THEODORE “TED” ROBERTS was a humorist and writer, who lived in the Deep South of Huntsville, Alabama and wove stories based on his lifelong love of Judaism. Roberts’ collection of columns that ran in the CCJN with his sobriquet “The Scribbler on the Roof,” are archived here in the hopes that reading his homespun brand of Talmud will bring you continued joy and love of Jewish learning and culture. Roberts, 89, died on March 2, 2020 and was buried in his hometown of Memphis.
By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
Succot, like perfect sweet and sour cabbage soup, has two flavors. A single holiday with two themes. We celebrate the bounty of the grape and olive harvest in the Promised Land; also we commemorate 40 hungry years of wanderings in that huge...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
My friend, Herb, likes to get an early start. On the golf course, he stands 20 feet in front of the tee. When he eats out, he brings a drink from home so he doesn’t have to wait for a turtle-speed server...
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(Editor’s note: In only one instance did Ted get one by this editor. This column originally ran in April of 2018 under a slightly different title.)
By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
The followers of the Baal Shem Tov love to tell of his courage in...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
It was the oldest of Midrashim. In fact it was the first Midrash – whether you believe they came from the Presence who spoke atop Sinai – or, depending on your beliefs, who later inspired Holy men to reveal them to the...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
You can learn a lot from your rabbi – you can also learn a lot from nature. To watch a mama cat handle its young may be as informative as a chapter in Genesis. The “wired care” and affection she exhibits is...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
It had been a busy time for the King of the Universe. The earth and all its contents – well, that was accomplishment enough. But the galaxies and the rules governing their orbit – sun, moon, and stars and that concept...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
Our G-d is a jealous god, as He repeats many times in his book and I intend not to denigrate his feelings. Don’t argue with me – argue with Moses, who wrote Exodus 20:5 and a long list of similar declarations.
And...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
We Jews are often called the “People of the Book”. But our detractors call us the People of the Kitchen. I consider that a compliment. Even our courting habits are affected. “Hey, can you cook?” asks the potential groom. This was not...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
“And I will establish my covenant between me and you and I will multiply you exceedingly. . . and I will make you exceedingly fruitful.” So spoke G-d to Abraham. “What Covenant?” thinks a bewildered Abraham, who likes the...
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By TED ROBERTS, the SCRIBBLER ON THE ROOF
“If Oedipus Rex had taken that kid to the ballgame more often, we wouldn’t have had all that trouble.”
— Ancient Greek Historian
OK, so my good friend, Herb,...
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