Purely Commentary
Jews and Judaism Under
Scrutiny . . . Puzzles, 'Ornate'
Misconceptions, Identifications
By Philip
Slomovitz
Weekly Quiz
BY RABBI SAMUEL J. FOX
(Copyright, 1966, JTA, Inc.)
Why do many pious Jews ob-
legacy of glory that can not be negated. Harper's writer surely did not
An Entertaining Appraisal of Divided American Jewry
intend negation. She just didn't reach out far enough for all the facts
serve the practice of discussing
Marion K. • Sanders, an editor of Harper's magazine since 1959, in Jewish life.
some top'c of Jewish learning at
undertook an interesting assignment—an appraisal of American Jewry
the table during mealtime?
—and the result of her efforts, in the April issue, appears under the
Most authorities base this prac-
Puzzled Jews, Self Hating Jews, the Psychologically Attuned
title "The Several Worlds of American Jews—An Unauthorized Guide."
In a sense, Marion K. Sanders renders a real service by calling tice upon the contention in the
It contains much of interest, a great deal that is incontrovertible,
attention to some of the factors in Jewish life that cause wonderment, Mishnah (Avot 3:43) which states
material to excite, debate and even refute, and there is a measure
create interest, arouse concern—not all in one, but as a variety of that three reople who ate together
of entertainment in it.
and did not speak words of Torah
attractions focused on Jews.
Perhaps one should first learn to know the author before com-
During the years of Nazi horrors, when Jews began to make are to be likened unto people who
menting on what she has written. She comes from a German-Jewish news almost daily, when we were in the limelight—as victims of eat of the offerings of the dead. A
background. Her parents had decided prejudices against Russian and
very interesting explanation of this
Polish Jews. Her description of the Socialist-Zionist-non-German Jew Nazism, as the abused by the Coughlins and the Smiths and so many practice is that the study of Torah
other anti-Semites--many of our people were bewildered, frightened,
oho was married to her cousin, the description of his unruly hair,
at the table renders the table to
"sort of peasant smock," his "ragged peaked cap," the "ghastly con- driven to complain that there is too much emphasis on us. The answer be an altar comparable to the altar
was not only that the events compelled the emphases but that, always,
frontation," doesn't sound real. This man, Sam, who was Married to
"Jews ARE News." Perhaps this accounts for so extensive an appraisal in the holy temple upon which sac-
cousin Bertha, is introduced as having been "an embarrassment,"
which would have fitted in so much better in Harper's analysis. But rifices were offered. It was the
with his accent, etc.
practice of an assigned committee
(Jean-Jacques Rousseau in "Emile": "Accent is the soul of a there are many other reasons.
of the laity to concern themselves
There are Jews who are self-hating, and therefore they write
and discuss special topics of sacred
language; it gives the feeling and truth to it.")
kinsmen
in
uncomplimentary
fashion,
creating
a
-
Her parents "were certain it was better or perhaps 'safer' to about their own
texts while the sacrifices were be-
rather
vulgar
literature.
There
are
Jews
who
are
puzzled,
therefore
marry a Jew," at the time when, as a college student, it turned out
ing offered in the temple.. Indeed,
that one of her beaux was an Episcopalian theological student. In due search, and often find, the proper answers to their bewilder- it is not the physical construction
ment.
There
are
many
Jews
who,
while
they
challenge
and
question
course she married a Jew: "At the time, however, both I and my
that made an altar out of stone or
husband—a doctor with a nonsectarian passion for healing the sick— and differ and oppose the proferred Jewish legacy, nevertheless are so metal—but rather the atmosphere
attuned to their heritage psychologically that once they find them-
would have. scoffed at the idea that Judaism had anything to do with
selves they begin to cherish their spiritual and cultural inheritance as of holiness and sanctification with
our romantic affinity. My parents had been bold enough to risk send-
which man surrounded the altar.,
ing me to a school where Jews were only a small minority." Yet we much as many non-Jews admire it.
In all instances, the obstacles can be hurdled, difficulties can be Thus even the lowliest of tables,
have the suspicion that when Jew met Jew they were inwardly at
overcome, when proper knowledge is spread and our constituencies in the most modest of homes could
peace that they did not have to be conscience-stricken by the very
are properly informed. When there is a well informed community, become an altar when items of
idea of a mixed marriage, and it made it easier for them—"safer"- philanthropy is enhanced, the people's position in society is more Jewish learning were discussed
over it. It is interesting to note
to scoff !
an assault is more easily countered.
