Happy July 4th

UnOrthodox choices in Charleston . . .

My how the scene has changed? A little more than a year ago, Orthodox Jewish Charleston was no more than it had been for the last 30 years. BSBI had its never-ending struggle, gently ( or not-so-gently ) declining over time, with its aging establishment on Rutledge Avenue, and its backward mentality, steeped in the wisdom of rational modernity: "The shul that I (and /or my children ) don't go to, must stay downtown" the substance of its thinking. And "If you want to be observant, move downtown or to South Windemere!" its other favorite words of wisdom.



BSBI's truly Orthodox Annex in South Windemere had its own ups-and-downs, but still holds out after 30 years. Long treated as second-class members by its parent body, the "Minyan House" remains there in the little house that contravenes the zoning laws of its residential surroundings. Frankly, both downtown and South Windemere have priced themselves out of the "young family" market, and now the last of any goodwill has been spent as well. (Call and ask President Berlin, and he will fill you in. Just ask about the agenda of his special bored meeting.)



But suddenly, there are new, and real, choices at hand. For one, there is Chabad of Mount Pleasant, which will in time attract a following of newcomers to Charleston. For another, there is a new focus at the JCC on Wallenburg Boulevard. Here you will find the area's largest attendance at regular Shabbat services. With a friendly atmosphere, and lots of warmth.



This is not the only sign of life West of the Ashley. AHA has had another banner year, the JCC Camp program is larger than ever before, and the JCC swim team boasts 90 swimmers, and have won all of their first 3 meets.



As always, choice is good for the consumer - do you want something vibrant and dynamic, or something old and stuffy? Something glowing with promise, or glowing with fresh paint?



Ever wandered why the New WAM has such traction even without a pulpit rabbi to lead it? A little birdie told me it was so BSBI would see that these years of their decline were not due to the personality and character of their rabbi, but the folly of their location!



Oops, Watch the birdie!

A sense of humus . . .

Generally a good thing, a sense of humor, and humus too. Here is the round up for Father's Day, 2007:

Item #1: First major spat at the new WAM - the disagreement might split the (sides of the) congregation. It's all about when to do the announcements. About a month ago, at one of our highly irregular business meetings, a suggestion was made to move announcements to the spot ahead of the Mussaf services. As usual, I was the lone dissenter - my feeling is, as we bid farewell to the Torah, slowly closing the ark, singing an inspiring melody, all are standing, all are peacefully focused: the time is perfect for a heartfelt davening of the Mussaf. It's an artistic issue, really. If William Shakespear were Jewish, and alive to take part in the debate, he'd be on my side, there can be little question. And this is especially true given the wit and flare brought to the announcements by the WAM Radio DJ, Charlie ("Chuckles") Steinert.

Now, new as we are to such things, a friend of mine persists in taking the opposite view. So certain is he that he is right, that he promised to find a referrence for his position in the Chumash! This, while we are in the midst of the Torah service just yesterday! Well, after the Haftorah reading, he leans over to me to show me. He points out where the Mussaf sacrifices are listed in the Stone Chumash, then turns back a page, and shows me where Moses ordains that Joshua should have the honor to address the Israelites. "See," he says gleefully, "the address comes before the Mussaf." Case closed!

Well, not really. You see, I think it is quite clear that the address refers to the rabbi's sermon. And indeed, in most congregations, the traditional spot for the sermon is right after the Torah service, and before Mussaf. So, I say, the citation does not prove my friends' point, at all. You should have seen the look he gave me, for raining on his parade! But we sat together at the Kiddush anyway, at least for now.

Item #2: The search for presidential courage. Now don't be misled, this does not refer to the leadership of BSBI, though heaven knows there is a need for courage there too. No, I think you should read the current issue of Time, where Joe Klein discusses some pointers that may help decide whom to vote for in 2008. Food for thought - Please review at your leisure, and come back and read it later, if you need to stay focused as the campain progresses. I liked the illustration that headed the article, reproduced for you here without permission as a not-for-profit public service:



Finally, item #3 - At my kind of shul*, everyone has a sense of humus, and bagels, and egg-salad, and M and M's . . . And when Father's Day follows the Sabbath, as it usually does, who can hold to a diet! Happy Father's Day, julle**!

* See "At my kind of shul . . . " And "At my kind of shul, a mother's day reprise"

**"Julle" is "Ya'll" in Afrikaans
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