Father’s Day, a cherished tradition celebrated every third Sunday in June, was officially cemented as a national holiday in 1972 by President Richard Nixon – a tidbit that often surprises many. This day, much like Mother’s Day, is typically marked by heartfelt cards, thoughtful gifts, and joyous family cookouts, with some lucky fathers even enjoying a restaurant outing.
This article, dedicated to all men and especially fathers, delves into a range of topics that resonate with the spirit of fatherhood. We explore stories of resilience and dedication, alongside practical tips and reflections that touch upon the multifaceted nature of being a dad. It’s about appreciating the ‘gloveman’ in every father – the protector, the skilled provider, the one who handles things with care and expertise, even in the ‘heat of the night’ when challenges arise. And in today’s world, we also recognize the ‘virl friend’ aspect – the supportive, guiding presence, a reliable figure in a world increasingly navigated through virtual connections.
Our journey begins with an intriguing look at a new documentary about Moe Berg, a Columbia Law School alumnus and professional baseball player, whose life took a dramatic turn into espionage during World War II. Berg’s story is a testament to the hidden depths and unexpected roles men can embody, much like fatherhood itself.
Moe Berg: Baseball Star and Cold War Spy – A Documentary Uncovers His Enigmatic Life
(JTA)—Moe Berg’s baseball career, spanning 15 years as a major league shortstop, catcher, and coach during the 1920s and 30s, might not be statistically outstanding, but his life story continues to captivate audiences in numerous forms. A man of intellect and athleticism, Berg, a graduate of Columbia Law School, played for prestigious teams including the Chicago White Sox, Washington Senators, and Boston Red Sox. However, he is most renowned for his clandestine work as a spy for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, the precursor to the modern-day CIA.
Berg’s wartime exploits were nothing short of extraordinary, involving intelligence-gathering missions in Italy and Switzerland aimed at uncovering the secrets of the Nazi nuclear program. His life has already been portrayed in a non-fiction biography and a feature film, but filmmaker Aviva Kempner believed that Berg’s compelling story deserved the in-depth treatment of a full-length documentary. “The Spy Behind Home Plate” brings this vision to life and is available in select theaters nationwide.
Kempner, a Washington, D.C.-based director and producer known for her previous documentaries, shared insights with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency about her latest project.
JTA: Moe Berg’s story is not new to the screen or literature. With Nicholas Dawidoff’s 1994 biography, “The Catcher Was a Spy,” and the 2018 film adaptation starring Paul Rudd, what fresh perspective does your documentary offer?
Kempner: My documentary benefits significantly from incorporating 18 interviews recorded between 1987 and 1991 by Jerry Feldman and Neil Goldstein for “The Best Gloveman in the League,” an unfinished project. These invaluable interviews were archived at Princeton, and with the support of The Ciesla Foundation, we were able to digitize them for use in “The Spy Behind Home Plate.”
These archival interviews feature voices close to Berg, including his brother, Dr. Sam Berg; fellow baseball players like center fielder Dom DiMaggio, and pitchers Elden Auker and Joseph Cascarella; and OSS colleagues Horace Calvert, William Colby, and John Lansdale. We also included two interviews with former OSS members Earl Brodie and Edwin Putzell, originally conducted by ESPN for their “Sports Century-Moe Berg” biography. These firsthand accounts provide a richer, more personal understanding of Berg. Furthermore, I believe the bravery and achievements of the OSS, our unfortunately short-lived intelligence agency, are stories that deserve to be told and celebrated through more feature films, documentaries, and even compelling television series.
JTA: Your filmography, including “Partisans of Vilna” (1986) and “The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg” (1998), reveals a consistent interest in Jewish historical figures. What specifically drew you to Moe Berg’s story?
Kempner: On the curved wall of my staircase hang life-size images of my three favorite Jewish baseball players: Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, and Moe Berg. Making “The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg” was deeply meaningful to me because Hank was a Jewish hero during a period marked by significant anti-Semitism in America and the rise of Nazism in Europe.