This is the lady who wrote the article that may arouse as much secure,
Our trouble is primarily with liberals who go to all causes but their that some authorities consider the
discussion as David Ben-Gurion's challenge to the most prominent own, and the dangers in all humanitarian ranks is that we are be- discussion of Torah around the ta-
Jewish scholars in the world to define the term Jew. Had Marion coming overburdened with tired liberals who often lose courage in a ble as the basic reason for which
Sanders read the very basic work, the impressive "Jewish Identity"
man, in such troubled times, would
battle for justice when the response is limited.
containing the replies to the question Who and What is a Jew, that
It is tiredness that causes a lack of vigilance, and perhaps we can be allowed to partake of a feast.
was compiled by the venerable Mt. Clemens Orthodox devotee, Baruch ascribe to it the suddenness with which the holocaust has been for- The discussion of Torah converts
Litvin, her article surely would have had an entirely different com- gotten. Harper's article speaks unrealistically about a disappearance the ordinary meal into a "Seudath
plexion. Then it would not have been necessary for her to probe con- of anti-Semitism, or a drastic decline of it. This is far from the truth. Mitzvah" (a meal of virtue) since
ditions at Franklin Hills in our area, or to marvel at the "Hilton of In recent years we have witnessed a growing reaction that should the combination of food and learn-
synagogues" in Detroit, or to ponder over our wealth.
prove very disturbing to all Americans who are concerned about the ing constitute the synthesis of cul-
Marion K. Sanders did a good research job. She writes well. She
ture and sustenance. Sustenance
has discovered a basic ailment in American Jewish life—our divisiveness retention of the basic American ideals.
is the vehicle with which the schol-
It was equally disturbing to . hear Dr. Joachim Prinz speak of a ar can spread his learning. Culture
—although she does not dwell as much upon it as she does on so diSappearance of anti-Semitism in Germany because in 20 years there
many other trivialities. But that is our major shortcoming. And there
will be no Jews left there. He warned of the rising nationalism in Ger- is that element which makes sus-.
is a shortcoming in the Harper article that must not be overlooked. many. We fail to see how it can be separated from Jew-baiting, even tenance worthwhile.
It is the fact that the able writer, with her concentration on a single if there will be a handful of Jews left, even if such hatred can be
Why do Hassidim always sing
ease—that of Detroit—to be judged as an example of American Jewish vented against Israelis and others temporarily living in or visiting
at their tables?
life—merely covered the subject on the surface. Her article does not Germany. The German virus is an old one, and is frequently revived,
This practice, according to some,
go to the root of the problem—if the existing situation really is a and we have no faith in any assurance that anti-Semitism ever will be is likewise commemorative of the
practices of offering the sacrifices
problem rather than a repetition of historic experiences.
wiped out of German ideologies.
*
*
And so the problem is much vaster than was portrayed by the in the temple of old. At that occa-
The Surviving Remnant of Israel
Sh'erith Israel
Harper's writer. Der Ewige Jude remains as a challenge to the world. sion, the Levites would sing
Harper's editor mentions the college students who can not provide When he is treated properly, humanity's hopes for a good and a peace- psalms. Some have come to under-
a minyan for a religious service. She writes very briefly about the ful world rise up very high. When he is persecuted, woe also to stand the practice of singing at
growing Jewish college student population. But she needed to go to others who soon become targets of haters. Meanwhile, Jews who do the table as a substitute for dis-
the colleges, to get at the root of the issue, to gather the opinions of not understand it often are puzzled, sometimes they leave the fold, and cussing learned topics of Torah.
our boys and girls. She would have found disillusion, doubt, suspicion, time and again we become the objects of social scrutiny, as in the This is said to have come about
uncertainty, confusion. But she also would have discovered that not all case of the Sanders' essay. And always there is the survivalist who, because during periods of disper-
of our young Jews are strangers to Judaism, that there are some who when he is fully aware of all implications, and refuses to be swerved sion and oppression, the masses
are studying and who remain rooted in their faith. And if she had ff from a road that causes him not only to view the road to survival as could not avail themselves of the
searched for an Hebraic term she would have learned about Sh'erith normal but also to assure such normalcy for others (as expressed in opportunity to study. They were
Israel—the traditional remnant of Israel--that somehow never vanishes. the Zionist idea), he can be entertained by explorations and laugh at just as intent upon sanctifying their
She would have learned that some of our youth who are indifferent the panic-stricken. Because in the Psalmist's confidence "I shall not table as were the scholars. While
while at school, who will not form a minyan, become very devoted to die but live . . . " he does not have to find mere comfort: in it he they were not educated enough to
discuss scholarly subjects, neverthe-
Jewish life when they enter their respective societies upon their re- affirms the realism of his people's existence.
less, anyone can learn a song
*
turn home.
whose lyrics are taken from the
Is it all philanthropy? Regrettably—and here we must concur with
Versus Rejection
holy scriptures or rabbinic litera-
Marion K. Sanders—the emphasis on charity, the underemphasis on 'Intoxicated by Justice'
The entire approach in the Harper article reintroduces the debate ture. Futhermore, the Hassidim
the more vital legacies of the Jew, present the most serious problem
facing Jewry. It is the lack of knowledge about themselves, as we have over identification, affiliation, the attitude of our intellectuals, the quest held that not only the letter, but
stated time And again, that makes for unhappiness in Jewish life and for greater responses to Jewish needs by the third and fourth generation the spirit of Torah learning, was
significant and could help one sanc-
is the cause of indifference and unconcern. And when a blow comes— of American Jews.
Harper's appraiser of our status quotes our notables who view Jewish tify the atmosphere of his table.
and it comes all-too-often from the haters—it is only those who know
what they are who are able properly to resist indignities and in- activists as being intoxicated by justice. But in viewing "Jewish identity" Thus, their singing accomplished
she views fund-raisers and synagogue officialdom as needing "congre- for them the same end which the
tolerance.
