Archived Opinion

QUESTION: We just returned from a Bar Mitzvah in a traditional Conservative synagogue on the East Coast. There was an elaborate Shabbat luncheon following worship, and a sign on the buffet table saying asked guests to put their fish appetizers on a separate plate from meat appetizers. What is that all about?

ANSWER: There are many different aspects to the kosher laws. Some are historically based. For example, we do not generally eat hind quarter of cattle, such prime cuts as sirloin, tenderloin, rump roast, T-bone, etc., because of a historic episode that occurred with Jacob in the Book of Genesis in our Bible. Jacob wrestled with an angel of G-d and was struck in the sciatic nerve of the hip. The Bible tells us “therefore the Jewish shall not eat of the sciatic nerve of the hip until this day.” In the case of the hind quarter, there is a procedure known in Hebrew as “nikur” where the sciatic nerve and other forbidden tissues are removed. Generally these cuts of meats are not available outside of Israel.

Other aspects of the dietary laws area about kindness to animals, such as the manner in which we slaughter.Other aspects of Kashrut do not give any explanation whatsoever, such as why we separate milk and meat.

This now brings us to your question. The Talmud tells us that one should not cook or eat fish and meat together. This is not the same kind of law as mixing meat and milk together, which is biblical and a serious violation of Jewish law. (I don’t know if I would go as far as saying this is just tradition, because it is a statute in the Talmud.)

The Talmud explains that there is a “danger” from eating meat and fish together. I never really understood what that meant, although it sounds like an allergic reaction. When I was in my first pulpit many years ago, I discussed these laws with an allergist and a dermatologist. They both said that the rabbis were very astute for their day — some 1,700 years ago — to have pointed out that there are individuals who have a rare, sometimes serious, reaction to meat and fish combinations.

Apparently the rabbis of the Talmud were aware of this condition and this became a very strong tradition and perhaps even a law in our religion. Cooking meat and fish together is strictly forbidden or even cooking fish in a meat pot. Eating the two together is also forbidden although one can eat one or the other, have a drink or something in between and then eat the other.

Often people misunderstand this law or are totally unaware of it.  People think that since fish is pareve, neither meat nor milk, that it can be eaten indiscriminately with anything, like eggs can. This is not the case with fish and meat. Fish can be eaten with dairy or by itself or neutral foods like pasta. However, when it comes to meat, fish and meat need to be at least temporarily separated because of this Talmudic concern of “danger.”

Disagree with the board

This is an open letter to members of The New Reform Temple

As members of the board, we write to you in strong disagreement with the board’s decision not to renew Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn’s contract. Rabbi Jacques has been an enormous asset to NRT. He is a warm and welcoming rabbi. He is a leader in our community, a published author of two popular books on Judaism and Jewish history, and he’s recognized both locally and internationally for his efforts to promote Jewish learning and practice. Rabbi Cukierkorn has served two terms as president of the Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City and is currently the vice president of the Society for Classical Reform Judaism.

Rabbi Jacques’ knowledge of Judaica and Judaism is encyclopedic, including a command of multiple languages. He enjoys teaching classes and wants to make Judaism more a part of our lives in whatever ways we see fit.

He is available to all congregants. He takes members on Jewish tours to Jewish places both near and far away. His sermons are filled with Jewish wit and wisdom. His stories speak to ordinary people in ways that make Judaism relevant to them.

Jacques is known for his tremendous openness to and love for the varieties of Judaism. He has created a remarkably welcoming community for all NRT congregants, including interracial families, converts and Jews who find their way back to Judaism. Because of his friendly and happy demeanor, our children love and identify with him. NRT’s membership has risen dramatically because of Rabbi Jacques.

We urge the board to set a congregational meeting for its members to be heard. Any member of the NRT congregation who wishes to voice an opinion about the rabbi’s contract or this letter is cordially invited to contact a member of this committee.

