Lag B’Omer with the JSN

Join the JSN for their annual Lag B’omer bonanza at the Lucis Stern Fire Pit in Palo Alto.

“Didn’t you hear? Auschwitz isn’t just for the Jews anymore.” or The Memory Thief

If that quote caused you to perk up with disturbed curiosity, you should attend Gil Kofman’s film The Memory Thief playing at The Red Vic Theatre in San Francisco this week.

 

Lukas (a gentile) works at an LA tollbooth.  As he watches the random and endless stream of vehicles pass him by, he ruminates over a variety of topics in a letter he is composing.  He displays a strange combination of antisocial detachment coupled with intense compassion for those who appear helpless.  When a neo-Nazi inexplicably throws a copy of Mein Kempf at him, he begins to peruse it with the same level of detachment.  It appears all too obvious where this will lead.  That is, until an angry Holocaust survivor (Zvi) rails at Lukas and his obviously inappropriate reading material.  Zvi returns with a copy of his Shoah testimony for Lukas.  Shortly after, Lukas sees Zvi’s obituary in the local newspaper and attends the funeral (uninvited).  He discards his copy of Mein Kempf as haphazardly as it was handed to him.  Lukas develops a strange compassion and empathy for Holocaust survivors and develops a relationship with Zvi’s niece.  He even volunteers to work with an institution recording Shoah testimonies.  Unfortunately, his zeal for empathy quickly takes on a disturbing psychopathic quality.  It soon becomes evident that Lukas is adopting a new identity in an attempt to empathize with survivors of the Holocaust.  His strange journey though raises an interesting question though: Had he not met Zvi, would he be empathizing with a very different cause?

 

Lukas’ strange journey has some shocking conclusions.  His identity is forged from suffering and he develops a disdain for those that appear to lack the same levels of sympathy he possesses.  Yet, he is only able to develop attachments to the helpless.  It appears that Kofman is attempting to force his audience to ask themselves some questions about their relationship to the Holocaust and especially to the stories that are told (and retold) about it.  This is not surprising if you know the director.  Kofman is the child of Holocaust survivors.  He noted his own interest in telling a story in which redemption is absent (perhaps as it was for victims of the Holocaust).  The randomness of survival is reflected in the randomness of Lukas’ encounters at his tollbooth.  Yet, Lukas’ empathy does more harm than good.  Kofman asks, “Can anybody identify with suffering in any situation?”  And I wonder if Kofman is writing a commentary upon the commoditization of suffering.  Is it wrong to generalize the struggles of the Jewish people?  Must one personally suffer to empathize with another victim?  Kofman actually noted that humor can be used as well as pathos to identify with a foreign culture.  Kofman may be asking us if there is a danger in over identification with the tragic elements of our history (or any history for that matter).  Or he may be asking if it is the most meaningful way of forging a connection.  Lukas’ attempts to identify are so disturbing because he adopts an identity that is completely external.  Kofman described it as akin to transvestism.  Lukas adopts the outward qualities of a Holocaust survivor.  But his attempt to take on the status of a survivor leads him down a predictably dangerous path.  Kofman (though definitely Jewish) does not typically write stories about openly Jewish themes or experience and this is his first foray into the “genre.”

 

This is a difficult movie to describe as you might have already gathered.  But it certainly leads to interesting discussions.  And it is interesting to note, that the Holocaust testimonies in the movie are all from genuine Holocaust survivors and were taped by Kofman for this movie.  There are some unbelievable elements and the performances are occasionally uneven.  But the overall feel of the movie was very engulfing and I was drawn into the experience (perhaps in the way we are drawn to a car accident.)  The Memory Thief may not be as exciting as Iron Man or as cathartic as Schindler’s List (obliquely referenced to) but it will leave a swirl of thoughts in your head and feelings in your gut.  If you would like to continue the conversation, you can see screening of Kofman’s movie at San Francisco’s Red Vic Theatre through May 15.  More information about the Red Vic is available at www.redvicmoviehouse.com.  The film itself has a website at www.memorythiefmovie.com.  And if you get to see it, please leave me a comment about it.

Celebrating 60 Years of the Modern Jewish Commonwealth

Jewlicious’ ck, the CarSitters, and Tasha & Dishka put together this video in direct challenge to me & Phoebe’s international dance & music-video sensation.

I am dumb-founded by the gravity of what just happened. Yesterday, Jews around the world rejoiced & reflected on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. I chose to mark the day by watching the film “Its Now or Never” with my dad, who came to Israel as a toddler two years after its founding from the Displaced Persons camps in Europe, and was a war-hero from the Six Day War. He really enjoyed the film, both of us being impressed with Yossi Kantz’s portrayal of David Ben-Gurion.

