Is the Cupcake American?

This reminds me of the irony of the European Starbucks franchise: who's importing whose idea of what?

"In Germany, a Taste of New York, via McDonald’s" (from _The New York Times_, April 11, 2010).

On the power of telling a story in a particular way...

One more thought on this beginning: why the hard sell on the rough conditions of German Judaism and Jews before Mendelssohn's arrival in Berlin? Think about the dichotomies Elon sets up pre- and post-Mendelssohn: intolerance vs. tolerance, introverted Judaism vs. extroverted Jews, poor & spiritually malnourishment vs. secularity, Prussian barbarism vs. German universalism, court Jews vs. free market democratic capitalists, halakhic insularity vs. Deistic cosmopolitanism. What kind/s of Jews does Elon seem to most value in such binaries? (One can decipher an answer by way of the traits and characteristics he praises or demeans.) In other words, what's up with the spin? (And, here's the kicker--how much does his content play into your own assumptions about German Jewish history?)

On my man, Mo

Elon begins with Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786), whom he describes as barefoot, terribly impoverished, frail, sickly and hunchbacked yet with a mind that powers his long walk from Dessau to Berlin (about 83 miles) and with a beautiful face. By beginning this way, what bias or prejudice or scene does Elon present to the reader about German Jewish life, culture, history and engagement? What is gained by such a portrayal of Mendelssohn as both the representative of -all- German Jewry and an anomalous exemplar of exceptionalism? Again, to the comments....

On Elon's _The Pity_

Reading the beginning of Amos Elon's _The Pity of It All_ begs several questions the most pressing of which might be related to his title. Just what can you determine (or decipher, your call) about his understanding and perception of German-Jewish history from what he has chosen to call his book? Add your reflections and considerations in the comments.

Mapping the past

Confused about Elon's referencing of different German speaking provinces? Until its final national unification in 1871 (under the military and political leadership of Otto von Bismarck and Wilhelm of Prussia) the country we know as Germany was operated as separate provinces with different political, social and economic agendas. Language and dialect variations (along with different local foods, beers, sausages, pastries, cultural ancestries, etc.) as well as different religious alliances helped maintain invisible borders between provinces (and their populations) as well as fostered serious rivalries. A map of the contemporary Germany may help you visualize the different places referenced in our reading. Mendelssohn was born in Dessau (in Sachsen-Anhalt) and walked to Berlin (through Brandenburg to the city-state of Berlin, collectively known as Prussia). Heine was born in Duesseldorf which is in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Worms and Speyer are located in the south part of Rheinland-Pfalz. As Napolean marched across Europe, he brought French Revolutionary reforms from west to east so that Heine's part of Germany felt his impact well before Prussia did.

We're back in business and ready to prep for Germany Close Up 2010! Check here for supplemental information and resources as well ass discussion questions and links to news/updates about Germany and the program. It's going to be a GREAT class & trip!

Calling Home From Abroad

For later, after we're all there...this very helpful article from the NY Times (Jan. 6, 2010).

At long last...the dates!

Trip to Germany will be May 20th to May 30th, 2010. Class prep will begin in March. Details to follow....

Coming Soon

HUC/Germany Close Up 2010!

Underground Berlin

Next time you think about visiting the capital city: Underground Berlin!

A. O. Scott reviews "Wings of Desire"

It's been 22 years since Wim Wenders' film was released.

So you want to know more about...

...the fall of the Berlin Wall? Check out the history provided by iMinds which will get you up to speed in time for your stroll down Wilshire. (Thanks to Culture Monster at the LA Times.)

They're heeeeerrrrreeeeee.....

Pieces of The Berlin Wall have arrived in Los Angeles for the re-building commemoration and are already being placed in front of LACMA on Wilshire Blvd. (LA Times, 10/17/09)

On 11/9 and 9/11

From Thomas Friedman, this op-ed in The New York Times (published Oct. 17, 2009).

36 Hours in (mostly East) Berlin

The NY Times offers this glimpse into an anniversary-inspired tour. The 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Wall is coming up fast!