Drew Bergerson
Brandon Turner
Erin Margolin
Linda Walts
Diana Resnick

Unfair attack

The letter published in the Chronicle on Jan. 21, 2011, from Elizabeth Appelbaum seemed to suggest assignment of blame for the Tucson shootings to Tea Party supporters and hinted at likening that group to the rise of the Nazis in Germany. The letter reminded me of the disturbing behavior of the flagellants of the Middle Ages. That sorry group initially tore at themselves for causing the Bubonic Plague by not being adequately pious. In time, their focus turned on the Jews who became the targets of horrific massacres whenever and wherever the Black Plague emerged in 14th century Europe.

The philanthropic activities of David H. Koch have benefitted many Jewish New Yorkers through the years and that gentleman did not deserve to appear to be tied in any way to Loughner’s acts or to anything similar to that atrocity.
Watching for and condemning racism and anti-Semitism are the duty of all who remain eternally vigilant. However, in that process, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” by direct accusation or by circuitous suggestion. I would like to apologize to Mr. Koch and to anyone who may have been unfairly attacked by the aforementioned letter.

Leonard M. Moss, M.D.
Scottsdale, Ariz.

Juicy debates

I have to admit, I am an avid daily follower of all events relating to the State of Israel. My 4G phone buzzes me constantly with news feeds from the political extreme left all the way to the extreme right. If a reputable local group meets to exchange opinions on this subject, you can bet that I’ll try very hard to join it. For this reason, I’m enjoying tremendously Rabbi Scott White’s “Beyond Borders: The History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict”.

In my opinion, this is an opportunity to increase my understanding of the challenges to peace in the Middle East. The original texts (compiled in a nicely bound book by The Florence Melton Adult Mini-School) are reference materials covering the period from the late 19th century through the early 21st century. The other participants, many of whom attended last year’s “Two Jews, Three Opinions,” have experience holding their spot during our heated discussions and juicy debates, and have shown to be worthy opponents or allies in the field of ideas. And Rabbi White, with his ample experience and deep knowledge on the subject, demonstrates an uncanny ability to steer the participants’ interaction through the weekly subject.

If you decide to check this course out, and whether you agree with some of my opinions or nix most of my comments, I can promise you that the debate will be of high caliber and inspiring. We meet every Friday at 10 a.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Please contact Jeff Goldenberg, at the JCC at (913) 327-4647, for more details.

Eduard de Garay
Overland Park

Searching for family

My name is Sheryl Moss Anctil and I'm looking for family in Kansas City. I lived in Wichita many years ago (1986) and contacted some of my father’s cousins in Kansas City. I can only remember one of the cousin’s names and I would like to get in contact with the family.

The cousin was Sonia Brown. Her father, Norman Moskovitch, lived with this family when he was in the military back in the 1940s. At the time I originally contacted these cousins, my name was Sherryl Moss Adler and I was affiliated with the Conservative synagogue in Wichita.

A cousin in Detroit and I are compiling a genealogical record and would love to get in touch with the Kansas City family. Contact me at .

Sherryl Moss Anctil
Baltimore, Md.

Some Johnson Countians seem convinced that they will break out in hives if they dare wander north of 103rd Street. Sadly, such folks are closing themselves off to some of the city’s culinary wonders. A wealth of extraordinary (and authentic) Mexican fare exists along the Southwest Boulevard corridor, and in some other select spots in Kansas City, Kan.

Regardless, some will never stray beyond their geographic (and culinary) comfort zones — with regard to Mexican food, or anything else. And for them, Los Cabos (10551 Mission Rd., Leawood, Kan.) offers the sort of Mexican food that they recognize and appreciate.

Los Cabos is part of the K.C. Hopps restaurant group, that features other popular eateries such as Blue Moose, 810 Zone and 75th Street Brewery. The restaurant sits within the bustling Mission Farms retail section of Leawood, that includes several other restaurants, as well. Rather exclusive condominiums sit atop the Mission Farms retail spots, presumably tempting residents to venture downstairs in bathrobes and slippers for meals at the Mission Farms restaurants. Maybe for a dish of guacamole at Los Cabos.

