Rabbi Gabrielle's Defiance

by Roger Herst

  Disappointed that no resolution had been made, she snapped, "And when might that be, Stan?"

  Irritated, he growled back, "Sorry, Rabbi, but we can't afford to gamble with the future of this institution. This is a complicated matter, especially when we learn it might affect not only six months, but possibly a lot more. It's no simple matter when a congregation's senior rabbi declares she wants to run for an elected office. Our members will have a lot to say on the matter."

  Gabby said, "I've worked for this sabbatical. I would hope the congregation will honor its commitment."

  "I'm afraid I’m not in a position to judge that. We're facing a very dangerous lawsuit. Like jackrabbits before an approaching plow, loyal members may flee the congregation. We can't expect them to be delighted to see their rabbi on the campaign trail. But for the moment we must decide on the Passover re-enactment. Let's take a break now and reconvene in fifteen minutes. At that time, Rabbi, I'll ask you to make the appropriate introductions."

  Unlike most synagogue meetings in which participants banter amiably during a break, cold board members filed into the corridor and headed for the restrooms in cold silence. Eyes refused to meet Gabby's as she weaved through a cluster of Disney employees waiting to enter the boardroom and set up their video equipment. Chuck Browner was chatting with the guests. The agenda had affected her bladder and Gabby needed to visit the ladies room.

  When the meeting reconvened, she introduced the subject of a community wide festival of Pesach in April – the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan. Because contemporary Seders in the home and synagogues mirror an ancient feast that occurred on the night the Hebrews fled from Egypt, some 3,200 years before, the Washington Board of Rabbis, in conjunction with other communal organizations, agreed to co-sponsor an educational program on Pesach. Disney Productions was interested to recast the historical epic because Passover was the oldest continuous festival in the western world. The Disney people planned to combine the historic and contemporary slavery-to-freedom celebrations in a three-hour television extravaganza. The historic re-enactment was planned for a location in Egypt's Sinai Desert where professional actors and seven hundred movie extras would recreate the Children of Israel departing from Egypt. To couple this epic with the modern recitation of the Haggadah, Disney proposed to go live with a contemporary seder at Ohav Shalom.

  Orthodox rabbis wanted nothing to do with what they labeled a commercial exploitation. Conservative rabbis were equally unmoved by the commercialism. Disney had nowhere to turn but to the liberal Jewish establishment. Ohav Shalom became an obvious choice.

  Not all of Ohav's board members were enthusiastic. Five folded their arms across their chess in a provocative show-me position, listening to a brief introduction by the Disney team. Lights dimmed and images flashed across a pull-down screen. The opening of From Slavery to Freedom showed a film crew working where the historic exodus was purported to have taken place. A trailer referred to a biblical scholar working with camera crews to authenticate the sequence.

  "Who's playing Moses?” Helen Bluttan-Fine asked from her positron at the conference table.

  Karla Foo, a Chinese-American director in her late-thirties answered with modest surprise, "Nobody. Our experts tell us that Moses isn't mentioned in the Passover story."

  "What?" Miriam Stone-Heflin sounded her skepticism. "How can you tell the exodus story without Moses?"

  "It's an anomaly," interrupted Gabby. "In the Book of Exodus, Moses plays a dominant role. But surprisingly, his name isn't found in the Passover Haggadah. Rabbinic scholars have a host of explanations for this omission, but Disney is right in not introducing Moses into their narrative. We don’t' need another Charleston Heston."

  The intro to From Slavery to Freedom opened with a shot of swollen fingers kneading clay into a brick mold. Each time the slave-worker lifted the wooden form, dry clay inside cracked and he was forced to renew the tedious process. Pharaoh's taskmasters spitefully withheld from the Hebrew the necessary binding straw. The clay was brittle and difficult to mold. The camera widened horizontally to encompass a field of brick makers working under a blistering desert sun. You could hear the crack of whips in the distance, yet could not see the results of this cruelty. The script did not highlight physical degradation. Instead, the subject was treated obliquely by focusing on a small story inside a big one. Not thousands of toiling slaves under the whip, but one set of hands struggling with a single brick mold. The crack of a whip getting closer compelled the struggling slave to work faster with little result. Without straw to bind his brick, he would soon experience excruciating pain.

