Local Judaism in latest Ithaca
Ithaca, a monthly journal published by the National Book Center, has established a distinctive new image for its cover, using a striking black and white photograph in a solid colored surround. The cover photograph of the May 2002 issue shows the deserted Komotini synagogue before its destruction in the early 1990s. Powerful visual content continues inside with more poignant photographs accompanying the special feature, «Greek Judaism: Journeys into Memory, History and Culture.» This series of articles acknowledges the need to confront the ignored history of the Jews in Greece. Also of interest is a piece on Costas Tachtsis, a lively interview with Soti Triantaphyllou, and Nikos Fokas on London, in «Cities of the World.» Among the regular presentations of new titles, Michel Fais’s poetry reviews stand out: concisely introducing the themes and methods of Miltos Sachtouris and Yiannis Varveris. Aglaia Kremezi’s «Gastronomy» is the welcome treat at the end of each issue. Writing about two women chefs inspired by the Greek tradition, Kremezi contrasts the tradition of Greek home cooking with the influence of French cooking as made popular last century by the chef and cookbook writer Tselementes. Ithaca May 2002 distinctly shows the benefit of livelier content and more natural translations.