Los Cabos occupies a bright space, dominated by rust-colored walls and beach décor. Surfboards and artistic renderings of the sun decorate the walls A bar trimmed with a sort of straw roof sits in the middle of the place — that appears to have been lifted from a beachside, Cancun resort. A fake parakeet and large trees sit near the entrance. A few televisions are scattered about, as well. So many restaurants undercut their décor and mood with a smattering of TV’s, when they would be better served restricting the TVs to the bar area. Like nearly all Mexican spots, Los Cabos brought out complimentary chips and salsa. One companion complained that the chips were not served warm — frankly an easy touch that does add to the experience. The complimentary salsa was somewhat watery and underwhelming, lacking the layers of flavor that permeate the best versions.

Our waitress confirmed one night what we had expected: The Tableside Guacamole ($9.99) is one of the more popular menu selections. Whether in Vegas, Hollywood or Leawood, diners still love a good show. Our waitress brought a large bowl of extremely ripe avocadoes, already cut, and an array of smaller bowls that contained red onions, salt and pepper, garlic, jalapenos and cilantro. A lime and an orange also sat atop the tray, and the waitress oddly deemed the orange the “magic ingredient.”

I requested that the cilantro be left out. Cilantro is one of those herbs that folks either love or hate. Our waitress mixed and chopped everything together in a molcajete (a rough-surfaced bowl commonly used to grind spices), leaving the tasty avocados rather chunky in the finished product.

Guacamole is an enormously personal dish. Some want to taste primarily avocadoes and little else, while others appreciate a broader range of flavors (including cumin and chiles, among others). This guacamole was more dressed down and basic than the better, more complex versions that I prefer.

The Queso Fundido Espinaca ($5.99) was an excellent take on the classic Mexican cheese dip, though, with plenty of green onions and tomatoes, and a nice kick — served with very good grilled flour tortillas (with picturesque grill marks and prominent grill flavor).

Los Cabos seems to fare best when it dabbles just outside the more recognizable Mexican arena within which many Americans are comfortable. The Braised Chipotle Short Ribs ($13.99) were an artistically presented plate of tender, crispy brisket atop Boniato mashed potatoes (a sort of white sweet potato available year round in Florida) with very good fried onions on top. The dish had an interesting array of flavors ranging from slightly sweet to just a bit spicy.

The Fresh Fish Tacos ($11.99) were a good rendition, as well —offered either breaded and fried or sauteed. Our knowledgeable waitress recommended the fried version — pointing out that it was made with tilapia, while the sautéed version employed Mahi-Mahi. The sampled fried version came with three tacos in flour tortillas. The fish had a nice, crispy breading and was covered in a chipotle-lime crème fraiche, that added a smoky and spicy finish (though one friend thought the sauce overwhelmed the fish).

Two sampled dishes were more comfortably within the realm of Mexican fare that Americans seem to relish. A companion ordered the substantial Cabos Burrito with ground beef ($9.99), and found it stuffed with loads of seasoned ground beef, mixed cheeses and black beans. The good queso cheese that we had sampled as an appetizer was slathered on top. The burrito was fine, but lacked the flavor elements to push it much beyond similar versions found at more casual Mexican chain establishments.

Chicken Enchiladas ($9.99) are a safe bet at most places. The Los Cabos version included three hefty enchiladas, filled with a mixture of pulled chicken and a creamy cheese filling, of some sort. The enchiladas were (again) fine, but were somewhat mundane.

Most entrees at Los Cabos come with sides of red rice and refried beans — rather average takes on the ubiquitous mainstays served on the side at Mexican restaurants, everywhere.

There is nothing wrong with familiarity. The trick is to bring something new to the discussion. Lure us a bit outside of our comfort zones long enough to dazzle us. But let’s face it, we are a particularly “safe” and conservative lot, out here south of 103rd Street. We like Mexican food that we have seen and tasted before. Maybe guacamole assembled tableside pushes the envelope just about far enough.