It’ll take a few days for the full gravity of what has just transpired to truly sink in. But in the mean-time, here’s a great party that’s comin’ up!

Beer Tasting and Potluck Shabbat for 20s and 30s in San Jose Tomorrow Night

Cross posted from Jews’ Next Dor the blog

Friday, May 9, 7pm, Shabbat Potluck

Join Jews’ Next Dor for a cozy potluck Shabbat dinner. Please bring a vegetarian or dairy dish to share. RSVP with what dish you plan to bring, please consider what others are bringing. The event will be at a private home in San Jose, with limited parking, so carpooling is encouraged. Please note we may be outside. If you have a few extra chairs you can bring please let us know. Please RSVP to jewsnextdor[at]gmail.com for the address.

Friday, May 9, 7pm, Beer Tasting

Jews’ Next Dor beer tasting is returning, this time open to everyone. Cost is $10 and will start early in the evening as we gather for a cozy shabbat potluck dinner as well. Please bring a vegetarian or dairy dish to share. RSVP with what dish you plan to bring, please consider what others are bringing. The event will be at a private home in San Jose, with limited parking, so carpooling is encouraged. Please note we may be outside. If you have a few extra chairs you can bring please let us know. Please RSVP to jewsnextdor[at]gmail.com for the address.

Jews’ Next Dor (Dor means “generation” in Hebrew) is the young adult group of Congregation Beth David, Saratoga. It is volunteer lead and open to all Jewish 20 and 30 somethings.

Today is Yom HaZikaron

Today is Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. One custom associated with the day is standing at attention while a siren is sounded all across the country. Unlike the American counterpart, where we mourn those who bravely gave up their lives so that we could live in freedom by having barbeques and shopping sprees, the holiday is taken VERY seriously. Mainly because everyone is only one or two degrees of separation away from someone who actually fought & died, and almost everyone serves in the army. To get an idea of how seriously Israelis take it, even today, check out this amazing video by ck of Jewlicious, who captured the “freezing” of Kikar Zion as everyone stood at attention for the siren (this video is for the Yom HaShoah siren, actually):

On a related note, there’s a new Bay Area Jewish blog. This one is following the March of the Living community mission trip for the Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley, as they travel through Poland and Israel.

And I’m going tonight to a “young adults meet Holocaust survivors” dinner courtesy of the Bay Area Tribe. I recall hearing good things about it last year, so I am looking forward to it.

May Israel never have to mourn the loss of any other soldiers dying in the line of duty, or citizens killed by acts of terrorism. May there be peace for all speedily in our days. Amen.

Free Live Yiddish Concert by Local Young Adult: Heather Klein

You may see Heather Klein at a Jews’ Next Dor or Roots Collective event, or in San Francisco where she lives–but have you seen her live in concert? (During the Jewish Music Festival Perhaps?) Here’s two chances to see this Bay Area babe we all love doing what she loves: Singing.

See her live on Saturday, May 10, at 4pm in the Beth Am sanctuary. The concert is Free, will have refreshments, a special guest performance by Cantor Lauren Bandman of Beth Am; Alla Gladysheva on piano and Jonathan Russell on clarinet.

An Afternoon of Yiddish Music With Heather Klein

Guest Appearance: Cantor Lauren Bandman

Saturday, May 10, 4 p.m.

Congregation Beth Am Sanctuary
26790 Arastradero Rd
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

FREE . Refreshments will be served.

Beth Am proudly presents a concert of Yiddish music featuring the exquisite voice of Heather Klein. Known to many Beth Am members for her occasional appearances on our pulpit, Heather is a recent graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with a special interest in Yiddish.

Heather recently debuted in recital with City Opera’s Robert Abelson and Claire Barry of the famous Barry Sisters with National Yiddish Folksbine; she also appeared in West Bay Opera’s The Merry Widow last May. She has performed at many music festivals and other Bay Area venues, and is excited about the release of her first CD, a compilation of Yiddish theater music, art songs, folk opera and more.

You can also see Heather Klein, with All Gladysheva and Jonathan Russell at PJCC the following week.

Heather Klein: Famous Swan Songs: Songs of loss traced through Art song, opera, and Yiddish song.

Sunday, May 18th @ 2 p.m.

Peninsula Jewish Community Center
800 Foster City Blvd
Foster City, CA 94404

Accompanied by the lovely: Alla Gladysheva; piano, and Jonathan Russell; clarinet.