When we speak of the Sh'erith Israel we do not limit them to gations and contributors to stay alive." And she adds that she, "for one, Torah discussions accomplished for
students in universities or to youth anywhere, but we know its applica- would not enjoy the ethnocentric life of the Jews in Detroit and similar the scholars, raising the act of eat-
tion to all Jews everywhere. As soon as there is the complete taste cities." She admits that membership in their communities is not com- ing from the low animal level to
of freedom, there is always a forsaking of Jewish loyalties, a growing pulsory and that "for those who do choose to join, it provides a viable the highest spiritual plane.
intermarriage, a flight from the ranks. But there is always the Sh'erith defense against the anonymity and alienation which plague urban
Israel, that remnant that provides courage. And when there emerges America."
There is much more to this. There is the fact that Jews everywhere Feldheim Publishes
the threat to freedom, the rightism that endangers us and our neigh-
are
interlinked
and that no matter how one chooses to separate from Hirsch's Commentary
bors, they who retain the Jewish spirit are able to offer the faith
the Jewish community, some one will provide the link. The Harper
that is needed for workable resistance to tyranny.
Volume II of "Commentary to
Because Detroit is the target in the Harper sensation, there may writer either does not know or has overlooked the experiences of the
be added despair over the disillusionment that was expressed on the ages. It is not only the admonition in Pirke Aboth—the Ethics of the the Psalms" by Rabbi Samson
subject of the result of Jewish education, the glamor that was de- Fathers—"al tifrosh min hatzibur"—thou shalt not separate yourself Raphael Hirsch has just been pub-
picted in our philanthropy, the description of a center as a super- from your community—but the human element that is involved. But in lished in an English translation by
settlement for the rich, the "part pleasure dome" of the "Hilton of the long run the lady is right: those who choose to separate are free Philip Feldheim.
While Rabbi Hirsch's famous
in Jewish life.
synagogues" where women hear book reviews and therefore do not to do so. There are no compulsions
*
:1'
"Commentary to the Torah," his
have to read the books, although many buy them. We were amused.
"Horeb" and excerpts from his col-
But, in truth, the portrayal is a bit exaggerated. Not all Detroit Jews The Emphasis on the 'Ornate'
There is one other factor that commands attention. Marion Sanders lective writings published in Eng-
are rich. There are many professional people—teachers, engineers,
lish under the titles "Judaism Eter-
others— and many plain laborers and storekeepers—'who are not as wrote about "the Hilton of synagogues." A report about prayers for the
nal" and "Fundamentals of Juda-
affluent as one 'would expect in a community that subscribes more than kidnaped Miami Beach youth described a service in an "ornate" syna-
ism" have been accessible to the
$5,000,000 in a fund-raising effort by less than 90,000 Jews, at a time gogue. This is a puzzling attitude. Travelers abroad-know that half of
English speaking public for some
their
tours
are
devoted
to
visits
in
extravagent,
often
gaudy,
churches,
when the entire Detroit area of nearly $2,000,000 raised less than $25,-
years, none of these embody
000,000 in a community chest campaign. The explanation is simple: the where gold sparkles everywhere and there is untold wealth.
Jews are not necessarily imitating. But conditions of the times Hirsch's philosophy and "Weltan-
minority has a greater obligation—to assure survival for an exprop-
schauung" as fundamentally as his
riated, stateless, humiliated fraction of our people who must be given demand that youth be provided with attractive surroundings when they
"Commentary to the Psalms."
enter
houses
of
worship
or
schools.
statehood, homes, health, education; the minority must assure that its
Rabbi Hirsch himself stated that
Our
houses
of
worship
must
primarily
be
schools,
houses
of
study.
youth, and the elders when that is possible, are provided with knowl-
the Psalms were close to his heart
edge to prevent them from becoming intellectual pariahs and to guar- In the ghettos the hard benches served their purposes. Here we need the from his earliest youth and guided
antee their retention of the role- of a people who hail from the Prophets comforts of life for comfort-assuring Americans.
Unfortunately, when there is a tragedy in the "Hilton Synagogue," him throughout his entire life. Per-
and the Sages who gave faith to mankind.
when
a prayer is uttered for the son of wealthy parents, the synagogue haps because he-regarded them as
So—there was amusement in reading Marion Sanders' article. It
at
once
is judged by its wealth, not by its contents, and we are the mold which formed him did 'he
was a lot of fun, sharing the denuding of a community to show how it
wait with the publication of this
tasks in affluence. And we were able to derive entertainment from it described by our ornateness and as in Hilton style and are not work until his old age. It can,
as we would from a comic dealing with the lighter side of our life,— measured by our creativeness.
Have we stopped creating and therefore are misjudged? That's therefore, be regarded as the
always aware that there is a higher rank in Judaism, that there is a
another matter for consideration. We mustn't forget it when we are crowning result of an entire life-
time of study and self-experience.
faced by serious challenges.
-
—
—
2—Friday, April 8, 1966
THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS