Today, we have a president that represents the progress on behalf of all minorities. What was unthinkable a generation ago, is the reality of our world. Imagine a 70 year old black man from the deep south who remembers attending a segregated school and looks in the newspaper in 2010 and sees someone who would have been institutionally discriminated against as the leader of the free world. What a feeling that must be…

But along with the good, comes some bad. In the last few weeks I have seen some examples of Reverse Discrimination as well as oversensitivity.

This article on ESPN.com caught my eye a couple weeks back: Winners Hurt by Corporate Bad Judgment. In a Step-Off dance competition an all-white team initially took the crown. But after a mystical “scoring discrepancy” was discovered the judges awarded a co-title to a black team as well. Step-Offs are traditionally won by black groups and most of the participants are black teams.

Everyone assumed that the mystical “scoring discrepancy” was non-existent and the judges were not exactly forthcoming with details to support their decision. Had this been a reverse situation, where the white team lost in a traditionally white sport or competition, like alpine skiing, and a black athlete won and the judges later awarded a white athlete after finding a mystical “scoring discrepancy” the outrage would be powerful, unrelenting and deserved. But it was the reverse and aside from a few sports columnists and bloggers, it went unnoticed. This is not what Brown taught us.

I also saw this news item: Black Barbie Sold for Less Than White Barbie at Walmart Store. Apparantly, demand for an identical white Barbie was higher than for a black Barbie and the price reflected the lower demand. So on one shelf two identical Barbie’s were only distinguished by their price and their skin tone. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. But people took offense to it. There are those who said that it was racist and discriminatory.

It must have been real tough for a black consumer to see that, but it was not intended to hurt, nor is it inherently hurtful. I can understand the sensitivity to seeing that, but there is nothing actually wrong with it. Today, there is nearly no institutionalized racism. Racism today exists in the hearts and minds of those who act as racists and equally so, in the hearts and minds of those who perceive racism in what they see.

We have come a long way in 50 years and of course there is a ways to go still. But I believe that the best thing to do would be to stop classifying people along racial lines and shades of skin color. Both of the examples above rely heavily of skin tone and race. The dance competition took action when a non-black team won a traditionally black competition. The outraged shoppers of Walmart saw a lower price for a doll that was a darker skin color and reacted as well. Just as the majority cannot discriminate against the minority, the minority should not be oversensitive to perceive bias in the majority.

It is my true belief that the “melting pot” of America will continue to help each and every one of us to judge a person by the content of their character and beliefs and not the color of their skin. It is really a completely illogical, irrational way of thinking to use skin tone as a difference between people. There is nothing innate about skin color that can have any relevance to a discussion about the merits of a human being. Most people realize this by now and  I think we are getting there…

Unfortunately for some, the effects of decades of discrimination live on. Just watch this ABC News video that employs the same testing done for Brown v. Board of Education with modern day black youth:

Related posts:

1. Simple Justice | The Story of Brown v. Board of Education: The End of Separate But Equal in Schools
2. Shortcuts
3. Too Many Questions

At Law School we are reading some of the most well-known Supreme Court Cases. A few weeks ago we read Roe v. Wade (banning 1st term abortion is unconstitutional) and the even more important Casey v. Planned Parenthood (upheld Roe) cases. Last week we read Plessy v. Ferguson (after Civil War, Separate but Equal schools were ruled constitutional).

This week we are reading Brown v. Board of Education. This case overruled Plessy and made Separate but Equal unconstitutional in Public Schools. Brown v. Board of Education paved the way for Civil Rights activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight for equal rights for all people in all areas of life, beyond public education.

As I was reading the case I remembered a very influential “Parenting” episode from my youth. Growing up, we did not watch many movies. I saw a few movies on TV, like E.T. and The Wizard of Oz but that was about it. But I vividly remember my father strongly encouraging me to watch one particular movie with him when I was twelve years old.

That movie was a PBS special called The American Experience: Simple Justice. It beautifully told the story of Thurgood Marshall as he learned the law and was groomed into the perfect counsel for the Supreme Court cases to reverse Plessy. The climax of the movie is the Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education and the Court’s ruling that Separate but Equal was not constitutional.

My father wanted me to see it and I recall a strong desire to study the law and become a lawyer after watching it. My preferred career path took some detours along the way, but several years later my interest in the law returned in earnest.

Today, our professor at Loyola Law School, Marcy Strauss, showed the very same movie to the class in lieu of a more traditional lecture and Socratic discussion. All the memories I had as a youngster were re-energized and I was quite moved by the movie, again.

Brown v. Board of Education raises some very important issues that are still very relevant to modern discourse. In just 56 years, much has changed in the landscape of race relations in the USA. Some things are still the same, or at the very least follow the same bigoted roots. There are other minorities seeking equal rights as well. Sometimes, we can go overboard in our sensitivities as I will write about tomorrow. And sometimes, one part of the world can be slow to see that Separate cannot be Equal, as I will write about the next day.

This movie is a must see. My father was very wise to encourage me to see it and I will always remember watching it together with him. (Thank you.)

The part of the movie that moved me most when I was a youngster stuck with me until today. I was talking with some friends at school and I mentioned that while reading Brown v. Board of Education I recalled a scene from this very movie. I had no idea that we were going to be watching the movie in class. I recounted the scene as best as my 12 year old brain could understand it and it was just as I remembered it when I saw it tonight.

