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Have You Read A Good Book Lately?
M
ark Twain once wrote, "A classic is something
that everybody wants to have read and nobody
wants to read:' What becomes really disturbing
is that there are books out there that authors/editors decided
folks would want to read and, therefore, had them published.
A search of the Internet listings produced some really odd
titles. If any intrigue you (and thus give me cause for con-
cern), many can be found on book-buying sites.
Are you looking for a hobby? If you are feel-
ing creative, try The Great Pantyhose Crafts Book
(1982). Perhaps you can ignore fate and delve
into Build Your Own Hindenburg (1983).
These days, many of us are concerned, and
rightly so, about health. Two health issues
you may wish to look into are Scurvy Past
and Present (Alfred Hess, 1982) and Nasal
Maintenance: Nursing Your Nose Through
Troubled Times (William Alan Stuart, 1983).
Should your curiosity run to the amazing
world of other species, you may wish to peruse
The Joy of Chickens (Dennis Nolan, 1981;
Prentice Hall). Another "grabber" would be The
Flat-Footed Flies of Europe (2001, Brill). Perhaps
it should be labeled for mature audiences only,
but consider Life and Love in the Aquarium (C.H. Peters,
1934; Empire Tropical Fish Co.).
For all the foodies out there may I recommend Fashion
in Spinach (1938); Cheese Problems Solved (P. McSweeney
(ed.), 2007; CRC); or the
ever-popular Tea Bag Folding
(2001, Search Press).
If you are determined to be
part of the informed crowd,
you may enjoy preparing your
conversational tidbits with
help from Who's Who in Barbed
Wire (1970), Manhole
Covers of Los Angeles
(1974) or the more
weighty Highlights in the
History of Concrete (Slough,
1998; Cement and Concrete Assoc.).
Considering a vacation on a cruise ship? Well,
ignore the many mechanical problems that may
beset the vessel and consider Why Bring That Up? A
Guide to Seasickness (J.F. Montague, 1936) or Heave
Ho, My Little Green Book of Seasickness (Charles
Mazel).
To be classified among the more worldly of readers
be sure to take in New Guinea Tapeworms and Jewish
Grandmothers: Tales of Parasites and People (Robert
S. Desowitz, 1981). That sounds like my kind of read.
Always remember those famous words of someone or
other who said, All books are black and white and read
all over:' (No, that was not from the book of puns I read
regularly.) ❑
5: 523531 1E Lans;:n
TaltIVieo0
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etter to the Editor:
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Jan. 16-22, 2014 15-21 Shevat 5774 Vol. CXLIV, No. 24
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Shabbat And Holiday Lights
Tu B'Shevat: Thursday, Jan. 16
Shabbat: Friday, Jan. 17, 5:09 p.m.
Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Jan. 18, 6:15 p.m.
Shabbat: Friday, Jan. 24, 5:18 p.m.
Shabbat Ends: Saturday, Jan. 25, 6:23 p.m.
Times are from Yeshiva Beth Yehudah calendar.
Cover page design: Michelle Sheridan.
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"When you lend
money to
My people,
to the poor
among you,
do not act
toward them
as a creditor;
exact no interest
from them."
Exodus
2 2:2 4
The quote above forms the basis
for Hebrew Free Loan's mission.
On Shabbat Mishpatim, January
25, these words that underlie our
community's longest-serving agency
will be read during services in
sanctuaries around the world.
Hebrew Free Loan Past President
Stuart Snider feels a great sense of
pride that the agency has assisted
Jews in our community for 119 years
based on this directive.
"The Hebrew word neshekh
means 'interest, — Stuart said, "but it
also translates as 'bite.' One com-
mentary tells us that interest is
indeed like a snake bite: initially, we
do not feel it so much, but, after a
time, it becomes overwhelming.
Another commentary tells us we are
trustees for what God has given us,
and when we share our blessings,
we should do so freely and expect
only that they be returned the way
they were given.
"By contributing to our loan
funds, Hebrew Free Loan donors
give what cannot be seen but what
matters most," Stuart noted. "They
grant relief from burdens, provide
possibilities, and offer opportunities
for fresh beginnings.
"The more money we have to lend,
the more people we can help. As
long as there is a need, Hebrew
Free Loan will be there to fill it."
Help strengthen our
Jewish community.
Become an HFL Donor.
Click. Call. Give Now.
www.hfldetroit.org
248.723.8184
Health. A fresh start.
A good education.
The next great business idea.
Hebrew Free Loan gives interest-
free loans to members of our
community for a variety of
personal and small business
needs. HFL loans are funded
entirely through community
donations which continually
recycle to others, generating
many times the original value
to help maintain the lives of
local Jews.
HEB REW
FREE* LOAN
hflcletroit.org
We Provide Loans. We Promise Dignity.
6735 Telegraph Road, Suite 300 • Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301
Hebrew Free Loan Detroit
@HFLDetroit
The jehish
OF METROPOLITAN DEMO
January 16 • 2014
3