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News in Brief: Jason Noble, Dominique Leone, DJ Spooky, A3C Fest
By Ryan Dombal on September 9, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. EDT
-- Louisville indie musician Jason Noble (Rachel's, Rodan, Shipping News) is currently battling cancer in his hometown's Baptist East Hospital. A Caring Bridge blog has been set up by friends and family to keep people updated on Noble's status, and to take donations from supporters.
-- Experimental pop artist (and Pitchfork contributor) Dominique Leone releases his second LP, Abstract Expression, on September 22 via Important.
-- Thurston Moore, the Coup, the Jungle Brothers, and Rob Swift are just a few of the guests set to show up on eclectic producer DJ Spooky's sixth LP, The Secret Song, out October 6 on Thirsty Ear. Download a track from the record, called "Azadi", here.
-- Rakim, Killer Mike, 9th Wonder, DJ Drama, J-Live, Kidz in the Hall, B.o.B. and GLC are just a few of the artists scheduled to perform at this year's A3C Hip-Hop Festival, which goes down in various East Atlanta venues October 1-3.
News in Brief: Matthew Friedberger, Zurich, Alela Diane, Incubate Festival
By Tom Breihan on September 8, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. EDT
-- Winter Women/Holy Ghost Language School, the debut solo offering from Fiery Furnace Matthew Friedberger, came out on the tiny 859 Recordings imprint in 2006. On October 6, Thrill Jockey will reissue the double album with four bonus tracks.
-- Back in the mid-90s, Knives ov Resistance man Tony F Wilson got together with Neil Halstead (Slowdive, Mojave 3) to record ambient electronic stuff under the name Zurich. But the music they recorded was lost until recently. On September 22, Important will release the self-titled Zurich LP on vinyl in a limited edition of 500. Seefeel's Sarah Peacock guests.
-- On October 6, Rough Trade will release Alela and Alina, a new EP from folk singer Alela Diane, featuring Alina Hardin.
-- The Incubate Festival (formerly the ZXZW fest) will bring a whole mess of iconoclastic artists from different disciplines to the Dutch city of Tilburg September 13-20. The truly impressive musical lineup includes Jandek, the Damned, Mad Professor, Joker, Future of the Left, James Blackshaw, Shackleton, Kayo Dot, Blues Control, and Anaal Nathrakh.
News in Brief: Live at KEXP, Omo, Exene Cervenka, Sonic Boom Festival
By Tom Breihan on September 4, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. EDT
-- The Seattle nonprofit radio station KEXP is now five volumes deep into its Live at KEXP compilation series. Volume Five is out now, and you'll have to buy it from the KEXP website if you can't make it to a record store in Seattle or Portland. The new edition features jams from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, MGMT, of Montreal, the Hold Steady, and Andrew Bird, among others. Right-click here to download one track from the comp, Phosphorescent's "Wolves".
-- On September 22, Lo Alternative Frequencies will release The White Album, the debut album from new duo Omo, which features Berit Immig, keyboardist for the Chap. And on September 8, they'll also release a split 7" from Omo and the Chap.
-- L.A. punk rock great and X co-leader Exene Cervenka, who was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, will release solo album Somewhere Gone on October 6 via Bloodshot.
-- Franz Ferdinand, Metric, and Girl Talk will all be on hand for the Sonic Boom Festival, which will come to Edmonton, Alberta on September 5. Jason Mewes, the guy who plays Jay in all those Kevin Smith movies, will be the master of ceremonies.
The Stooges Reunite With Raw Power Guitarist James Williamson
By Tom Breihan on September 4, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. EDT
Earlier this year, Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton died of a heart attack. But as Rolling Stone reports, the Stooges aren't done yet.
In the early 70s, Ron Asheton moved to bass, and James Williamson joined the Stooges as a guitarist. Williamson played guitar on the band's 1973 Bowie-produced knuckledrag classic Raw Power, which makes him very much a part of Stooges history. And now Williamson has rejoined the band, replacing Asheton on guitar for a second time. The reconstituted Stooges will play their first shows at next year's ATP Festival, playing Raw Power in its entirety on May 2 and 3 in London.
UPDATE: All Tomorrow's Parties tells us that the Raw Power performances will NOT be during an ATP Festival, but will rather be part of ATP's Don't Look Back series, in which bands perform classic albums in their entirety. These shows will take place at Hammersmith Apollo, and the Stooges will be joined by two opening acts performing full albums.
