Episode #14: The Soviet Jew & good riddance Los Feliz
Evgenia and I talk about my decision to serialize my new book — The Soviet Jew: A Weaponized Immigrant’s Tale — and the difficulty of writing and thinking about what is essentially a taboo topic in this country: a “saved” immigrant who is not content with the American way of life.
—Yasha Levine
PS: We briefly discuss a special agitprop Passover prayer booklet — a Haggadah — that I discovered while doing research for the book. It was created as part of the American movement to save Soviet Jews from communism. It has an interesting segment where it celebrates modern plagues that were unleashed by God on the Soviet Union because it would not let out its Jews — just like what happed with Egypt back in the day. But instead of blood and locusts, the USSR got hit with much less dramatic weapons — like the loss of scientific genius and international respect. Still, this Haggadah wasn’t wrong. Didn’t the godless commies at least take a little peek at the bible? Everyone knows our petty God gets angry when you don’t let us out!
Here are a couple of photos just so you can get a visual.
Episode #14: The Soviet Jew & good riddance Los Feliz
My lefty college advisor professor who saved my neck in 1977 ultimately retired to Los Feliz sometime after he married a shrink in LA. He took me back to Pomona College on I-10 during one reunion in 2002 in his Corvette at speeds I would never drive. I remember Los Feliz as that kind of place...rich people with cool jobs and cool toys and antique McMansions. I wouldn't want to speculate as to the price of my professor's pad. And they were all like that if not moreso. I had remembered Los Feliz Chevrolet ads on TV in the 1960's and always figured Los Feliz was some has been place downtown. But no, my friend explained, Los Feliz is the hills above LA where "The Happy People" live. And so it seemed. At least, not poor, except perhaps in debt servicing, or health care benefits.
Great discussion. Looking forward to the book and subject. Most immigrants or expats I speak with have similar stories..in that there was never this plan to move away from home country..it just happens. In retro spect there are probably more forces at work most aren't fully aware of behind the scenes that impact the transition. Also can completely understand and relate to not being able to escape the hegemony even in Europe. Currently living in a former soviet state that think they are a little America or aspire to be is at times depressing wanting the big cars and houses..while at same time reading local news working professionals can't afford housing..there is no escape. Italy does sound nice though..or anywhere mediterranean Ive heard Slovenia is nice best of both worlds in the region haha