At some point, Pokémon Go became the Most Important Thing happening Anywhere Ever. If you have the app, you’re walking down the street, and boom! The image of a Pokémon is projected onto whatever your phone’s camera sees. An eevee in your cereal! A charmander riding the bus! The possibilities are endless!

Pokémon know no religion or political ideology, so they appear everywhere, including Jewish spaces. This has included the kotel, and Holocaust memorials to the extent that there have been press releases urging Pokémon Go players to power down while in such solemn places.

So where should we find Pokémon? I’m not in charge of where Pokémon Go puts their pocket monsters (heck, I don’t even own a smart phone, so I can’t play), but I do know my original 150, and my Jewish spaces. Some suggestions:

1. Jynx on the men’s side of the kotel:
   This extremely feminine looking Pokémon can daven where she pleases- try to throw stones at that! (OK, so you can throw a Poké Ball, but still.)
2. Shellder at the mikveh:
   Obviously, there are lots of water-type Pokémon that you would put at a ritual bath, but the fact that this one resembles a non-kosher treat makes it super ironic, or something.
3. Haunter at Machpelah Cemetery (Queens, NY):
   Having a ghost-type at most memorials would be inappropriate, but this cemetery is not a spot for modern burials (it’s mostly fallen into disarray— spooky!). And you know who’s buried there? Harry Houdini. You can’t not put a Pokémon over Houdini’s grave.

   

4. Geodude, ditto.
   It’s respectful to leave stones on Jewish graves when you visit. Why not a smallish rock-type Pokémon?
5. Meowth on the streets of Jerusalem
   Have you seen how many feral cats that city has? Meowth would fit right in.
6. Machamp outside of a European synagogue
   Those places are already crawling with bouncers. This buff Pokémon would fit right in (it even has an extra set of arms for extra protection).
7. Magikarp in the fridge, next to the gefilte fish
   
   …Enough said.

Edit: We received a comment asking where to find the Pokémon Golem. That’s obvious: in the attic of the Altneuschul.

So go out there, and catch some Jewish Pokémon! I leave you with the iconic theme song (supercut with other, less iconic ones) in Hebrew:

Image credits: Facebook, Wikimedia, and YouTube

The post Where to Find the Most Jewish Pokémon in Pokémon Go appeared first on Jewcy.

Harry Houdini, the master of escape, had Jewish beginnings: he was born Erik Weisz on March 24, 1874, to Rabbi Mayer Sámuel Weisz and Cecília Weisz of Budapest. The family emigrated to the United States in 1878, when his father was hired as the rabbi of Appleton Zion Reform Jewish Congregation in Appleton, Wisconsin. After a few years, Rabbi Weisz lost his job and the family relocated to New York City.

Houdini had an entrepreneurial, athletic, daring spirit from a young age. He ran cross-country and pursued magic (quite unsuccessfully at first), and later escape artistry, rising to become America’s most famous and influential magician. But for someone who built a career on illusion, and who actively cultivated his own mythology (he once told a reporter “the greatest escape I ever made was when I left Appleton, Wisconsin”), he had a sharp, rational, no-nonsense intellect. As Rachel Shteir wrote in Tablet Magazine in 2010:

Houdini found a satisfying second act: demystifying Spiritualism, a cult many Americans turned to after losing their loved ones in World War I. From being an escape artist, Houdini became an exposer of psychics whom he considered charlatans because they used trickery to pretend to commune with the dead—as opposed to merely pretending to escape. This was not just Houdini’s competitive spirit. What he did was entertainment. Spiritualism was magic in supernatural clothing.

In 1922, Arthur Conan Doyle invited his old friend to a séance hosted by his second wife, who supposedly made contact with Houdini’s beloved late mother, Cecilia. While communicating with Cecilia, Lady Doyle drew a cross; then, she transcribed an emotional letter to Houdini. Instead of convincing Houdini, the séance outraged him. He would later point out in public the unlikeliness of his mother, a Jew and a rabbi’s wife, drawing a cross—or communicating in English since she never spoke it in real life. Conan Doyle explained that his wife drew a cross whenever she channeled any spirit and that in the beyond, “Hebrew” was translated into English. The fact that Houdini’s mother spoke not Hebrew but German ended the men’s friendship.

