San Diego Jewish World

Friday Afternoon
, June 1, 2007    

Vol. 1, Number 32

 

Today's Top Story

President Bush authorizes Secretary of State Rice
to provide limited assistance to Palestinian Authority


WASHINGTON, D.C.—So long as the money does not come into the hands of Hamas, which controls the Palestinian Legislature and is listed by the United States as a terrorist organization, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice may provide assistance to the Palestinian government led by Mahmoud Abbas, President George W. Bush has decided.

The President today signed a memorandum of authorization that will permit the Secretary of State to provide "assistance for the administrative and personal security costs of the Office of the President of the Palestinian Authority; for the activities of the President of the Palestinian Authority to promote democracy, peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the rule of law and to fulfill his duties as President, including, among other things, to maintain control of the management and security of border crossings and to foster the Middle East peace process..."
6/1/07 SDJW Report
(click on headline below to jump to the story)

International and National


President Bush authorizes Secretary of State Rice
to provide limited assistance to Palestinian Authority


8,000 sign petition urging DePauw University
to deny tenure to Shoah minimizer Finkelstein


Zionist Organization of America, citing new Israeli poll,
urges Olmert to abandon idea of 'unilateral withdrawals'


Regional and Local
Jewish Community Foundation, now largest grantmaker
in San Diego County, celebrates 40 years of philanthropy


Jewish Family Service resettles more than 60 refugees each year in San Diego area

Daily Features
Jews in the News
Jewish Grapevine

Judaism
Whenever abba forgets his hat, it's sure to rain


Rely on yourself.  Don't expect a miracle!

For Your Reference
San Diego Jewish Community Calendar
San Diego Jewish Community Directory


Arts, Entertainment & Dining

George and Martha are at it again! 

Yes, there are Jewish stories everywhere
—even among the Seals and sea lions


Advertisements
Anderson Travel
Buena Vista Hadassah
Jewish American Chamber of Commerce
Max Siegel Tribute
Project Sarah: Flowers Aren't Enough

Archives

         Return to Home Page
The President's memorandum also authorized the Secretary of State to extend aid and assistance to nongovernmental organizations in the West Bank and Gaza, again with the stipulation that the money does not fall under the control of Hamas.  

The prime minister of the Palestinian Authority is Ismael Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas.

Speaking on Thursday in Potsdam, Germany, Secretary Rice emphasized the need to strengthen the government of President Abbas.

"
The central challenge today for the people of the Middle East is to build modern, successful states.  For some, like Lebanon and Iraq, the goal is to strengthen weak democratic states so that they can fulfill the basic responsibilities of sovereignty.  For others, from constitutional monarchies to more authoritarian regimes, the goal is to reform excessively strong states so they can liberate the talent of their people, not stifle it. And of course, for the Palestinians, the goal is to create a state where none has existed before — a democratic state that can live side by side in peace with Israel."

Rice continued: "In the face of violent extremism, responsible leaders, both Israeli and Palestinian, are working to realize their desire for peace and a better life.  Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas are now taking initial steps to accelerate that progress. 

"They are working together on immediate issues like improving moving — movement and access, and preventing arms smuggling and rocket firing into Gaza.  But they are also working to develop a political horizon that can end the conflict, end the occupation, and lead to the creation of a Palestinian state. 

"This process is critical to build an environment of confidence.  Palestinians must know that their state will be viable.  Israelis must know that a future state of Palestine will be a peaceful neighbor —- and that

 

 

every Arab state will finally accept Israel’s place in the Middle East.  Both sides must have confidence that normal economic and trade relations will exist between them, and that they can contribute to the welfare of both their populations.

"America and Europe have a vital role to play in this vital region.  We must help parties to overcome obstacles, develop new ideas, and rally regional and international support for their efforts.  And I want you to know that peace in the Middle East is one of the highest priorities for the President and for me."   (jump to continuation)
 

International and National

8,000 sign petition urging DePaul University
to deny tenure to Shoah minimizer Finkelstein


LOS ANGELES (Press Release)—StandWithUs (SWU), the Los Angeles-based international education organization, today delivered a petition with 8,000 signatures to Chicago's DePaul University administrators, urging them to deny tenure to controversial faculty member Dr. Norman Finkelstein. The petition was sent by Fed-Ex to DePaul's President The Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, and to Provost Dr. Helmut Epp.

Dr. Finkelstein has been an assistant professor in the Political Science department since 2001. In April, his department and the College Personnel Committee voted to grant him tenure. However, administrators recommended against tenure. The final decision will be made in the next two weeks. SWU delivered the petition on June 1 so the school could consider its input while making their final decision.

"We understand that DePaul may not appreciate outside input, but Finkelstein's supporters threw the issue into the public arena by launching a petition in favor of his tenure," explained Roz Rothstein, SWU's International Director. "Only then did we write an alternative petition to give a voice to those who oppose his appointment. The 8,000 signatures show how many people are deeply disturbed by the Finkelstein's questionable scholarship, polemics and vitriolic attacks against those who disagree with him."

