As I read the article "What They Hate About Mumbai" this morning in the NY Times, I was reminded of one of my favorite episodes of the West Wing - "Isaac and Ishmael."
The episode aired right after 9/11 and was written by Aaron Sorkin immediately following the attacks on the World Trade Center. The story line includes a possible breach in White House security that occurs as a group of high school students are visiting. My favorite scene, found below, discusses why terrorist organizations hate America. The answer, which is given toward the end of the clip, basically suggests extremist groups find America's pluralism to be unpalatable.
I certainly don't believe anyone is able to analyze with certainty the emotional components of a terrorist group's actions. But Suketu Mehta's NY Times article basically makes the same argument as the writers of the West Wing. In it he states: "There's something about this island-state that appalls religious extremists, Hindus and Muslims alike. Perhaps because Mumbai stands for lucre, profane dreams and an indiscriminate openness."
Much like President Bush's call, after 9/11, for Americans to "fight back" by supporting the airlines, rather than avoiding traveling altogether, Mehta makes the same plea about Mumbai. He plans to book a flight and grab a beer at the Leopold Cafe. Since I share his desire, maybe my earlier post wasn't as strange as I thought. Maybe I'll see if Mehta wants a travel partner.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Garmin Forerunner 305 vs. Polar RS400sd
As you all know, I plan to run a half-marathon on February 1st. The goal in the next 8-9 weeks is to simultaneously increase endurance while avoiding injury. I tend to run too fast, so monitoring my pace will be important. Therefore, I have decided to purchase a device which, among other things, will gauge my heart rate and pace. I've currently narrowed the options down to either the Garmin Forerunner 305 (pictured above in red) or the Polar RS400sd (black). Any thoughts from you runners out there?
Why?
After receiving emails from readers in response to my earlier post entitled "Why not give this another whirl?" where I mentioned my conversion to Judaism, I decided to share the speech I delivered the night of my conversion ceremony.
“Why?” During the last 18 months, this one-word question has been posed to me on numerous occasions. When asked, I’ve secretly longed for a fantastic tale to tell. The truth, however, does not involve a magical “ah-ha” moment. Instead, a series of gradual – and sometimes confluent – events eventually led me to choose to take my place among the Jewish people. My first memory of a time when I thought this may be it was when I read that Israel means “to wrestle with God.”
As I proceeded along my path toward Judaism, I wrestled not only with God, but perhaps, at times, too much with myself. It seems unfathomable to me now, but I remember driving to Beth Shalom in Baton Rouge and sitting in the parking lot for 15 minutes trying to find the courage to walk inside. Initially I worried my otherness would be apparent to every Jewish person I encountered at services, and because I wasn’t engaged to, or even dating someone Jewish at the time, I worried that folks would think my desire to convert was odd. Ironically, when I began to date someone Jewish, my concerns didn’t dissipate; instead I became sensitive to people assuming I was opting to convert because of him.
Thankfully, most of my worries, doubts, and anxieties have been supplanted by feelings of confidence and peace. I stand here today, as I did prior to entering the waters of the Mikvah this past Monday, with a love of Judaism and immense pride in my decision to become a Jew.
For me personally, Judaism – particularly as it is expressed through the Reform movement – simply makes sense. To fully explain the aspects of Judaism that resonate with me would require that I stand here and talk for more minutes than you are likely willing to endure. Thus, what follows is an abbreviated list: I love Judaism because of its emphasis on action over faith, on deed over creed, and because of its focus on the present life rather than the afterlife; I love that everyone is encouraged to read the Torah and join in the debate; I love that minority opinions in the Mishnah were preserved, and how this highlights the importance of respecting views other than your own, even when you hold the prevailing viewpoint; I love that in Judaism, people are not born blemished, and thus are not in need of salvation, but instead have both good (yetzer hatov) and bad (yetzer hara) inclinations, and the free will to choose between the two. Lastly, anyone here tonight who knows me, understands the social justice aspects of Judaism – expressed through tzedakah and tikkun olam – would have alone captured my attention. I love the idea that we are partners with God, and thus, are charged to actively assist him to repair the world and to complete creation.
I came across a quote recently by an individual who was capable of many things, including stating what he loved about Judaism more succinctly than I. Because I think his assessment is on target, I’d like to share it with you. On the topic of Judaism, Albert Einstein wrote the following: “A desire for knowledge for its own sake, a love of justice that borders on fanaticism, and a striving for personal independence – these are the aspects of the Jewish people’s tradition that allow me to regard my belonging to it as a gift of great fortune.”
I, too, feel very fortunate. I’d like to thank Rabbi Cohn, Cantor Coleman, and all of the individuals at Temple Sinai who’ve reached out and warmly welcomed me into this congregation. I look forward to the remainder of my journey that lies ahead and to becoming actively involved, as a Jewish woman, in this congregation and in the larger New Orleans community.
