Bagel Bash origins

We are writing this article to set the record straight, not to take away any kudos from the organizers or sponsoring organizations of Bagel Bash, which was featured in an article Dec. 15.

Bagel Bash was begun about 20 years ago, as they said, but it was first organized by Kehilath Israel Synagogue when Joyce Zeldin was president. We were asked to be advisers to a young adult board including Rusty Krakow, Jordan Zeldin, Nathaniel Pool, Debbie Wacjman and Marsha Friedman. Forgive us if we omitted any names. We planned several social events for young adults and the community was invited to attend. We had been in Denver and read that they had a Christmas Eve party for Jewish young adults that was well attended every years, so we suggested to our committee to try the event here for the greater Kansas City area. It was held at the Princess Garden restaurant on College Boulevard in their party room. Rabbi Herbert Mandl was the mashgiach for the event. We had dinner and one drink for $10 a person and a disc jockey. To our great amazement, 85 young adults came.

The program has evolved over the years with several different organizations and groups planning the event. We are so glad to see how big it has grown and how many organizations are funding it.

Joyce and Harold Koch
Leawood, Kan.

Anti-Semitism on Fox

I have enjoyed the television show House on the Fox Network for many years. I protest the portrayal of the character Chris Taub, a Jewish physician. He is a stereotype; smart, but ineffectual. He is often shown standing between two taller people or in profile, reinforcing the stereotype of little Jews with big noses. On the show, there have been many gibes about Taub’s nose. There is an anti-Taub website complaining about his nose and urging his elimination.

In the Nov. 28 episode, “Perils of Paranoia,” Taub said, “If anarchy breaks out, I plan to do what my ancestors have done throughout the ages: run.” The implication is that Jews are cowards.

Yes, sometimes Jews flee, and the flight may require courage. Sometimes Jews stay and fight, as we celebrate at Chanukah, when a small band of Jewish guerillas beat the most powerful army in the world. If you agree that anti-Semitic jokes are unfunny, send an email to Fox Network at .

Elizabeth Appelbaum, Ph.D.
Overland Park, Kan.

Actions louder than words

With reference to Stu Lewis’s response (Dec. 15) to Lee Levin’s article in the prior week’s (Dec. 8) Chronicle, I agree with Mr. Levin. Mr. Lewis seems to ignore the basic premise of Mr. Levin’s article that while President Obama’s speaks generally flowery words about support for Israel, (said in my opinion to retain Jewish votes and money), his actions demonstrate his and his administration’s absolute anti-Israel bias. Obama’s unrealistic demand that Israel return to “67” borders, (the Arabs hopped on this one with glee), the ongoing diatribes by his State Department, his Secretary of Defense Panetta, and now from his ambassador to Belgium are proof enough that Obama and his administration are basically anti-Israel. These refer only to Obama’s actions in the last few weeks. What will the next weeks, months and 2012 bring? Remember, these are first term actions when Jewish support is probably needed if he is to win re-election. What would be in store for Israel if he gained a second term and not require any further Jewish support? The results could truly be a disaster for Israel.

Mr. Lewis’s letter touches on the Torah (which can always be cherry picked for whatever thesis is being advocated), but he does not touch on the key question in Mr. Levin’s letter, in which he asks why anyone would support Obama based on what he has done. The question remains, “What has Obama actually done, and what does he specifically propose to do, that entitles him to four more years in office?”

Paul Wacknov
Leawood, Kansas