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Musical NotesJanuary 2004From the Desk of Marjorie HochbergWhere No (Hu)man Has Gone Before... Rob, 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. Just as Uhura represents Africans, Scotty the Scots, and Chekov the Russians, so Spock represents the Jews.” What, in his view, were the “Jewish” qualities of Spock? For one thing, there was his mild manner, yet slightly demonic appearance--not unlike the stereotypical, antisemitic view of Jews. 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 secretive and deeply mysterious culture, so complex as to be unfathomable to outsiders. Vulcans were intellectually superior, yet emotionally inferior, seeming to lack the “human” heart. Were the writers of Star Trek playing out the Orthodox Christian dichotomy of the Old Testament God of Justice versus the New Testament God of Love on the inter-galactic stage? Perhaps they were. Even the Vulcan greeting, “Live long and prosper” sounds very like the Yiddish blessing, “Live and be well.” 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 and the Science Fiction version of us are vast. For one thing, Judaism today 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, on 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 the case. 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 phazers on stun. It is something we can find in our Temple community every Shabbat of our lives. Check it out for yourself at Shabbat 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 |
