Melvin Konner
I recently read Melvin Konner’s UNSETTLED, AN ANTHROPOLOGY OF THE JEWS, an illuminating thematic approach to the history of Jewish culture. I enjoyed the writing so much I immediately purchased Konner’s more recent THE JEWISH BODY. Today, on the phone with my very dear friend and mentor, Herb Perluck, I discovered Konner and I had Herb in common. We both had the opportunity to learn under this same wonderful man, this teacher who combined intellect and heart in equal doses in the classroom, and whose wonder at what his students were capable of doing was only matched by their desire to live up to the promise he saw in them. Herb taught generations of individuals to be, each one, the kind of person on whom nothing is lost. I took that to heart, and I try to pay it forward when and how I can.
Konner was an undergraduate when he studied with Herb. Some years later, I was Herb’s graduate student. And because we both share this continuing connection, I feel a kinship that gives me special pleasure in alerting Radical Jew readers to Konner’s blog and website.
Mel, thank you for your note. I can't tell you how much it meant to me. Not just because I admire your work, but because it is a wonder to find a brother. We truly do come, as you say, from the same father. I would be honored and happy to be in touch with you. From your note, I see you left an email address. I have yet to find it here. But I'll look harder, under the skin of the blog, so to speak. And if I don't find it, I'll find another way..
Warmth returned with a fraternal embrace,
Ari (Most folks who know me just call me "Ari, as Herb does.)
Dear Mark, You just made my day, week, and month at least, and Herb's too. I was on the phone with him earlier while we both read what you wrote above, and there wasn't a dry eye on either end. To say that he speaks highly of you is putting it very mildly. I told him that you and I are brothers, having the same father. I am slammed today but I will be in touch again. Meanwhile, feel free to contact me at the email address below. I just had to write briefly to thank you. Warmly, Mel