Food: ** ½

Atmosphere: ** ½

Service: ***

Out of four stars

The Israeli political spectrum is broad. It ranges from those who believe that there is already a Palestinian country called Jordan, to those who see the need for creating a Palestinian country in Judea and Samaria, since the Palestinian population is a majority in those areas anyway. No one can ignore the major international development which happened a few weeks ago, when a few Latin American nations recognized an Independent Palestinian State. These events will probably lead to the existence of a Palestinian country in a territory yet to be fully decided and whose capital may or may not be Jerusalem.

It is a real shame that the Palestinians squandered the opportunity of getting their own country side by side with a Jewish one by rejecting the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 181. On Nov. 29, 1947, the United Nations General assembly voted 33 to 13, with 10 abstentions, in favor of the Partition Plan. The Zionist Jewish leaders were overjoyed with this, while the Arabs leaders rejected the partition plan. The Israeli Independence War ensued just a few months later.

If you are a Kansas City Jew, one of your major bragging points is that Eddie Jacobson, a personal friend of President Truman, was helpful in swaying Truman to vote in favor of the creation of a Jewish State in spite of the harsh opposition mounted by many presidential advisers. Every time I visit Rose Hill cemetery, I stop at Jacobson’s grave and say a prayer for a man who could be equated with Queen Esther. He was placed by God in a position that enabled him to help deliver his people. I have always felt that if Eddie Jacobson had been buried in Israel, in all likelihood, he would have a huge monument with a plaque highlighting his accomplishments. Instead, his marker is just like all other markers.

Obviously things are never as simple as we learn in school. Jacobson was aided by many other local and national Jewish leaders such as A. J. Granoff (father of my friend Loeb), who accompanied Jacobson to the White House several times for discussions with President Truman. Apparently things also did not run as smoothly as it may be perceived on the surface. There was much tension between the parties. “Harry and me” is a play about those exciting days and events written by Sam Montague, one of my dear congregants.

On a personal note, I am very proud of my wife family’s involvement in the events of those days. A little known fact is that Jewish communities in the Diaspora organized a huge effort in each and every country that could vote at the United Nations General Assembly to guarantee the passing of Resolution 181. Denisse’s grandparents (Mauricio and Raquel Dickerman) were the second Jewish family to arrive in the small Central American nation of Honduras. They quickly became part of the Honduran merchant elite, consisting of a large number of Arabs as well as a smattering of Chinese people. Denisse’s grandfather’s claim to fame is that he and a few other Jews managed to convince the Honduran President, Tiburcio Carías Andino, to abstain from voting. The local Arab community had wanted a “No” vote. This may not be considered a huge victory, but it was a help to the Zionist cause nonetheless. It is amazing to me that even a tiny immigrant Jewish community in a small country was able to get engaged and do their part to help in the creation of the State of Israel.

Never underestimate the power a small group of truly committed individuals to help promote the greater good.

Be watchful

Lee Loughner tried to assassinate Rep. Gabrielle Gifford, a Democratic Jewish member of Congress. He wounded 14 people and murdered six, including her aide, Gabriel Zimmerman, who is also Jewish.

An article in the Christian Science Monitor ( Jan. 9), reports a memo from the Department of Homeland Security suggesting a link between Loughner and American Renaissance (a racist, anti-Semitic, anti-government organization).

Here is a quote from Loughner’s final posting on U-tube:

“. . . read the Constitution of the United States of America’s constitution to apprehend all the current treasonous laws. You literate, listener?”
http://www.youtube.com/user/Classitup10#p/a/u/1/nHoaZaLbqB4

Here is a quote from the American Renaissance website:

“Begin by recognizing that the post-1960s civil rights agenda has been the single most powerful force in expanding Washington power.  . . . Documenting this expansion is endless. . . .The 1964 Civil Rights Act brought federal intervention into local restaurants and movie houses and even constrained people’s ability to choose their neighbors.”

