By Eli Federman
Last night was the yartzeit of my father – Yitzchok Leib (Lyle) Federman, HY”D. I think about him at least once a day. He lived his life humbly searching for meaning – and helping others along the way. Never dogmatic and always intellectually honest. I strive to embody – even if a modicum – those virtues.
Here’s one little story of how his humanitarian work on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation reminded him of his own heritage.
My father grew up with little to no Jewish tradition. He celebrated the High Holidays. Was culturally Jewish and remembered going to Shul with his grandfather Binyomin. He spent much of his life searching for an identity. He eventually discovered and embraced his Jewish heritage at an Oglala tribal meeting on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota.
He strived for a belief system that was all-inclusive, connected with nature with a social justice mission. Those values were reinforced by his exposure to the counter-cultural and environmental movements of the late ’60s.
He found those values in the Native American way of life. His began his journey by providing aid for food and clothing, and teaching computer skills on the poverty stricken Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. He also volunteered at the sobriety meetings to fight the rampant alcohol and drug abuse.
Soon he started practicing Native American rituals like the sweat lodge (or ceremonial sauna) and learning the traditions and history.
Eventually, he was called to a tribal meeting where he would be formally inducted into the Oglala Lakota tribe. At the meeting, the tribal elders asked my father what he had observed on the reservation.
“I observe two kind of Indians,” my father explained. “One with short hair, head down, drunk and ashamed of who he is; and one with long hair, head up, sober and proud of his people.”
The elders nodded in approval.
They asked my father about his ancestry.
My father explained that he was Jewish.
The tribal leader paused, squinting in thought, and said: “There are two kinds of Jews. One with his head down, ashamed of who he is; and the other with his head up and proud of who he is.” He continued, “Be that Jew who is proud of who he is.”
My father said that was one of the most transcendental moments in his life.
I share this family story with the hope that it inspires others to embrace their heritage with humble pride and geon yakov.
Years ago I had a guest on my radio program Rabbi Leverton? I don’t remember his exact last name…he later became a shliach out west. He told how he became a Hope indiain and traveled to meet the chief and to his surprise he sent him to go discover his heritage because each person is made to be in there group. He sadly passed away a few years ago. A very sweet man. Thanks for sharing your story and Moshiach now
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. It is now, and will continue to be, an inspiration for many.
May you be reunited with your father immediately with the coming of Moshiach.
This story is really touching. I appreciate you sharing it. May your father’s soul continue to shine upon you.
What a beautiful story, and thank you for sharing. Your father’s story, so close to us, has moved me, and I’m sharing it with our little congregation. Jews find meaning helping others, & the rez attracts good hearts. Teachers and health-care workers also find their way to Pine Ridge, Rosebud and other Indian reservation locations. We have so few Jews, but we maintain our community somehow.
Did your father ever mention finding us here in Rapid City?
Thank you for sharing!
thank you!
thank you for sharing, it touched my heart.
your father sounds like a special person, you are lucky to be his son.
my condolences to you on your loss, though it was many years ago.
Thank you for sharing this inspirational story.
May your farther be a mailitz yoshor for you and your whole family.
to the writer of this article …. i thank hashem that blessed you with the talent of being so articulate and cogent. sharing this piece of your family history inspires, and makes it part of mine.
similar stories about the dalai lama making non religious jews frum
this will surely touch and inspire many as it did for me, I will be repeating and sharing it often!
Native Americans are amazing. And the tribal chief, spot on!
Beautify
Dave Voluck who lives in citga Alaska. He now lives in anchorage.