Saturday, May 9, 2026
We attended Sabbath services at the West London Synagogue, 34 Upper Berkeley Street, which calls itself “The Heart of Progressive Judaism in Central London.” In fact, most London synagogues seem to be Orthodox, so there is not much competition at the other end of the bell curve. We had to answer some simple questions and send a photo ID in advance, which has become customary for admission to synagogues outside Israel and the United States. At the front door, we were checked off a list by an Israeli security guard.
Inside, we got information from Hanne-Marie Braaten, one of three Wardens, a position unfamiliar to us, recognized by wearing a top hat during services. The main sanctuary appears quite grand in photographs, but is under renovation. Services were held in an auditorium configured as a theater.
The synagogue was founded in 1840 and now numbers some 3,000 members. Attendance today was about 200 people of varying generations. This was not surprising given that there was a triple header, a Bar Mitzvah, an Auf Ruf (blessing of a couple about to be married) and a baby naming. What was remarkable was that all of this was conducted within one hour and 45 minutes, including a Torah service and an excellent sermon by Senior Rabbi David Mitchell on the use of the terms “Jews” and “Israel”. Such efficiency seems beyond most American rabbis and their congregations.
Following was a generous Kiddush (repast), with lox (no bagels), egg salad, fried fish!, potato pancakes the size and shape of ping pong balls, and pastries. I limited my intake in anticipation of a special dinner, but it amounted to a tasty interlude.
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Dinner was very exclusive, not open to the public. We ate at Chez Brodie, accessible only by invitation. The small, elegant dining room was candlelit with only one other guest, Ms. Rafferty, present in addition to the hosts.
The first course was a delicious salad built on goat cheese and cherry tomatoes. Then, we were served an onion pie, creamy rich. It was accompanied by haricot verts (French green beans) and boiled whole baby potatoes. Finally, thanks to the dual role of Ms. Rafferty, a thick chocolate mousse, fresh raspberries and whipped cream was our dessert, or pudding as the British say.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Abe Foxman, former director of the Anti-Defamation League died today. He was a CCNY classmate and for many years his office was down the block from where I lived, which afforded me the opportunity to visit him. He was a hidden child during WWII, sheltered by his Catholic babysitter, reunited with his family in 1945. In his long career, he not only was the most effective defender of Jews here and abroad, he actively sought justice for other marginalized groups. He will be sorely missed.
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Madam and I strolled through Covent Gardens this afternoon. It has a big collection of stalls selling anything from T-shirts to hooded sweatshirts and lots of other stuff. It is also home to the London Transport Museum and its fabulous gift shop where Mind the Gap is printed on everything.
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We had an early dinner at the Mayfair Chippy, 138 Brompton Road. The name is not attached to a flirty female, but to a pair of fish and chips eateries. It has a mildly nautical decor with a black and white checkerboard floor. The tabletops are covered with colorful tiles. Its main room sits under a big skylight. We sat up front opposite the bar where there were fewer tables.
Fish and chips may have once been a cheap, worker’s lunch, but no longer. We each had the Mayfair Classic, a big piece of beer batter fried hake (cod suspended to avoid depletion), a medium portion of French fries (not the wedges I’ve had before), mushy peas and surprisingly tasty tartar sauce (£25.95). I also drank a half liter bottle of Cornish Orchard Blush Cider, elderberry and raspberry flavor (£6.95).
Monday, May 11, 2026
We made a pleasant day trip, accompanied by Ms. Rafferty and Lady and Lord Kennington. We took the train from Euston Station to Bletchley (as little as 35 minutes) to visit Bletchley Park, the site of the brilliant British code breaking operation in WWII, primarily conducted by women.
It has been restored and organized as a major tourist destination with audio and guided tours. Admission is £23.62 for seniors and the ticket may be reused repeatedly for one year. A comprehensive visit could last most of a day and you should get there on your second visit to England.
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When we returned to London, Madam and I had dinner at Sale e Pepe, 9-15 Pavilion Road. It looks and feels expensive; it is and might be worth it. Pasta is available in small and full portions. I had Bucatini Cacio e Pepe, a hollow spaghetti-like pasta cooked with Pecorino Romano cheese (£25, full portion). My young bride had a small portion of Paccheri alla Vodka, big pieces of tube-shaped pasta in a rich sauce of tomato paste, vodka, and heavy cream (£18). I drank sparkling water, seltzer by another name, while she had a glass of Franz Haas Pinot Grigio (£14). Glasses of limoncello were complimentary at the end of the meal.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Our flight was scheduled for departure at 1410 (when in Rome), giving us plenty of time in the morning to pack up and get organized. Also advantageous was the uncharacteristic placement of the departure gate at Heathrow. #17 was the first one on the corridor which otherwise seemingly stretched to Scotland. The flight itself was equally agreeable.
We were back in Palazzo di Gotthelf by 6:30 PM, or 1830 as they say.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The New York Times published its list of 100 best local restaurants today.
If blocked by a paywall, try this.
Issuing such a list is like a fisherman throwing chum into a pool of sharks. There will be a very high level of snapping and yapping among us. It’s the product of Ligaya Mishan, the paper's new chief restaurant critic. I don’t fault her for being born outside the Holy Land or her omission of some of my favorites. Rather, she reaches far afield to collect a diverse (still a good word by me) assortment of joints, leaning toward the ethnic, unpretentious and family run. And, at first glance, I haven’t come across any stinkers. Your comments are welcome.
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The dramatic rise in gasoline prices, if unreversed, will probably fuel political turmoil. Here is an interesting view of the economics, how much gasoline prices eat into income.
Thursday, May 14, 2026
It is sickening to learn that “four-in-ten U.S. adults (and half of those under 50) now get health and wellness information from social media influencers and podcasts.”
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These folks, social influencers and podcasters, are the fruit of private enterprise. Compensation varies day-to-day with their popularity. Others eschew the private sector and dedicate themselves to public service where the rewards are sometimes less tangible. My academically inclined brother supplies this view of the material benefits of the public sector, the highest paid public employee in each state.
Friday, May 15, 2026
"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others" George Orwell, 1984
“Justice Dept. Sues to Block Punishment Of Trump Ally”
“Yale Medical School Is Accused by Justice Dept. of Favoring Black Applicants”