Jay Reatard, Black Lips, King Khan, Roky Erickson Play Scion Garage Fest
By Tom Breihan on September 2, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. EDT
Garage rock refuses to die. For five decades, we've experienced revival after revival of sweaty kids banging their frustrations out on beat up guitars and fuzzed-up amps.
We're in the midst of yet another garage rock revival right now, and a boatload of bands involved in it will play the free Scion Garage Fest, coming to Portland, Oregon on October 17.
News in Brief: Goodie Mob, Boys Noize, Spinto Band, Bloodshot Beer-B-Q
By Tom Breihan on August 31, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. EDT
-- The forthcoming reunion from the legendary Atlanta rap crew Goodie Mob won't be limited to just one show. The group-- Cee-Lo included-- has another reunion gig lined up, at the stoner-friendly Cypress Hill Smokeout fest, which goes down October 23-24 at the San Manuel Amphitheater in San Bernardino, California. The bill also includes Geto Boys, Method Man and Redman, Heiroglyphics, Devin the Dude, Afrika Bambaataa, Living Legends, and Cypress Hill themselves. Cheech and Chong will host, but you could've guessed that.
-- On October 6, Last Gang Records/Turbo Recordings/Boysnoize Rec will release Power, the sophomore album from Berlin-based filter-house upstart Boys Noize. Did you know Boys Noize did that remix of the Black Eyed Peas' "Boom Boom Pow" with 50 Cent and Gucci Mane on it? He totally did! It's on his MySpace and everything!
-- Also on October 6, Delaware's Spinto Band will drop the Slim & Slender EP on Park the Van Records. It'll include a cover of Ary Barroso's "Brazil". The band will tour the U.S. in October.
-- Alt-country stalwart indie label Bloodshot Records celebrate their 15th anniversary by taking over the block outside Chicago's Hideout on September 12. The Bloodshot Beer-B-Q will be a benefit for Rock for Kids and 826 Chicago, and it'll feature Alejandro Escovedo, the Waco Brothers with Rico Bell, Bobby Bare Jr., the Deadstring Brothers, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, and others. More Beer-B-Qs will come to other cities soon.
Fun Fun Fun Fest Gets Jesus Lizard, Of Montreal
By Tom Breihan on August 26, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. EDT
Austin already has SXSW and Austin City Limits, and yet one more reason to wish we lived further South will happen when Fun Fun Fun Fest goes down November 7-8 at Austin's Waterloo Park.
Scanning at this lineup, it looks like it'll live up to its name-- the bill is stacked. We're talking Jesus Lizard, of Montreal, Crystal Castles, Destroyer, Ratatat, Yeasayer, Mission of Burma, Broadcast, Atlas Sound, WHY?, No Age, Les Savy Fav, Fuck Buttons, Times New Viking, the King Khan & BBQ Show, Neon Indian, Shearwater, Buraka Som Sistema, and Death. And there's plenty more.
Security Attacks GGD Drummer at Pukkelpop, Says Band
By Tom Breihan on August 25, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. EDT
Photo by Takahiro Imamura
Belgium's Pukkelpop Festival has always been a peaceful event, but things didn't turn out that way for Gang Gang Dance drummer Jesse Lee this past weekend. According to the band's publicist, security guards at the festival attacked Lee as he was attempting to enter the backstage area on Saturday. Gang Gang's tour manager claims that three security guards shoved Lee to the ground, pinned his arms behind him, and stomped on his arms in an attempt to break them. They also apparently shouted, "We are going to show you what real pain is," which...yikes.
The guards had accused Lee of throwing a bottle at them-- falsely, says the tour manager. Lee sustained some bruising, which didn't prevent him from playing the next night's show, though he was "shaken up."Â
Check below for an account of the attack (via Gang Gang Dance's publicist):
News in Brief: Third Man, New Pornos, Glorytellers, Reeperbahn
By Ryan Dombal on August 20, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. EDT
-- After opening a temporary record store in New York City for a couple days last month, Jack White's Third Man imprint is moving their operation west for a brief spell. Yet another Third Man quickie shop is set to pop up in downtown L.A.-- 448 S. Main Street, to be exact-- August 26-28.