The scene is of a study that was being conducted to analyze the way segregated black children felt about themselves. The tester would ask questions of the children using dolls, one black and one white. The results of the test showed conclusively that black children felt inferior. The dramatization of the test was very powerful and I found it on youtube so that you can see it for yourself below.

“To a better tomorrow”

Related posts:

1. Reverse Discrimination and Oversensitivity
2. Too Many Questions
3. Speak Up! Economic Crisis Hitting Jewish Day Schools

This picture from the NY Times made me chuckle.

In the USA, we are very proud of our “Secret Ballot“. Every voter is ensured that their vote is private. No one has the right to force a voter to disclose the voter’s choice.

Recently Iraq held a democratic election, complete with a secret ballot. The two voters below are participating in the “Super Secret Ballot”.

Read the original article on NYTimes.com.

Related posts:

1. Political Discrimination
2. Ode To The Jews
3. Matza in the NY Times and In Our TImes

You must see this video on vimeo.

It is a breathtakingly beautiful time-lapse taken in Hawaii. You can literally feel the earth spinning on its axis as night passes into day.

I love good videos and this is one of my all time favorites. The action is stunning and the music is perfect.

Kudos to Charles on Vimeo for taking, editing and producing this gorgeous display of our world’s beauty.

HT: Gawker TV via Guy Kawasaki

Related posts:

1. The Year in Review
2. Where The Wild Things Are
3. Happy Birthday Tetris

The main event was a presentation called Time With Corrie ten Boom. Prior to my invitation to the event I had never heard of Corrie ten Boom and now that I have seen the presentation I am shocked that the story is not more well known. I believe everyone should know who Corrie was and hear and see her story in the dramatic way I saw it.

Corrie and her family saved over 800 Jewish people during the Holocaust. The ten Booms were devout Christians and believed that their mission was to help save their Jewish neighbors. They did so, nobly. They ran an elaborate placement system until they were apprehended and placed in the camps. Only Corrie survived.

Corrie spent the rest of her life telling her story. I recommend buying her book. Click here to purchase on Amazon: The Hiding Place. She wanted people to know that those who helped Jews were not just a minority, but they were statistically non-existant. She could not believe that her “righteous” neighbors would allow their Jewish neighbors be arrested and killed.

Unfortunately, Corrie passed away nearly 30 years ago. Fortunately, a woman named Susan Sandagar has transformed herself into Corrie’s persona. Susan performs as Corrie and tells Corrie’s story as if it were her own. Pat and Shirley Boone loved Corrie and they love Susan’s performance as Corrie. They have been instrumental in helping promote and share Susan’s performance.

The performance is uncanny. One could truly believe that the real Corrie ten Boom is telling her story. More importantly, the message is transmitted with the same passion and love that Corrie had for the story.

Throughout the performance I found myself smiling and then crying. The tale is moving and powerful, as well as uplifting and inspirational. Hearing Corrie’s thoughts makes you want to be a better person and gives reason to believe in people. Susan does a masterful job and the show is incredible.

I thoroughly enjoyed the presentation. It is geared primarily for Christian audiences. But that may be because only they seem to care about the story. While heroes, like Schindler and Wallenberg are well known in Jewish circles, ten Boom remains mostly anonymous. I think that is a travesty. Corrie’s story is equally powerful.

There will be a larger, more elaborate Time With Corrie ten Boom event in June. I intend to be there and I intend to bring as many of my fellow Jews to the show as possible.

Hers is a story that needs telling. She just needs an audience.

Related posts:

1. My Appearance At “A Night For The Family” at Pepperdine University
2. Jewish Lessons in Parenting
3. Mishloach Manos Packing on the Beach 2/14/10

So how did I end up at this event and how was it?

A member of our shul, Gary Dalin, met Dr. Ken Canfield, President of the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine a little while back. Dr. Canfield wanted someone to present a traditional Jewish approach to parenting and imparting morals from one generation to the next. Gary was supposed to do it, and he would have done marvelously. Unfortunately, Gary underwent a complex (and successful) surgery and was forced to cancel his appearance. I spoke in his stead.

The event had three parts. First there was a private dinner. I sat with the President of Pepperdine, Andrew Benton to my left and Pat and Shirley Boone across the table. Yes, THAT Pat Boone. (Crazy, I know.) We talked about conservation of energy, Israel, Talmud, Law School, charity and suffering in Third World countries. It was quite stimulating and very interesting. It was so cool to spend time with such a famous celebrity and I thoroughly enjoyed all our conversation.

During dinner we heard a few short presentations on the Boone Center for the Family at Pepperdine. I was most moved by the remarks of Maurice Hilliard. Coach Hilliard told the story of his childhood in South Central Los Angeles and how his mother had him bused to Beverly Hills for school. That gave him all the opportunities in the world and he began to feel a new sense of self worth when a white girl asked him for assistance with math. He said he felt for the first time like he was somebody and that the color of his skin would not determine his future. It was quite moving.

After dinner we moved to a small theater for a thrilling performance telling the story of Corrie ten Boom. Corrie was a devout Christian who saved over 800 Jewish lives during the Holocaust. There will be a separate post reviewing the performance.

