My Great Grandfather was Harris Epstein the Great Inventor of a Patented Folding Umbrella, Extension Ladder and more

I am named after my great-grandfather, Harris (Tzvee) Epstein, aka, Epstein the Inventor, who lived in New York City and Spring Valley. I probably inherited my technical curiosity from him.

He was the inventor and patent holder of many practical items, a folding umbrella, an extension ladder, a double sided toothbrush, a vegetable grater and more.

Here are of his patents with their links from Google Patent search: 

FOLDING UMBRELLA Patent number: 1666692 Filing date: Jan 29, 1927 Issue date: Apr 17, 1928

SIGNALING APPARATUS US Pat. 1060898 - H. EPSTEIN. SIGNALING APPARATUS, APPLICATION PILED JAN. 26, 19.11. Patented May 6,1913.

EXTENSION LADDER US Pat. 949529 - Filed Feb 10, 1909

VEGETABLE GRATER US Pat. 1799963 - Filed Apr 4, 1930... UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HARRIS EPSTEIN, OF ROCKAWAY BEACH, NEW YORK VEGETABLE GRATER

GAS-CONTROLLING DEVICE US Pat. 968457 - Filed Jan 11, 1910

TOOTH BRUSH Patent number: 1111144 Filing date: Oct 4, 1913 Issue date: Sep 22, 1914

Papa Epstein, as he was called by his grandchildren, sure would have liked the age of the personal computer and the Internet, especially the iPad and smart phone.

2026 New Card Deck about Epstein

. [Augmented repost from 12/17/06]

Reports

Meet Harris "Papa" Epstein: The Man Behind the Patents

Harris (Tzvee) Epstein, known to history and his family as "Epstein the Inventor," was a prolific mechanical disrupter of everyday inconveniences. Based in New York City and Spring Valley during the height of America’s industrial urbanization, Epstein possessed a rare "technical curiosity"—a trait his descendant, Tzvee Zahavy, notes he inherited. To be an inventor in the early 20th century was to be a keen observer of the shifting world; it required identifying a friction point in a person's day and engineering a patented, mechanical solution. Epstein looked at the bustling, crowded streets of the 1900s and saw not just people, but a series of systems that could be made more efficient through clever design.

Papa Epstein sure would have liked the age of the personal computer and the Internet, especially the iPad and smart phone.

This sentiment from his family captures the essence of a man who was always looking toward the next horizon of efficiency. Epstein’s work was never about abstract theory; it was a deeply practical response to the era of subways, tenements, and the rapid transition from manual labor to mechanical assistance. His personal curiosity was the engine that drove him to solve the very real, tangible problems of his neighbors and contemporaries.

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Solving Everyday Problems: The "Big Three" Inventions

During the early 20th century, the rapid growth of cities meant that space and time were becoming the most valuable commodities. Epstein focused on making objects more portable, efficient, and adaptable to this new, fast-paced lifestyle.

Invention	The Everyday Problem	The Epstein Innovation
Folding Umbrella	In the crowded streetcars and commuter hubs of 1920s New York, a full-length, rigid umbrella was a cumbersome social and physical nuisance.	Portability: Epstein engineered a collapsing telescopic frame that allowed the device to be tucked away when not in use, prioritizing urban mobility.
TOOTH BRUSH	In the pre-modern era of dental hygiene, standard brushes were inefficient, requiring repetitive motions to clean different surfaces of the teeth.	Efficiency: By utilizing a double-sided head, Epstein’s design allowed for the simultaneous cleaning of multiple tooth surfaces, halving the time required for oral care.
Extension Ladder	As the "rise of the skyscraper" and vertical tenements transformed the skyline, fixed-length ladders were either too short for the task or too large to transport through narrow city alleys.	Adjustability: This modular design used a sliding mechanism to allow a single tool to reach varied heights, providing a versatile solution for industrial and domestic maintenance.

His ingenuity extended beyond these portable tools and into the very heart of the early 20th-century home: the kitchen and the internal safety systems of the house.

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Efficiency in the Home and Safety

As a historian of innovation, one must look at the "pre-electric" or early-electric home to understand Epstein’s impact. His domestic inventions weren't just gadgets; they were mechanical interventions into the safety and labor of the household.