  "We hope to merge this sequence with your modern seder," Karla Foo explained. "Or perhaps do a double-image shot with you, Rabbi Lewyn, reading the biblical description of this event at the seder table. We've included details on your Exhibit F."

  Treatment of the ten plagues wrought upon the Egyptians for their refusal to let Hebrews pass peacefully over the frontier into the Desert of Sinai could be tricky. To show Egyptians suffering might produce a hostile reaction. Again, the director showed her craft by focusing on a single Egyptian, not a large number of sufferers. When depicting the plague of locusts, a viewer witnessed a single insect creeping over the eyes of a sleeping Egyptian infant. Infestations of frogs did not clog the streets of Ramses City. Rather, a single greenish-brown creature jumped from the stone pavers onto a windowsill of an Egyptian home and hopped through the opening into the darkness beyond. A merchant scratched at a bleeding skin wound to depict the plague of boils.

  "We'd like to show a modern celebrant dipping his or her fingers into a wine glass and spotting the plate,” Director Foo explained. To illustrate her point, she directed a technician to overlay the video with footage of a contemporary seder in which children were dropping wine not onto plates but onto a tablecloth and causing a mess. This elicited sympathetic laughter from the board members, many of whom had grandchildren equally determined to soil a family tablecloth.

  Karla Foo said, "While this is still in the conceptual phase, we're thinking of having a celebrity news anchorman or woman emcee the entire program. We're considering filming him or her on location at Abu Simbel in Egypt, before the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, and later at the Temple of Amon at Karnak. This will tie the past to the present.

  When light illuminated the room, conversation erupted. Everyone had a different slant on what had been presented. Because the producers were guests, board members agreed to withhold their opinions until after the Disney folks had departed.

  By a quarter to eleven, the board was exhausted. Stan Melkin knew how difficult it was to convene this group of exceedingly busy people and, despite the late hour, insisted upon coming to a conclusion before they adjourned. After some grumbling, members conceded that postponement was impractical. The nay-sayers began with an assault upon Disney's popularization of American culture in which human relationship were trivialized. Myth became history. Should not Passover be immune from such commercialism?

  Candice Levy, a matronly deacon of Jewish communal affairs, said to Gabby, "There's no Mickey Mouse stamp on what we have just seen. Isn't it considered a mitzvah to teach Gentiles about Passover?" "Absolutely," Gabby was unequivocal. "Because it is purported that Jesus was celebrating Passover at the Last Supper many Christians hold Seders in their churches. I was startled to read that in absolute numbers, these days more Christians attend Seders than Jews."

  Stan followed up, "Then, Rabbi, it is your view that we should be within the spirit of the holiday to share our seder with others on television?"

  It was late and Stan obviously wished to press for a decision.

  "Yes."

  Lucien Belinky, semi-retried from the area's premier podiatry practice in which he had scaled corns from the most influential toes in Washington, glanced above the rims of thick spectacles. "Is it wise for Ohav to take a public posture with the Morgenstern suit hanging over our shoulder? It will draw unwanted attention to our plight."


  Gabby returned to the conversation, "How does the lawsuit bear on Pesach?" "Not on Pesach, but there's a lot of sympathy for the Morgensterns, as well there should be. That causes hostility toward the synagogue and its rabbis. I heard through the grape vine that Dominion Mutual is prepared for trial."

  "I had hoped to avoid that discussion tonight," Stan Melkin interrupted. "It's complicated and we have not had a chance to consult with our rabbis about new developments." "But it is germane," said Lucien Belinky. "If Dominion settles, then it would be acceptable to bring in the camera crews. But if not, I personally wouldn't recommend it."

  Gabby was alerted to discussions occurring behind her back.

  Stan glared at Lucien Belinky to communicate his disapproval. "It's too late to talk about the Morgensterns. We can and must let it go for another time."

  "Why not now," Candice Levy asked. "If Lucien is correct, it might bear upon our decision about Pesach."

