Re: Jews for XMAS

[elkahn <elkahn...>]

This is beautifully said. I second the motion wholeheartedly.

NOW may I get back to work?

Eliott Kahn



On Wed, 16 Dec 1998, Steven M. Singer wrote:

> 
> 
> On Wed, 16 Dec 1998, robert wiener wrote:
> 
> > How does one get a "Jewish musical soul"?  Is it acquired at birth
> > (genetic)?  Or is developed through exposure to Jewish culture (learned)?
> > Is it passed on in the blood?  Or will the children of assimilated Jews not
> > have a Jewish musical soul?
> 
> Great questions, Bob.  I don't think that I have a good answer for you,
> though.  It seems that *in spite* of the disappearance of observance,
> lack of Jewish education (in the home and out), and being overwhelmed by
> everything NOT-Jewish in the diaspora,.. our music, media,
> discourse... continue to have pervasive expressions of Jewish
> religious-ideas, heritage, humor and perspective.  Why is that?  Well,
> maybe its due to (what's left of) our connection to our rich heritage.
> Can it be adopted?  Sure, I guess so.  However, the question of whether
> this "vein" of Jewishness will continue to run through American secular
> society -- in anything but a "Seinfeld" way -- will depend on what each of
> us does with the gift that our children may provide for our future.  Their
> education, their wisdom, their "souls" will determine the future landscape
> of American Jewish religious life.  Irving Berlin, Paul Simon, and Jerry
> Seinfeld (to name a few) did not grow up NAIVE to their Jewish heritage!
> The fact that they chose not to make it a part of their public life is a
> valid point for discussion... and criticism, possibly.  But, it's clear to
> see that the generations between Seinfeld and Berlin all had the KNOWLEDGE
> of their traditions - whether they rejected them or not.  Will we be able
> to say the same of our children.. or grandchildren?
> 
> -Steve Singer
> 
> http://www.jewishsong.com
> 
> 
>