1. Vegetable Grater (Rockaway Beach, NY)
   • Insight: According to the patent filed from Rockaway Beach, this device utilized a curved, rotating drum system to transform the laborious task of hand-grating into a smooth, mechanical motion. For the 1930s home cook, this meant far greater uniformity in food preparation and a significant reduction in the physical effort required for meal prep.
2. Gas-Controlling Device
   • Insight: In an era when homes were transitioning toward gas for lighting and cooking, the threat of unmonitored leaks was a terrifyingly common household danger. Epstein’s invention acted as a mechanical safety valve, providing a reliable way to regulate flow and prevent the accidental accumulation of hazardous gas.
3. Signaling Apparatus
   • Insight: Looking at the technical drawings, this device functioned as a robust communication link, likely used to bridge the gap between different floors of a building or within an industrial facility. It offered a mechanical alternative to shouting or manual messengers, bringing a new level of operational awareness to complex early 20th-century environments.

From the mechanical function of these objects, we can look at the formal timeline of his technical achievements to see how his career as an inventor progressed over several decades.

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The Inventor's Toolkit: A Timeline of Patents

This reference list tracks the professional output of Harris Epstein, illustrating a career dedicated to the constant refinement of the objects that define our daily lives.

Patent Name	Patent Number	Key Dates (Filing/Issue)
Extension Ladder	949529	Filed: Feb 10, 1909
Gas-Controlling Device	968457	Filed: Jan 11, 1910
Signaling Apparatus	1060898	Filed: Jan 26, 1911; Issued: May 6, 1913
TOOTH BRUSH	1111144	Filed: Oct 4, 1913; Issued: Sep 22, 1914
Folding Umbrella	1666692	Filed: Jan 29, 1927; Issued: Apr 17, 1928
Vegetable Grater	1799963	Filed: Apr 4, 1930

This timeline encourages us to look at the objects we use today—from our toothbrushes to our umbrellas—and wonder how their current designs might be improved by the next generation of thinkers.

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Reflecting on Innovation

The legacy left by Harris Epstein is a "Legacy of Practicality." He did not invent for the sake of complexity; he invented to make the world work better for the average person. For the modern student, his life offers three critical takeaways:

• Observation: Successful inventors like Epstein look at the world’s limitations, not just its functions. He saw a crowded streetcar and realized the umbrella, not the car, needed to change.
• Persistence: With a patent history spanning over twenty years, Epstein proves that innovation is not a lightning bolt of luck, but a lifelong pursuit of refinement.
• Practical Application: Epstein’s focus was on the "practical item." The most enduring inventions are often those that solve the simplest, most universal problems in our daily lives.

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Intellectual Property Portfolio Review: The Mechanical Innovations of Harris Epstein (1909–1930)

1. Portfolio Scope and Historical Context

The patent portfolio of Harris Epstein represents a strategically significant cross-section of American industrial innovation during the early 20th century. This body of work, comprising utility improvements filed over a twenty-year period, provides a window into the professionalization of mechanical engineering during a period of rapid technological transition. Epstein’s work is not merely a collection of disparate inventions but a disciplined multi-disciplinary portfolio that provided mechanical solutions for both high-stakes industrial safety and the burgeoning domestic consumer market.

The geographic context of Epstein’s career—spanning the high-density urban environment of New York City and Rockaway Beach to the residential setting of Spring Valley—directly informed the specification and claims of his patents. The logistical constraints of New York City apartment living likely catalyzed his focus on domestic efficiency and space-saving mechanisms. Conversely, the industrial backdrop of the era necessitated his early focus on structural safety and gas regulation. By tracking the chronological progression of his patent prosecution, we can observe the maturation of a "technically curious" inventor as he navigated the shifting demands of the American economic landscape.

2. Chronological Innovation Roadmap (1909–1930)

In IP strategy, tracking the chronological filing to issue lag is essential for identifying periods of peak productivity and shifts in technical focus. This roadmap illustrates Epstein’s transition from complex industrial systems to refined personal utility products, reflecting a broader economic shift toward the consumer middle class.

