I'm off to the Middle East for a couple weeks. I wish everyone a happy end to Ramadan and happy beginning of the Jewish new year. Well-- those sons and daughters of Abraham, anyway!
I'm going to try and write from my destinations and keep an eye on the news. Others will be carrying the weight. During the high holidays I know I'm going to reflect on the mistakes I've made at this site over the last year, failures of kindness, understanding, and generosity of spirit, and also remember the many blessings of this work, chiefly all the serious people who come to this site because they think this community can be a fulcrum for change.
On that note I got on email today from Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb about a fast during the high holidays to atone for crimes against the Palestinians. Organized by the Shomer Shalom Network for Jewish Nonviolence. All are welcome:
People of all faith and cultural traditions are invited to join a morning to evening public fast from the third of Tishri through the fast of Yom Kippur in order to demand a new era of respect for Palestinian human rights. You are welcome to fast for all or any part of this period of time. We hope to attract a minyan of ten individuals around the country who will fast during the entire period...
The two-state solution is in serious trouble and the majority of Israelis and Palestinians no longer believe it will happen. Therefore, our actions from this point onward need to be conducted in a new way. We have to think outside the box. We cannot think outside the box without forming enduring relationships with Palestinians and Israelis who are working together to create meaningful change.
May this public fast encourage us to form new partnerships and take new steps. The future we shape is one where people live together as good neighbors, no matter what political solution finally emerges that establishes the parameters of peace. Peace on the ground will be shaped by civil society. How are we preparing the way?
>> I’m off to the Middle East for a couple weeks. I wish everyone a happy end to Ramadan and happy beginning of the Jewish new year. Well– those sons and daughters of Abraham, anyway!
Although, inexplicably, you likely don’t believe in him, may the FSM touch you with His Noodly Appendage and grant you a safe, pleasant and fruitful journey. :-D
And a happy Festivus for the rest of’ us.
I’ve got the pole with all the ornaments set up and ready to go. Last year, a Jewish family from down the street drove by at night and took my pole. A few days later I saw it being used to support their Sukkah.
;)
That is hilarious Avi. If I hadn’t taken Judaism this past summer semester I would have no idea what a Sukkah was. Thanks for making me laugh
And Phil, take lots of Pictures
No problem. I enjoy my own jokes. So, I’m glad the humor benefited more than one person this time ;)
Man, I’m like buttah on a roll. ….
Travel safely and return in peace of mind & heart, Philip, and may good and hopeful news chase you wherever you go.
‘People of all faith and cultural traditions are invited to join a morning to evening public fast from the third of Tishri through the fast of Yom Kippur in order to demand a new era of respect for Palestinian human rights.’
This fast would be from the evenings of 10th to 17th of September? Seems like the least we could do.
‘… and also remember the many blessings of this work, chiefly all the serious people who come to this site because they think this community can be a fulcrum for change.’
You have accomplished far more than you realize. Mazel tov!
Bon chance et bon voyage mon ami!
Moi aussi!
Hope your travels are safe, fun and informative. Good luck Phil! I know some great writing is going to come out of your upcoming experiences.
have a wonderful time. i’ll miss you. write some travel posts!
Luck be with you, Phil!
Godspeed Phil!! By the way I have heard there are some problems over there in that part of the world so could you please see what you could do to fix them…. and if they don’t listen to you, just come right back home, we need you and love you here!
Have a safe journey! Don’t forget to have some fun.
Be safe Mr. Traveler. And don’t be too hard on yourself regarding “failures of kindness, understanding, and generosity of spirit”. I think you are very kind to people who deserve it, and rude to people who also deserve it.
yes Phillip travel safe. Keep those eyes and ears as open as you can. And we know you can. We want to hear the stories. The insights.
Be very demanding on yourself regarding “failures of kindness, understanding and generosity of spirit”, including to your own family, old and new friends, dissenting community and those that oppose the dissenting community.
Its the web of interactions that creates a good and just life, not just the political part of it.
“All my relations.”
And, consider the importance of having a home, a family, a community, that is yours even if you disagree with things.
The political life, the global life, is the norm in our world, even as a journalist is more at it than most.
And, that is an unnatural norm.
Jealous! Enjoy, and document. Thanks for all you do. Shana tova.