  "No. Absolutely not. Or prepare to spend the night here," barked Stan.

  Having worked the entire day with barely a moment of relief, Gabby was feeling weary, straining her patience." May I ask why it is not the right time?"

  "Because we're talking about delicate personnel matters." "If Asa Folkman and my jobs are on the line here, Stan, please let us know."

  The president was visibly disturbed and snapped, "You weren't personally involved with the Morgenstern girls."

  "Are you thinking Asa was?

  "He had immediate contact with the girls. You did not."

  A raw upheaval occurred in Gabby's stomach. "I can't believe what I'm hearing. I'm astonished."

  Normally subdued and timid, Nora DelGrotto said, "We all know that Rabbi Folkman has a different focus these days."

  "We've already been through that station, Nora. He does his work professionally and extremely well. How he spends his private time is his own business. The fact that he's an excellent musician is to his credit and the benefit of this congregation."

  "That's just the point, Rabbi," Nora pursued. "There's no reason for Ohav to shoulder more burden than necessary. We have a chance to distance ourselves from this unfortunate affair. Everybody acknowledges it was an accident. And we feel it is only fair to compensate the Morgensterns for their loss. We can't afford to give the impression we're unsympathetic to their suffering. We're supposed to be one big family."

  "Do family members sue one another?" Gabby was caustic.

  "Excuse me," Stan interjected. "I said this was not the right time to debate."

  "It is the single most important issue facing this congregation," growled Lucien Belinky. "The urgency will not bear postponement. We're stuck in mud unless we resolve the matter of Rabbi Folkman."

  "I'm sorry, Lucien," the president matched his adversary's urgent tone. "I’m invoking the privilege of my office. Our meeting is closed. The only open question before us is whether to sponsor the Disney re-enactment and I suggest that, since this is a religious question, we defer to the views of Rabbi Lewyn. I'm perfectly willing to go along with her judgment and I hope you are, too."

  Stan paused to look for a rebuttal but there was none. And to Gabby he said, "Then, Rabbi, the show is on your stage and that's not meant to be a pun. Please let me know in twenty-four hours."

  "Thanks, Stan, twenty-four hours will do just fine." She already knew her answer, but given the churlish mood of the board members, she determined a cooling down period would be helpful.

  ***

  Two days later, a Federal Express package arrived from Cook, Melkin & Serinovick, Stan Melkin's firm, containing two separate letters. The first was addressed to Gabby and written on Stan's legal stationery. She assumed it was sent by FedEx in order to obtain a signature of receipt.

  Dear Gabby,

  I am delighted to learn that you wish to proceed with the Disney production From Slavery to Freedom. This is just the kind of thing Ohav is obliged to do for community relations. It will be a grand educational achievement.

  Now, please let me address the bombshell you dropped into our laps regarding you intention to oppose Toby Ryles in the Eighth District. First, let me emphasize the fundamental principle of this democracy that any citizen may seek public office and represent his/her constituency. However, there is a strong consensus that Toby Ryles has been a good and loyal friend of the Jewish community and a long-time supporter of Israel, even in a time when that support was grudgingly withheld by other Republicans in Congress.

  While we affirm your right to run, we must point out that a race against Toby will offend many who regard this as an act of betrayal toward one who has served our interests for many years.

  Gabby, I fear our congregants will interpret your campaigning adversely, perhaps damaging the enormous good will you have engendered through your years of service. Within the week, I will be communicating with the membership explaining matters dealing with the Morgenstern tragedy and your proposed sabbatical.

  On a very personal note, I cannot think of a more able individual to help govern this ungovernable nation. I would be very disappointed to see you leave our pulpit. Though I suspect most of your congregants will not vote for you in order to keep you at Ohav Shalom, I pledge my personal vote.

  Your plans make this sabbatical a bit more complicated. I shall do my best to resolve it as soon as possible.

  Best personal wishes,

  Stan

  The second document was a letter from Marc Sutterfeld from Morrison and Grant to F. Nelson McKesson, representing Dominion Mutual, of his intention to depose Rabbi Asa Folkman at the earliest convenient time. The request, Gabby knew, was a routine civil action. Normally, she would be amused by legal machinations, but not when they were directed against her colleague.