-- Blaine Thurier is no longer just the keyboardist from the New Pornographers. He's now the keyboardist from the New Pornographers who wrote and directed a movie called A Gun to the Head that's premiering at next month's Toronto Film Festival. The comedy stars Tygh Runyan, who you may recognize from Snakes on a Plane.
-- Geoff Farina (Karate, Secret Stars) is back with a new LP from his indie pop band Glorytellers. The record is called Atone and out on September 8 via Southern. Download a song from it called "Concaves" here.
-- The Reeperbahn Festival brings Girls, Dinosaur Jr., Dan Deacon, CSS, King Khan and the Shrines, Times New Viking, Future of the Left, JosĂŠ GonzĂĄlez, and more to Hamburg, Germany for a weekend of unadulterated rock September 24-26.
CMJ Marathon Announces Initial Lineup
By Tom Breihan on August 20, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. EDT
If, a couple of months from now, you see a whole mess of fresh-faced college kids clasping laminated cards and waiting in endless lines outside New York venues, don't be alarmed. It's just the CMJ Music Marathon come to town again. The annual rite of passage will once again take over every room in New York with a halfway operable sound system October 20-24, and the folks behind it have announced a few of the bands that will play.
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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
City dumps fire chief before audit
Councillors voice suspicions
Councillors are raising angry questions about a city decision to terminate one of the central figures in the fire-paramedic station scandal only days before the release of a review of the affair.
On Wednesday, the City of Winnipeg parted ways with fire-paramedic Chief Reid Douglas, a city employee for four decades. Chief operating officer Deepak Joshi broke the news to Mayor Sam Katz and members of council in an email sent after the September council meeting ended.
"To ensure continuity in this important public safety leadership position, acting fire and paramedic chief William Clark will continue in the role. acting chief Clark has provided over 39 years of service to the City of Winnipeg and is currently a member of the WFPS executive," Joshi wrote.
"I am confident that acting chief Clark's leadership will facilitate a smooth transition while recruitment for a new chief takes place over the next few months."
Joshi offered no explanation for Douglas's departure. Along with Joshi, chief administrative officer Phil Sheegl and other senior city officials, Douglas had been questioned about his role in the controversial procurement and construction of four new fire-paramedic stations.
A review of the fire-paramedic station replacement program is expected as soon as early October, said city auditor Brian Whiteside, who declined to comment on the timing of Douglas's departure.
"The report will be made public in the coming weeks," Whiteside said.
Multiple city sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Douglas was the subject of an internal employee-morale survey at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service's head office this spring after the external review was already underway. Earlier this month, Douglas was offered a departure package, according to the city sources, who also said the chief was angry about the offer and considered holding a press conference.
At the time, the chief denied he was being forced out. On Wednesday, he could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Couns. Scott Fielding (St. James-Brooklands), Dan Vandal (St. Boniface) and Paula Havixbeck (Charleswood-Tuxedo) took issue with the timing of Douglas's termination.
Fielding, who chairs council's protection and community services committee, said it was improper for the city to dismiss Douglas before the contents of the review are known.
"I have some concerns about the timing of this. I wasn't involved in the decision. For the most part, I thought Reid was doing a good job, beyond some issues with the fire halls," Fielding said.
"I don't think it's appropriate, because action has been taken before an audit comes out. I don't have any details why he was terminated. I think the timing is inappropriate, to say the least."
Vandal said the move only adds to the air of impropriety at city hall, which is also undergoing an external audit of major real estate transactions.
"It just adds to the suspicion something's wrong," said Vandal, adding everyone on council has waited patiently for the review.
"This is a very significant report, and it would seem to me the chief of the WFPS is a very significant player in that report," Havixbeck said.
Firefighters are saddened by the chief's departure, said Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg said. "He risked his life for the City of Winnipeg. I don't know what the reasons are for his firing at this time. I can say his heart was always in the right place," Forrest said.
Katz declined to comment on the dismissal, citing confidentiality issues surrounding human-resources matters.
Sheegl also was asked to comment. In response, Joshi said the city could not comment, again citing confidentiality.
"What I can tell you is that the chief's departure has nothing to do with the audit. It is a human-resources matter," Joshi said in a statement.
What explanation do citizens deserve when high-profile officials like Reid Douglas are suddenly let go? Join the conversation in the comments below.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 26, 2013 A5
Updated on Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 6:35 AM CDT: Replaces photo, adds question for discussion
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Stabbing in Pocatello
(POCATELLO, ID) – Pocatello Police responded to a stabbing at a residence on Hayes Avenue early Thursday. Officers received a call just after 5 a.m. about a 35-year-old man who'd been stabbed. The victim, whose name has not been released, was taken to Portneuf Medical Center where he remained as of Thursday evening. The incident remains under investigation. No suspects have been identified.