Harris Epstein: Chronological Patent Registry

Filing/Issue Date	Patent Number	Title of the Invention	Primary Technical Domain
Feb 10, 1909 (Filed)	US 949529	Extension Ladder	Industrial/Utility
Jan 11, 1910 (Filed) / Aug 23, 1910 (Issued)	US 968457	Gas-Controlling Device	Industrial/Safety
Jan 26, 1911 (Filed) / May 6, 1913 (Issued)	US 1060898	Signaling Apparatus	Industrial/Communications
Oct 4, 1913 (Filed) / Sep 22, 1914 (Issued)	US 1111144	Tooth Brush	Personal Care
Jan 29, 1927 (Filed) / Apr 17, 1928 (Issued)	US 1666692	Folding Umbrella	Personal Utility
Apr 4, 1930 (Filed) / Apr 7, 1931 (Issued)	US 1799963	Vegetable Grater	Household Utility

Analysis of Filing Trends and the "Prosecution Gap"

A critical observation in this portfolio is the thirteen-year hiatus between the issuance of the Tooth Brush patent (1914) and the filing for the Folding Umbrella (1927). As a technical historian, one must view this gap through the lens of global upheaval; the advent of World War I and the subsequent post-war economic restructuring likely redirected engineering talent toward immediate wartime needs or halted speculative domestic patenting. When Epstein resumed his filings in 1927, the portfolio shifted markedly. Moving away from heavy industrial signaling, Epstein pivoted toward the consumer goods market, applying rigorous industrial logic to enhance the convenience of the American household.

3. Domain Analysis: Household and Personal Utility

Epstein’s entry into the consumer sector was marked by a strategic focus on utility improvements that addressed the logistical challenges of modern life. These patents successfully translated complex mechanical movements into durable, user-friendly products for the domestic sphere.

• Folding Umbrella (US 1666692): This patent addresses the mechanical challenge of portability through a collapsible rib and shaft system. The mechanical advantage is found in the folding joints that maintain structural tension when deployed while allowing for a significantly reduced footprint when retracted.
• Vegetable Grater (US 1799963): Filed while Epstein was residing in Rockaway Beach, this invention features a distinct "V-shaped" hopper (visible in Figure 4 of the drawings) that feeds material into a rotary drum. Unlike simpler graters of the era, Epstein’s design utilizes a rotary drive or crank handle to increase output efficiency while isolating the user's hands from the grating surface.
• Double-Sided Tooth Brush (US 1111144): This utility patent moves beyond aesthetic design to provide a functional ergonomic improvement. The specification describes an angled, multi-surface head with bristles on both sides, enabling simultaneous cleaning of the inner and outer dental surfaces—optimizing the motion of the user.

Strategic Impact: Compactness for the Urban Dweller

These patents represent a calculated pivot toward compactness and multi-functionality. For the New York City apartment dweller of the 1920s, space was at a premium. Epstein’s focus on the "collapsible" (umbrella) and the "high-efficiency" (toothbrush and grater) mirrored the urbanization of the American lifestyle, proving that industrial-grade mechanical principles could be miniaturized for daily utility.

4. Domain Analysis: Industrial Signaling and Mechanical Safety

The early "Industrial Phase" of Epstein’s career reflects the high-stakes engineering requirements of the early 20th century, where innovations in gas regulation and structural height were matters of public safety.

• Extension Ladder (US 949529): The drawings for this invention reveal a sophisticated mechanical assembly. Rather than relying on simple friction or ropes, the design employs a gear-based mechanism featuring "sector gears" and a dedicated operating handle at the base to control the elevation and locking of the telescoping sections.
• Gas-Controlling Device (US 968457): A high-complexity safety innovation, this device utilizes a valve plug and a tapered passage (as seen in the cross-sections of page 2) to regulate flow. The precision of the internal lever system highlights a focus on fail-safe operation in volatile environments.
• Signaling Apparatus (US 1060898): This tool was designed for professional communication, likely in industrial or maritime environments, using mechanical movements to convey vital information across distances.

Technical Sophistication and Versatility

The industrial portion of the portfolio demonstrates a level of mechanical sophistication—particularly in fluid dynamics (gas valve) and load-bearing mechanics (ladder)—that far exceeds common domestic tools. Epstein’s ability to navigate these high-liability engineering challenges, and subsequently apply that same rigor to consumer items, identifies him as a versatile strategist capable of bridging the gap between heavy industry and the kitchen counter.

5. Technical Synthesis: The "Epstein Design Language"

A detailed review of the Epstein portfolio reveals a singular engineering DNA that transcends the specific application of the invention. Whether regulating gas or grating vegetables, Epstein’s work is characterized by the optimization of mechanical movement and the efficient use of surface area.

Core Mechanical Pillars

• Folding and Collapsibility: Seen in the extension ladder and the umbrella, this pillar focuses on the transition between high-utility deployment and a compact, storable state.
• Flow Regulation: Present in both the gas-controlling device and the V-shaped grater hopper, where the inventor manages the movement of materials through a controlled mechanical interface.
• Multi-Surface Utility: Demonstrated by the double-sided toothbrush, seeking to maximize the output of a single mechanical action.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

The long-term relevance of Epstein's work lies in its foreshadowing of modern design priorities. His emphasis on compactness, collapsibility, and intuitive "user-interface" prefigured the core tenets of modern consumer electronics and specialized industrial tools. Harris Epstein stands as a quintessential "technical curious" inventor—a strategist who successfully navigated the transition from the industrial age to the era of consumer utility, leaving a legacy of patents that balanced high-level engineering with the practical needs of human experience.

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Decoding the Mechanical Genius: A Beginner’s Guide to Harris Epstein’s Patents

1. Introduction: The Legacy of Harris Epstein

Harris Epstein, known to history as "Epstein the Inventor," was a prolific 20th-century creator whose work serves as a masterclass in the "technical curiosity" of the era. Operating primarily out of New York, Epstein did not deal in abstract theories; he specialized in "practical items"—physical solutions for the everyday challenges of a growing industrial society. To the modern observer, his patent drawings are more than just legal documents; they are primary historical artifacts that capture the transition from manual craftsmanship to complex mechanical design. This guide is intended to help the aspiring investigator interpret these diagrams, bridging the gap between historical record and functional understanding.

Quick Profile: Harris Epstein

• Legal Name: Harris (Tzvee) Epstein.
• Family Moniker: "Papa Epstein" (as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren).
• Primary Locations: New York City; Spring Valley, NY; and Rockaway Beach, NY.
• Professional Identity: Prolific patent holder and great-grandfather to author Tzvee Zahavy, who notes that Epstein's drive for exploration is a defining family legacy.

To truly appreciate Epstein’s mechanical contributions, one must first learn to navigate the specific visual language used to archive his genius.

2. The Anatomy of a 20th-Century Patent Drawing

Every archival patent document contains standardized "metadata" located in the header. When examining Epstein’s records, you should first identify the Patent Number (the unique filing ID), the Filing Date (marking the inception of the legal claim), and the Issue/Patented Date. Crucially for historians and genealogists, these headers also include the Inventor’s Residence (e.g., "Rockaway Beach, New York"), which anchors the invention to a specific time and place.

To decode the illustrations themselves, use the following framework:

Technical Element	Purpose for the Learner
"Fig." Labels	These indicate different perspective views. For example, a "Plan View" looks down from above, while an "Elevation" looks from the side.
Reference Numbers/Letters	These digits (e.g., 5, 10, 12) act as a map, linking specific physical components to their functional descriptions in the patent text.
Cross-hatching	These series of parallel diagonal lines signify a "sectional" view, illustrating the internal composition of a part as if it were sliced open.
Dotted/Hidden Lines	These represent structural elements or mechanisms located behind the visible surface, providing a "transparent" look at the machine.

We shall now apply these archival tools to specific examples from the Epstein portfolio.

3. Case Study 1: The Extension Ladder (US Pat. 949529)

Filed on February 10, 1909, this three-page patent demonstrates Epstein’s early focus on structural utility. It addresses the fundamental problem of creating a device that provides significant vertical reach while remaining compact for transport.

The "So What?": 3 Key Mechanical Insights

1. Locking Braces and Pins: By following the reference numbers in Fig. 1, the learner can identify the specific locking pins and braces that secure the ladder sections. These prevent the telescopic members from collapsing under the weight of a user.
2. Triangular Base Stability: Fig. 1 clearly illustrates a widened, triangular support base. This design choice ensures that as the ladder extends and the center of gravity rises, the footprint remains broad enough to prevent tipping.
3. Interlocking Rung Alignment: The diagrams reveal how the rungs of the sliding sections are designed to nest against one another, ensuring that the transition between sections is seamless and structurally sound.

The visual complexity of the first page of drawings is a testament to Epstein's precision. It is important to note that Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 do not show the ladder in different states of extension; rather, Fig. 1 provides a Side Elevation View of the compact unit, while Fig. 2 provides a Plan (Top-Down) View. Together, they allow the investigator to understand the ladder's three-dimensional volume before it ever begins to move.

While the ladder focuses on structural height, Epstein’s later work demonstrates an equally keen interest in the precision control of flow.

4. Case Study 2: The Gas-Controlling Device (US Pat. 968457)

This device, filed on January 11, 1910, showcases Epstein’s ability to manage hazardous industrial fluids through a manual interface. The primary mechanical interest here is the interaction between the user and the internal valve. In Fig. 1, we can see how the external handle 10 is manipulated to rotate the internal stem 6, which in turn adjusts the flow.

Visual Checklist: What to Look For

• [ ] Directional Flow Alignment: Rather than using modern arrows, look at Fig. 8 and Fig. 10. The "flow" is determined by the alignment of the internal valve opening with the intake and outtake pipe apertures.
• [ ] Pivot Points: Identify the specific pins where the handle connects to the valve body; these are the points where mechanical leverage is applied.
• [ ] Internal Valve (Sectional View): In Fig. 4 and the detailed cross-sections on Page 2, find the cross-hatched areas. These show the "plug" or ball mechanism that physically blocks the gas passage.
• [ ] Threaded Connections: Observe the fine, parallel lines at the intake and outtake points (labeled in Fig. 1). These indicate standardized threading for integration into larger plumbing systems.

These industrial solutions eventually gave way to a broader "Catalog of Innovation" that touched nearly every aspect of daily life.

5. A Catalog of Innovation: The Epstein Portfolio

The diversity of Harris Epstein’s patents is a reflection of a mind that saw every household object as a candidate for mechanical improvement.

Invention Name	Patent Number	Key Drawing Feature	Primary Benefit
Folding Umbrella	1666692	Hinged ribs and collapsible central shaft	Portability and ease of storage in urban environments.
Extension Ladder	949529	Multi-part telescopic sliding rail system	Adjustable height combined with a stable, compact footprint.
Tooth Brush	1111144	Curved handle with dual, opposing bristle heads	Enhanced reach and hygiene by cleaning two surfaces at once.
Vegetable Grater	1799963	Arch-shaped (arcuate) hopper with hinged members	Increased safety and efficiency in food preparation.
Gas-Controlling Device	968457	Lever-activated internal plug valve (Handle 10/Stem 6)	Precise, manual regulation of hazardous gas flow.
Signaling Apparatus	1060898	Mechanical linkages and visual indicators	Clearer safety communication through mechanical signaling.

This portfolio represents the lifecycle of a "technical curiosity" that refused to be limited to a single industry.

6. Summary: Tools for the Aspiring Patent Investigator

For those beginning their journey into the archives, remember these three critical takeaways for unlocking the meaning of any historical technical drawing:

1. Follow the Numbers: Treat the reference digits as a map. Trace the connection between a handle (e.g., "10") and the part it moves (e.g., "6") to understand the mechanical logic.
2. Distinguish the Angles: Always identify the view. A "Side Elevation" (like the Ladder's Fig. 1) shows height and profile, while a "Plan View" (the Ladder's Fig. 2) reveals how much space the object occupies on the ground.
3. Search for the Section: Look for cross-hatching to find the "internal magic." These views are the only way to understand how valves, gears, and hidden springs actually function.

Historical patent records like those of Harris Epstein serve as a vital bridge between the mechanical ingenuity of the early 1900s and our current "age of the personal computer." By learning to read these diagrams, we do more than study history—we connect with the inventive spirit that laid the groundwork for the technology we use today.

Was Benoît Mandelbrot Jewish?

Yes, Benoît Mandelbrot was a Jew. The Times obituary says he, "was born on Nov. 20, 1924, to a Lithuanian Jewish family in Warsaw. In 1936 his family fled the Nazis, first to Paris and then to the south of France..."  Wikipedia says that in France, "He was helped by Rabbi David Feuerwerker, the Rabbi of Brive-la-Gaillarde, to continue his studies." Mandelbrot is the Yiddish word for almond bread, the Jewish biscotti.

The Times says, "Dr. Mandelbrot coined the term 'fractal' to refer to a new class of mathematical shapes whose uneven contours could mimic the irregularities found in nature." Mandelbrot's discoveries profoundly influenced mathematics and the sciences and numerous disciplines beyond.

Talmudic Chaos v. Halakhic Linearity in the Logic of Judaism

In 2011 I published an article, "In Search Of The Logic Of Judaism: From Talmudic Chaos To Halakhic Linearity," which you can download and read from the link here.   

In 2026 I augmented this paper with AI enhancements.

I used mathematical ideas to differentiate the linear organization of the halakhah from non-linear thinking of the Talmud. Our abstract says: 

In this paper I examine some common views of scholars concerning the idea of the halakhah in Judaism. I then explain why their methods failed to account for the main philological and historical evidence regarding the term from the Talmudic texts. Then I suggest as a heuristic explanation that the logic of the Talmud defies linearity and can be discussed productively using chaos theory.

The authors in this volume cover varied topics with sophistication and erudition. The publisher's page provides details about the book, as copied below. 

Thanksgiving Sermon of Rabbi Zev Zahavy from 1943

Here is my dad's incredible inspiring and uplifting sermon from 1943 for the holiday of Thanksgiving. It was a dark year in the history of humankind. Yet Rabbi Zahavy found ways to weave together precepts from our classical Jewish tradition to give hope and optimism to those who faced the bewildering frightening world of 1943.

I read this sermon every year and it inspires me more each time. My father was an impresario of the rabbinic pulpit.

Click here for the original text of Rabbi Zev Zahavy's 1943 Thanksgiving Sermon, published by the RCA, Rabbinical Council of America.

From the Manual of Holiday and Occasional Sermons, published in 1943 by the Rabbinical Council of America. This publication contains various sermons for Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Succoth, as well as other occasions. Specifically, the excerpts detail the full text of a sermon titled “Reasons for Thanksgiving Today” by Rabbi Zev Goldstein, which discusses why American Jews should observe the Thanksgiving holiday, even amid the second World War. The sermon explores themes of gratitude, faith, and hope during a period of global crisis, referencing the importance of thanking G-d for safety, recovery from illness, and freedom from servitude.

Here is a link to the video overview from NotebookLM (2025 - my dad would've liked this).  

And here is the link to the notebook itself. Or click below and watch. Expand it to full screen for greatest enjoyment!

A big hat tip to Zechariah for finding this and sending it to us.

This sermon for Thanksgiving Day discusses the following main points:
* **The Importance of Thanksgiving:** The sermon emphasizes the significance of Thanksgiving as a time for reflection and gratitude, especially during challenging times.
* **Reasons for Thanksgiving:** It explores the four reasons for giving thanks mentioned in the Talmud: safe passage across the ocean, completing a journey through the wilderness, recovery from illness, and release from servitude.
* **Challenges to Gratitude:** The sermon acknowledges the difficulties in finding reasons for gratitude in the face of war, suffering, and injustice.
* **The Jewish Perspective on Suffering:** It highlights the Jewish tradition of finding meaning and expressing gratitude even in difficult circumstances, drawing on the example of Rabbi Akiva.
* **Hope and Faith in the Future:** The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and faith in the future, even during times of crisis.
* **A Prayer for a Better Future:** It concludes with a prayer for a future characterized by peace, justice, and freedom.
Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to find reasons for gratitude and to maintain hope for a better future, even in the face of adversity.

Deep Dives Podcasts into Jewish Scholarship

All new - a lively discussion of the book "God's Favorite Prayers" and the research of Tzvee Zahavy and samples of the professor's research. Deep Dives into the distinguished scholarship of Tzvee's esteemed teachers, Rabbi J. B. Soloveitchik, Professor Haym Soloveitchik, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein and Professor Jacob Neusner. With appreciation to the incredible NotebookLM.