I plan to have it professionally framed as a gift to my children one day. In the meantime, the Internet form of memorializing it will have to do.
“Why?” During the last 18 months, this one-word question has been posed to me on numerous occasions. When asked, I’ve secretly longed for a fantastic tale to tell. The truth, however, does not involve a magical “ah-ha” moment. Instead, a series of gradual – and sometimes confluent – events eventually led me to choose to take my place among the Jewish people. My first memory of a time when I thought this may be it was when I read that Israel means “to wrestle with God.”
As I proceeded along my path toward Judaism, I wrestled not only with God, but perhaps, at times, too much with myself. It seems unfathomable to me now, but I remember driving to Beth Shalom in Baton Rouge and sitting in the parking lot for 15 minutes trying to find the courage to walk inside. Initially I worried my otherness would be apparent to every Jewish person I encountered at services, and because I wasn’t engaged to, or even dating someone Jewish at the time, I worried that folks would think my desire to convert was odd. Ironically, when I began to date someone Jewish, my concerns didn’t dissipate; instead I became sensitive to people assuming I was opting to convert because of him.
Thankfully, most of my worries, doubts, and anxieties have been supplanted by feelings of confidence and peace. I stand here today, as I did prior to entering the waters of the Mikvah this past Monday, with a love of Judaism and immense pride in my decision to become a Jew.
For me personally, Judaism – particularly as it is expressed through the Reform movement – simply makes sense. To fully explain the aspects of Judaism that resonate with me would require that I stand here and talk for more minutes than you are likely willing to endure. Thus, what follows is an abbreviated list: I love Judaism because of its emphasis on action over faith, on deed over creed, and because of its focus on the present life rather than the afterlife; I love that everyone is encouraged to read the Torah and join in the debate; I love that minority opinions in the Mishnah were preserved, and how this highlights the importance of respecting views other than your own, even when you hold the prevailing viewpoint; I love that in Judaism, people are not born blemished, and thus are not in need of salvation, but instead have both good (yetzer hatov) and bad (yetzer hara) inclinations, and the free will to choose between the two. Lastly, anyone here tonight who knows me, understands the social justice aspects of Judaism – expressed through tzedakah and tikkun olam – would have alone captured my attention. I love the idea that we are partners with God, and thus, are charged to actively assist him to repair the world and to complete creation.
I came across a quote recently by an individual who was capable of many things, including stating what he loved about Judaism more succinctly than I. Because I think his assessment is on target, I’d like to share it with you. On the topic of Judaism, Albert Einstein wrote the following: “A desire for knowledge for its own sake, a love of justice that borders on fanaticism, and a striving for personal independence – these are the aspects of the Jewish people’s tradition that allow me to regard my belonging to it as a gift of great fortune.”
I, too, feel very fortunate. I’d like to thank Rabbi Cohn, Cantor Coleman, and all of the individuals at Temple Sinai who’ve reached out and warmly welcomed me into this congregation. I look forward to the remainder of my journey that lies ahead and to becoming actively involved, as a Jewish woman, in this congregation and in the larger New Orleans community.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
The Right Wing
I'm spending Thanksgiving in Atlanta, GA with my parents and my aunt and uncle. My time here has been lovely. My family is great, but if you've read any of my earlier posts, you already know my political views vary greatly from theirs.
When I arrived last night, my uncle mentioned heading to the Right Wing Tavern to grab a bite to eat. Of course, I automatically assumed we were going to a wing joint. No complaints on my end. When we arrived, however, the "Right" part of the equation became very clear. The restaurant, believe it or not, had life-size cardboard cutouts of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, I have too much tact or I would have captured as many photos as possible. A few shots of the menu were all I could muster.
Just in case you are wondering, I ordered the Reagan wings, which were the spiciest ones offered. To calm my conscious, I told the waiter to pretend as if I'd ordered the Lincoln wings (milder version) with a tad bit more spice. What can I say? One does what one can.
Vacation in India?
Tuesday night I met a couple of friends for dinner prior to leaving town for Turkey Day. During the course of our conversation I expressed my desire to take an exotic vacation in the near future. When pressed for a destination I responded Mumbai, India. The response was prompted by a book I finished last week entitled Shantaram, which is set in Mumbai. Ironically, one of the targeted sights in Wednesday's terrorist attacks, Leopold Cafe (see link to article below), was a favored hangout of the characters in Shantaram.
It's all a little strange. More odd, perhaps, is that my answer to the question remains the same. I would go to India in a heartbeat.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
This is how tortoises do it
Thought I'd share a sight I stumbled upon while at the NOLA Zoo today. Though the view was hilarious, the surrounding comments were priceless.
From the children: "Mom, he's got two heads" and "He's a big fat turtle."
From a mother: "It's nature."
There were also two women without children nearby. One commented: "Turtles sure do take their time." The other replied: "I wonder how long this one takes."