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Tag Archives: talmud
Hillel, comma, open, and Beit Shammai
Once again HIllel has found itself in the news due to several recent events: Eric Fingerhut's refusal to speak at J Street, and the response of the students there, as well as Hillel's threat to sue its Swarthmore chapter over declaring itself an open Hillel, to which Swarthmore students responded by changing their name.
It is unfortunate that Hillel has decided to abandon its Jewish values in favor of making an idol of certain opinions that some of its donors have decided trump any other consideration. Hillel has always been a beacon of pluralism, welcoming students of all sorts – regardless of which movement they belong to, regardless of whether they believe in God, their Jewish status, and in fact, I believe that Hillel does not even have a policy regarding students who might believe in the messiahship of Jesus. Despite a history of openness, Hillel has decided that on one particular topic, students are too naive to -in an academic environment, one which, presumably, is intended for them to be exposed to opinions of all kinds, some noxious and some valuable, some foolish and some brilliant- hear and decide for themselves what to think about the policies of Israel's government.
The Babylonian Talmud, the enormous document which collects the thoughts, arguments, legal decisions and aggadic – narrative material describing the rabbis' thoughts about all kinds of topics- discussions of the rabbis, is not a document that shies away from controversy. In it is found not merely the final decisions of what law wins out, but the arguments of not merely both, but often many more than two, parties to the debate on a particular topic.
The talmud in a number of places expresses its opinion on the results of suppressing opinions – both positively and negatively. In tractate Eruvin (13b) we learn read the famous passage regarding Beit Hillel – the school that follows the rulings of Hillel:
"For three years there was a dispute between Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel, the former asserting, 'The halachah is in agreement with our views' and the latter contending, 'The halachah is in agreement with our views'.Then a bat kol (a heavenly voice) spoke, announcing, 'Both these and these are the words of the living God, but the halachah is in agreement with the rulings of Beit Hillel'. Since, however, both are the words of the living God' what was it that entitled Beit Hillel to have the halachah fixed in agreement with their rulings? Because they were kindly and modest and they taught both their own rulings and those of Beit Shammai, and not only that, but would teach Beit Shammai's opinions before their own."
Elsewhere in the Talmud, we see the results of excluding the minority voice. Many of us have heard of the story of the Oven of Achnai – but very few read it to the end. The story begins with a group of sages sitting around debating whether an oven, once taken to pieces, can be restored to a state of wholeness (this is no accident – it is a subtextual argument abut the Jewish people, as well). In the course of this argument, all the rabbis except one – Rabbi Eliezer – argue for a particular outcome. Eliezer calls on miracle after miracle to prove his point, but the other rabbis reject them – even rejecting a voice from heaven- stating that the Torah is not in heaven, and that majority thus rules. Most of the time when we read this story, we end it here: "Rabbi Nathan met Elijah and asked him: What did the Holy One, Blessed be He, do in that hour? — He laughed [with joy], he replied, saying, 'My children have defeated Me, My children have defeated Me.'"
But in fact, this is not the end of the story, but its middle. What happens next is that the rabbis vote to excommunicate the holder of the minority opinion. When Eliezer is informed of this, "the world was then smitten: a third of the olive crop, a third of the wheat, and a third of the barley crop. Some say, the dough in women's hands swelled up. " But that isn't all: everything that Rabbi Eliezer's eyes fall on are burned up, and Rabban Gamaliel, the Nasi – president of the Great Sanhedrin – ultimately dies.
In other words, the outcome of excluding from the community the person who holds a minority opinion is to nearly destroy the world, and to actually destroy a good part of it.
How ironic is it that an organization whose dedication to pluralism is such that it took the name of the rabbi who founded a school dedicated to hearing both their own teachings and those of the school who disagreed with them? How disappointing that they have been unable to live up to that standard: for Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai, too, each believed that the future of the Jewish people relied on them.
The sages, too, knew disagreement. And their response was to make sure we understood the consequences of silencing the minority. I hope, surely, that we can learn that lesson before it is too late.
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What Should Rabbis Talk About?
