End of the World
Is the world going to grind to a halt in 53 years? The answer’s up for grabs.
But according to modern science father Isaac Newton’s calculations, it’ll all end in 2060.
Newton’s original theological and mystical writings are on display as of today in the “Newton’s Secrets” exhibit at Hebrew University’s National Library in Jerusalem. This is the first time the manuscripts, in Israel since 1969, are being presented to the public.
According to this Haaretz article…
One of the most intersting manuscripts is a letter from 1704, in which Newton calculates that the world will end in 2060, based on a phrase from Daniel 12:7 “for a time, times, and a half.” Newton interpreted this phrase as meaning 1,260 years would pass from the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire by Charlemagne in 800, until the End of Days.
How did Newton’s writings end up at Hebrew University? According to exhibit curator Professor Yemima Ben-Menachem, his heirs weren’t interested in his theological writings so Sotheby’s auctioned them off in 1936. They changed hands a few times and eventually were bequeathed to the State of Israel.
Our gain.
Size is Relative
This “graphically drawn to scale” map is kinda cool. Such a little place; so much going on…
From Collective Thoughts of a Ginrod
Playing with the big boys (and girls)
Last week, over 100 scholars of the State of Israel from America and Israel gathered at Ra’anana’s Open University for the annual Association of Israel Studies conference. Yes, there are people who study Israel for a living – pundits with Ph.D.s., if you will. While everyone who watches CNN thinks they know everything there is to know about Israel, these men and women are the real deal – true scholars.
In addition to sessions on how to promote their field (a growing area! Brandeis University just announced the creation of an Israel studies center, funded by the Schusterman Foundation – “if only Israeli academia paid!” I kept on thinking to myself), like all academic conferences, scholars presented working papers – not yet ready for publication – to their peers. While scientists may give presentations about the latest research in physics, biology, or engineering, these “scientists of Israel” discussed Israel’s strategy, relations with Israel’s neighbors, as well as social issues such as inequality in Israel (I attended a fascinating discussion on how economic changes are affecting kibbutz women) or the representation of Mizrahim in Israeli cinema.
But why was I, not a professor or Ph.D. there? Simple: I had my own academic paper to present. Not the conflict, but my life: North American aliya (immigration to Israel). Not a professor or even a Ph.D. (although I do have my own graduate degree in “Israeli Society & Politics”), I got to play with the real professors.
After an hour and a half bus ride, I entered a small room on campus a few minutes before 9AM, when I was scheduled to present. While only a few other people showed up (including two professors who were also presenting papers, I was prepared. While I was competing with the early morning hours (it appears even professors like to sleep in) and about ten other fascinating sessions, for a few minutes (it’s amazing how many hours, days, months go into a presentation of only 20 minutes!), I too got to be among the big boys (and girls) as a true expert on Israel.
Fly Nestling
Filed under: Art, History and Culture, Israeliness, Life
I overheard a little boy singing the song below as he practiced for his end of the school year program for parents. I have heard this a gazillion times on the radio but never really listened to the words. And when I did….Whew!
This Nostalgia Sunday our clip honors kids, teenagers and adults everywhere who are graduating and moving on with their lives.
Enjoy this recent-ish arrangement – Dani Litani, Ofer and Iris Portugal and “The Gospel Choir”. The original Arik Einstein version is here.
Fly Nestling
Translation
My nestlings left the nest.
They spread their wings and flew.
And I am left alone – an old bird in the nest
I really hope everything will be okay.
I always knew one day we would have to part.
But now it’s so sudden
Is it any wonder I’m slightly worried?
Refrain: Fly nestling; cut across the sky. Fly wherever you feel like going. But don’t forget, there are eagles in the sky. Be aware.
Now we are left alone in the nest
But we’re together.
Hold me close and reassure me
Don’t worry; growing old together will be fun.
Fly nestling …(refrain)
I know this is the nature of things
I, too, left a nest.
But now that the time is here
My throat is catching. My throat is catching.
(Refrain)
My nestlings left the nest.
Spread their wings and flew…
A Crying Shame
In addition to looting, killing, anarchy and general mayhem, we can now chalk up another travesty at the hands of Hamas in Gaza:
This morning Hamas gunmen broke into the Gaza home of the late Yasser Arafat and in addition to trampling his uniforms and medals, they destroyed gifts given to Arafat by international dignitaries and stole the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded in Norway in 1994.
That and they made off with gowns and clothing belonging to his wife Suha and his daughter Zahwa.
What with those hectic looting, killing and terrorizing schedules, when in the heck are they going to find time to cross-dress?
Classless. Absolutely classless. (not that there was any question)
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