What a surprise! For her birthday Rachel Talmi took a few of her friends to the Shalom Asch House in Bat Yam.  I have long looked for this house, but it was always closed when I looked for it.  Its significance is clear, as Shira Turnov explained years ago, but its accessibility eluded me.  This is unlike Asch himself who wrote novels that were not only accessible but incredibly absorbing.  They were not part of my parents’ library – their antiestablishment nature, their depiction of Jews as human beings as opposed to shtetl stereotypes, was a bit too daring for them, I suppose.  But somehow I got to him anyway.  And just before the first lockdown, I saw two of his plays.  Scandalous.  Wonderful. 

Anyway his house was full of all kinds of fascinating things – paintings by great artists, letters from famous people, furniture, and artifacts of great depth.  And a writing desk that simply inspires one to create.  

Of course there are a few problems with visiting right now – it’s open for a few hours a week and the parking may be a problem.  But you can call first.