Houdini died tragically at the age of 52, after injuries sustained by an ill-timed blow to his abdomen. But his roster of achievements was extensive: illusionist, aviator, film star, producer, author of several books about magic. He was the proto-21st century celebrity, adept at cultivating his brand across multiple platforms. (Imagine what he would have done with Instagram!) In many ways, notes Jon Reiss, Houdini “represents an archetype not only of the hardworking immigrant, but of the hard working immigrant Jew. Houdini, like so many Jews who came after him and rose to fame, embodied the notion of the underdog, and dedicated himself to his craft.”

Here he is performing a rope escape in under 30 seconds. Almost 100 years later, it’s still mesmerizing:

(Image: Harry Houdini with his mother and his wife, Bess, in 1907. Credit: Library of Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections)

Related: Houdini Reappears At The Jewish Museum

The post Harry Houdini, Master of Escape, Born 140 Years Ago Today appeared first on Jewcy.

Ain mol a saichel, dos tsvaiteh mol chain, dem dritten mol git men in di tsain: The first time it’s smart, the second time it’s cute, the third time you get a sock in the teeth.

ARIES (MARCH 21-APRIL 20): Happy Astrological New Year!

The Aries ram finds its place in Jewish history as an instrument of salvation—instead of sacrificing his son Isaac, Abraham sacrificed a ram in Isaac’s place. The rebirth of the sun is also an important Aries myth, and its symbolism of renewal is inherent to the story of Passover, which is determined by the spring equinox, signaling our release from winter’s bondage.

Aries, a cardinal fire sign, is the first sign of the zodiac, and, as the head of the year, it rules the head and face. Therefore, you are the most forward-looking and self-assertive sign of the zodiac. Ruled by Warrior Mars (the planet named after the Roman god of war), Aries are often impetuous, reckless, and above all, action-oriented. Exceedingly ambitious, headstrong, and impulsive, you’re always full of new schemes and ideas. But Aries can also be a bit combative at times—prone to extremes and to jealousy. Nevertheless, your quiet time is just as crucial to your well-being—you need to recharge your batteries even more than the rest of us!

Aries are all about truth, and are never at a loss for the right word. Your dynamic directness must be softened by humor and charm, though, which you have in spades. You are all about action, starting new things and getting them done. While your mantra may be ‘No guts no glory,’ keep in mind that your opponents have bring their own strengths to the table. Do your best to avoid being perceived as a loose cannon: Mit rugzeh fort men nit veit (with anger you don’t get too far). 

Famous Aries Jews: Harry Houdini, Matthew Broderick, Gloria Steinem, Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paul Rudd, James Caan, Seth Rogan, James Franco, Rhea Perlman, Alan Arkin, Paul Reiser, Stephen Sondheim, Jennifer Grey,, Marc Jacobs, Barry Levinson, Perry Farrell, Dan Clowes, Lew Wasserman, Erica Jong, Serge Gainsbourg, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kate Hudson, Ron Perlman, Ellen Barkin, Amanda Bynes, David Blaine.

TAURUS (APRIL 21-MAY 20): Your mind, body and spirit fuse this month, giving you insight into the deepest reaches of your character. You’ll slow down to your preferred laidik-gaier (idler, loafer) state-of-being when Venus enters its home sign, Taurus, April 15 to May 9. 

GEMINI (MAY 21-JUNE 20): With your ruling planet Mercury finally direct, and transiting through opportunistic Aries, from April 13 to May 1, you’ll have plenty of chances to increase your popularity—if such a thing is even possible! Zhu met (mir) in kop—the buzzing in your mind—is amplified by Aries, a fire sign, which implores you to move impulsively from one thing to the next. Take a deep breath—and don’t quit your day job.