Following the performance I gave my address. I spoke for 20 minutes and was warmly received afterward. You can listen to the speech by clicking here: Jewish Lessons in Parenting. I stuck around for a little while talking with some of my new fans and told them about our wonderful Shul on the Beach in Venice. It was some great PR for our shul.

This event was truly memorable. But, it was only the beginning. The Boone Center for the Family is planning a similar event on a much grander scale in June. I urge all to attend. Jews, Christians, atheists, or anyone else can learn from her story. I have been asked to speak at the next event as well and I look forward to it very much.

Related posts:

1. Time With Corrie ten Boom | Review
2. Jewish Lessons in Parenting
3. We're All Family

Today, a killer whale named Tilikum at Sea World Orlando killed a trainer. Yes. A whale. An animal that has no instinct to kill a human, killed a human, IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE! That was certainly more than the spectators bargained for…

You can read all about it all over the place, try the NY Times article here.

I’ve been thinking about this horrible incident all day.

Because I am a human being I mourn the untimely loss of one of our own.

Because I am a Rabbi I thought about whether zoos have a place in Jewish law.

Because I am a Law Student, and working at the California Court of Appeals, I thought about the potential liabilities involved.

Because I am not a “fan” of zoos or animal exhibits, I continue to wonder “what’s the point?”. And that is what I am going to write about here.

Animals belong in the wild. You want to go see animals? Go visit them in their home town. Don’t bring them to my home town and cage them up so people can gawk at them. Sure, there is educational value in learning about animals, but is that sufficient cause to lock animals up in a place that somewhat resembles their natural habitat?

I know, I know, we need to learn about animals so that we can understand our planet and how we relate to the ecosystem and we need to protect animals that are losing their natural habitats etc. etc. etc…

We can do that all in other ways. We have the resources to study animals in their environment.

Zoos hearken back to a time when Man thought Himself invincible and the world to be at His mercy. I think we know better know. Man is part of an intricate universe. We can’t overstep our bounds.

Who in their right mind thinks that an orca that is accustomed to swimming miles on end day after day is comfortable in a big fish tank? It is a miracle they haven’t revolted yet! I feel terrible for the trainer. Not just because she was killed by a killer whale, but because she probably thought that the animal was her friend. She probably had developed feelings for the animal. Most trainers do. I have heard from many trainers that they “love” their animals. But the thing is, animals don’t love like people do. Animals don’t reason or use logic. They can be trained to suppress their instincts, but they can always revert to their natural behaviors. I feel bad for the trainer because she probably thought the killer whale would never harm her.

Maybe I just don’t enjoy seeing animals in a zoo enough to see the value, but it seems hard to justify in my eyes. The danger to humans is clear and I believe that animals belong in the wild.

In Jewish law, an animal does not have “rights”. However, a human has responsibilities toward animals. We are not permitted to abuse animals. We are not permitted to cause animals any pain or suffering. We are only permitted to hunt for food (by most authorities) and not for sport. In my view, zoos are sport. Caging animals so that we can have fun seems like an abuse of animals. And we have a responsibility to treat animals with respect and care.

I would much prefer to watch the Planet Earth series (which you should DEFINITELY buy, click here) at home, than see animals caged in a zoo.

Just think, another life would have been saved too.

Related posts:

1. Earth Day and Torah
2. Tales From 30,000 Feet
3. Kobe and Zehirus

I know it’s a bit short notice but I (Heshy Fried / Frum Satire) will be performing this coming Sunday February 14th in Los Angeles at the Pacific Jewish Center AKA Shul on the Beach (on the Venice Beach Boardwalk) at 6pm. The rabbi of the shul is fellow blogger/contributor Eliyahu Fink.

Facebook event – please share with your friends.

Frum Satire live in Los Angeles@ The Shul on the Beach 6pm
505 Ocean Front Walk
Los Angeles, CA 90291
Cost of admission is a suggested donation to the shul of $5-10 (non-members)

Heshy will be spending Shabbos in Venice. The community looks forward to hosting Heshy.

So I hope to see you all on Sunday!

-ef

Related posts:

1. Frum Satire Show at Pacific Jewish Center Was Incredible
2. Invitation: Chanukah Party on the Beach 12/13/09
3. Venice CA and Santa Monica California Jewish Learning and Judaism

Grant Desme: Is he looking heavenward?

The two most popular posts on this blog are variants of one common theme.

Athletes as Role Models.

It makes sense. I enjoy sports, I am passionate about education and I love the moral tension created by appreciating both of those areas of life. It appears that people like reading about it as well.

Learn about what I think by reading these posts (in order of popularity):

Tim Tebow’s Pro-Life Superbowl Ad is Heartwarming and Reckless (Top post on this blog thanks to Deadspin)

Athletes as Role Models? (Second most popular post on this blog thanks to Steve Mason and Kaplan’s Korner)

The Eye Of The Tiger (Fans)

Ron Artest Is Going To The Lakers | What Do I Think?

To summarize: My opinion is that athletes are just athletes. They excel one general area of life, competitive athletic ability, and that is the only thing worth looking up to them for. One can admire work ethic, focus, quick thinking, pure athleticism of their favorite athletes, but to learn about sportsmanship, common courtesy or morality from athletes is asinine. That is not what they are known for, and usually it is for a reason. There are much more appropriate role models for those things and our job is to look to those people as role models and not athletes. When it comes to children, parents must teach their children who their role models should be as opposed to letting athletes teach their kids about morals and ethics.