This selection is from an article by Robert Weissberg, American Thinker, July 22, 2010. It appears at http://www.amren.com/mtnews/archives/2010/07/what_the_naacpt.php

Loughner is one of many who use violence for politics. On March 22, 2010, the Kansas City Star reported vandalism at several political offices, including a broken window and door at Gifford’s office in Tucson. A former leader of the Alabama Constitutional Militia, an anti-government, right-wing group, took credit for the vandalism as a response to health care reform.

Some people say that politics had nothing to do with Loughner’s mayhem, that he was an isolated madman. People had similar comforting words about Nazi thugs in the 1920s. But the Nazis were not merely crazy, not merely grass-roots. Financed by military and business leaders, they seized the German government in 1933. Koch Industries of Kansas finances the Tea Party. Jews should be watchful, and we should say a “Mi Shebeirach” for the congresswoman.

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

Thanks, Subway

I would like to thank Joan and Roger Fogel, Ben, Kim, Britta and Steve for all their efforts with Subway Kosher Deli.

The restaurant was more than a place to eat. It was a place for community meetings, business discussions, a place for learning, a teen hangout and a family place. The staff took care of its frequent customers by remembering their favorite sandwich combinations. They were welcoming to out-of-towners passing through the area.

They dealt with many challenges, including long hours, supply problems (driving to St.Louis to get product), and many other issues. They were an employer of many youth in the community.

I wish them health and happiness in their future endeavors.

Maury Kohn
Overland Park, Kan.

Ed note: International  Holocaust Survivor’s Day is Jan. 27.

I personally feel no guilt for having the God-given privilege of being alive. I mourn for my grandparents, uncles and aunts who perished at the hands of Nazi maniacs; often weeping for not having experienced their love. I cry in anguish when reminded that 6 million of my brethren, young and old, left this earth via gas chambers and crematoriums. I sense the pain of my family and friends who saw their elders shot before their very eyes and their babies hurled against brick walls and bayoneted. I experienced deep anger when I viewed the numbers branded on the arm of my father, of blessed memory. Yet I thanked God for sparing the lives of my beloved parents.

Yes, I blame humanity for remaining silent while my innocent brethren perished screaming in terror for someone to heed their outcries. Humanity; not God. We are not puppets to be controlled by our Creator. People caused the Holocaust; people remained silent. Leaders of countries refused to intercede on behalf of the defenseless.

Should I then hate humanity? Should I live with anger in my heart, rebelling against the environment, rejecting those of other faiths and cultures? Perhaps I should bend in fear like a blade of grass when the winds of anti-Semitism turn toward me. Perhaps I should walk along the rocky paths of society fearing what the future may bring.

I openly and candidly answer in the negative. No, I will not live in a shell of neurotic chaos, and I will not reject society. I refuse to live in a world which rejects hope, receiving nourishment from the seeds of hatred.

I admire and respect my beloved parents, Jacob and Rachel, of blessed memory, and honor them for their strength and courage. Even Auschwitz could not diminish their faith. They could have rejected humanity; instead they aided others in their daily fight for existence. No, a world of anger and hostility was not their banner.

Now that I am an orphaned adult, I appreciate even more the impact that my parents had upon me. All that I am and all that I ever will be I owe to them. They instilled within me pride and fortitude; their motto became my personal outcry, “Never Again.”

Refuse to discuss the Holocaust? Sweep these memories under the rug? No — this is not our mission to the world and ourselves. Let the truth be known! Let others realize what the world did to an ethical, moral and religious populace. Let them hear the testimony of valiant survivors. Let them see our courage.
Feel guilt for surviving, for speaking on behalf of children who we silenced — never!

I became a rabbi to aid the living, to ensure our survival; to rekindle the Jewish flame. I am proud; proud of my heritage, proud of our strength, and proud of my beloved parents.

Contrary to what we are told, the passage of time does not ease our pain, nor does it diminish the scope of the horror that was the Holocaust.
Oh yes, there are those, few in number, who feel that it is psychologically healthier to avoid reminders that keep painful and unpleasant events alive. Why subject our young to the brutal story of Nazi bestiality toward the Jewish people? What purpose will it serve? It would be wiser not to talk about it so that it can disappear.

