´Free as a Jew´

 

Prof. Ruth R. Wisse belongs to a generation of Jews that seen and experienced too much to accept any pressure to change their opinions, no matter how controversial. The direct contact with realities of the last century, filtered through a knowledge acquired using the classical literary and religious sources leaves no space to compromise.

Born in Czernowitz, she and her family escaped to Canada via Romania, fearing the Stalinist repression. This early life experience will deepen her understanding of communism, particularly during Cold War. As a Canadian Jew, she witnessed the birth of a new post-WWII diaspora, as well as the multicultural local policies, making friendship with Leonard Cohen. Further more, on the educational level, she experienced directly the birth of Jewish studies in the North American realm, and was directly involved in the rebirth of interest for Yiddish literature. A staunch supporter of the state of Israel, she seized the right directions that may lead to the new forms of Jew-hate - like anti-Zionism. 

She assumed her opinions of being against the ´affirmative action´, criticized the Oslo Agreements and remained a clear supporter of what would be later called ´neo-conservative´ political directions. 

And when the world was over and over again took by troubles, she found comfort in the old tales of Yiddish writers, that she promoted and taught over the years. Besides the strong memorialistic perspective, the book is also a reminder of the timeless value of Yiddish literature and its importance for the Jewish intellectual history.

Testimonies like the ones generously shared by Prof. Ruth R. Wisse are very important from the intellectual point of view. No matter what we may disagree with, she fully assumes her values and beliefs. Making and defending an intellectual choice should be no shame. Accepting someone else´s different standpoint is the beginning of a conversation that may not bring us to changing someone else´s mind, but at least will benefit in terms of understanding the difference and the diversity of ideas, without taking personal offense and directly attacking the opponent.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Bring Back the Babka!

 

Shortly before Shabbes, the freshly baked babka disappeared. Sol and Sammy, followed by the dog Mazel, are helping their mother to find it, hoping that they will be lucky enough before the guests are coming for dinner. On their way, they are welcomed with delicious Jewish foods - cholent, gefilte fish, compote - and although the babka seems to have vanished without a trace, they are bringing back home kind foodie gifts for their evening meal. 

Bring back the Babka! by Marilyn Wolpin with colourful illustrations by Madison Safer, to be published this October by Barefoot Books, is many things at once: a funny foodie mystery - wait until the end for a smart hint -, a book about Jewish foods and traditions, a refreshing story about solidarity and friendship. 

As I consider myself a skilled creator of babka, and a hungry consumer as well, I couldn´t resist a story created around one of my favorite Jewish treats. At the end of the story, there is a short glossary - with photos - of the foods introduced and a recipe of babka I can´t wait to test it.

The book is recommended for pre-school and primary school little readers and their parents. It teaches in a joyful funny way about traditions while inspiring the children to be kind and empathic. A recommended read to both parents, their children and Jewish educators and babka lovers too.

Rating: 4 stars

Disclaimer: Book offered by the published in exchange for an honest review