There is one general exception. When an athlete clearly excels in another area of life and has experience in that area of life then even the athlete can become a role model. Or more precisely, the person is a role model who happens to be an athlete.

Take Tim Tebow for example. Tebow has spent signficant time and effort doing good work and rising above his athletic stardom and become a star of his religion. He clearly has a set of morals that guide his life and is more than just an athlete. He is a missionary and an athlete. Tebow is a worthy role model who happens to be an athlete and being a succesful athlete has given him a greater audience. Tebow’s greater audience gives him more oportunity to be that role model and that is a good thing. Tebow is using his star power to express his opinion on abortion. We can agree or disagree with the message but Tebow is a messenger whose words carry some weight. As a role model, Tebow’s fame as an athlete goes a long way to increasing his influence and impact.

Recently, another athlete who could have been just like Tebow in that respect bowed out of competitive sports. Oakland Athletics prospect Grant Desme left his baseball dreams behind to enter the priesthood. Projected as an above average Major League player, Desme bows out of the game he loves, for the God he loves more. Desme was going to be a good baseball player. But now he hopes to be a great priest. Instead of using his baseball related fame to teach and be that rare athlete worth treating like a role model, Desme leaves sports and is devoting his life to his religion.

Two athletes with higher moral standards and two different approaches.

Who will have a greater impact, Tebow or Desme?

Which is the better path? The athlete who uses his fame to be a super role model to millions of adoring fans? Or the former athlete who gave it all up to pursue a “higher calling”?

Tebows audience will be much bigger. But Desme’s potential is greater because he can devote more time to personal growth.

I find this question very interesting. What do you think?

Related posts:

1. Athletes as Role Models?
2. The Eye Of The Tiger (Fans)
3. Tim Tebow’s Pro-Life Superbowl Ad is Heartwarming and Reckless

I thought the Tebow ad was going to “tell his mother’s story”. It did not.

She still called him a “miracle baby”, but that is not that big a deal.

I apologize for the previous blog post. I wrote what I wrote based on speculation that others made about the content of the ad. They were wrong.

But I am leaving the previous post up. The reason for that is that in my opinion Focus on the Family wanted us to think they were going to send the message that was speculated. They wanted us to form opinions and discuss the potential ramifications of an ad featuring a “miracle baby”.

I had an opinion and I stick to it, despite the ad falling short of what everyone assumed it was going to say.

And I am not going to Focus on the Family’s website to read the Tebow’s story. I don’t really care.

The actual ad is below. Judge for yourself…

Related posts:

1. When Times Are Tough
2. Tim Tebow’s Pro-Life Superbowl Ad is Heartwarming and Reckless
3. "Orange" you glad Tropicana is going back!

American Idol Season ~46,281 is underway and the most memorable moment so far has certainly been the Pants on the Ground phenomena. If you have seen or heard of it – you MUST go here right now and watch it (come back quick).

But as funny and entertaining as Larry Platt was, a different contestant said something that really struck a cord within me. That contestant was Lloyd Thomas.

It must take a certain level of confidence and narcisism to audition for American Idol. You need to promote yourself and sing in front of famous people as well as hope for a chance to sing in front of thousands more. That is not to mention the millions watching at home on TV and then reviewing it all on YouTube the next day!

And it stand to reason that most contestants that make it through to the next round are appreciative of the opportunity. Yet, most often they talk about how well they are going to do in the next round and try and endear themselves to the audience in case they make it really far.

Lloyd Thomas said something completely different. Watch the video below for the full quote. But in short, he made it through to the next round and said one of the sweetest things I have ever heard.

“I wish you could all taste what I taste right now”.

In his moment of triumph, in his moment of victory he was thinking about others. In the moment that most people would use for self promotion, he used it for sharing his love for people.

It certainly gave me pause.  When we are successful do we think to ourselves – I hope everyone else can feel this feeling of success? It certainly is not intuitive. But I must thank Lloyd Thomas for teaching me how to enjoy success.

Thanks Lloyd. And good luck!

You made a fan out of me…

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Most Olympic skaters wear pretty outrageous costumes for their routines during the Olympics and Weir is known for his “over-the-top” designs. His outfit was supposed to have a small trim of fox fur on the left shoulder. After pressure from PETA, Friends of Animals and hate mail as well as threats from less professional activists, Weir has acquiesced and is wearing a faux-fox fur in the place of the original, real fur trim.

What was interesting to me was the way Weir handled the fur wearing issue.

Weir responded that wearing fur is a personal choice and he understands the point of view of the activists, he just doesn’t agree. He feels that there are more important causes to be concerned with like homelessness and Haiti relief.

He closed his statement with a great line:

“I hope these activists can understand that my decision to change my costume is in no way a victory for them, but a draw,” Weir said in his statement. “I am not changing in order to appease them, but to protect my integrity and the integrity of the Olympic Games as well as my fellow competitors.

Two things struck me after reading his statement.

1) There are more important causes than animal rights. They involve people! How much money has been spent by PETA or other activists? Is it a good use of resources? I don’t have a definitive answer, but I am leaning in a certain direction.

