The Spinoza Problem Read Free Page B

Rosenberg? Is your name a Jewish name also?”
    “I’m sure it is not.”
    “I’m not so sure. Let me give you some facts about names. In the course of the Enlightenment in Germany . . .” Headmaster Epstein pauses and then barks, “Rosenberg, do you know when and what the Enlightenment was?”
    Glancing at Herr Schäfer and with a prayer in his voice, Alfred answers meekly, “Eighteenth century and . . . and it was the age . . . the age of reason and science?”

    “Yes, correct. Good. Herr Schäfer’s instruction has not been entirely lost on you. Late in that century, measures were passed in Germany to transform Jews into German citizens, and they were compelled to choose and pay for German names. If they refused to pay, then they might receive ridiculous names, such as Schmutzfinger or Drecklecker. Most of the Jews agreed to pay for a prettier or more elegant name, perhaps a flower—like Rosenblum—or names associated with nature in some way, like Greenbaum. Even more popular were the names of noble castles. For example, the castle of Epstein had noble connotations and belonged to a great family of the Holy Roman Empire, and its name was often selected by Jews living in its vicinity in the eighteenth century. Some Jews paid lesser sums for traditional Jewish names like Levy or Cohen.
    “Now your name, Rosenberg, is a very old name also. But for over a hundred years it has had a new life. It has become a common Jewish name in the Fatherland, and I assure you that if, or when, you make the trip to the Fatherland, you will see glances and smirks, and you will hear rumors about Jewish ancestors in your bloodline. Tell me, Rosenberg, when that happens, how will you answer them?”
    “I will follow your example, sir, and speak of my ancestry.”
    “I have personally done my family’s genealogical research back for several centuries. Have you?”
    Alfred shakes his head.
    “Do you know how to do such research?”
    Another headshake.
    “Then one of your required pregraduation research projects shall be to learn the details of genealogical research and then carry out a search of your own ancestry.”
    “One of my projects, sir?”
    “Yes, there will be two required assignments in order to remove any of my doubts about your fitness for graduation as well as your fitness to enter the Polytechnic Institute. After our discussion today, Herr Schäfer and I will decide upon another edifying project.”
    “Yes sir.” Alfred is now growing aware of the precariousness of his situation.
    “Tell me, Rosenberg,” Headmaster Epstein continues, “did you know there were Jewish students at the rally last night?”

    A faint nod from Alfred. Headmaster Epstein asks, “And did you consider their feelings and their response to your words about Jews being unworthy for this school?”
    “I believe my first duty is to the Fatherland and to protect the purity of our great Aryan race, the creative force in all civilization.”
    “Rosenberg, the election is over. Spare me the speeches. Address my question. I asked about feelings of the Jews in your audience.”
    “I believe that if we are not careful, the Jewish race will bring us down. They are weak. They are parasitic. The eternal enemy. The anti-race to Aryan values and culture.”
    Surprised by Alfred’s vehemence, Headmaster Epstein and Herr Schäfer exchange concerned glances. Headmaster Epstein probes more deeply.
    “It appears you wish to avoid that question I asked. Let me try another line of discussion. The Jews are a weak, parasitic, inferior little race?”
    Alfred nods.
    “So tell me, Rosenberg, how can such a weak race threaten our all-powerful Aryan race?”
    As Alfred tries to formulate an answer, Herr Epstein continues, “Tell me, Rosenberg, have you studied Darwin in Herr Schäfer’s classes?”
    “Yes,” Alfred responds, “in Herr Schäfer’s history course and also in Herr Werner’s biology course.”
    “And what do you know of Darwin?”
    “I