Prager's lasting effect

RABBI BONNIE KOPPELL

I count it as my great good fortune that I encountered Dennis Prager at a young age. Looking to further my Jewish education, I enrolled in the Hebrew High School program at East Midwood Jewish Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. Dennis was one of the teachers in that outstanding program, in addition to serving as our youth group leader. Dennis was then a graduate student, working on his master's degree in international relations at Columbia University.

We read books which had a profound effect on my thinking and upon which I still reflect well over 30 years later; books like Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning," and Erich Fromm's "You Shall Be As Gods."

I joke now that our youth group never had an event; all we did was sit and talk. Little did we know that Dennis was honing his natural talent to become one of the best-known radio talk show hosts in the country. Dennis would throw out a question like, "If the earth were going to be destroyed in the morning, how would you spend your final night?" and we would debate. It did not surprise me when he later published a book entitled "Think a Second Time," as that was what he constantly challenged us to do.

At that time, Dennis was just beginning his speaking career, talking to Jewish groups about his experiences in the Soviet Union and urging activism on behalf of Jews who were virtually imprisoned there. I remember traveling with him to Washington, D.C., where he spoke at a rally.

He is a tremendously gifted speaker who possesses the ability to organize and present challenging material in a coherent, accessible and entertaining fashion. On his radio show, he often notes that his deepest desire is for clarity, not necessarily agreement.

Dennis' name has long been familiar to members of Temple Beth Sholom, as I have continued to be inspired by his writings and quote him frequently. I don't agree with every thing Dennis writes or says, but I always find him thought provoking. Some of the fundamental concepts that have framed my work as a rabbi, most notably the guiding principle of the search for holiness, are rooted in Dennis' teaching.

It is a tremendous thrill to me to be able to host Dennis Prager at Temple Beth Sholom and to introduce him to our community. I can't encourage you strongly enough to join us on Feb. 26, when he will address the theme of "Who Hates America and Why?"

Dennis will be available prior to the lecture at a more intimate patrons' gathering ($100 donation per person) and will sign books at a dessert reception following the lecture.

Cost is $27.50. Call 602-344-7373 for reservations.

Rabbi Bonnie Koppell is the spiritual leader of Temple Beth Sholom in Chandler.

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