Children And Grandchildren
It’s odd that in your Nov. 25 lead editorial, “The Democratic Playbook,” you criticize Gov. Andrew Cuomo for stating, “I am a son of immigrants.”
You note: “Actually he is a grandson of immigrants.” I found it amusing that you choose to make this distinction, even as we read in Parshat Chayei Sarah (Genesis 24:48) how Eliezer explicitly made no such distinction. He expressed gratitude for finding Rivkah who is “bat achi adoni livno.”
That phrase translates as “the daughter of my master’s brother for his son.” Of course, the brother of Avraham was Nachor, the grandfather of Rivkah. The principle of “B’nei banim harei hein k’banim” – “Grandchildren are like children” is something the governor understands well. Perhaps upon further reflection you would concur.
Dr. Nisan Hershkowitz
Brooklyn, NY
Law Based On Torah
The Israeli government is considering a normalization law that would give settlements in Yehuda and Shomron the same legal status as any other place in Eretz Yisrael.
Our rights to all of Eretz Yisrael should be confirmed by citing the first Rashi in Chumash, which states that when the nations say we stole the land, we should counter and say that Hashem created the world and gave the land of Israel to the children of Israel.
The Israeli Supreme Court objects to this law. The Israeli public seems fed up with the court. The time may be ripe to introduce a National Jewish Court based on Torah. We must speak out in favor of the law and against the secular supreme court.
We were silent at the time of the Gush Katif expulsion.
We must not repeat that mistake.
With best wishes for the Geulah,
Shmuel Koenig
(Via E-Mail)
Benzion Shenker (I)
I am deeply saddened by the death of Benzion Shenker (news story and In Memoriam tribute, Nov. 25). He epitomized true Jewish “soul” music – he touched the souls of all who heard him through his numerous recordings or who had the pleasure of hearing him in person. He was modest, gentle, and unassuming. He brought joy to his listeners.
When I started my hobby of presenting Jewish Soul Music in 1977, Benzion was part of what I referred to as ‘The Big Four’ – Shenker, Shlomo Carlebach, Mordecahi Ben David, and Avraham Fried.
Aside from my love of chazzanut, the four touched my soul – each in his unique way. Those who have listened to my programs over the past 40 years can testify to the admiration I felt toward Benzion and the pride I had in being his friend.
In 1994 I had the honor of doing a two-hour interview with Benzion. That program is now available on my website, www.charliebernhaut.com. Simply log on, go to the Archive, and check out Show # 370 (Nov. 28, 2016). The third hour features interviews from this past weekend with Chaim Boruch Shenker, Benzion’s brother, and Velvel Pasternak, noted expert on Jewish music. Also included is the complete recording of Benzion’s first album from 1956 – “Modzitzer Malave Malka.”
To hear my second two-hour interview with Benzion from five years ago, scroll down on the Archive to Show # 125 (Nov. 7, 2011).
We are all blessed to having been touched by this extraordinary talent. Benzion will be sorely missed. No doubt his music will be appreciated for generations.
Charlie Bernhaut
New York, NY
Benzion Shenker (II)
When I left the pulpit rabbinate for organizational life and moved to Flatbush 27 years ago, my immediate goal was to daven with R. Benzion Shenker in his minyan in the Modzitzer shtiebel. I was “raised” as a child on his tapes, and now I was free to daven where I desired.
Davening with R. Benzion was always most inspirational. Too few rabbanim convey to their congregants the importance of tefillah uplifted with shirah and neginah. There is little appreciation for the role of the shaliach tzibbur in elevating the davening so that the Heavenly “sha’arei neginah” can open wide to receive our heartfelt prayers.
May R. Benzion Shenker’s petirah – and niggunim! – be the catalyst to enable our tefillot and those of our congregants to reach the loftiest heights of Shamayim, carried on the wings of song.
Doniel Z. Kramer
(Via E-Mail)
The Clear Choice
Faced with a dilemma: This morning at my front door I found both The Jewish Press and the Los Angeles Times. As I brought them into my house, I thought: “Which should I open to read first?”
Of course, the Times brings me the day’s news from around the world and keeps me informed about what’s happening in the great city of Los Angeles. But it really was no contest. I settled back with The Jewish Press, hungering to see this week’s offerings.
First I read the editorial titled “The Strange Case of Senator Schumer.” How can any honest and honorable person ever vote for him again? How can he defend his support of Congressman Keith Ellison, an avowed pro-Palestine, Muslim supporter, against the interests of Israel?
Then I came across “The Miracle of Tamar,” a heart-wrenching story about a newborn child with serious health problems, expected to live only three or four months. Unable to have children of their own, a very special couple, Dini and Rivky, sought to adopt the baby. Dini expressed his appreciation for having his mind and heart opened to the idea of adopting a child with special needs: “Being Tamar’s father is the greatest gift I could ever have.” What a man. My heart is full of emotion as I write this.
And after I finish writing this letter, I look forward to reading what has become my favorite feature over the past year – the monthly Freida Sima series, which alas comes to an end with this issue.
My subscription renewal is in the mail.
George Epstein
Los Angeles, CA
Editor’s Reply: Mr. Epstein and the many other readers who let us know how much they loved the Freida Sima series will be pleased to learn that the author, Professor Judy Tydor Baumel-Schwartz, is at work on a new series, the first installment of which will appear in January.