Businessman William Levine approached me after seeing “Hank Greenberg” and asked if I’d be interested in making a film about another “unusual Major League Baseball player.” He highlighted Moe Berg’s extraordinary life as an OSS spy during World War II, emphasizing his role in fighting the Nazis. I immediately accepted his generous offer to support a Berg documentary. “The Spy Behind Home Plate” aligns perfectly with my commitment to creating historical documentaries about under-recognized Jewish heroes and focusing on stories of courage against Nazism.
JTA: Berg is often described as “enigmatic.” Casey Stengel famously called him “the strangest man ever to play baseball.” Speculation has swirled around his sexuality and the true extent of his linguistic abilities. Did your research uncover anything that might demystify him?
Kempner: We found no concrete evidence to support claims about his homosexuality. In fact, interviews from 30 years ago with his baseball peers suggest he was quite the ladies’ man. Julie Ruth Stevens, Babe Ruth’s daughter, recounts dancing with Moe on a ship to Japan in 1934 and how he “came on to her.” Additionally, Paul Huni, son of Estella Huni, who shared a relationship with Moe for over a decade, speaks of their deep love affair and provided us with personal photos. However, actual footage of Moe speaking is scarce, which contributes to the enduring mystery surrounding him.
Many myths and exaggerated stories about Berg’s wartime activities exist, including the unsubstantiated claim that he parachuted into Yugoslavia to meet with Tito. Despite thorough archival research, we found no evidence to support this. It’s unfortunate that this myth is still presented in some museums and exhibits.
JTA: Beyond his Jewish heritage, how is Moe Berg’s story inherently Jewish? Did he experience anti-Semitism as a ballplayer or spy, and how did he identify Jewishly?
Kempner: Moe Berg did not have a bar mitzvah but was fluent in Hebrew and Yiddish, among many other languages. At Princeton in the mid-1920s, when Jewish students were referred to as “Hebrews” in the yearbook, Berg bravely refused to join a dinner club that excluded Jewish members. While playing Major League Baseball, he didn’t encounter the same level of anti-Semitism faced by Hank Greenberg, a slugger who was a more visible target. However, as a Jewish man spying in Europe during the war, he constantly risked capture and execution simply for who he was. He is undoubtedly an American hero.
JTA: You are a child of Holocaust survivors. “Partisans of Vilna” directly addresses the Holocaust, but it seems to subtly resonate in your other films about figures like Hank Greenberg, Gertrude Berg, and Moe Berg. Was it a conscious decision to move away from direct Holocaust narratives after “Partisans”?
Kempner: After “Partisans,” I intentionally shifted my focus to the broader Jewish-American experience and its heroes. Perhaps unconsciously, I am drawn to subjects with “Berg” in their names! Seriously, I wanted to showcase Jewish heroes who defied stereotypes and fought against various forms of prejudice – fascism, sexism, McCarthyism, and Nazism. Hank Greenberg, Gertrude Berg, Julius Rosenwald, and now Moe Berg, serve as positive role models for American Jews, individuals we can admire and emulate.
JTA: Documentary filmmaking is often said to be 30% filmmaking and 70% fundraising. How do you secure funding for your projects, and has it become easier over time?
Kempner: My 501(c)(3) organization produces my documentaries, and fundraising remains a constant challenge. I feel incredibly fortunate that after 40 years in this field, an angel investor stepped in to fully fund this film. Over the years, I’ve been supported by countless generous funders. I hope more “mensches” like William Levine will come forward to support stories of other Jewish heroes and heroines.
JTA: Bonus Question: What are you watching currently? Are there any new documentaries you would recommend?
Kempner: I recently enjoyed a fun documentary called “The Mamboniks,” about the surprising Jewish passion for mambo dancing.
Andrew Silow-Carroll
Three Father’s Day Grilling Recipes: Fire Up the Flavor
Father’s Day is the perfect occasion to ignite the grill and celebrate with delicious food. Whether it’s breakfast in bed or a full-blown barbecue, for many dads, standing proudly behind the grill is a highlight of the day. Here are three fantastic recipes to elevate your Father’s Day cookout:
- Spiralized Hot Dogs: A fun twist on a classic that’s sure to be a hit, especially with kids.