Never! We must never stop telling this story. Tell it we must, in every gory detail! We must do this because it is our sacred duty to alert them to the evils of men, so that they will never be lulled into a false sense of safety and security. We must alert them so that our children will be vigilant and will never be caught unaware as were the Jews who perished in the Holocaust. This is the message I emphasize to my beloved children, Ilana, Ayelet, Yaakov and Ari.

Although we are cognizant that our children will be adversely affected, that they will feel great pain upon learning the true facts of the Holocaust, we know that this is something we must do.

I urgently beg of you, my fellow children of Holocaust survivors, keep alive the memory of the courage and will to live possessed by your parents. Time is growing short. Soon, like my parents of blessed memory, they will have left this world. Speak with them now. Learn all you can about their Holocaust experiences and about your grandparents and great-grandparents. Communicate with them before it is too late! This is our mission. This we must vow to do. Join me, my fellow Holocaust brothers and sisters, in this holy mission. Let us join hands and loudly acclaim, “We will keep the memory of the Holocaust alive.”

In Europe, after the Holocaust, Jews identified one another by asking, “Amcha?” meaning “your people” in Hebrew. The speaker was effectively asking, “I am one of Your (God’s) people; are you?” What a curious manner to self-identify after the cataclysm of the Shoah.

We have just begun the annual Torah cycle of reading Exodus. In Genesis we meet individuals: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, etc. But in Exodus we encounter the narrative of “amcha,” God’s people. The exodus is the “root experience” of the Jewish people. We trace our history back to the exodus from Egypt, all of us, one people, walking together out of slavery. Slavery and the exodus forged disparate selves into a single “am,” a people covenanted with God. A Jew recognizes the history and destiny of the Jewish people as his/her own.

I have to imagine that not everyone, however, walked out of Egypt at the same pace. Older people often walk slower than younger; the weaker and lame walk slower than the stronger. Eventually Amalek attacked the stragglers and attempted to cut them off, earning him the label of archetypal enemy of the Jewish people. Haman and Hitler are descendants of Amalek, according to our lore. But instead of breaking into separate camps according to physical prowess, all of the people journeyed together.

The most repeated statement in the Torah, some 33 times, is, “You know the soul of the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

The Jewish soul knows suffering. We know the feel of slavery. God commands that we remember the experience, that we reach inside ourselves and extricate that experience, like a penitent recalling a determinative childhood lesson. We behave ethically regarding strangers because we occupied their position.

These Jewish lessons are not necessarily shared by other religions. They emerge from specifically Jewish moments in history, lived by Jews and passed on through generations. They comprise a huge motivation in Jewish ethics, to learn from our experiences how to treat others, because we are a community.

The United States often operates with a different motivation: “Take care of yourself and get as much as you can for your family.”  The poverty rate has increased 67 percent in Johnson County in two years, and over 38,000 people now live below the poverty level, more than the 33,000 in Wyandotte County to our north. Most critical in this debate, however, is this fact: The “haves” actually have much more than they ever did in comparison with the “have nots.” If we intend to continue the institutions that hold together our community: social welfare agencies that get their money from United Way or through taxes, our schools, our basic services provided by government, and yes, even Beth Torah, our congregation, then those who have more are going to have to contribute a higher percentage of their income.

I hear stories of children suffering from abuse and family problems, stories that would turn your stomach, because the state no longer has the money to fund the workers to make a difference, and this economic downturn among the least skilled has frankly caused some people to take out their anger on their families. We are not protecting the weakest among us.

The greatest responsibility must fall on those who have prospered more than others. The unemployment rate among college graduates is only 5 percent. But those who are hurting after several years of downturn are hurting badly. For only the second time in my rabbinic career, I am using my discretionary fund to save homes.

The very rich are earning sums that could save lives and social institutions. Even on the level on which most of us earn and live, we should consider doing more so that those who are suffering — losing homes, going without food, watching children suffer abuse — can be protected. Even at Beth Torah we are still waiting for dues to return to levels of two years ago. Those who can must step forward to preserve the agencies and institutions that give us our values. There’s no other way.

