Harry Houdini a Jewish Star in Hollywood

There are many stars laid out on Hollywood Boulevard and I’m going to share one of my favorites: Harry Houdini, the legendary escape artist who was Jewish and the son of a rabbi. Years ago when I was a kid and liked doing magic tricks I read a book on the life of Houdini.

I like Houdini from many of the stars because he is someone who worked incredibly hard to achieve the things he did. He did not become famous for his looks or perhaps his voice. He trained like crazy to learn how to pick locks, to hold his breath underwater, and to handle baths filled with ice.

In Judaism we respect effort; it’s the work that is put in. “The greater the effort, the greater the reward.” For one person one thing may come naturally where as for the other it is a great struggle. Thus the person who struggles and works hard gains more merit.

Sometimes I use Houdini as my inspiration to remind me to put in the effort.