Meet the Artists reception to follow

All Ages

Fees:
- Members $12.00
- Non-Members $15.00
- Drop-in $18.00 [At the door]
- Yiddish member $6.00
- Yiddish non-member $7.50

Description:
Vocalist Heather Lauren Klein, a favorite at the Jewish Music Festival and the To Life! Festival, comes to the PJCC with an afternoon recital of Yiddish, Opera and Art Songs exploring the beautiful songs of loss that live on. Ms. Klein will be accompanied by Alla Gladysheva. Concert is followed by ‘Meet the Artist’ reception. Transportation available for a small fee with sufficient demand. Presented as part of the PJCC’s Life Cycle Season.

Spots Available: 74

Happy Birthday, Israel!

Wednesday, May 7

7pm-10pm Yom HaAtzma’ut Concert
7:00 pm - Yom HaZikaron Ceremony
8:00 pm - Yom HaAtzma’ut Concert
A concert featuring acclaimed singer and musician Rabbi Joe Black, in honor of Yom HaAtzma’ut (Israeli Independence Day). Rabbi Black is a vibrant force in today’s contemporary Jewish music scene. A dynamic performer and lyrical composer, Rabbi Black has produced several critically acclaimed albums of Jewish music. His work draws from American folk and pop traditions.
Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Auditorium
Levy Family Campus
14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos - map
www.svjcc.org/israel@60/

(408 357-7534
FREE

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, May 8

11:30am-1:30pm Israel @ 60 in Foothill College
The state of Israel is turning 60 and we are celebrating on campus!
We will have:
a LIVE performance of Israeli rap
a DJ
Henna
food
rock climbing
and a LIVE performance of belly dancing
This whole thing is for everyone on campus for FREE
so come join JIFF at celebrating Yom Ha’Atzmaot (independence day)!!!
Foothill Campus Center Plaza, Foothill College (12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills)
For more info, call 6504650572 or (650)2834751

11am-1pm Yom HaAtzmaut celebration @ Stanford
Come to White Plaza for free falafel and a celebration of Israel’s historic 60th birthday!
at the white plaza in Stanford. [By Stanford Israel Alliance]

5pm-9pm Israel Independence Day Celebration
5:00 pm - Festivities begin
7:00 pm - Program and concert
Get your passport to Israel’s 60th birthday. Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut Israeli-style in a Peninsula-wide, community celebration:

FREE children’s activities
Live uplifting music by “The Pittot” band
Dancing
Bring your “shekels” for the Israel Shouk, featuring food, art, jewelry, books and more!
Featuring Israeli Singer/Songwriter Miki Gavrielov

Temple Beth Jacob
1550 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Redwood City - map
www.templebethjacob.org
Contact Nirit Kedem, Israel Connection Director, for more information:
(650) 852-3508
nkedem@paloaltojcc.org
FREE

7pm-10pm It’s Now or Never- Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival

This film about Israel’s founding is suitable for family viewing. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10 at Brown Paper Tickets, or for $11 at the door. Student and senior discounts available.
Camera 7 Cinema, Pruneyard Shopping Center, 1875 S. Bascom Ave., Campbell
More info

 
Saturday, May 10

6pm-1am-  ISO/Stanford party
We’re going to have food, music, a movie, dancing, great people…. and it’s all FREE!!!
The party will have two parts:
1st event (GCC), 6-9pm:
-Food: BBQ, Falafel, Cafe Aroma!!!
-Israeli Movie: 7:30 – 8:30pm
-Activities for kids with prizes

2nd event (Hillel i.e. Koret Pavillion at the Ziff Center?), 9pm - 1am:
-Live Israeli music with Ya Rock band!
-More sweets and Israeli snacks.
-Drinks

8pm-11:30pm Community Dance for Teens

Dance for teens ages 14-18 in honor of Israel’s 60th Independence Day.
Free refreshments and free Israeli treats. Glow sticks, bracelets and necklaces will be sold for $1-2. Admission is free, but RSVP to David Marash-Whitman at dmwkehillah@yahoo.com
or 408.234.3841.
Addison-Penzak JCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos
More info

 
8pm – 2am Israel@60 Party at Second Saturday,
(Free appetizers at 6:30pm)Looking to pre-party before the Yom Ha’Atzmeut celebration on May 11?  Join SVYAD, SF YAD, and a million other organizations for a party on Saturday night, May 10 at the Cellar (685 Sutter St.) in SF.  $10 admission, and the first 70 people get a free Israel goodie bag.  The appetizers will be at the Sugar Café.  More info.