Popular Podcast: Rabbi Joseph Baer Soloveitchik's 1932 doctoral dissertation, "Pure Thinking and the Constitution of Being in Hermann Cohen’s Work," critically analyzes the epistemology and metaphysics of the prominent neo-Kantian philosopher Hermann Cohen. The unpublished English translation text includes a foreword by the translator, Tzvee Zahavy, providing biographical context for Soloveitchik's time in Berlin and Cohen's intellectual significance. The dissertation itself, as suggested by Mark Smilowitz's overview, examines Cohen's "scientific idealism," which posits that objects are constituted by thought, particularly mathematical thought. Soloveitchik's work identifies limitations in Cohen's system, particularly in accounting for individual experience, sensation, and consciousness, hinting at Soloveitchik's own developing philosophical positions like epistemological pluralism. The text also features excerpts from Soloveitchik's dissertation chapters, such as those discussing the law-scientific character of thinking, consciousness, and the concept of being and reality within Cohen's framework. Ultimately, the sources offer insight into a significant engagement with neo-Kantian philosophy and the early intellectual development of a major 20th-century Jewish thinker.

Is Caroline Kennedy's Husband Edwin Schlossberg Jewish?

Yes, Edwin Arthur Schlossberg is a Jew.

All four of Schlossberg's grandparents were Russian (Ukrainian) Jews born near Poltava and arrived in the United States at Ellis Island.

In 1986 Schlossberg married Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis at Hyannis Port when Caroline was 28 and Ed was 41.

Their afternoon wedding ceremony was held at the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Centerville, Massachusetts and did not include a mass.

How Jewish is Schlossberg? Nate Bloom refers to "American Legacy: The Story of John and Caroline Kennedy" by C. David Heymann as follows:

Heymann writes that Schlossberg was raised in a "devout Orthodox Jewish family" that belonged to a modern Orthodox synagogue in Manhattan. He attended Hebrew School and had a bar mitzvah ceremony.

Thanksgiving Turkey Drumstick Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Pie Table Song - A Lone Pumpkin Grew

Thanksgiving is upon us soon and we sing traditional holiday songs at our Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are the words to one of our classic favorites...

Oh a lone pumpkin grew on a green pumpkin vine.

He was round

he was fat

he was yellow.

"No silly jack-o-lantern shall I make," he said.

"I'm determined to become a useful fellow."

So he raised up his head

when the cook came around

and at once he was chosen the winner.

His fondest wish came true

he was proud pumpkin pie

and the glory of the great thanksgiving dinner...

For the glory of the jack is in the lantern

as he sits up on the gatepost oh so high;

and the glory of the turkey is the drumstick

but the glory of the pumpkin is the pie.

Here we are singing the song in 2006:

Here's a YouTube 2009 home video of the song -- we don't know the folks -- it sounds like our familiar melody and we endorse it.

A Happy St. Patrick's Day Recollection: When a Little Boy Met the Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin Ireland

One St. Patrick's day, when I was a little boy, I met Bobby Briscoe, the Jewish Lord Mayor of Dublin Ireland, at my father's synagogue in New York City on East 67th Street.

I vividly remember his top hat and the big medal around his neck which swung out at me when he bent down to shake my hand. 

It was a grand day for the Jewish and the Irish!

The New York Times wrote up the visit. A wonderful New York story of a previous innocent age. 

New York Times. Published: March 17, 1957

BRISCOE ATTENDS PRE-PURIM RITES 
Lord Mayor Prays at Altar in Traditional Shawl - Pays Visit to Cardinal
By IRVING SPIEGEL ·

The Lord Mayor of Dublin devoted forty minutes yesterday morning to being plain Robert Briscoe and worshiping in the Orthodox Jewish faith of his ancestors.

He prayed at a Sabbath of Remembrance and pre-Purim service at Congregation Zichron Ephraim, 163 East Sixty-seventh Street. With the prayer shawl he brought with him for the service around his shoulders, he received the Orthodox honor, aliyah - an invitation to the altar.

Then he recited the traditional prayers in Hebrew before and after readings from the Torah. The aliyah was also extended to City Council President Abe Stark and Kings County District Attorney Edward S. Silver, who had of accompanied Mr. Briscoe to the synagogue.

Because of a heavy schedule, Mr. Briscoe and his group did not stay for the entire service. Rabbi Zev Zahavy, spiritual leader of the congregation said that the Lord Mayor's presence at the services was "an inspiration to all Jews in America and throughout the world."

In keeping with the Orthodox custom of not riding on Saturday, the Lord Mayor and his group walked from the Pierre Hotel, where he is staying, to the synagogue. In addition to Mr. Silver and Mr. Stark, Mr. Briscoe was escorted by two detectives of Jewish and Irish extraction, Ely Kerner and John O'Hagan.

