The wisdom of the Simpsons

The Simpsons television show is a family favorite; both Isaac and Anathea can quote from it extensively. It seems to include all things wise and wonderful–and even has something to say about bar mitzvah! Funny, Krusty the Clown doesn’t look Jewish! Here’s an article about the bar mitzvah episode and a link to a hip site that encourages the counting of the omer (an ancient tradition that thanks god for the fruits of the field) by associating the act with all things Simpson. The site also describes a number of Jewish references in the series. Who knew Isaac was studying every time he watched a Simpsons rerun!

Die Grine Kusine

In anticipating the joys of Isaac’s bar mitzvah, we can’t help thinking about the people who would have loved to have been there, who knew and loved Isaac (and vice versa), like Mimi and Papa and Teeva. They live in our hearts and minds in so many ways. Here, in honor of the memory of our very special Teeva, listen to a rendition of her favorite piano piece, a klezmer song called Die Grine Kusine (“the green cousin,” referring to a person newly arrived on the boat from Europe and not yet knowing all the ways of American life).