2) Isn’t Weir saying that he is “giving in” to a bully? He doesn’t agree but he wants the activists off his back. Children deal with bullies all the time and the instructions for dealing with bullies varies. Some say that children should “stand up” to the bully and others say “give in” to the bully. Weir is “giving in”. Obviously, he doesn’t want to take a stand. But now, activists are emboldened to bully more people.

It reminds me of something I wrote about last year in a post called Political Discrimination. Prop 8 opponents were using Google Maps and public record to find people who supported Prop 8 and they demonstrated a their homes and places of work, oftentimes distrutpting business and causing damage.

Too many bullies make for a less peaceful world. Let’s try and use other means of communication and activism and avoid bullying to get our message out.

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2. Active Learning
3. California Dreaming No Longer?

UPDATE: RETRACTION AND APOLOGY HERE

The most well-known athlete in America might be Tim Tebow.

Tebow is possibly the most celebrated, successful college football player of all time. He was a 2 time national champion with the Florida Gators and a Heisman Trophy winner. His success, as well as his  good looks and supernatural physique has made him a household name across the United States. Oh, there is one more thing, Tebow is the son of missionaries who is very religious and (at this point) celibate.

Tebow has used his star power to advocate for Christianity. He spent a couple of summers working with missionaries in the Far East and has always been vocal about his religiousness. Tim Tebow is an athlete who is using his star power to make a difference in the world. We may not agree with his message, but he is certainly a better role model than felon Gilbert Arenas or even LeBron James.

During the upcoming Super Bowl, Tebow will be featured in a $2.6 Million ad for a strong Pro-Life Organization called Focus on the Family. This has set off a firestorm of reactions from groups that oppose Focus in the Famliy, like the National Organization for Women (don’t you love these names?) who do not approve the message of the ad. Additionally, advocate groups like PETA are up in arms because they have been denied Superbowl air time for their causes.

Honestly, the reason CBS approved this ad are probably related to the economy. IF you’re willing to pay $2.6 Million for an ad in the economy – they’ll take your money.

What is interesting to me about all this are the circumstances of Tim Tebow’s birth. In the ad Tim is expected to tell the story of his mother’s pregnancy. Mrs. Tebow became very ill during a mission to the Philippines and was advised to terminate the pregnancy to save her life. She ignored the doctor, Tim was born and Mrs. Tebow survived.

First, Jewish Law does not share the same views as Christian Law on abortion. In a situation where the mother’s life is in danger, many traditional authorities hold that  the mother MUST abort the pregnancy. There is an assumption that fundamentalist Christians and Orthodox Jews agree on abortion. That is just not true.

Second, even those that hold that abortion is immoral and should never be allowed, is this a wholesome message? To ignore a doctor’s strong recommendation? Isn’t reckless? Don’t we look at Scientology with disdain when a life is lost because of their refusal to see a doctor? What if Mrs. Tebow lost her life in the pregnancy and Tim dies before birth?

It seems that advocating for the sanctity of life is a fair cause to support, but advocating in a manner that breeds recklessness… That seems irresponsible.

Related posts:

1. Sometimes Role Models Are Athletes
2. RETRACTION: Tim Tebow Ad WAS Harmless NOT Reckless
3. Manny Being Manny | Some 'Gladwellian' Insight

It seems that the Earthquake in Haiti has marked a reversal of negative media coverage into more positive media coverage in response to more positive actions by Jewish people.

I noted last week that although the Jewish connection with Haiti is slim, there has been no shortage of Jewish efforts to aid the beleaguered people of Haiti.

It did not end with financial support. CNN has been reporting that the Israeli relief efforts were the quickest to respond and efforts were in full swing before any other country was set up. Israel was the first country with a field hospital in Haiti,  Additionaly, the Israeli relief efforts have been reported as effective and efficient by CNN and others.

You can see video below of CNN’s coverage.

I am also proud to report that my uncle made the news with his personal work on behalf of Haiti.

Vosizneias is reporting that Rabbi Ronald Greenwald (Uncle Ronnie, to me) is spearheading a drive in many Monsey NY private Jewish schools (Yeshivas) to collect food and supplies to be delivered to Haiti. This comes on the heels of an unrelated visit to Haiti 6 weeks prior in which he was inspired to help the impoverished nation. Greenwald promised the members of the the Haitian community that he would meet with them and accompany them on a delegation to Washington if needed. That meeting was scheduled for January 19.

Uncle Ronnie is no stranger to projects of this nature. He has spent his entire adult life working on behalf of Jewish and non-Jewish causes. Those who know him or know of him are not surprised by this news. The only thing surprising is that some people think it is “news”. This is a typical anecdote in his accomplished life and we wish him more opportunities and more success for many years to come.

CNN Videos:

Related posts:

1. Jewish Relief Efforts For Haiti Earthquake Victims
2. Sad News Post
3. Matza in the NY Times and In Our TImes

Photo: Getty Images

A very interesting news item came my way today.

Last Friday night, The Zen Master, Phil Jackson, Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach, was asked about the Los Angeles Clippers. It seems that the Clippers are cursed.