  She placed a call to Shirley Delinsky about the process of depositions.

  "Do you know Marc Sutterfeld?" Gabby asked.

  "Yes. We often meet a bar association meetings. Once we defended different parties in the same lawsuit."

  "I hope he's a gentleman."

  "Don't count on it. Marc is an advocate. Normally, lawyers, especially Jewish ones, have a soft spot for rabbis. But I'd be surprise if Marc doesn't play the role of a pit bull terrier."

  "Besides the lawyers from Dominion Mutual, is someone from the synagogue going to be there to assist Asa?"

  "I'm sure Stan will. Perhaps Marvin or me. We can't prevent our client from telling what he knows. Nor can we counter hostile questions. There's a fundamental law about being deposed. You can't win; you can only lose. Asa must understand that this isn't a forum to make a claim or prove a point. It's only fact-finding. So if Asa says the wrong thing, it could come back to bite him and us."

  "Will he be coached?"

  "I would hope so. Counsel for Dominion Mutual must have something in mind."

  "I'd like to be there." Gabby replied.

  "If Marc agrees, but I don't think he will. My suspicion is that he'll want to depose you later and would like to use your testimony to punch holes in Rabbi Folkman's."

  "Asa has no intention to dissemble."

  "I would expect nothing less."

  CHAPTER SIX

  PIZZA ANGEL

  Almost every winter, Washington DC is visited by one or two blizzards. And this February brought a dilly. Snow began falling just before the homeward bound rush-hour traffic, snarling workers in the District of Columbia headed home. It took Gabby an extra hour and a half of hard, nerve-racking, bumper-to-bumper driving to reach her Bethesda townhouse where a bitter wind ripped through naked dogwood and cherry trees lining her street. For some reason, the automatic thermostat failed to activate her oil-burning furnace and her home was a bone-chilling cold. Fortunately, a manual emergency switch reset the burner. While collecting the day's voice and email, she remained huddled in her heavy wool overcoat and gloves.

  Early in her career, she experimented with an unlisted phone number. On occasion, she would give it to friends, but before long it became a favorite for many congrega
nts eager to reach their rabbi in the evenings and on weekends. A new and heavily-guarded number produced a groundswell of angry mail to the synagogue's Board of Directors. Members felt entitled to have access to Gabby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and resented any barrier to protect her. The Board passed a resolution affirming the right of their rabbi to privacy, but simultaneously acknowledged the corresponding right of members to call when in need and relied upon their discretion not to abuse the privilege. The result was that Gabby's private number rang more than the published number. She had no alternative but to accept the inevitable as an occupational hazard. Often, when it became impossible to take care of her personal life, she would let her voicemail collect messages, then answer them at a more convenient time.

  On this occasion, there were thirteen voices and seven emails – one of which caught her eye because it arrived with the distinctive logo of the company motto: Only Connect.

  Hi, Gabby,

  Please come and have lunch with us tomorrow. My associates were very impressed with you on New Year's and they think you're an absolute dream candidate for the Eighth District. We like to think of ourselves as a family and there is unanimous feeling that you would fit in very well. Lunch here is informal and not particularly nutritious. Given our financial condition, we've become reluctant peanut butter addicts. At least it will give you an idea what we're like when not horsing around.

  Kye

  Slipping away from the synagogue to have lunch with Kye and his associates had definite appeal. She liked what she had seen on New Year's Day and was intrigued by the dynamism of this youthful organization, rushing against the clock to bring their technology to the upcoming congressional elections. This was unlike any business she knew. The sense of community at Politicstoday stirred her natural affinity for communalism. She couldn't talk in public about this penchant for communalism because who in these heady days of capitalism wanted to be mistakenly labeled a socialist or, God forbid, a Communist? Were she to declare her feelings that God's abundance ought to be more equally distributed among His creatures, she would be regarded as a left over from the flower children days of the 1960s. Kye's organization of shared dreams she found spiritually refreshing.