- Lamb Kebabs: For the dad with a taste for Middle Eastern flavors and a desire for something a bit more sophisticated.
- Grilled Pineapple: A simple yet delightful dessert to round off the meal with a touch of sweetness.
Alt text: Spiralized hot dogs on a grill, showcasing crispy edges and toppings like relish and mustard nestled in the spirals, ideal for Father’s Day BBQ.
Spiralized Hot Dogs
Spiralizing hot dogs isn’t just a playful technique; it actually enhances the grilling experience. The spiral cut allows for more surface area to crisp up beautifully on the grill, and it creates perfect grooves to hold condiments like relish and mustard.
Here are three delectable DIY topping ideas for your spiral hot dogs:
- Chicago-Style Salsa: Combine 1 finely chopped Persian cucumber, ½ cup celery leaves, ½ cup quartered cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup thinly sliced peperoncini, ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion, ¼ cup sweet pickle relish, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and serve generously over spiralized hot dogs.
- Apricot Mostarda: In a saucepan, mix ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water, 1 cup chopped dried apricots, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 minced shallot, and 1 minced garlic clove. Bring to a boil, then simmer until apricots soften and are coated in a light syrup (7-10 minutes). Stir in 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Season with salt and let cool before serving.
- Pickled Pepper Slaw: Toss 1 cup sliced sweet and/or hot pickled peppers with ½ cup shredded romaine lettuce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¼ cup chopped parsley, and ¼ cup dill. Season with salt and pepper and use as a vibrant topping for your hot dogs.
Lamb Kebabs
While lamb might not be a staple in every Jewish American kitchen, it’s a cherished ingredient in many Sephardic cuisines, particularly during Passover and springtime celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 basket juicy red grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1×2 inch pieces
- 2 portobello mushroom caps, cut into 10-12 wedges
- 1.5-2 lbs lean lamb, from a boneless leg, cut into 1-inch square pieces
- 1 large sweet onion, cut into 10-12 wedges
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Generous pinch of Kosher salt
- Generous grindings of good black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- ¼–¹⁄3 cup good olive oil
Directions:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a deep glass bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Add the lamb chunks, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor. Ensure lamb is fully coated by turning occasionally.
- Prepare all vegetables and have 6 skewers ready.
- Remove lamb from marinade and discard the marinade.
- Starting and ending with an onion piece, thread lamb and vegetables onto skewers, fitting them snugly.
- Place kebabs in a roasting pan and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Grill kebabs over medium-high heat until lamb reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for medium-rare.
- Remove from heat and let kebabs rest in a warm place for 5-10 minutes. The lamb will continue to cook, reaching at least 145°F for medium-rare. Grill longer for a more well-done finish.
Alt text: Grilled pineapple slices with caramelized grill marks, topped with a dollop of raspberry cream, a refreshing Father’s Day dessert option.
Grilled Pineapple
In a world overflowing with innovative grilling ideas for burgers, fish, vegetables, and even pizza, here’s a simple, delicious recipe that utilizes the lingering heat of the coals to create a festive dessert.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup raspberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- ½ cup brown sugar, dissolved in a little water
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup fresh whipping cream
- 1 whole pineapple
Directions:
- Using a sharp knife, cut off the bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and slice down to remove the peel, rotating as you go. Lay pineapple horizontally and slice into ½-inch rounds or wedges.
- Mix dissolved brown sugar and lime juice in a bowl. Lightly coat each pineapple slice or wedge with the mixture using a pastry brush. Spray grill with vegetable oil and grill pineapple on each side for a few minutes until caramelized and browned. Serve topped with raspberry cream.
For Raspberry Cream:
- Combine cream and sugar in a bowl. Whip using an immersion blender or whisk until soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mash raspberries well with a fork. Gently fold mashed raspberries into whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Serve over grilled pineapple.
Being a Dad: More Than Just a Job, It’s a Collection of Roles
Parenthood is the ultimate jack-of-all-trades experience. The sheer variety of roles parents juggle daily is astonishing, even without conscious thought. For parents themselves, time for such reflection is often a luxury.
