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July 03, 2006
Commanche Review
The very first review of The Hebrew Kid and the Apache Maiden from a Native American has finally been published, and it comes from a very interesting source.
Check out David Yeagley's Bad Eagle Forum. He describes himself as an Indian Conservative.
Yikes.
But what's most fascinating, for me, about Yeagley is his wide ranging knowledge of Judaism. Yeagley, a Commanche Indian--is it okay to use that expression? One hardly knows what's okay these days anymore--anyway, Yeagley really knows the ins and outs of Orthodox Judaism.
Dr. Yeagley likes my book, but he does wonder if I use Indian culture to validate Judiasm?
Huh?
I thought I was telling a great yarn, and in the process trying to shed light on the Apache nation, specifically the great warrior Victorio and his magnificent sister Lozen. In other words, I thought I was using Judaism to explain and validate Apache culture.
Oh well, as the good Dr. Yeagley pointed out to me in a private e-mail, no review is truly worthwhile if it doesn't contain some criticism.
How true.
Apparently, Dr. Yeagley is quite controversial in Native American circles. Of course, he is a political conservative among a group who are for the most part off-the-cliff lefties.
It must be a very lonely place to be.
Anyway, I thank Dr. Yeagley for his review and I look forward to a continuing dialogue with this fascinating man.
Posted by Robert J. Avrech at July 3, 2006 10:02 AM
Comments
Seraphic Secret is private property, that's right, it's an extension of our home, and as such, Karen and I have instituted two Seraphic Rules and we ask commentors to act respectfully.
1. No profanity.2. No Israel bashing. We debate, we discuss, we are respectful. You know what Israel bashing is. The world is full of it. Seraphic Secret is one of the few places in the world that will not tolerate this form of anti-Semitism. That's it. Break either of these rules and you will be banned.
"He intertwines the cultures and beliefs of the Jews and the Apache's in such a way, we learn that perhaps, the two are not all that different. What a wonderful lesson of tolerlance for children and adults alike".
Taken from another review of Hebrew Kid...another viewpoint of how you brought these two cultures together.
Posted by: Cruisin-mom at July 3, 2006 10:58 AM
Randi:
Well it sounds nice, but we all know that the Apache culture and religion and Jewish religion are quite different. My book points to enough similiarities that Lozen and Ariel can find common ground and develop a deep friendship.
I know enough about Native Americans to know that I best keep my mouth shut about how they see their culture and history within the wider American context.
I can only write my books and films, after that, it's just out of my hands.
Thanks for the boost, Randi.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at July 3, 2006 11:06 AM
Dr. Yeagley is an interesting gentleman. I've been reading his blog for a long time.
He is unapologetically patriotic, and a great supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. I think the fact that he found your book worth reviewing in the first place is a compliment to you, Robert.
Posted by: Tamara at July 3, 2006 03:41 PM
The first of many reviews, let's hope.
Posted by: Jeremiah at July 3, 2006 03:44 PM
"we all know that the Apache culture and religion and Jewish religion are quite different".
Of course that's true...but what you demonstrate in the book is that human beings have the capacity for friendship and understanding (some, not all), when they look for the common ground. At least, that's what i took from it.
Posted by: Cruisin-mom at July 3, 2006 05:17 PM
I thought that the Commanches were an extinct people. Do they have a reservation somewhere?
Posted by: Evan at July 3, 2006 05:46 PM
Hey thought you guys might find this interesting
Cool Jewish Tshirts
Tell ya friends!
Posted by: MoeJoe at July 3, 2006 06:03 PM
Evan, the Comanche Nation has a reservation in Oklahoma. Their website is http://www.comanchenation.com/
Posted by: Tamara at July 3, 2006 07:32 PM
Tamara:
David Yeagley is indeed an interesting man. And thanks for answering Evan's question.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.seraphicpress.com/nav-commenters.gif)
at July 3, 2006 08:18 PM
Jeremiah:
Let's hope.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at July 3, 2006 08:19 PM
Randi:
What you took away from the book is exactly what I wrote into it.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at July 3, 2006 08:20 PM
Evan:
You might be interested to know that a once upon a time the Apache Nation lived in the Northern Plains. They warred with the Commanche, but the Commanche were far more numerous and strong and finally the Commanche managed to push the Apache out of the Plains and down into Arizona and New Mexico where the Apache nation finally settled.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at July 3, 2006 08:23 PM
I'm reading this because Dr. Yeagley posted this link on his forum. I'm amazed at the lack of education (not ignorance) about American Indians. The reason many may think several are "off-the-cliff lefties" is because the organization called American Indian Movement (AIM) is very vocal and also quite Marxist. They in no way shape or form even begin to talk for Tribal Nations. There are currently over 200 American Indian tribes who are legally recognized as seperate Nations by the USA Federal government. Please believe me, we are alive, and not just an arrowhead in a museum.
Posted by: Pat B at July 4, 2006 07:56 AM
Dear Pat B:
Thanks so much for your enlightening comment. We are very glad to hear that AIM does not speak for the Tribal Nations. It is a sad fact of modern life that the modern media often pays attention to the most radical groups.
We regret our comment and apologize.
Posted by: Robert J. Avrech at July 4, 2006 08:03 AM