets Tuesday evenings.
Teen-age Activities—Saturday, February 14th—Teen-Age Cupid Capers Party—Stag or Drag.
Lounge and Game-Room—Open every afternoon from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, Registration is now open for a ballroom dance class.
Teen-agers who play musical instruments are invited to join the orchestra now being organized at the Center—please notify Mr. Posin of the instrument you play.
Juniors—Plans are being developed to organize a Boy Scout Troop at the Jewish Center. All boys between the ages of 12-15 yrs. are asked to notify the office.
Don’t forget the arts and crafts class on Tuesday afternoons and the modern dance class on Wednesday afternoon.
Temple Teens Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1953, page 5
By Susan Solof
Be sure to come to the “Sock Hop,” February 7. Both boys and girls wear Levis.
February 21 is the date of the “Hatchet Hop.” Dig out those old costumes and bring along all of your friends for a really good time from 7:00-10:30 p.m.
The “Purim Prom” is March 7. Everyone is invited to come and see the Talent Show of the Temple Teens with dancing afterward. Young or old, it doesn’t matter. 25 cents admission. This money will go for records for the Jukebox.
Notice for all Temple Teen members. If you have any talent what-so-ever, please notify Mrs. Irving Friedman, any officer or board member. Join in the fun by entering the Talent Show.
Beth Israel To Install Officers
and New Directors Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1953, page 6
Congregation Berth Israel will hold its Annual Sabbath Installation Service on Friday evening, February 13th at 8 p.m. In an impressive ceremony the following newly elected Directors will be formally inducted into office: Maurice M. Ackerman, Morris W. Douglas, Irving E. Friedman, Rodin S. Horrow, Allan Lame, and Ben Rubin.
Mr. Douglas will be installed for his second term as president. Mr. Mack Esterson will become vice-president, and Dr. Robert M. Stone will be re-installed as Treasurer. Rabbi Cohn’s pulpit message will deal with a theme appropriate to the Installation.
Following the service, the directors and their wives will be hosts at a reception in the Temple Center. All Temple members and their friends are urged to attend and do honor to their new Directors.
Sabbath Services—This Friday evening Rabbi Morton J. Cohn will continue his discussion of the implications of the current resurgence of anti-Semitism in Soviet Russia and the Communist-dominated countries within her orbit. The sermon deals with the theme, “What’s Behind the Prague and Moscow Trials?” Services begin at 8 p.m. and the community is invited to attend.
Beth Jacob Sisterhood
Goes Western Southwestern Jewish Press February 6, 1953, page 6
Mrs. Bernard Godes asks everyone to set aside Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 12 noon, and join Beth Jacob Sisterhood for a delicious luncheon and enjoyable afternoon. Mrs. Ben Elvove, membership chairman, and Mrs. Mort Thaler, co-chairman, informs us that this will be a Membership Round-Up, including a program of western style and flavor. There are many surprises being planned for the afternoon.
Plans are being formulated for an afternoon and evening of Great Fun and Excitement, when Beth Jacob Sisterhood holds its third annual Spring Festival Sunday, March 1st, at Beth Jacob Center.
Williamson, Mrs. Lillian, 57, on January 27. Mrs. Williamson had live in San Diego 42 years. Services were held at the Benbough Mortuary on Jan. 29 with Rabbi Morton J. Cohn officiating. Entombment was in the Cypress View Mausoleum. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sol Stone; two daughters, Mrs. Joyce Hermon, Bellflower, and Mrs. Shirley Edwards, San Diego, three brothers, Dr. Robert M. Stone, Arthur Stone, and Harold Stone; a sister, Mrs. Isabel Barron, and three grandchildren.
“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.
JERUSALEM — Incrementalism is dominant in the affairs of government. Reformers come and go. 
JERUSALEM—Because a Toronto recipient of my Israel reflections sent it to a friend in California, who alerted the editor of the electronic daily San Diego Jewish World, my pieces are now being featured there. Another regular contributor from Jerusalem is Professor Ira Sharkansky. We write from very different perspectives and the editor seems to like the range of opinions we present. 
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, California—My pathway to heaven begins just at the edge of a forest road. The highway winds in slow curves through the woods littered with the traffic of people – each encased in a vehicle, radio blaring, designed to keep the outdoors out. They are intent on a day in nature’s halls but instead zip by oblivious to the temple through which they pass. One must be still in order to enjoy, be willing to linger awhile to slowly absorb. It is difficult to let go of the daily sensual overload we experience – to allow quiet to replace noise, frenetic movement to give way to studied observation.
LA JOLLA, California—If we don’t want wrinkles and grey hair, we’ll have to die young! As this is not something worth considering, let us examine the alternative: aging.
SAN DIEGO—Attitudes affect and infect others, both consciously and subconsciously, as the following true story illustrates:
SAN DIEGO—In my day, you merely placed the baby in a car seat which was belted into the passenger seat of your car. No muss. No fuss. You just did it and drove off. Not any more! There are California safety laws governing such things now. 
SAN DIEGO—I emigrated almost a year ago from South Africa to San Diego, as this is where one of my sons resides. I have a younger son in New York, but the climate precludes my living there. San Diego’s weather is akin to what we are used to in South Africa. Living at the coast in a beautiful city with friendly inhabitants, is a plus.
Linda’s Lookout