 

Sunday, May 11

9:30am Walk for Israel

Show your support for Israel with a walk from Congregation Shir Hadash, through Vasona Park, and ending at the JCC in time for the Israel @ 60 Festival. There will be a shuttle to take you back to your car. The walk is free, but RSVP to walk@shirhadash.org.
Walk begins at Congregation Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos
More Information

11am-3pm Community-Wide Yom Ha’Atzmeut Celebration,
Israeli food, games, music and more!  Celebrate Israel’s 60^th with the entire South Bay Jewish community.  Look for us at the SVYAD Beer Garden.  For more information, email Jonathan at svyad@jvalley.org. The event will take place at the Levy Family Campus in Los Gatos (14855 Oka Rd.).

Israel: Then And Now

Sunday, May 11  - during the Israel@60 Festival
Join us for speakers and a film on topics related to Israel.
1:00 pm – Charlie Kirschner of AIPAC speaks on “The Historic Moment of 1948.”
2:00 pm – Panel on Current Trends in Israel-Silicon Valley High-Tech Ventures, with Shuly Galili, Jacques Benkoski, Josef Friedman, and Jacob Tanz.
3:00 pm      It’s About Time, a one-hour film on Israeli time.
Addison-Penzak JCC Auditorium, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos
More info

 Hillel of Silicon Valley Celebrates Israel @ 60
Hillel will be sponsoring celebrations this week and next week at San Jose State University, Foothill College, and De Anza College.
More Information

DeAnza events:
On the main quad
Contact: 4088963533
mkostyanovsky@gmail.com

May 13th 11:30 -1:30pm – Climb the “Mt. Masada” climbing wall, eat some DELICIOUS falafel and listen to some great music!

May 14th 11:30 -1:30pm – Come and taste Israeli chocolate, get a henna tattoo, play the Israel trivia and listen to some rocking music!

May 15th 11:30 -1:30pm – Stop by the Israel booths with do it yourself take home gifts, as well as tons of giveaways and did I mention the great music? THIS IS ONE CELEBRATION YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google blogs about the Holocaust

One of their senior VPs writes about how YouTube, now owned by Google, is enabling the vital message of Yad Vashem (world’s premiere Holocaust research institute, in Jerusalem) to reach anyone around the world via video.

Antisemitic Hate Crime at UC Santa Cruz

Antisemitic graffiti at Oakes College, UC Santa Cruz

This was received yesterday from a not-so-anonymous tipster. Sigh, do these low-life Antisemites have to do this on Yom HaShoah? Tammi Rossman-Benjamin’s response (she’s a real mentsch, btw) to UCSC’s chancellor below.

Dear Chancellor Blumenthal,

Today I witnessed some very disturbing graffiti drawn with permanent marker on the wall in the hallway outside of Oakes 105. It contained a picture of a plane flying into what appear to be the Twin Towers, with a large Jewish star between them. Underneath the towers is the number “666″, a well-known allusion to the mark of Satan, the embodiment of pure evil. (See photograph of graffiti).

It seems to me the anti-Semitic nature of this graffiti makes it not only an act of vandalism but a hate crime. University officials should inform the campus community that a morally reprehensible act has been committed, and that this is totally unacceptable behavior according to campus codes of conduct and state law.

Thank you for your attention to this very disturbing matter.

Sincerely,

Tammi Rossman-Benjamin
Lecturer in Hebrew

Yom Ha’Shoah 5768: Blog of the Living, Day 2

Oyster marching under the infamous Arbeit Macht Frei (”Work Makes You Free”) gate of Auschwitz on March of the Living, 2006

It has been too long since last I wrote about my March of the Living trip. Well, it’s Yom Ha’Shoah, 5768. It’s about time. I hope that I post these pictures with greater frequency.

Too many words, too many emotions, too many memories. I cannot convey the powerful, confusing, intense experience of marching with 8,000 Jews from all over the world, to the ‘Hell on earth’ that I grew up fearing. To Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Please go through the photo album on Picasa linked from the photo above. I’ve annotated my photos with captions that tell more of the story.

A quick note. Since I’m a Hebrew calendar geek, a bit of confusion to clear up. Yom HaShoah is a civil Israeli day of remembrance for the Holocaust. Because of that, it has complex rules for what day of the week it falls on, based on respect for Shabbat. It is nominally observed on the 27th of the month of Nisan, but if it falls on Shabbat or Friday, it is moved earlier to that Thursday (two days before). If it falls on Sunday, it is moved to Monday. Many in the Diaspora aren’t aware of these rules, so there’s often confusion about why Yom HaShoah is being observed on different days in Israel and in the USA.