Finkelstein has been a lightning rod for controversy. He argues that Jews have exploited the Holocaust to enrich themselves or to justify Israeli policies. He called Holocaust survivor and Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel "the resident clown of the Holocaust circus" and a "ridiculous figure."

His work on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has also been criticized by many, including Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz, for its bias and misinformation. According to University of Chicago professor Peter Novick, Finkelstein's "assertions are pure invention….No facts alleged by Finkelstein should be assumed to be really facts…."

Historian Daniel Jonah Goldhagen argues that "Finkelstein's work is, from beginning to end, a tendentious series of inventions…"

Dr. Finkelstein has also been criticized for defaming or personally attacking those who disagree with him instead of engaging in reasonable debate about the issues.

"Unfortunately, Dr. Finkelstein has contributed to the misinformation and prejudice that surround discussions of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Granting him tenure would undermine those who support responsible and informed scholarship and debate. Through this petition, people who hope for better understanding and for peace have been able to make their views known to DePaul's administration," said SWU President Esther Renzer.    (jump to continuation)
 


Buena Vista Hadassah


cordially invites you to hear


Rabbi Chaplain Joel D. Newman

based on his experiences in the war zone

"Passover in Iraq"

12:30 p.m., Tuesday, June 19
Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Avenue, Vista
Free refreshments
For further information: call Vivian (760) 967-0149  
 

                                                
Zionist Organization of America, citing new Israeli poll,
urges Olmert to abandon idea of 'unilateral withdrawals'

NEW YORK (Press Release)—A new Israeli poll has found that 68% of Israelis are opposed to withdrawing from the Golan Heights and that 53% are opposed to withdrawals from Judea and Samaria, in both cases, not even in return for a "real peace."

In the case of unilateral withdrawals in Judea and Samaria, nearly two-thirds of Israelis – 65% – are opposed. When it comes to concessions on Jerusalem involving the Western Wall, 86% of Israelis are opposed. 86% also believe that Israel would not be able to reach a peace agreement with Syria.

The poll, conducted by the Dahaf Institute for the Knesset Channel, was conducted to ascertain how Israelis would vote in the event of a referendum on any future withdrawals following the presentation of a bill in the Knesset by former coalition chairman MK Avigdor Yitzchaki (Kadima) that would require a referendum prior to any withdrawals from Jerusalem or the Golan Heights. The bill passed its first reading, despite the opposition of the Olmert government, Meretz and Arab parties (Israel National News, June 1).

ZOA National President Morton A. Klein said, "This latest poll shows that the majority of the Israeli public opposes a policy of withdrawal, let alone one of unilateral withdrawals, which the Olmert government has advocated.

The negative consequences of Israel's 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza have included increased arms smuggling into Gaza, increased rocket attacks from northern Gaza, and the infiltration of Al-Qaeda and Iranian personnel into the territory.

"Former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief-of-Staff, Lt.-Gen. Moshe Yaalon has also argued that it was this unilateral withdrawal that led to Hamas' election victory and emboldened it to continue attacking Israel. The horrific anti-peace, pro-terror actions of the PA and its people show
clearly that they have no interest in peace, only in Israel's destruction and this has caused the Israeli public to move clearly to the right.

"Israelis are afraid that further unilateral withdrawals in Judea and Samaria will only bring Iranian and Al-Qaeda personnel as well as missiles, katyushas rockets and mortars up to Israel's major population centers, including Jerusalem, while civilian aircraft taking off and landing at Ben-Gurion airport will be within the terrorists' range. We urge the Olmert government to heed the large majority opposition to further unilateral concessions and to publicly discard the idea from its platform."

The foregoing release was provided by the Zionist Organization of America.
                                               ______________________


Your specialist in
cruises and tours  
     
 

Upcoming 2007 San Diego  sailings
:

Now-December 29: Carnival: Elation: multiple 4-and 5-day sailings, round trip to Mexico.

Sept 23-Dec 30: Princess Cruises: Dawn Princess: 7-day round trip to Mexico

Sept. 28: Celebrity Cruises: Summit: 14-day Hawaii

Sept. 29: Holland America: Oosterdam, 7-day Mexico.

Daily Features


Jews in the News          
 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Like you, we're pleased when members of our community are praiseworthy, and are disappointed when they are blameworthy.
Whether it's good news or bad news, we'll try to keep track of what's being said in general media about our fellow Jews. Our news spotters are Dan Brin in Los Angeles, Donald H. Harrison in San Diego, and you. Wherever you are,  if you see a story of interest, please send a summary and link to us at sdheritage@cox.net.  To
see a source story click on the link within the respective paragraph.
____________________________________________________________________________________________


*Congressman Howard Berman (Democrat, California) can expect many visitors from labor unions to call at his offices.  As a member of the House Judiciary Committee he is the focus of efforts by competing labor unions to deal with the compromise immigration bill.  Some like the Service Employees Union International see immigrants as potential new members, whereas others like those in the AFL-CIO regard them as potential competitors for jobs.  A story by
Molly Hennessy-Fiske is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*Legendary editor Abraham Cahan and the newspaper he built, Jewish Daily Forward, are the subjects of an immigrant-experience exhibit at the Museum of  the City of New York.  Ariella Budick of Newsday has the story in today's Los Angeles Times.

