I was a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin's popular series, The West Wing, which captures the achievements and challenges of the major protagonist, President Josiah Bartlett.  He is a character whom Rabbi Isaac Levin subconsciously attempts to emulate.  A Human Rights Odyssey draws upon two specific episodes, Shibboleth and Twin Cathedrals.

In the ninth chapter entitled, Little Match Girl on the Prairie, I contrast the tragic life of Tina Fontaine with the more hopeful life of a Cree girl who Rabbi Levin trains for bat mitzvah.  Rabbi Levin is reluctant to take on this bat mitzvah.  The adoption of aboriginal children by white families, however well meaning, was considered an extension of the cruel residential schools that were designed to promote total assimilation. Rabbi Levin is not looking to be the first rabbi in the province of Saskatchewan to officiate at the bat mitzvah of an aboriginal girl.  He does not want to be seen as snatching a Jewish soul from the Cree community.  Therefore, he questions Helen Asner to determine whether or not Judaism is being shoved down her throat,  Helen successfully convinces Rabbi Levin that she can have a dual identity:  Cree and Jewish.  He is convinced that she said the magic word, Shibboleth, and is convinced of her sincerity.

In the final chapter, Rabbi Levin and a Latino colleague bless a South American family that recently joined the Washington Heights community.  There were problems at the border and the young daughter was separated from the rest of the family for a period of time.  Alluding to Jeb Bartlett's comments about the Chinese refugees seeking sanctuary on American soil, Rabbi Levin comments: "We police turbulent nations.  We provide financial assistance, food, medicine, and goods and services to underdeveloped countries.  What does all this mean if we are not also the world's beacon of opportunity within our own borders?  This family made it to our country, every member.  Father Burgess and I got the opportunity to welcome them only a few days before Thanksgiving.  I can't think of anything more rewarding."  As was the case in the episode, Shibboleth, the choral singing of We Gather Together followed the protagonist's remarks.

In the tenth chapter entitled, A Second Day of Infamy, there is an allusion to the episode, Two Cathedrals.  Just as Jeb Bartlett unloads his anger towards God over the tragic death of his secretary, Mrs. Landingham, in a Washington cathedral, so Rabbi Levin unloads his anger towards God in a Long Island synagogue over the tragic death of a young congregant in the Twin Towers and the death of his closest friend, Jeremy Williams.

I embrace the rich legacy of The West Wing.