During the Exodus I don’t imagine that the young and strong ran ahead to flee Egyptian persecution on their own. In their excitement, our people united. “We all travel together, or we all stay behind.” Together they succeeded. It’s much easier with a dynamic leader like Moses, but it’s possible at anytime. I ask that you give it some thought. What is your role in moving us ahead together? And every bit as poignantly, what will happen if you don’t?

This article was originally published in the January 2011 editor Congregation Beth Torah’s newsletter, Tekiah.

Kibbutz Gezer, Israel — The IsraelExperts team (a provider of Israel education and tours) has been traveling Israel very much on both sides of the fence the past few weeks (figuratively and literally).We’ve taken several groups into Palestine — including an A meinu mission as well as another organization often viewed as politically to the right. With equal passion I have found myself arguing with people on both the left and right of the political spectrum. I find the discussions to be emotionally draining and immensely painful for two reasons. First, that thoughtful, rational and intelligent people make proposals I view as radical, immoral and unethical. Second, that at the same time, part of my own “hardened heart” is softened and touched by their arguments — both appalled and empathetic at the same time. I’m constantly walking both sides of the fence as a pro-peace Israeli. Being concerned about the future and security of Israel means looking in the mirror and facing the troublesome narrow-mindedness in our society and working toward change.

Today I’m back in the office and considering whether we must think about changing itineraries for groups heading south to do programs at unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev with NISPED: Negev Strategies of Peace & Development http://www.nisped.org.il/, and on the Gaza-Israel-Egypt boarder at Kirot Yamit http://www.eshkol.lanegev.co.il/kirotyamit.html. We check daily with the security services to ensure that it is safe to travel to these areas, and cancel the programs if necessary.

It’s a constant struggle not to sink into despair. Religious and political leaders preach hatred and racism. We’re faced with more and more calls for boycott, divestment and sanctions. Rockets are falling; friends and family are in the army. Hunger, violence and humiliation are part of the daily routine for Palestinians.

On the other hand, evaluations of one of our programs led us and our partners to the conclusion that we must also focus on the magnificent sparks of light shining in the darkness of the matzav (the “situation”) here in Israel and Palestine. It’s imperative that we give support to those individuals and organizations working toward change and having a positive impact. They present the issues — and also how we can make a difference. They provide hope and inspiration that cooperation, dialogue and change are not impossible.

• Young orthodox Israeli Jews protesting against racism (https://sites.google.com/site/gerimheyitem/home)

• Over 200 Israelis attended a gathering organized by South Africans who made aliyah “inspired by the vision of an enlightened, moral society and state that are both meaningfully Jewish and genuinely democratic” many of whom are deeply distressed by bitter travesties of that vision happening around us every day and want to do something.

• Rabbis for Human Rights efforts to support Palestinian olive farmers www.rhr.org.il/

• At Kibbutz Ein Shemer young Jewish and Arab Israeli leaders are involved in a variety of coexistence and ecology endeavors impacting the next generation www.grenhouse.org.il

• A leadership group from the University of Kansas Hillel (funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City) spent the weekend in home hospitality with young Jewish and Arab Israeli leaders from Ramla involved in dialogue and community activism through Keshatot www.kshatot.co.il/.

From out of the troublesome narrowness I called to G-d
G-d answered me with openness
G-d is with me in those who help
(Psalm 118:5, 7)

When you discuss and debate Israel, and especially when you come here (and please come here!), be sure to take time to appreciate the magnificent sparks of light.

Originally from Kansas City, Steve Burnstein heads the education division at IsraelExperts. He has an M.A. in Jewish education from the Jewish Theological Seminar of America, and is currently completing his rabbinic studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Locally, he served as educator at Congregation Beth Torah from 1989 to 1994. Steve made aliyah in 1997 and for many years was the associate director of the Pinat Shorashim Seminar Center at Kibbutz Gezer, where he lives with his family.