*U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Democrat, California) failed to win support in the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee for legislation to prohibit funding for interrogations in which prisoners are subjected to physical pressure or pain, unless the President determines the detainee possesses information about a specific and imminent threat.  The New York Times News Service story by Scott Shane is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*Sunroad Enterprises, owned by Aaron Feldman, is in a second land-use controversy with the Federal Aviation Administration, this one over a proposed high rise project on the east side of Harbor Island near Lindbergh Field.  The company also is battling the FAA over a building at Montgomery Field. The story by Maureen Magee and David Hasemyer is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*
Author Mark Harris who was perhaps best known for such baseball books as Bang The Drum Slowly, has died at 84. An obituary by Dennis McLellan is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*
Aaron Kornblum, an attorney for Microsoft, says Robert Alan Soloway, the alleged spam king arrested for defrauding people through the use of false emails, owes Microsoft $7.8 million but the company has been unable to find his bank accounts.  The Washington Post story is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*
Janet Levine, defending former Los Angeles AirPort Commissioner Leland Wong against felony conflict-of-interest charges, expresses confidence that after the prosecution takes its "desperation shots" at the defendant, he will be acquitted.  Ted Rohrlich reports the story in today's Los Angeles Times.

*
U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton, presiding over the trial of I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, says he has received over 150 letters from people recommending strictness or leniency in sentencing the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney on multiple counts of obstructing justice.  The story by The Washington Post is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*
Unison, Great Britain's union of public employees, has voted to place on the agenda of its upcoming convention a boycott resolution against Israel similar to one previously voted on by the University and College Union.  The New York Times News Service story is in a column of world briefs in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*Did you know that there are more calories in some fast food salads with dressing than in a sirloin steak? State Sen. Carole Midgden (D-San Francisco) believes you have the right to know and pushed legislation through the state Senate to require restaurants to list nutrition information.  The Associated Press story is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*
Child psychologist Marian Radke-Yarrow has died at age 89. Her 1952 book,
They Learn What They Live: Prejudice in Young Children, was cited by the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education decision requiring the desegregation of schools. An obituary by Dennis Hevesi of the New York Times News Service is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

*
Comedians will gather June 28 in Los Angeles for a salute to Mort Sahl on his 80th birthday.  The story is in today's Los Angeles Times.

*The defense in the murder trial of record producer Phil Spector wants a jury to see a diary kept by victim Lana Clarkson in which she discusses talking to dead people.  The story by Matt Krasnowski of the Copley News Service is in today's San Diego Union-Tribune.

(return to top)
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The Jewish Grapevine
                                                   
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THE SABRA—A car owned by Howard Singer will go on display the San Diego Automotive Museum at the end of
June as one of several companion exhibits in Balboa Park marking the arrival from Israel of the Dead Sea Scrolls
at the San Diego Natural History Museum The 4-cylinder car was manufactured in 1963.
Automotive Museum photos



AROUND THE TOWN—Susan Jaffe, who retired from the American Ballet Theatre
after 22 years dancing in principal roles, will guest teach July 30-Aug. 3 at a summer session offered by City Ballet of San Diego for which serious ballet students must
audition in order to qualify.  Information may be obtained by phoning
(858) 274-6058 or visiting City Ballet's web site at www.cityballet.org. 

INTERFAITH—Rev. Gail Albert of the Poway Interfaith Council, which includes several rabbis, passes along Anthem for the world, a musical slide show by Matthew Levine conjuring a vision of world peace.  Here is the link. ...Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal of Tifereth Israel Synagogue delivers a lecture at 7 p.m. Sunday on "
Talking to Our Intermarried Children and Understanding Our Evolving Roles."  The public is welcome at the event sponsored by Keruv, the congregation's outreach group.  For more information, call the congregation at (619) 697-6001. 

                                                          __________________



Regional and Local 




Top: Five hundred of San Diego’s philanthropic leaders tonight celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Jewish Community Foundation, San Diego’s largest grant maker and oldest community foundation. Bottom left: Past
presidents of the Jewish Community Foundation celebrated the Foundation's 40th anniversary: Back row, left to
right: Edgar Berner; Rodney Stone; Lawrence Sherman; Andrew Viterbi; Jack Schuster. Front row, left to right:
Shearn Platt; Pauline Foster; Herbert Solomon; Chair Sheila Potiker; Jerome Katzin. Not pictured: Nessim Tiano

Bottom right:
From left to right: Marjory Kaplan, CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego; Murray Galinson and Elaine Galinson, chairs of the event; Sheila Potiker, Foundation chair
                                                                                                                                                                              
Photos by Melissa Jacobs, Creative Keepsakes Photography


Jewish Community Foundation, now largest grantmaker in
San Diego County, celebrates 40 years of philanthropy


SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Five hundred of San Diego’s philanthropic leaders on Thursday evening, May 31, celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Jewish Community Foundation, San Diego’s largest grant maker and oldest community foundation.