A near perpetual resident of the cellar in the NBA standings, the Clippers have been blessed with plenty of very high draft choices. In the NBA high draft choices are the best way to build a team. The problem for the Clippers has been their draft selections have been huge busts. Some were plagued by injury, some ended up as NBA role players and others were just terrible choices.

Last week the latest Clippers draft pick, selected first overall, Blake Griffin underwent season ending surgery after sitting out the first half of the season hoping to get into playing shape.

So, the media asked Phil Jackson: Do you believe in curses?.

Phil’s response?

As reported by J. A. Adande on the Truehoop blog:

“I don’t,” Jackson said before the Lakers played the Clippers Friday night. “I’m of that generation that believes in karma. I do think there is karma in effect, ultimately. But I can’t proclaim anybody else’s karma. That’s their own making. If you do a good mitzvah [a Jewish term for an act of kindness], maybe you can eliminate some of those things. You think Sterling’s done enough mitzvahs?”

Another reporter replied that Sterling is a major humanitarian (at least if you believe the ads Sterling has placed in the Los Angeles Times over the years).

“Yeah, but how about all those other incidents?” Jackson said.

Sterling has had his share of lawsuits brought against him, most notably a civil suit that in November resulted in him having to pay a record $2.725 million to settle a suit that claimed he discriminated against African-Americans, Hispanics and families with children in the apartment buildings he owns.

So Phil doesn’t believe in curses but his does believe in Karma and the power of a mitzvah to change Karma. I think I agree. Doing good in our world creates good energy in our world. The more good energy that is created, the better things may turn out.

I don’t think it is determinative, but I do think it makes a difference. Whether that is the answer to the Clippers woes I would not claim to know.

But what of Mr. Sterling?

I have two issues with Mr. Sterling.

1) Ads in the LA Times tooting your horn? You need to tell people how much charity you give? It may be a mitzvah to give charity, but it is no mitzvah to publicize it. In fact the highest level of charity is “matan b’seyser”, giving in secret, without anyone knowing. Mr. Sterling, you could do better than to take out expensive ads telling us how great you are. Just be great and we will figure it out on our own.

2)  On this Martin Luther King Day, I think it is time to call out Mr. Sterling for his discrimination against minorities. Bigots like him, prevent Dr. King’s dream from becoming a reality. A dream that I share with him. So Mr. Sterling, change your ways or risk the effect of more bad karma…

I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems. And I’m going to talk about it everywhere I go. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Related posts:

1. Tough Times for Private Schools and Yeshivas
2. Messilas Yesharim 12/14
3. Jewish Blog Round-Up July 5th 2009 Edition

This post comes on the heels of my last post which quoted David Brooks and his admiration for the accopmlishments of the Jews. And now, we have an oppurtunity to show our stripes.

Haiti is not a very Jewish place. It is not frequented by business travelers or vacationers very often. Haiti never had a strong Jewish community. But in time of tragedy the Jewish community has a knack for stepping up to the plate and helping in the ways that we can.

The Talmud says that a hallmark characteristic of the Jewish people is that they are Rachmanim, compassionate. The response to the earthquake is an example of that compassion. There are a number of Jewish organizations that are raising funds for the relief effort. It would seem to me that to close our eyes to this opportunity would be a violent breach of rachmanus, compassionate action.

I am not saying you need to pledge your life savings or more than you normally give to poor people for charity. But it just seems to me that to ignore the plight of the thousands of people who are in desperate need is so callous that it would not befit a nation of Rachmanim.

Just think about the victims, look at the pictures, watch the video and you cannot help but feel compassion for these enfortunate victims.

Please do not hesitate to donate and help, even if it a small amount.

The idea is not so much that your miniscule donation with help alleviate this epic disaster. Rather it is inconceivable that a warm blooded, human being could not help those who are in such dire straights. If your gut is telling you that helping is the right thing to do, then follow your gut.

If your gut isn’t telling you to help, well, I find that hard to believe…

Please contribute to the Jewish Federations of North America and they will distribute the funds for relief efforts of the victims.

Related posts:

1. Why The Earthquake in Haiti Happened
2. I Am So Proud
3. Does Your Kiddush Have Kugel?

It is something of note that such a small people makes up such a large number of success stories. Brooks notes accomplishments as chess champions and Nobel laureates, Ivy League School attendance, Academy Award Nominations, philanthropists and Pulitzer Prize winners, among others. For some reason he omits athletics. Have you not heard of Omri Casspi!? (I kid.)

I recommend reading the article on the NY Times website.

Brooks struggles to explain this phenomena. It is not sufficient.

How are we to explain the successes of this miniscule group of people who share common ancestral ties.

I don’t think it can be the Jewish religion because there are so many variants of its practice and the majority of Jewish people do not practice Judaism!

Is it a random deviation from the normative probability of a group of people this small?

Brooks can’t answer is. I can’t answer it.

So what is it?

Related posts:

1. My Chanukah Message To You: Light Knows No Friend or Foe
2. Law School and Learning Ethics
3. In Madoff Scandal, Jews Feel an Acute Betrayal – NYTimes.com

Don’t Smoke. Smoking is very bad for you. If you are really cool, please do not smoke around kids. They will think you are so cool and your cigs make you so cool and they will want to be like you and they will start smoking too. You don’t want that on your head. Do you?

