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Musical NotesNovember 2003From the Desk of Marjorie HochbergRob, an old friend of mine and I both came of age in the Star Trek generation. One day, when we were discussing the show, Rob suggested to me that Mr. Spock was a Jew. "Of course," I said, "Leonard Nimoy is an Orthodox Jew." "No, " said Rob. "Not Leonard Nimoy. The character of Spock is a Jew. Just as Uhura represents Africans, Scotty the Scots, and Chekov the Russions, so Spock represents the Jews." What, in his view, were the "Jewish" qualities of Spock? For one thing, although Spock's temperament was mild, he looked slightly demonic. He was from a complex culture that prided itself on its highly developed intellectual prowess, yet its ancient roots were primitive, even barbaric. It was a clannish, secretive and deeply mysterious culture that was so complex as to be unfathomable to outsiders. Compared to "humans," Vulcans were intellectually superior, yet emotionally inferior, lacking the "human" heart. Were the writers of Star Trek playing out the Othodox Christian dichotomy of the Old Testament God of Justice versus the New Testament God of love on the inter-galactic stage? Perhaps they were. After teaching the Taste of Judaism this fall, I can tell you that at first glance, Judaism can seem incredibly challenging, mysterious and foreign to non-Jews and to some Jews as well. We might as well be from the planet Vulcan! Our rituals, holidays, and customs can feel overwhelmingly complex. However, the differences between us the Science Fiction version of us and the reality are vast. For one thing, here where we live, Judaism is more accessible, open and appealing than ever before. In Adult Education classes ranging from the Taste of Judaism to Adult Confirmation, our holidays and festivals, liturgy, lifecycle events, and the eternal ethical and spiritual teachings that comprise Jewish tradition are available to all. Our Shabbat and Festival services are beautiful, inspiring and welcoming. What we have at Temple Emanu-El, our piece of the Jewish planet, is a place to sharpen our vision, replenish our souls, and move forward in the world with a renewed commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world. For another thing, most Jews I know are not cold and unfeeling the way Spock was, but deeply caring people who are passionate about their lives, their people and their world. And the more connected they are to Judaism, the more that is true. The true appeal of Star Trek is something that is almost taboo in our secular culture-- the joy of belonging and contributing to something larger than oneself. Happily, for us, that sense of mission doesn't require a spaceship, a Federation vessel, or putting our fazers on stun. It is something we can find in our Temple community every Shabbat of our lives. I look forward to seeing you this Shabbat at services, or during the week at one of our amazing Adult Education classes. I promise you, they are out of this world! Live long and prosper, Marjorie Hochberg |