At the elegant, high-energy evening at the San Diego Museum of Man, the Foundation honored 40 years of charitable giving to the San Diego community and thanked those who give. Mayor Jerry Sanders was among the dignitaries in attendance.

The celebration brought together philanthropists with the non-profit agencies, organizations and religious institutions – both Jewish and secular – that deliver services to San Diegans.

“Since 1967, a lot has happened – in our lives and at the Foundation,” said Murray Galinson, event chair. “First, the foundation has become the largest grant-maker in San Diego County. Just last year, we gave away more than $50 million in grants to the Jewish and general communities. Most of
Museum of Man

these grants came through family funds and foundations.

“Second, more than 500 families have committed millions of dollars through their estates for future endowments. These legacies will be vitally important to keep our community strong for future generations.

“Third and final, the Foundation has become a national model in many areas -- including family philanthropy, endowments, our youth program, and our women’s foundation.”

Celebrants previewed the Museum of Man’s forthcoming exhibit, Journey to the Copper Age, which opens next month. This landmark show, which originated at the Israel Museum, is based on a research expedition led by Dr. Thomas Levy of the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Levy guided tours of the exhibit at the party.

 The Jewish Community Foundation is most grateful to the event underwriters: DLA Piper US LLP; Carleton Management, Inc.; San Diego National Bank; Scripps Investments & Loans, Inc.; AKT LLP; Goldman Sachs & Company; and San Diego Private Bank.

“At the core of all the Foundation’s work is a genuine sense of gratitude,” said Sheila Potiker, chair of the Foundation. “For the generosity of our donors, for the friendship of the community, and for the work we all do together to strengthen Jewish life and improve the world -- thank you to each and every one of you here tonight.”

Marjory Kaplan, chief executive officer of the Foundation, urged celebrants to continue to make a difference, saying: “We have much more work to do together. There are more families to involve in giving, more young people to engage in philanthropy, and more needs that must be met in San Diego, Israel and around the world.”

With managed assets of $264 million, the Jewish Community Foundation is the largest grant maker in San Diego. Founded in 1967, the Jewish Community Foundation partners with individuals, families and community organizations to help them achieve their philanthropic goals and to increase current and future support for a vibrant and secure Jewish community in San Diego, Israel and around the world.

During fiscal year 2005-06, the Jewish Community Foundation distributed more than $53 million in 3,900 separate grants to 800 different charitable organizations. Since its inception, the Jewish Community Foundation has granted more than $400 million to nonprofits that serve the community.

The Jewish Community Foundation’s mission is to promote philanthropy through meaningful partnerships with donors and community organizations in achieving charitable goals; and to increase current and future support for a vibrant and secure Jewish and general community in San Diego, Israel and around the world.

Visit the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego at www.jcfsandiego.org or call (858) 279-2740.

The foregoing release was provided by the Jewish Community Foundation.


 


Jewish Family Service resettles more than
60 refugees each year in San Diego area

 

SAN DIEGO (Press Release)—Seven years ago, the United Nations Association named June 20 as World Refugee Day. The day provides refugee concerned groups an opportunity to draw attention to the situation of refugees worldwide.  Refugee Resettlement Services of Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) resettles over 60 political refugees annually by providing clients with high quality social services. 

Immediately upon arrival into the United States, JFS provides a furnished apartment, airport pick-up, acculturation services, translation/ESL services, employment assistance and advocacy.  Services continue for eight months after the initial resettlement and include: Wilson/Fish Alternative Projects to promote self-sufficiency; family strengthening classes; financial assistance; medical assistance; social services; and case management.  JFS also provides outreach to Jewish Russian refugees, including Shalom Magazine, the only Russian language magazine in San Diego.

Refugee Resettlement Services of Jewish Family Service consistently goes above and beyond the standards set by the State Department.  “It is not just about finding an apartment, it is about finding the best apartment.  It is not just about finding a job, it is about finding the best job” says Etleva Bejko, Director of Refugee Resettlement.  In January-March of 2007, 100% of employable Refugee Resettlement clients remained employed after 90 days; the State Department goal is set at 70%.  State Department standards say 61% of refugees employed must become self-sufficient after eight months.  In February 2007, 100% of employed JFS clients were self-sufficient after eight months of employment. 

Refugee Resettlement Services of Jewish Family Service has been assisting political refugees and asylees since the early 1900s.  Today the program is located at the new Jewish Family Service Turk Family Center at 8804 Balboa Avenue.  Refugee Resettlement depends on financial contributions from the public and is always in need of household items such as lamps, telephones, chairs, sofas, tables, kitchen supplies, detergent, and toiletries.  For more information about the program contact Etleva Bejko at (858) 637-3093 or visit www.jfssd.org.

The foregoing release was provided by Jewish Family Service

 

Judaism


Rabbi Baruch Lederman

          Amazing tales of Judaism
                                                                      
                                                                                    Congregation Kehillas Torah, San Diego         

________________________________________________________


Whenever abba forgets his hat, it's sure to rain

Dvar Torah: B'haaloscha

The Children of Israel traveled through the wilderness with the Divine Clouds to give them light and shelter and to guide them. The clouds told them when to travel and when to encamp.

