In this edition, we remember Alan Wolkenstein with several of his beautiful essays | Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle

In this edition, we remember Alan Wolkenstein with several of his beautiful essays

Alan Wolkenstein, our treasured occasional columnist for the Chronicle, died Sept. 30. He is of blessed memory, and we are grateful for his contributions.  

He brought a beautiful, folksy, old-world Jewish style to his work, grounded in truth and culture. He was so very real. 

We remember him in this edition by presenting several of his columns, which had not yet been published. His son, M. Evan Wolkenstein, is a high-school teacher and writer. 

Evan kindly shared this message with us, for you: 

My father was excellent at all the things he did: drinking coffee, listening to jazz, conversing, remembering, and being Jewish. One who is familiar with his writing knows that he travels through time effortlessly, the way a scratchy record can bring us back to a bygone age. He remembers stories of growing up Jewish in Milwaukee, stories that were as influential to my Jewish identity as my actual childhood. Indeed, there would be no me without his nostalgia – and also, his realistic sense of the struggles of being a Jew in the modern world. And yet, with each piece I’ve read over the years, I’m struck always by his humor – and his wisdom. Indeed, it’s hard not to wish for a trip, myself, back to Sherman Boulevard in the 1950s. Well, there is much to read – so, as my Dad would say, “Why don’t you come along and join me?” 

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A Philco 90 “cathedral” style radio from 1931, possibly like the radio Alan S. Wolkenstein listened to with Grandpa Louis. Courtesy of Scott Robinson. Click to read, My grandpa louis.

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Lake Mendota viewed from the steps of the Memorial Union, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012. Wikipedia photo. Click to read, The study date.

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Rabbi Issac Lerer spoke at the bris. Click to read, The luncheon at the bris.

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A blue and white tin box, for the deposit of tzedakah coins for charity, was common in Jewish homes. Click to read, The Deli.