israeli politics

Because a friend bought me a ticket, and because it had been highly recommended by another friend, I left Ezi at home and went to see “A Tale of Love and Darkness.”  

I have to add I’ve read the book, saw the movie, saw My Michael, read every article, and have had endless conversations about Amos Oz.  From what I knew, he was a very sad, driven man of great conscience and I always liked and respected him.  This play reflects what I know of him – but I wasn’t excited by it the way I was excited by him.  He was simply an exciting man and an exciting writer.   

march 22, 2021 – a tale of love and darkness Read Post »

israeli politics

The friend who took me to the port is a real old bitch, the kind I sometimes want to be.  She doesn’t hesitate to castigate people about their mask laziness, like the teacher she used to be.  “Don’t get all upset,” one young man dared answer her.  “I just forgot to pull it up off my chin.”  “You’re still endangering me!”   she shouts like a hall monitor.  “Getting into my private space with all your germs!”  In the meantime, I’m buying cheese and trying to appear knowledgeable, not even daring to ask for a taste.  Certainly trying to appear as if I am not with her, but grateful she’s keeping me safe. 

People like me would rather die than make a fool of themselves.

This is part of the reason the elections are going to be a failure.   Those people who lost hope the last time around don’t want to be shamed again and won’t vote.  I’m going to make a few calls.  Maybe there’s a chance I can do some good.

march 22, 2021 – tel aviv port, elections Read Post »

israeli politics

This blog is just between you and me – you understand this.  When I mention this to my friends, they look away – just a bit embarrassed they don’t have the patience to read me especially after a long day of live conversation or phone kvetching.   I doubt whether my family ever reads this – they know too much.  So it’s you and me, guys.  And you know all and can ask me anything.

So I will ask you for a change – I’m having a birthday the day after passover.  In London I was born after the second seder and during the last v1 rocket.  so it’s a big day for me.  But my family will be tired after the seder so we probably won’t celebrate together unless i have a brilliant idea and can get them to come.  Any ideas?

 

 

march 22, 2021 – my friends Read Post »

israeli politics

“Thanks for your participation in this session,” the host says to the hundreds of zoom guests, “Now we will take a short break – to see what’s happening with the elections….Not that anyone cares.”  

It was a great session – the poetry of Sharon Olds and wonderful translations into Hebrew.  But I took one last look at the participants and wished they had as much sensitivity to their lives as they have to the poetry.  Even if it isn’t going to make a difference – you have to try,

march 21, 2021 – poetry festival and elections Read Post »

blog, my life in tel aviv

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.

 

 

 

march 21 – the Shalom Asch house Read Post »