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2008 Paris Journal

June 24, 2008

"Rabbi, what are you doing in Paris?"

Lots of folks have asked me this question. The follow up question is: "What about all the anti-semitism?" And, finally, an often-repeated sentiment I hear is: "I certainly wouldn't go there; wouldn't spend my money there.

First questions first: Back in 1986, I was studying toward the rabbinate at the University of Judaism (in L.A.). I was in a wild little band of fellow rabbinical students (Sharona's brother Dave was a drummer with us for a while...and he lived to tell the tale!) In 1987-1989, Sharona and I lived in Jerusalem. I was studying in Rabbinical School, and she was a member of a dance company. Tom, a friend and colleague (bass player in the band), in addition to going to classes, was going out with a cute and brilliant French woman studying for the rabbinate there as well. Tom and Pauline fell in love ...fast forward to 1993, they married in Paris (most amazing wedding I've ever witnessed. My signature adorns their ketubah, and the second witness signature belongs to Sam Feldman, fellow rabbi, guitar player). This Shabbat, Tali, their oldest child, celebrates her Bat Mitzvah. They have a pretty cool band playing on Sunday at Pauline's shul. I'm here to be with friends who are family to me.

France has the 3rd largest Jewish community in the world. Upon hearing this most people say "Really, I didn't know that." So, who are they? A large part of the community comes from North Africa. When I was here four years ago (the first Paris gig of the Rocking Rabbis) Tom, responding to my "what about the anti-semitism" question, remarked that American Jews are generous-hearted rescuers who often know very little about the folks we aim to save. Besides talking with Tom and Pauline, I hope to read a few essays within a volume I found in their home library today (Discourses of Jewish Identity in Twentieth-Century France); maybe I'll learn something; when I do, I'll pass it along.

Yes, there is anti-semitism here. There is violence. Sometimes, hate crime claims lives. There is anti-semitism in Memphis, too. Sometimes, hate crime claims lives there, too. One problem with the stories we read, with the constantly recycled emails, is the wild and hysterical "The Philistines are upon you, Samson" tone of the narrative we have uncritically swallowed. Newsflash: Paris is not burning. Tom and Pauline live within a complex and sophisticated multi-cultural reality that includes bonds of friendship between folks of various skin colors, straight and gay people, Jews and Moslems. An attractive head-scarf wearing (stylish jeans, too) woman (I think her name is Fatimah) I met this afternoon is cooking the couscous delicacy we'll enjoy at Tali's celebration. Unlike many of us who live in an insular White Jewish American homogenous bubble, the non-Orthodox Parisian Jewish kehilla is shaped by many varied social currents.

Finally, what about the boycotting of France, venting our displeasure at the French? Reality check: France is among the most popular, if not the top-drawing tourist Mecca (lighten up, I put "Mecca" in for a bit of flip humor) in the world. Boycotting, Freedom-Fries loving, Americans did not register a blip on France's economic radar. When Jews boycott France, who do you think suffers? It's the Jewish merchants in the Jewish Quarter - does that really help matters? If you're angry about French politics (they are no good at marching lock-step with us; shame on them!), do you register your feelings by unraveling the businesses that depend upon your tourist dollar? That is precisely the effect of our less than wise boycott. Tom would know: he and Pauline live on Rue des Rosiers, and they have watched Jewish businesses languish. Perhaps we would do well to give the Lone Ranger routine a rest, breathe deep, open our eyes and ears. There's a lot to learn.