They had the manna which fell from the heavens to give them sustenance and a sense of structured schedule. They had such a clear understanding that Hashem guides their
lives as He runs and controls the world. This concept is crucial to us to this very day, as the following true story, related by Yossi Glick* (name changed) illustrates:

It started as a joke. I was on the way out the door to work one day when my wife told me to take my hat and raincoat. "It's going to rain today." I said, "But it's nice out now. I'll take my chances." I came home soaked.

A few days later, on the way out the door my wife said, "You better take your hat and raincoat, it's supposed to rain.: This time I listened. No rain. Just bright, clear skies, high heat and plenty of humidity. So I came home all clammy from the heat of the raincoat and hat.

But it wasn't until this happened a few more time that we began to notice a trend. Invariably, whenever the forecast called for rain, all I had to do was wear my hat and the day weather would hold out. But if I dared leave the hat at home I'd come home drenched!

It was uncanny. It got to the point where my wife could predict the weather based on whether or not I took my hat. And if she knew she was going to be out, she would ask me to wear my hat so it wouldn't rain. And it worked! Always!

One day, as we were all about to leave the house, me on my way to work and my wife with the kids to school, she asked me to take my hat. "The forecast says rain."
My three-year-old boy spoke up just then. "Abba, I like rain. I want it to rain today".

"That's wonderful. It look's like there may be a big storm and you can watch the rain all you want." I gave him a little pinch on the cheek and then grabbed my hat and started to go. My little boy started to get upset.

"What's wrong"?

"No Abba, don't take your hat".

"Why not"?

"I want it to rain today and if you take your hat, it won't rain".

Uh Oh. Lesson number one: The kids are always listening. Watch what you say. I knelt down and gave my son a hug. "My boy, let this be a lesson. It doesn't really matter whether Abba wears his hat or not. Abba can't control the rain. It's like everything else in life. It only looks like people are running things. But Hashem is really in control the whole time."

Dedicated by Ivor & Joan Jacobson in memory of their daughter Lauren.

_________________________________________________________________

Torah on One Foot
By Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal
Tifereth Israel Synagogue, San Diego
___________________________
_________

Rely on yourself.  Don't expect a miracle!
 

As Moses and the Children of Israel set out for the Promised Land he asked Hobab, his father-in-law*, to come with them: "We are setting out for the place of which the Lord has said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will be generous with you; for the Lord has promised to be generous to Israel." (Num. 10:29)

Hobab, however, did not want to go. He told Moses that he wished to return to his native land of Midian.

Moses, realizing that they would need his knowledge of the desert and expertise, pressed him to come with them: "Please do not leave us, inasmuch as you know where we should camp in the wilderness and be our guide. So if you come with us, we will tend to you the same bounty that the Lord grants us." (Num. 10:31-32)

Moses’ insistence paid off and Hobab joined them. As a reward for his faithfulness, Hobab and his descendants received a parcel of land in the southern part of Judah.

One may wonder why Moses was so worried about finding his way to the promised land. Even if he did not have a GPS, God had provided the Israelites with a Pillar of Fire by night and the Clouds of Glory by day to guide them on their way. With all of this Divine Intervention at hand, why was he worried about have a human guide?

He asked for Hobab’s help, our sages said, because our tradition warns us not to rely on miracles. Although Judaism has great confidence in faith and prayer, it values human action even more. Judaism teaches that when we need to get something done we should do everything within our power to accomplish our goals ourselves, never to be ashamed or embarrassed to ask for advice or help, and that in the end, after we have expended all effort possible, God will help us finish the job.

It is this same lesson we learn from the well worn story about the man who rejected God because he never won the lottery. After listening to his litany of complaints about God’s failure to help him become a millionaire, God finally said to him: "Moshe, I know I have disappointed you because you haven’t won. But Moshe, you would have made my work easier if you had bought a ticket!"

"God helps them who helps themselves."
 

*The Torah records three names for Moses’ father-in-law: Hobab, Yitro, and Reuel.
                                                                ______________
 

Max Siegel

Congratulations on your graduation!

Now it's off to UC Berkeley!

Grandma Paula   
  

 

Arts, Entertainment and Dining

                 ______________________________________________

Arts in Review

 by Carol Davis             
                     ____________________________________________

George and Martha are at it again!  

SAN DIEGO—In the final scene of Edward Albee’s tragi/comedy, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? George puts his hand gently on Martha’s shoulder, she puts her head back, and he  sings to her very softly : “Whose afraid of Virginia Woolf, Virginia Woolf, Virginia Woolf’”,… and she responds through teary eyes, “I… am George…I…am…”(George nods slowly) (Silence, tableau) Curtain. WOW! Who would have guessed?