CANCER (JUNE 21-JULY 20): Long time no see, you lobbus (little monster). While you’re most comfortable nesting at home, you will be confronted by more professional responsibilities in the coming weeks. With the new moon in Aries on April 10, however, you are encouraged to face your sheidim (demons), get out into the world and try something different.

LEO (JULY 21-AUGUST 20): Wild hearts can’t be broken, but your current hartsvaitik (heartache) is the sneaking suspicion that your skills aren’t being used effectively. If you’re just waiting around for someone to take notice, you could be waiting forever. Be true to your bad self and have confidence that your work will speak for itself. In the meantime, perhaps a vacation is in order? Travel in good health (for gesunterhait), you menschy monarchs.  

VIRGO (AUGUST 21-SEPTEMBER 20): While industrious Virgos have the reputation of being kuni leml (a nerd), try to cut loose a bit this month. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise your values or sense of tznius (modesty). A gentleman doesn’t ask and a lady doesn’t tell, but with your ruling planet Mercury direct and in fiery, impulsive Aries, you’ll want to shout your Virgo verve from the rooftops! 

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 21-OCTOBER 20): When Venus enters her home sign, Taurus, from April 15 to May 9, you’ll want to indulge in the finer things. However, you may feel compelled to clean up the shudden (big mess) you’ve made of your love life. Love is a naidlechech (rare thing), and you don’t want it to slip through your fingers. Perhaps it’s time to take a page from Libra Nanny Fine’s book: “It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that ring.” 

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 21-NOVEMBER 20): Scorpios live by the credo di beste rede iz di vos men halt nit—the best speech is the one you don’t make. But with your ruling planet Pluto retrograde from April 12 to September 20, your power struggles and their attendant pressures should begin to ease. Your passions and desires—as well as your temper—could reach their breaking point. But don’t worry: what happens in Scorpio stays in Scorpio.

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 21-DECEMBER 20): As the great Sagittarian nebbish Woody Allen once said, “If you’re not failing every now and again, it’s a sign you’re not doing anything very innovative.” This month, stars are aligning to get you up and out there—take some risks already! Sagittarians have, if nothing else, an open mind. Remain true to your inquisitive self and remember: az me fregt, blonzhet men nisht (if one asks, one does not err).

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 21-JANUARY 20): Stuck in the middle of your ruling planet Saturn’s retrograde period, resolving old issues has forced you to take a long, hard at your truest self. If it seems to you that the more things change the more they stay the same, maybe it’s time to really shake things up once and for all—folg mikh a gayng! (that’s no small task!). Finding a balance between home and work is a Capricorn’s eternal struggle.  

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 20): Aquarians tend to keep their emotions bottled up, which always leads to trouble. Tsum shtain zol men klogen nor nit bei zich zol men trogen—better pour out your troubles to a stone, but don’t carry them within yourself. Opening up to others allows you to appreciate the variety of perspectives that may come your way. While aleyn iz di neshome reyn—being single has its advantages; lit., alone, one’s soul is pure—it is through your relationships with others than you’ll learn something valuable about yourself. 

PISCES (FEBRUARY 21-MARCH 20): Planets moving out of your sign this month may appear to darken your doorstep, but di tseit brengt vunden un hailt vunden—time brings wounds and heals them. With all of the pressures of the last few years, you feel like you’ve lost the courage of your conviction—and the confidence you need to make the right choices. Get the money, honey; and zei nit kain vyzoso!—don’t be an idiot!—ask for help if you need it. 

What’s Your Sign?
Pisces, the Dual-Natured Water Sign
Aquarius, Sign of Contradictions
Capricorn, the Cardinal Earth Sign
Sagittarius, the Adventurous Archer
Stinging Scorpio
Lovely, Lawful Libra
Virgo, the Anxious Maiden
Leo, King of the Jungle

The post Jewcy Horoscopes: Aries, the Dynamic, Headstrong Fire Sign appeared first on Jewcy.