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Mardi Gras and Oh the Places We Will Go
It's official. I'm going to run a marathon, or at least a half-marathon, on February 1, 2009.
On my run this morning, I thought of all of the strides (no pun intended) I've made in the last few years. Running in a marathon has always been a goal of mine. But because I had a lot of speed as a kid, I was labeled a sprinter. Sadly, in spite of the fact that I enjoy running distance and am fairly good at it, I've allowed myself to be crippled by the idea that I don't do distance well. No more.
My shoes and feet must be forewarned: we have lots of ground to cover. Mardi Gras Marathon here we come!
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Credit where credit is due
While these shots of the boy were a lot of fun.......
An email containing the following picture got the whole thing started....
An email containing the following picture got the whole thing started....
Serious thoughts
Jacques's brain, unlike mine, focused on serious events this morning. Instead of my own ideas, I'll go with Ariel's, which are certainly more clever.
"Professor Jacques ponders the sad state of affairs when his students would rather watch TV than play fetch with him."
"Professor Jacques solves the Yang-Mills existence and mass gap as he drifts off for his afternoon puppy nap."
"Like, thinking is like, totally hard for us blondes."
Mad bruises
I realize this isn't the most attractive picture I could have posted. The scrapes and bruises are residual effects of an injury I sustained while playing ultimate frisbee last weekend. It was my first attempt at the game. I had a lot of fun.
The whole affair, however, made me think of how many times as a softball player I left the field with similar injuries. I also thought of how cool it would be if I had taken pictures throughout the years and could now post them in their proper order. I realize it's a little strange, but that's where my brain went this morning. I'm learning that sometimes, I simply have to follow it.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Why not give this another whirl?
I suppose this post should have preceded the last one. But, I'm pensive tonight and I never know if the mood will bring a rash of creativity or a lack of it. It's weird: sometimes words flow quite easily from my mind onto the page, and other times all the effort in the world only yields a clumsy sentence or two.
So, it's been quite a while. I'm not exactly sure of the timeline, but maybe something like two years since I've posted on this blog. So much has changed since then. I've graduated, am working as a public defender in New Orleans, celebrated my 30th birthday, converted to Judaism, and recently ended a relationship with a guy that I was certain would last much longer than it did. I've grown. I now know I'm capable of being a partner to another human being, the kind of partner I want to find for myself -- open, giving, accepting, nurturing, and loving. I'm wiser, and yet in many ways, I feel the same; I'm still searching, still uncertain about my future, and still simultaneously appreciating and struggling to accept that this is what life is about.
I'm reminded tonight of a question posed to me about the canoe in the picture above. "Why the canoe?" someone asked. I replied months ago by stating: "no matter what, this life is one we ultimately travel alone. of course, we share what we can with others....and the sharing makes life extra special. in the end, though, the course we take is ours to determine. the image of the canoe provides a sense of comfort. i am a capable captain and I can steer it wherever i'd like. that thought is liberating."
In retrospect, it's all about balance, I suppose; it's about knowing when to take the reins yourself and when to rely on others for help.
No guarantees, but I'll probably write soon. I feel it coming on.
Sometimes it's best to let others say it for you: Take II
Hope Alone
Let's not drag this out, everything's in motion
Though I've only ever loved you kind and with devotion
I remember when I met you and even from the start
I thought one day you'd probably just come home and break my heart
It's funny what you know and still go on pretending
With no good evidence you'll ever see that happy ending
You were looking for your distance and sensing my resistance you had to do your will
I had to learn the hard way
We were just an empty dream too big for hope alone to fill
I know I'm a dreamer, so I'll give you that
Still I hope I'm more than just a place you laid your hat
You're a land of secrets, its only citizen
And though I paid my dues I was never allowed in
And so I am a stranger but especially today
As I get sad and lonely and you get your way
You were looking for your distance and sensing my resistance you had to do your will
I had to learn the hard way
We were just an empty dream too big for hope alone to fill
Holding out for change I know we never stood a chance
So I could only wait and watch you slip right through my hands
--- The Indigo Girls
Let's not drag this out, everything's in motion
Though I've only ever loved you kind and with devotion
I remember when I met you and even from the start
I thought one day you'd probably just come home and break my heart
It's funny what you know and still go on pretending
With no good evidence you'll ever see that happy ending
You were looking for your distance and sensing my resistance you had to do your will
I had to learn the hard way
We were just an empty dream too big for hope alone to fill
I know I'm a dreamer, so I'll give you that
Still I hope I'm more than just a place you laid your hat
You're a land of secrets, its only citizen
And though I paid my dues I was never allowed in
And so I am a stranger but especially today
As I get sad and lonely and you get your way
You were looking for your distance and sensing my resistance you had to do your will
I had to learn the hard way
We were just an empty dream too big for hope alone to fill
Holding out for change I know we never stood a chance
So I could only wait and watch you slip right through my hands
--- The Indigo Girls
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