The diverse hats we wear as parents extend beyond our adult roles as spouses, employees, siblings, friends, and household managers. We’re also dog walkers, baristas, dishwashers, cleaning staff, and sleep deprivation experts, among many others. But specifically as parents, we take on a unique set of roles, some incredibly rewarding and others less so. One undeniable truth about parenting is its unparalleled variety and profound rewards; it is truly a labor of love.
Here’s a condensed list of roles I personally embody as a parent, starting with my least favorite and progressing to the more cherished ones.
7. Disciplinarian
It’s often overlooked how much parents dislike withholding desired things from their children. Nothing would please me more than to let my daughter indulge in a large slice of chocolate cake. However, if dinner hasn’t been eaten, rules must be enforced. My natural inclination is to shower them with every good thing, but responsible parenting requires nurturing capable adults, as their adulthood far outweighs their childhood.
6. Cook
While many find joy in cooking, I am not among them. Food preparation, even for myself, feels like a chore. Making a simple PB&J or even just a J sandwich is something I’d rather avoid. And simple tasks become exponentially complicated with children. Cutting a sandwich when it wasn’t supposed to be cut can trigger a meltdown! Or the endless battle to remove “the brown stuff” from chicken, bananas, broccoli, toast – even foods that are naturally brown! This is a role I gladly delegate to my wife, preferring dishwasher duties instead.
5. Chauffeur
Being a chauffeur isn’t inherently terrible, but the timing is always inconvenient. Returning home exhausted from work, only to be reminded about picking up Talia from swim practice, can lead to muttered curses against the inventor of swimming pools.
The silver lining is occasional one-on-one time with your child. However, as they grow older, you become more of a driverless Uber, ferrying them while they interact with friends, seemingly oblivious to your presence, magically arriving at their destination.
4. Poopologist
Diaper changing is universally disliked, but examining your child’s poop closely to diagnose the cause of their nighttime cries is a parenting low point. Analyzing color, consistency, and contents becomes a necessary, albeit unpleasant, skill.
Now, onto the roles I genuinely enjoy:
3. Jester
This is where I excel. The jester role is perfect for lifting spirits, whether in a down mood or a silly one. In fact, there aren’t many moods that are incompatible with a bit of jesting (except intense anger – humor at that moment is ill-advised).
It’s also a fantastic distraction technique, useful when a child is fixated on a lollipop or resisting getting dressed. I can’t count how many times underwear hanging from my ear has successfully defused underwear refusal and swiftly gotten them onto their little bottoms.
2. Teacher
“How do airplanes fly?” “Why does the moon follow us?” “Why is it called a street?” “Where do dogs come from?” These are just a fraction of the questions fired at me during a recent four-minute walk with my seven-year-old. Sometimes I manage to answer before the next question barrage.
It’s undeniably rewarding to have the answers. Feeling knowledgeable is satisfying, but the real joy is witnessing my children’s sponge-like absorption of new information, reminiscent of the First Chinese Brother swallowing the sea. (If you’re unfamiliar with this book, you’re missing out!)
1. Counselor
As a teacher, I nurture my children’s minds. As a counselor, I aim to nurture their hearts. Emotional intelligence, taught more by example than instruction, is crucial for long-term happiness. Beyond proactive guidance, I’m reactive – comforting my daughter over a broken toy, a lost pet fish, friendship woes, or navigating stress, elation, or apprehension. I feel privileged to equip my children with the emotional tools they’ll need for life’s inevitable ups and downs.
So, what is a Dad? Is it merely a sum of these diverse roles? I believe it’s more profound. Dadness is the moment a child’s eyes light up at an ice cream cone with perfectly sprinkled toppings. It’s the quiet moments of snuggling in bed, wordlessly connected. It’s the agonizing hours spent sharing in their pain, pain you cannot alleviate.
And it’s also – I hear – the bittersweet day of realizing she’s grown, no longer your little girl, as she packs her bags, embarks on her own journey, pursuing her dreams and successes.