Talented rabbi

Because I am not a member of the New Reform Temple of Kansas City, I can make no judgment about the temple board’s decision not to renew the contract of Rabbi Jacques Cukierkorn, as was reported recently in the Chronicle.

But I can say that I came to know the depth of this wonderfully talented man as he and I worked together to write our recent book, “They Were Just People: Stories of Rescue in Poland During the Holocaust.” He is a man of deep integrity, of wit, of imagination and of both passion and compassion. He is, in addition, as intensely committed to Classical Reform Judaism as I am to the Reformed Tradition of Protestant Christianity.

I don’t know what the future holds for him but I do know that anyone he serves as a rabbi in the future will be blessed to have him.

Bill Tammeus
Kansas City Star “Faith Matters” blogger
blog: http://billtammeus.typepad.com

The community’s loss

Over the past 33 years that I have lived here in the community, including the three years that I served as rabbi of a local congregation, there has been a marked development in certain areas, not the least of which in the level of integration of local Jewry within itself.

Initially, I experienced the New Reform Temple as existing in the periphery of the community, being only nominally visible to, and impactful on the rest of us. Over the past 10 years, however, since the tenure of Rabbi Cukierkorn as its rabbi, New Reform has been brought into the mainstream of local Jewish activities and projects, with its spiritual leader having been elected by his colleagues twice as president of the local rabbinic association.

This has been no mean transformation.

It is, therefore, with dismay and surprise that I learned of the action of the Temple leadership, vis-a-vis its rabbi, in apparent disregard of these developments, in not continuing its relationship with him in the future. I genuinely feel it will be a loss to all of us and express my regrets accordingly.

Rabbi Gilbert L. Shoham, M.A., Ph.D.

According to www.urbandictionary.com, Jewdar is the innate ability to detect Jewishness in another person. It is short for Jew-radar. It is like a sixth sense. I am quite proud that I have a quite finely attuned Jewdar. Since Jews are such a small minority in Kansas City, I get to use my “Jew finding” skills often. I usually accomplish this by searching for fellow Jews in large crowds of people wherever I go.

Naturally upon entering a room, a restaurant, the movies, etc. ... I look to see who I know, who is Jewish, etc. ... Perhaps this is a small town thing or perhaps it is human nature. We usually seek and gravitate toward those that we feel a connection to because they are similar to us. While on vacation in Miami for 10 days, my Jewdar was running on overdrive! It is very weird to walk into my favorite South Florida deli, Mo’s in Aventura, and realize that in this particular place it is easier to pick out the non-Jews, because almost everyone is Jewish. Russians, Latin Americans, Ashkenazim, Sephardim, Israelis … you name a possible Jewish group and I guess they can be found at Mo’s Bagels & Deli.

It became a game for me to try to observe people and not only identify them as fellow Jews but try to figure out where they were from. Since Mo’s is one of the closest restaurants to where we were staying, we ended up going there quite often. I was charmed by a certain waitress that not only was obviously Jewish but had something quite heimish (familiar) about herself. Her demeanor reminded me of the people in Kansas City. With great surprise I found out not only that she was originally from Saint Louis but after a few moments, we could identify some people we knew in common. I managed to combine two out of the three top Jewish games, a Jewdar with Jewish geography (the third top Jewish game is kvetching — trying to convince someone that your tsuris is greater than his or hers).

Ultimately, these two Jewish activities, having a Jewdar and playing Jewish geography are all about our need to find our own wherever we go as well as figuring out how to connect with them. I believe that this is due to “Kol Israel arevim Ze Laze; All of Israel (all Jews) are responsible for one another.” I always feel less alone and less of a stranger anywhere I go, if I know there are other Jews around. As Jews we define ourselves in the collective, as a people. Most of our important prayers, like the Vidui on Yom Kippur, are said in the plural. When I travel, I seek Jewish sites because they give me a sense of belonging even in places that are totally foreign. The farther we travel, the more we want to find the familiar.