Cigarettes are a dangerous product. They are addictive and toxic. Worse, the cigarette companies have managed to cultivate a glamour and coolness associated with smoking that influences many people to take up smoking.

How do I know the tobacco companies are influencing people to smoke? Because advertising works. If it didn’t work, they wouldn’t be fighting about their rights to advertise. And, they are fighting…

A Federal Court in Kentucky just ruled in favor of the Tobacco companies. The court held that the law prohibiting color and graphics in cigarette ads violated the 1st Amendment (Free Speech) of the Tobacco companies. Advertising works, and it doesn’t discriminate. Children and teens see ads for cigarettes and the glamourous life of the smoker and they want in.

Whether the 1st Amendment can be used to advertise a deadly product is an interesting debate. David Lazarus of the LA Times has a 60 second rant about the subject that is worth seeing. Watch the video below.

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So, it is fair to say I have spent these last two Chanukahs in Santa Monica. Sure it’s different from Northeast. We never will have a “white Chanukah”. We had our Chanukah party on the beach with a moon-bounce outside. People are wearing shorts. It was 73 degrees today. It feels a little different, but we’re not complaining.

Turns out, Tom Lehrer agrees with me. Chanukah is way better in Santa Monica.

He’ll tell you about it himself, just watch this…

HT: Elizabeth Danizger: Worktalk Communications Consulting

Related posts:

1. Invitation: Chanukah Party on the Beach 12/13/09
2. Shortcuts
3. PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

Call me a sap, but this film brought tears to my eyes. Real, wet, tears.

Which left me wondering, the film is certainly nice, but why did it elicit such a strong reaction?

I think two parts of the film in particular were resonsible for my emotional response.

1 - The “rules are rules” aspect of sports is something we take for granted as necessary elements for a game. On the other hand, we resist rules in our real lives. We don’t want to be tied down by restrictions, we defy strict structure in our lives and we are reluctant to enter long term relationships (whether in love or business) because we know the “rules” of relationships are not always comfortable.

I like rules. I like structure. I like order. I think that is why I was drawn to the Rabbinate and why I am drawn to Law. I actually like Law School. I enjoy the pursuit of appreciating and understand the complex system that we live in. In the film, the umpire is portrayed almost like a villain. But to me, he is the arbiter of a legal issue and I find comfort in knowing that there are rules. To me, he is the good guy, he is enforcing the rules that make the game meaningful. With no rules in games, there is no meaning. This resonated with me.

2 – And this is the real reason I was so moved by the film. The world I want to live in exists in this story. A world of Unity. The world I dream of where differences (like opposing teams in an important game), are not as important as similarities (humans, softball players, women, athletes, americans, etc etc etc). To them, the overall goals of living and loving each other trumped the differences they had as opponents. This film shows a world that I want to believe can exist.

A large number of my recent posts have touched on this very issue. I have been writing about Unity and Tolerance for a little while now. Working as the Rabbi of the Pacific Jewish Center, especially at the Shul on the Beach has only reinforced this strong yearning within me. I meet so many different people. I am convinced that the more we understand about one another, the more we can develop mutual respect and appreciation for one another. Certainly, looking to our similarities primarily and our differences secondarily is a good step in the right direction.

Just a few weeks ago I wrote about the photo of NBA players from Israel and Iran looking like the best of friends. I also wrote about learning from ants that we should help each other when we are in need. A while ago I wrote about using concepts of teamwork in our daily lives. I have spoke from the pulpit about Unity on Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and more recently, Chanukah.

This film just brought all the passion I have for unity and tolerance into such clear terms. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Let me know what you think in the comments.

Hat-tip: My father.

Related posts:

1. Don't Be A Hater
2. Teamwork: Important in Sports, More Important in Life
3. Clothes and the NBA

I can’t believe it! A huge milestone!

At least I don’t forget my wedding anniversary. I did however, forget my one year Blogoversary. I am a week late…

This blog began last year on December 8, 2008. At the time, I had no idea that if anyone would ever read a single word I published. I am always surprised when I discover people reading my blog. But more than surprised, I am appreciative.

So much has happened, so much has changed in our world in the last year. Blogging from the sidelines has been a really great experience. I am glad I started the blog and I am glad that we are closing in on 250 posts.

Thank you for reading, thank you for commenting, thank you for linking and thank you for supporting my blog.

I look forward to another exciting year of blogging together.

In the meantime, check out the brand-spanking-new archives for links to every single post on the blog.

Only a few more posts til 250. We’ll celebrate that with a “best-of”. Stay tuned…

Related posts:

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2. 10,000 Page Views
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Photo: NY Times

More discussion on DovBear: Click here.

A cute news item has been circulating the Jewish internets recently. I have seen links to the NY Times story on Twitter, Facebook, VIN and YWN.

I was tipped off by my friend who works at YU media relations.

The NY Times picked up on a story about a student duo at Yeshiva University who made a very unique Chanukah menorah. Raffi Holczer and Mark Stauber are physics students and they spent 2 weeks making a different kind of menorah.

This menorah is powered by a battery that is powered by a windmill. The whole set up is pretty cool. What caught my eye was their “drasha” on the Chanukah story.

As the story goes, the Maccabees wrestled the Temple from Greek rule and wished to light the lamps. Temple lamps can only be lit with ritually pure oil, none of which would be available for 8 days. A small jug of oil was found. It would only last for one day and the lamp would go dark after the one day. Miraculously, the oil lasted for the 8 days.