For a young person watching an old Charlie Chaplain movie, it might take a bit of explanation for them to truly understand why Chaplain was such a groundbreaking figure and what he meant to the American cultural landscape.  For Harry Houdini on the other hand, an explanation probably isn’t necessary.  Watching somebody shackled at their hands and feet being dropped off a bridge and then surfacing unencumbered within seconds, lets just say it hold up.  What might actually require a bit of explaining, is what Houdini represented to the America of the late 19^th, early 20^th. To truly understand what Houdini meant to his craft, the world at large, and the American Jewish legacy, The Jewish Museum’s Houdini exhibit is an absolute must see.

The first feature of the exhibit depicts one of Houdini’s most famous tricks: the straitjacket escape.  Photos and video of Houdini display the feat is in its quick and striking glory.  Although not Houdini’s earliest trick, the straightjacket is prominently displayed right off the bat, it seems, as a metaphor for Harry Houdini’s embodiment of the immigrant experience, a first glimpse at the overall thesis of the exhibit.

Moving on, we see a timeline biography of Houdini (born Erik Weisz): baby photos, his rabbi father’s Hebrew bible, and a travel diary and newspaper clippings are included in the glass-enclosed timeline.  It’s explained that few artists ever depicted Harry Houdini and therefore most of the images of him come from photos by newspaper photographers. As a result, all the photographs of Houdini originate from early 20^th century newspapers, giving the entire exhibit this distinct sepia-tone, vintage aesthetic.  The exhibit continues displaying a multitude of original tickets and flyers from actual magic shows.

As you proceed through the museum, the sheer impressiveness of Houdini’s feats increase with each step.  Displayed in the second room are actual sewing needles from a trick in which Houdini swallowed a number of needles and then thread, only to regurgitate them a moment later with each needle perfectly threaded.   One of Houdini’s most famous tricks, was the “Milk Can Escape,” in which Houdini, naked and handcuffed was submerged in a milk can filled with water.  In describing this trick, the museum also details Houdini’s knack for showmanship.  Like a master architect, Houdini would plan each trick so as to shock and crowd as much as possible.  For instance: during the milk can trick, a large man brandishing an axe would stand beside the can.  Once Houdini had been inside the can for long enough that the crowd would begin to worry, the man would ready the axe about to chop open the can in order to free Houdini before he suffocated.  Just as the man would pull back to swing the axe, Houdini would emerge safely as the crowd sighed in collective relief.  Displayed in the center of the exhibit’s main room was a huge milk can actually used by Houdini for the escape.

One of Houdini’s nicknames was, “The Handcuff King,” for his ability to escape any set of handcuffs.  The exhibit explains that a very young Eric Weisz apprenticed for a locksmith in order to help out his struggling family, but spent a lot of his time tinkering with the locks on his own.  Afterwards, his mother’s attempts to lock up the sweets in the house so that he wouldn’t eat them all became futile.

The reminder of the exhibit is rich with artifacts and memorabilia that explore Houdini’s fame: films depicting his life, Houdini inspired art and videos of modern magicians who pay tribute to him.  The exhibit does a wonderful job reminding the visitor of how fame worked in a time before the internet or television.  The American zeitgeist was very much the result of a mindset of strangers in a strange land.  Houdini represented that zeitgeist.  He was an immigrant whose parents didn’t even speak English, and, inspired by the world around him, he strove to work harder than anyone else.  This is what people once respected in their celebrities.  The spin that the Jewish Museum subtly puts on this picture is that Houdini further represents an archetype not only of the hardworking immigrant, but of the hard working immigrant Jew.  Houdini, like so many Jews who came after him and rose to fame, embodied the notion of the underdog, and dedicated himself to his craft.  For anyone looking for a reminder of what can of dedication and hard work can bring, or for any Jew looking for a reminder of what our ancestors have accomplished, the Houdini Exhibit will serve to reinforce a sense of pride and perseverance for a long time to come.

The Houdini Exhibit will run thru March 27th at The Jewish Museum (1109 5th Ave. @92nd St)

The post Houdini Reappears At The Jewish Museum appeared first on Jewcy.