Monday, September 21, 2020
Do we reckon Ruth
Bader Ginsburg's death as the last tragic blow of 5780 or the cruel
introduction to 5781? We learned of it during the opening Rosh
Hashanah services on Friday night. Our shock was almost electric, the body
reacting along with the mind. More observant Jews
may not have become aware of it until Sunday night, because they forgo contact
with the outside world during this holy two-day period, shutting off their
electronic devices.
I am hardly a paradigm of good Jewish behavior, but I
feel especially challenged now. This interval between Rosh Hashanah and
Yom Kippur is usually a time to settle accounts, literally and figuratively,
seek forgiveness, forgive and set upon a more righteous path. But, I am
weak and visions of Mitch McConnell keep appearing in my mind's eye, not
friendly visions, not happy visions, not kind visions. While it was not redemptive, my first "business" of the new year last night was to make a contribution to the campaign of Amy McGrath, Democratic senatorial candidate in Kentucky. https://secure.
. . .
I learned a little bit about myself this weekend. During the year, every Saturday when not traveling, I went to services at West End Synagogue, the home of anarchic Jews. If not ushering, I would arrive around 10:30 AM and stay through lunch (Kiddush), leaving around 1:30 PM. In the past 6 months, I was spared having to shave and get properly dressed as I Zoomed in earlier to pay some attention to the Torah study discussion beginning at 9 AM.
This weekend, of course, was Rosh Hashanah with services conducted entirely remotely, something the Orthodox would not allow. Yet, I stayed away, although sitting on the sofa across the living room may not qualify as total separation, while my young bride "attended" and participated, befitting her role as vice president of the Congregation.
Why this change in behavior? I realized that I am, in this regard, a touchy-feely person, but certainly not in the emotional sense. I flee most expressions of sentiment as quickly as if approached by a Republican. It is many other human beings, genuine human beings, not a transcendent Divinity, that I want to get close to physically in shul. This weekend, hundreds of our members were at services, in contrast to the usual dozens during the year, but I had no opportunity to weave in and out among them, sitting still only briefly. Zoom only allowed me to see them and hear them. It seems that the sense of touch may be more life affirming to me than the other senses.
Maybe this weekend was special, with the burden of grief arriving unexpectedly, a situation where community is vital, but only available in a virtual fashion. Instead, I chose the sofa.
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
I am blessed by having many wonderful Davids in my life - Dr. David the Mets Fan, Rambling Historian David, English Political Scientist David, Wine and Cheese David, Musical David, Solicitor David, Singing President David, Little David and Law Professor David, who referred me to the revolutionary Hutzler 571 Banana Slicer, available on Amazon for $7.49.
Hutzler #571 Banana Slicer - The only banana slicer you will ever need
It has deservedly attracted attention even outside the kitchen and generated insightful reviews and probing inquiries, which I urge you to read, but only after you have emptied your bladder.
. . .
"I'm happy to see you."
"You're looking great."
"Let's have lunch soon."
Robert Feldman, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the author of "The Liar in Your Life: The Way to Truthful Relationships," says that his research shows that people typically tell three lies within the first 10 minutes of meeting someone else. https://people.umass.edu/
. . .
The Senate Republicans' approach to filling the open Supreme Court seat is giving hypocrisy a bad name. None more so than South Carolina's Lindsey Graham.
He capped off his whiplash-inducing volte-face (it sounds so much better in Italian) in addressing Senate Democrats: "I am certain if the shoe were on the other foot you would do the same.” So, here's my suggestion, let's change shoes. Replace him with Jaime Harrison, his Democratic opponent, in the November election. Donate at https://jaimeharrison.com/
. . .
A new report, summarized pithily by the New York Times, examines the response of big business to current societal problems. "The study enhances doubts that corporations can be depended upon to moderate their quest for profits to pursue solutions to challenges like climate change, racial injustice and economic inequality." https://nyti.ms/32QtJD3
Did that catch you by surprise?
Wednesday, September 23, 2020
Tavish, my Godson, notes how far we have drifted into the Twilight Zone when the two teams battling for the Stanley Cup, the top prize in men's professional ice hockey, come from Florida and Texas.
. . .
I looked it up, my last haircut was January 10, 2020 until today. My roommate led me to Dramatics NYC, 132 West 72nd Street, where Jingles cut 4 to 5 inches of growth and sculpted a new look for me.
We, the two of us that is, Jingles had to keep working, then crossed the street to have lunch at an outdoor table in front of Pho Vietnamese Sandwich Shop, 141 West 72nd Street. Its menu is built around standard Vietnamese fare, sandwiches (Bánh Mì), noodle soup (Phở) and rice noodles (Bún), and it delivered excellent results. We each ordered a sandwich for $12 that came on a fresh, crusty 7" baguette. Madam had crispy filet of sole, dressed with mayonnaise, pickled radish threads, carrot threads, cucumber and cilantro. I had beef bulgogi (thin slices of stir-fried beef),
dressed with kimchi, pickled radish threads, carrot threads, cucumber and cilantro. Highly recommended even if you are not getting a haircut across the street.
Thursday, September 24, 2020
Stony Brook Steve and I also had lunch outdoors on West 72nd Street today, after a bit of a walkabout. We stuck to Asia, but chose Japanese at Zurotto Ramen & Gyoza Bar, 142 West 72nd Street. Again, the results were first rate. He had chicken gyoza (6 pieces for $7) and spicy tuna tacos (4 for $9); I started with Japanese fried chicken (6 pieces for $8) and the tuna tacos as well.
The crispy chunks of chicken were accompanied by a mayonnaise-like dipping sauce; the tacos were more deconstructed. A small dollop of spicy tuna tartare sat on a flat, crispy, deep-fried, 4" taco.
Neither lunch rivaled Paris for outdoor dining, but the familiar streetscape of West 72nd Street faded somewhat as I enjoyed the good food and the experience of not sitting on my sofa all day.
Friday, September 25, 2020
The spirit of the new year has not spread very far, not even extending the 46 miles separating Jerusalem from Gaza. "Palestinian military prosecutors in Gaza have charged three Palestinian
peace activists with 'weakening revolutionary spirit' for their role in
holding a video call with Israelis in April." https://nyti.ms/364nzBr
Always a pleasure (and that's the truth). Happy New Year
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