One of the duo, Mark Stauber, offers a very nice lesson to be taken from the aforementioned Chanukah story. In his own words:

“In the miracle of the menorah, they got back to the temple and there was only enough oil for one night, but they made it last eight days,” he said. “I see an analogy with the world’s fight for sustainable energy, to take that and make it last as long as we’re going to need it.”

Managing and maintaining our natural resources is definitely something the Torah teaches us. From Jacob lingering to save a few small vessels (according to the Midrash) to the prohibition of destroying fruit trees. The Torah has been teaching “Green” for thousands of years.

I wrote about Torah and ecology on Earth Day and the next day in my Green Post. It is a universal, non-denominational, non-partisan lesson about care and concern for the earth we inhabit.

I like the application of the principal to the Chanukah story.

These young men are also taking the idea of “Or L’amim” – light to the nations, to another level. They are using “light” to be that “light”.

Great job!

They also scored a gig on NBC News. Video is below.

Related posts:

1. My Chanukah Message To You: Light Knows No Friend or Foe
2. Pacific Jewish Center Chanukah Party 2008
3. PJC Chanukah Party 2009 Wrap Up and Photos

This morning two web items gave me the boost I needed and I want to share them with you. Perhaps they will entertain you as much as me!

I always check out the Yahoo.com homepage for a variety of news stories. They’re usually a day or two behind (that is always worth a chuckle) and oftentimes they sensationalize stories beyond reason. Other times they are very telling indicators of the pulse of America. This morning I took a screen shot of a very telling headline.

Only in America in 2009 does a faux reality star’s fame equate the fame of the First Lady. Yes, it is true, “Tough Year for Famous Moms” includes Kate Gosselin and right next to her, Michelle Obama. It makes me laugh even as I type it!

Even worse is the implicit equation of their challenges. One is challenged because she exposed her life and her children’s life in search of fame with no redeeming value whatsoever. The other, is the most influential person in the most powerful person’s life and her challenges are not related to fame seeking, rather the realities of trying to maintain a sane lifestyle amid the ruckus of the White House. She tries to minimize her family’s exposure, while Kate tries to maximize her exposure.

Oh, Yahoo.

The second is a hilarious bit from Improv Everywhere. (The guys who did the Grand Central Video, the Best Buy Video, the Food Court Video – watch them all.)

They filmed one their own getting lost at a Knicks game. The fans at the game were not in on the joke and were cheering and rooting for the lost fan to find his seat more than they cheered for the Knicks.

To quote Ball Don’t Lie: As NBA Off-Season so eloquently put it: “Leave it to improv theatre actors to get Knicks fans off their seats and chanting, if not even for their own team.”

Hahahaha!

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2. Messilas Yesharim 12/28/08
3. Kobe and Zehirus

I found a few minutes to put something together and you can read it on Foundation Stone by clicking here.

You can read the entire series on Foundation Stone by clicking here.

If you’re too lazy to go there to read my post, read on…

The Gemara tells us that on Friday Night, Angels escort us from Shul to our home. Why angels? Why on Shabbos?

In this week’s Parsha (Vayishlach) Yaakov fought hand to hand combat with the Anonymous Angel across the Yobok River. As their battle came to a close Yaakov asked the Angel his name, the angel responded by “pleading the fifth.” Rashi explains that angels have no set names; their name reflects their mission set by Hashem. What is the meaning behind this response? What is the Torah and Rashi teaching us? I believe the lesson is that we too have no names of our own; we are just servants of Hashem and also do what He commands of us. We are only a manifestation of His will and must use our tools we are given for His will. We don’t really have our own talents or strengths, we are only given tools on a loan, to use in our ever-present mission and quest to sanctify Hashem’s name. That is what Yaakov learned from the angel and thus responded to Eisav’s subsequent inquiry about his possessions acknowledging Hashem and His gifts to him.

Each week we are reminded of the mission oriented nature of our lives as we are escorted home by the angels. We and angels have no name other than that which our mission requires from us. Shabbos gives us a chance to refocus and reenergize our efforts towards accomplishing that mission. The greatest gift of Shabbos is the reflection of our week and the pleasure of enjoying our accomplishments. Shalom Aleichem welcomes the angels and their message into our home and into our lives.

Related posts:

1. The Jewish Home – In Memory of The Holzbergs Formerly of Mumbai | Drasha Vayetze 2009
2. Our Chance To Shine | A Guest Post
3. Drawing From The Well of Torah | A Guest Post

Ah yes, another fallen icon.

What do Tiger fans see now? They see the truth. Or a somewhat muddled version of the truth.

Without going into detail, Tiger Woods has certainly confirmed what I have been saying about athletes as role models.

They’re not. Stop pretending that they are.

In one of my most popular posts of all time, gaining attention from local Los Angeles sports media, I make the claim that if you are a parents whose child reveres and looks to an athlete as a role model, you are not doing a good job as a parent.

Thank you Tiger, for proving my point, again.

Read it here.

Related posts:

1. Athletes as Role Models?
2. Gatorade Becoming Kosher, Drops Tiger Woods From Endorsements
3. Sometimes Role Models Are Athletes