Virginia Woolf is not just some old play written in 1962. It is more like a battlefield for George and Martha, who have been waging this mêlée since their marriage began. It’s the play that put Albee on the map and changed the tone of  contemporary literature. Howard Taubman of The New York Times said that Virginia Woolf : “…towers over the common run of contemporary plays. It marks a further gain for a young writer becoming a major figure on stage.” And Newsweek said,  “…a brilliantly original work of art- an excoriating theatrical experience, surging with shocks of recognition and dramatic fire.”

You don’t have to trust these critics. These reviews were written after it was performed off-Broadway in 1962 and then went on to win the New York Drama Critics Circle and Tony Awards as the Best Play of the 1962-’63 season. Just head down to the Cassius Carter Theatre at The Old Globe in Balboa Park and make your own judgments.

Unlike the times of its premiere on Broadway and in Hollywood at its opening, we as a society are more accustomed to the four letter words, the marital breakups, the dysfunctional family life seen in movies and TV, but it doesn’t make it any easier.

I don’t think anyone is really ever prepared for the drama of and in Virginia Woolf  but every now and then theatres take it out, dust it off and present their interpretation of what they think it should look like. Unsettling as it may seem, survival is the name of the game in this play and these two will do anything to survive the nightmare they have made for themselves. And unsettling as it may be, theatre companies owe it to their audiences to mount it, if for nothing else but to see a classic.

The definitive Virginia Woolf seems to be the movie version starring Elizabeth Taylor* and Richard Burton. directed by Mike Nichols. It was brutal, as those who remember the show can now attest. Taylor took home the Academy Award for her performance as Martha. That was in 1966.

Everyone wants their Virginia Woolf to look like the movie version. That it doesn’t happen is OK. In director Richard Seer’s production, quite the opposite happens. But more on that later.

As presented in the round, the powers that be at The Globe have a concept that the Classics should be up close and personal, and this one is.

Sitting in this intimate space the characters are in our face close and we are almost in Martha (Monique Fowler) and George’s (James Sutorius) living room (Alan E. Muraoka designed  the sets) which is a cluttered mish mash of furniture with clothes strewn about. Not to be unnoticed, however, there are no less than a dozen cocktail glasses lined up on a low hutch on one side with liquor galore. Eventually those glasses end up resting on one table or another throughout the night.

L-R: Sturgis, Sutorius, Fowler, Ferrarra
 

When the play opens, the couple is just coming home from visiting her father, the president of the college, somewhere in Massachusetts, where George teaches. George is in the History department (two bones of contention; the president and the teacher as opposed to The Head of the Dept.).

They are both three sheets to the wind, and instead of going to bed, they are awaiting the arrival of a new faculty member, Nick  (Scott Ferrara) and his wife Honey (Nisi Sturgis). It’s two o’clock in the morning and they are just warming up for the next round of blows to keep the adrenalin pumping. To their unsuspecting guests, they haven’t a clue as to what’s coming. Heaven help them.

As I mentioned earlier, Fowler’s Martha is not quite as vulgar, unkempt, vicious, nasty, brutal or pious as the classic Taylor’s was. She just nuzzles in and, in her own way, in three acts and no less than three hours, pushes George to the brink. Her voice doesn’t irritate or grate on the nerves. It does have a distinct accent, but not recognizable. She is just plain mean spirited and drunk! But don’t underestimate. She knows how to get George going. Fowler, a Globe Associate has appeared in many Globe productions over the years and has never disappointed. Her Martha is different. It works.

But  on opening night, she fell a little short of being on target in the first act.

Au contraire, it’s Sutorius’ George who appears to have won the upper hand when all the votes are in and the final bell has sounded.  His performance, while quiet, is  sharp, focused, painful sometimes comical and point blank. It comes at staccato intervals and he jabs like a boxer playing with his opponent. Sutorius is a master of all he surveys and has in no way fallen victim to her ugliness.

He seems to have a plan for the game and he follows

it through. Unfortunately for Martha, she has opened door number three and it turns out the she chose the wrong night to confide in Honey that they have a son. All the worms came crawling out of the can and the story and the existence of the ‘little bugger’ was finally exorcized; put to rest, in a highly dramatic give and take, much to her chagrin and their guest’s awe.

Sutorius, a fine actor who has proven himself to Globe watchers, won the San Diego Theatre Critics Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play, Lincolnesque.  He seems to have captured the essence of George; not too loud, not too overpowering, not too funny but overbearing enough  in his constant barrage of babble to wear both Martha and Nick down. Scott Ferrera was right on target on opening night as the sometimes defiant sometimes baffled Nick and Nisi Sturgis was perfect as Honey the milquetoast wife who tricked her husband into marrying her only to be lost in an another empty (nest) marriage.

Sears’ direction, whilst walking that fine line of  balancing humor and pathos, puts this Virginia Woolf into the category of must see. It plays through June 24. Tickets may be obtained by calling the box office at (619) 231-194.1

See you at the theatre.

*In 1957 Taylor converted to Judaism and in 2001, was asked on “Larry King Live”, “You are Jewish, are you not?” and she replied “I am, I am.” In 1981 she narrated parts of Genocide   produced by the Simon Wiesenthal Center. It went on to receive the 1981 Academy Award for best documentary, the first Holocaust documentary to be given this honor. It was the very first review I had published at the beginning of my long tenure as an Arts Critic. 

