Branching Out
Israel is a democracy where you have freedom of artistic expression as a craftsman. Unless, of course, you want to make candelabrum with seven branches. Then, as Rafi G explains, you have a problem:
Today someone went to a silversmith. The request was a custom made candelabrum. They make 6 branch candelabrum’s and they make 8 branch. This person wanted a 7 branch candelabrum. It would have to be custom made. This person asked how much it would cost to order a 7 branch candelabrum.
The answer was we will not make them.
Why not? Because there is a Rabbinic prohibition against making 7 branched candelabrums because that is what they used in the Bet Hamikdash (holy temple.) It does not matter that the branches on this style are uneven and in a circular design rather than even and straight. You cannot make a 7 branch candelabrum, end of story. Order a 6 branch or an 8 branch, no 7.
I wonder what would happen if you tried this at a silversmith in New York or England…
Lightening up the Sky
Idan captures what’s been happening in the skies in the Tel Aviv area over the past several nights. Too bad there’s no audio to hear the thunder that was booming as well.
Amazed and a Little Dazed
Rafi G finds the latest political news “amazing,” and he doesn’t mean it in a good way.
Absolutely amazing!! We are witnessing amazing things in Israel right now!
Avigdor “Yvette” Lieberman has given up on all his demands – yes every single one of the 5 issues he had demanded as preconditions – to join the coalition of a government that until 2 weeks ago he was calling for its resignation . Not only that but he only requested one ministerial position (for himself) (when he heads a large enough party that based on current guidelines deserved 3-4) and was willing to take an office that was made up just for him (Minister of Strategic Affairs) and is unclear what that includes and entails.
In addition to that, Amir Peretz who has had nothing reasonable until now to say about Lieberman and has vehemently opposed allowing him in to the coalition has agreed to support his entry. In return, Olmert promised him more money and offices. He will possibly get the Ministry of Social Affairs (still dependant on UTJ), along with a new Ministry of Arab Affairs and another head of a committee in Knesset.
Look what people will do for a taste of power. Amazing.
Look how easy it is for Olmert to throw around our money to get what he wants. If you thought the government was bloated with ministries until now, we just got a few more.. That is millions of shekels more every year out of the taxpayer pocket… Amazing.
If a Stranger Hugs You in Downtown Tel Aviv, Don’t Slap Them
They may just be part of the international Free Hugs Movement. Lisa encountered them recently and provides virtual hugs for all of you:
Tif not only got a hug, she joined in, moving up in the ranks from hugg-ee to hugg-er. Then she invited all of the huggers over for dinner! She explains the philosophy behind this strange new phenomenon:
The basic idea is that we could all use a little more hugging in our lives. We’re all perfectly used to seeing strangers shouting at each other on the street for no good reason – why not have strangers hug each other for no good reason? Volunteers hang around in crowded places and offer a free hug, and a few friendly words, and a smile, to all who want it.
Well, this evening Idan and I joined in with the group in Kikar Rabin. And it was quite an experience. I must say that I’m not usually perceived as a very threatening person, but, when offering something as incomprehensible as a friendly hug, even I managed to intimidate a decent number of passersby. No one in this country would cross the street if they saw a couple of people arguing and shouting at each other nearby, but a decent number crossed the street to avoid the weirdos holding up signs offering free hugs I have to admit, though, if I’d never heard of the movement I’m not sure I would go up and hug people – I might have guessed this was some strange cult gathering or social engineering experiment or something. But the truth is it’s just a bunch of people who think the world could really use more hugs, and it’s better to be nice to someone for no reason at all than to be mean to someone for no reason.
And as it turns out, it happens to be a bunch of particularly cool people, as well. After the hugging, as a serious thunderstorm descended on the city, a group of huggers came over to our place for dinner. We had a great time. Turns out there’s no better way to make new friends than to hug strangers in the street
Her partner in crime, Idan, agrees, and the crew of huggers included several Hebrew-language bloggers. You’d think that bloggers likes the distance from other humans provided by their screens and keyboard — but no — blogging and hugging appear to go together.
Maybe Israelis Should Just Shut Up Sometimes?
That’s what this Ha’aretz article suggests. Around these parts, silence isn’t just golden, it’s a completely rare commodity. And maybe that’s not such a good thing.
There’s not much quiet in Israel. Like some mass sport, people talk endlessly, express opinions, give interviews, argue, react, analyze and then rehash it all in Friday evening get-togethers. Silence is golden? Even a fool, if he keeps quiet, is deemed wise? Silence, please? No one has heard of this in these parts – and everyone has plenty to say about that, too.
Could it be that something deeper is going on? That endless chatter is only a symptom of a repressed national urge to pour out the heart? Even if this is the correct diagnosis, however, there’s no reason not to pause occasionally. Silence can be a gold mine – if not for your mouth, then for others’ ears. Since the dawn of history silence has been profitable, intriguing, mysterious, even sexy. On the other hand, it also has a darker side, which only makes it all the more fascinating.
You can read it all, but I’m warning you that it’s quite a long article. Rather ironic that there is so much to say about keeping quiet….!
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