Wears Kelly Green Tie

The Lord Mayor wore a cut-away coat, a black topper, a Kelly green tie with a golden harp embroidered in it.

As he strode up Fifth Avenue to attend synagogue services. he passed a group of policemen awaiting their parade assignments and remarked: "Top o' the morning. It's a fine day."

He paused to talk to a group of policewomen. Holding his prayer shawl, he told one young policewoman that, if she saw her commanding officer, "tell him I'm on my way to say my prayers."

Leaving the synagogue, he stopped at Engine Company 39, at 157 East Sixty-seventh Street, and told Lieut Joseph Kennedy, the commander: "No fires today, it's St. Patrick's Day."

Earlier in the morning, he had visited Cardinal Spellman at the Roman Catholic prelate's reidence at 452 Madison Avenue. Mr. Briscoe delivered a personal greeting in behalf of Archbishop John Charles McQuade of Dublin, and gave the Cardinal forty-five sets of Rosary beads, three boxes of chocolates and a glass bowl - all products of Ireland.

Cardinal Spellman told his guest: "There has not been as much excitement here since the Dionne quintuplets." Mr. Briscoe remarked that he was going to attend synagogue services.

"Be sure to leave all those Rosary beads here," the Cardinal replied with a laugh.

Mr. Briscoe laughed. "That's very good, very good," he said.

He returned to the Pierre, but not before being hailed by storekeepers, taxicab drivers and pedestrians. There was a brief rest and then he set out for the synagogue. Mr. Briscoe had originally intended to attend services at Congregation Rodeph Sholom on West Eighty-third Street but decided against it because of the long walk.

He returned to the hotel at noon for a brief visit with James A. Farley, chairman of the parade, and out again - this time for the St. Patrick's Day Parade with a ringing declaration of: "What a beautiful day!"

And fast forward to 2025 - my son and two grandsons are lifting a pint to celebrate the family ties in Dublin - visiting to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings football team!

Is Jimmy Kimmel Jewish?

No, comedian Jimmy Kimmel is not a Jew. He is a Catholic. Wikipedia explains, "He is Roman Catholic and, as a child, served as an altar boy. Kimmel is of German and Irish descent on his father’s side and Italian descent on his mother’s side."

Kimmel was a smash hit host of the 2017 Oscars show.

Kimmel performed 4-28-2012 at the White House Correspondents' dinner where he poked fun at Washington politicians.

Kimmel had a relationship with the Jewish comedian Sarah Silverman that started in 2002. Wikipedia reports:

She referred to the relationship in some of her comedy, "I'm Jewish, but I wear this Saint Christopher medal sometimes; my boyfriend is Catholic — but you know... it was cute the way he gave it to me. He said if it doesn't burn a hole through my skin, it will protect me." In July 2008, Vanity Fair reported that the couple had split, ending their relationship of five years. However, in October 2008 it was revealed by Fox News and People magazine that they were on "the road back to being together." The couple attended the wedding of Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky together, but split again in March 2009.

Talmudic Books for Kindle on the Talmud, Bible, Kabbalah and Prayer
The Kindle Edition of the Classic Soncino Talmud in English

Tzvee.com

[Repost from 2017]

Transgender Kids, Covert Convert Bat Mitzvah and Vintage Necktie Aliyah Quandary - Dear Rabbi Zahavy - Your Jewish Standard Talmudic Advice for July 2017 (A classic oldie but goodie column!)

Dear Rabbi Zahavy Your Jewish Standard Talmudic Advice Column

Dear Rabbi Zahavy,

I recently asked my friend how her young grade-school kids — a boy and girl — were doing. She replied that they are fine, and they have new names. The boy now has a girl’s name and the girl has a boy’s name. I asked why? She matter-of-factly replied that they both are transgender.

I was dumbfounded to hear this. I said nothing to her. Should I ask her more about this? Should I discuss this with a responsible authority?

Worried About Trans Kids

Dear Worried,

Yes, you have every right to ask the parent for more details, and to seek out, with sensitivity, more information on this topic from friends or experts or from your own counselors. The mother makes no secret of the facts. She is open and proud of her children and their gender identities.

Gender dysphoria is a seriously hot topic this year in social and political discussions, and in the media (2017). You will find many experts and pundits out there willing to share advice and counsel on the subject.