______________________________________________________________________________
The Jewish Citizen
              by Donald H. Harrison
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Seal vehicles are operated out of Seaport Village by Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego.  The 90-
minute land and sea tour costs $30 per ticket.   For information contact the trolley at (619) 298-8687.  


Yes, there are Jewish stories everywhere
—even among the Seals and sea lions


SAN DIEGO—When you take an amphibious Seal Tour into San Diego Bay, the gentle rocking of the boat, the salt air and the breeze combine with the knowledgeable narration
by guides like Kimmy Nice to produce one's own soporific fantasy—or at least they did in my case.

Ironically, on the Seal tour, seals are not the marine mammals you are most likely to see.  Instead you are most likely to encounter California sea lions (
Zalophus californianus).  They pretty much own the buoys marking the channel that every ship must take from the Pacific Ocean before docking in San Diego.  There is only one way in and one way out of the bay.

What's the difference between a seal and a sea lion?  Ears and flippers.  The sea lions have ear flaps, and they have flippers that can double as "feet" for navigating on land.  Seals on the other hand just have holes in their heads where their ears are. Not having the big flippers, they slide on the land if it's wet enough.

According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), sea lions are "
playful, smart, and graceful in the water" and are "intelligent, agile and easy to train."  When you go to the circus to see a "trained seal," you are more likely to see a California sea lion. Like dolphins, they are supposed to be incredibly bright.  In fact the United States Navy has a Marine Mammal facility on this bay where it trains both sea lions and dolphins for various porpoises—er, purposes.

On its website, the Navy explains that it utilizes dolphins and sea lions because of "1) their sensory capabilities; and, 2) their diving capabilities. Dolphins naturally possess the most sophisticated sonar known to man. Mines and other potentially dangerous objects on the ocean floor are acoustically difficult targets to detect, especially in murky or dark water. The dolphin's biosonar system is unmatched in its ability to make accurate detections. The sea lion has excellent low light vision and underwater directional hearing capabilities. Sea lions are not only adept at locating objects in challenging conditions, they also have the ability to maneuver in tight spaces and can go onto the shore if necessary.

"Both species of animals can make repeated deep-water dives without suffering the effects of decompression sickness or 'the bends' as humans do," the Navy site goes on to report.
"One sea lion, two handlers, and a rubber boat searching for objects on the ocean floor can effectively replace a full-sized naval vessel and its crew, a group of human divers, and the doctors and machinery necessary to support the divers operating onboard the vessel."

All of this made me think about the Uplift Trilogy by science fiction writer David Brin, a friend whose daughter Ari's bat mitzvah was the subject of a recent story of San Diego Jewish World.  One of the concepts that Brin suggested was that higher species could employ a process of education to "uplift" other species to the point that they not only could be trained but could think for themselves and communicate those thoughts to humans.  In Brin's books, dolphins and humans ally themselves against other species on other planets.

I found myself musing if sea lions ever were to become human allies, whether they would announce their own religion to us, or whether they would be moved to investigate human belief systems.  If the latter, I wondered, how big a sacrifice would they consider converting to Judaism to be?  Kashruth obviously could be a problem, but maybe not that big a one.  NOAA's Southwest Fisheries Science Center reports on its website that sea lions in Southern California feed chiefly on "
Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax), Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), Pacific whiting (Merluccius productus), Pacific mackerel (Scomber japonicus), jack mackerel (Trachurus symmetricus), shortbelly rockfish (Sebastes jordani), and market squid (Loligo opalescens)."

Most of these species have fins and scales, and could pass the tests of even the strictest mashgiach. Of course, the fact that they eat their food while it's still alive is a problem.

Another thing I wondered as we
navigated the bay alongside Point Loma: Who came up with the acronym NOAA anyway?  Was it deliberately constructed to remind us of one of the best known seagoing navigators who cared for animals—Noah? 

After our Seal made its way back to the boat launch ramp at Shelter Island, our captain Jimmy Saffer disembarked to make certain that no kelp had entangled itself on the tires. Meanwhile our nice guide, er, guide Nice told us that the fast-growing variety of seaweed is utilized in ice creams, gelatins, pharmaceuticals and many other food products.

My wife, Nancy, nudged me in the ribs.  "But not mattresses, right?"  She was referring to the fact that San Diego's first Jewish settler and entrepreneur Louis Rose—after whom was named the Roseville area of San Diego where the Shelter Island boat ramp is located—had once tried futilely to make a business out of drying the kelp and using it as a mattress stuffer.  In the 1850s, it  was an idea before it's time.  And still is.  "Gives a whole new meaning to the term kelp bed, doesn't it?" Saffer commented wryly. 

Kimmy Nice holds up some kelp as Jimmy Staffer pulls
land locks the ladder to the Seal amphibious craft.

Before taking the tour, I wondered whether I could demonstrate to our visitors from Louisville, Harry & Sherry Jacobson-Beyer, the truth of the slogan of San Diego Jewish World that "there is a Jewish story everywhere" even out on the bay.  Nice immediately set my mind at rest.  She's a good Catholic girl, she said, but learned a lot about Judaism before moving to San Diego. She had spent two years serving as a nanny for a Jewish family in the Foster City area, near San Francisco.  She used to go over the children's Hebrew lessons with them, and learned about Shabbat and the Jewish holidays. "What's the one called that's kind of like Halloween?" she asked.  "Purim."  "Right," she said, "I really like that one—and Chanukah too!"
                                                      

Story Continuations

Bush-Rice...
(continued from above)

The U.S. Secretary of State had been in Potsdam for a meeting of the Quartet—the European Union, Russia, the United Nations and the United States—on the situation in the Middle East.
A statement released on Thursday reflected the group's meeting on Wednesday.  It said:

"The Quartet Principals - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, High Representative for European Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and European Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner - met
today in Berlin to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

"The Quartet expressed its deep concern over recent factional violence in Gaza. It called for all Palestinians to immediately renounce all acts of violence and respect the ceasefire. It called upon the Palestinian Authority government, in cooperation with President Abbas and regional actors, to do everything necessary to restore law and order, including the release of kidnapped BBC
journalist Alan Johnston.
 
"The Quartet strongly condemned the continued firing of Qassam rockets into Southern Israel as well as the buildup of arms by Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza. It endorsed PA President Abbas' call for an immediate end to such violence, and called upon all elements of the PA government and all Palestinian groups to cooperate with President Abbas to that end. The Quartet called for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit. The Quartet urged Israel to exercise restraint to ensure that its security operations avoid civilian casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure. It noted that the detention of elected members of the Palestinian government and legislature raises particular concerns and called for them to be released. The Quartet noted its support for the May 30th Security Council Press Statement on the breakdown of the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
 
"The Quartet welcomed continued dialogue between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas, including bilateral summits, and expressed support for U.S. efforts to effect progress on security and movement and access issues. The Quartet agreed that movement and access are essential and in this regard called on both parties to implement fully the Movement and Access Agreement of 15 November 2005. The Quartet urged the parties to work positively and constructively in order to build confidence and to create an environment conducive to progress on the political horizon for Palestinian statehood, consistent with the Roadmap and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, which should also be addressed in these bilateral discussions. Palestinians must know that their state will be viable, and Israelis must know a future state of Palestine will be a source of security, not a threat.
 
"The Quartet commended the excellent work of the Temporary International Mechanism (TIM) and endorsed its extension for three months from July until September 2007. It called on donors to follow through on past pledges of support. The Quartet noted that the resumption of transfers of tax and customs revenues collected by Israel on behalf of the Palestinian Authority would have a significant impact on the Palestinian economy. The Quartet encouraged Israel and the Palestinian Authority to consider resumption of such transfers via the Temporary International Mechanism to improve the economic and humanitarian conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. In light of increased regional support for the Palestinians, the Quartet agreed to review where additional donor assistance should be focused, with particular consideration for infrastructure and development programs that can directly improve the daily lives of Palestinians. The Quartet invited concrete proposals from the parties on specific international support that could be useful at this stage.
 
"The Quartet welcomed the extension of the EU Border Assistance Mission at Rafah (EU-BAM). It reiterated the importance of resuming normal operations at the Rafah crossing. Taking note of the continuing threat to Israel and Palestinian security posed by smuggling, the Quartet welcomed progress in the Quadrilateral Security Committee and called for greater efforts by all parties to improve security along the Egypt-Gaza border.
 

"The Quartet welcomed the re-affirmation of the Arab Peace Initiative, noting that the initiative is recognized in the Roadmap as a vital element of international efforts to advance regional peace. The Arab Peace Initiative provides a welcome regional political horizon for Israel, complementing the efforts of the Quartet and of the parties themselves to advance towards negotiated, comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The Quartet noted its positive meeting with members of the Arab League in Sharm al-Sheikh on May 4, and looked forward to continued engagement with the Arab states. It welcomed the intention of the Arab League to engage Israel on the initiative, and Israeli receptiveness to such engagement.

"Recalling elements of the April 18 decision by the Arab League Follow-up Committee, the Quartet urged all involved to demonstrate their seriousness and commitment to making peace. In that context, the Quartet reiterated the need for a Palestinian Government committed to nonviolence, recognition of Israel, and acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the Roadmap, and reaffirmed its willingness to support such a government. The Quartet encouraged continued and expanded Arab contacts with Israel, and Israeli action to address concerns raised in the April 18 Arab League decision, including a cessation of settlement expansion and the removal of illegal outposts, as called for in the Roadmap.
 
"Looking ahead, the Quartet discussed a calendar for the coming months to support and encourage progress on the bilateral and regional tracks. The Quartet principals agreed to meet in the region in June with the Israelis and Palestinians to review progress and discuss the way forward. The Quartet also agreed to meet in the region with members of the Arab League to follow up on the Arab Peace Initiative and efforts to advance the regional track. Principals instructed the envoys to meet beforehand to follow up and explore options for the way forward."