In recent weeks, several of my colleagues both on this blog and elsewhere, have written thoughtful articles on current issues of national concern. Issues such as immigration reform, vaccinations, perspectives on scientific research, and more. Like all the pieces that we share here, these articles are designed to stimulate thought and dialogue. Sometimes they express a strongly-held opinion, but more often they seek to contribute to an ongoing conversation by bringing in personal experience, or pastoral experience from working with others. Often they bring some Jewish textual wisdom into their writing, usually to demonstrate the existence of Jewish conversations throughout the centuries that might provide ethical or spiritual narratives that embed the contemporary debate in something much larger and older.
As I've read these various articles I am, of course, also interested in the commentary – the comments – that are generated by a wide variety of readers. Those who agree and those who disagree. Just as with the commentaries upon commentaries that we find in the Talmud and centuries of Jewish debate, the commentary can add considerably to the depth and impact of the article itself. Many times my own personal perspective on an issue has been broadened when, having read something with which I thought I was in wholehearted agreement, I then read comments that present cogent and thoughtful arguments for an opposing point of view.
However, in recent weeks I've noticed a different kind of commentary that, while perhaps not surprising in the broader context of the culture of social media, nevertheless causes me enormous sadness. Commentary that, rather than presenting a counterpoint to the article, responds to the author with utter disdain for their audacity to offer an opinion on the topic altogether as a rabbi. Some commentary seeks to diminish the very essence of people who do their work with care and the utmost of integrity using language that I cannot imagine would be used in any genuine face-to-face encounter. While I wish to call for all who wish to enrich and broaden the thoughtful debate on issues to do so in a way that holds firm to Jewish ethical principles of human interaction (see teachings on Derech Eretz – respect, Bushah – causing embarrassment, for example), I also wish to address the deeper question of what rabbis speak about, how we speak about them, and why.
When we study Torah, and the vast vault of Jewish literature and wisdom that the teachers of our tradition have generated over centuries, we quickly see that Judaism is infinitely more than a set of ritual practices or ancient stories of our origins. It is a path through life, with wisdom teachings on every aspect of that life, from health and safety issues, to business ethics, to ethical ways of engaging with and treating foreigners, to the obligation to create a just society that takes care of its poor and takes steps to protect the most disenfranchised. Now, it is the case that we often cannot simply lift a quote or a law from a particular moment in time or place in those texts as a proof-text for a particular perspective on a contemporary issue. But these texts often provide us with very worthwhile guidance on how to sift through both the fact and the opinions on a contemporary issue. They can sometimes offer us another way to frame the conversation (a conversation on giving tzedakah that might start with judgments on how the tzedakah will be used, gets broadened to a consideration of the dignity of the receiver when viewed through the lens of Jewish teachings, for example). And yes, sometimes, there is a clearly expressed ethical position in our tradition that, while not perhaps helping us determine whether a specific piece of legislation is well-worded or designed or not, can point to a Jewish way of thinking about what kind of changes get us closer to a vision of the best society we can be. And it's never black or white. Society has changed a great deal over the centuries, and the sources we might consult may no longer do what we need them to do in a contemporary situation.
We live in an age when experts of all kinds are being challenged and questioned. That is not a bad thing, although it does sometimes make it harder for a society to chart a clear path forward on certain issues. When rabbis speak on issues of pressing relevance to our lives – issues that are also being debated by scientists, by politicians, by doctors, and more, it is to add to the breadth of perspectives that are to be found in the public square on these issues. Because if we believe that our faith tradition has more to offer than lighting candles on Shabbat, celebrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or keeping kosher, then it is the job of the teachers of that tradition to bring to light the enormous wealth of material from our tradition that can continue to help us navigate our path through life today. That life is shaped by a myriad of forces, decisions, expert guidance, and ethical choices, each and every day. And that is why rabbis need to talk about these issues too. And if you disagree with what you hear or what you read, present your arguments and offer alternative points of view. I believe that we can do all of that… amicably.
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Let the Parenting Criticism Stop… Unless
The other day I came across a very funny video by Similac, the baby formula company. This extended advertisement was more of a public service announcement urging parents to stop criticizing the parenting techniques of other parents. (Watch the video here).
It doesn't take long to realize that the strong message from Similac is that parents need to stop judging other parents about whether they choose to breastfeed their babies or provide baby formula. It's certainly in the best interest of Similac to put an end to the onslaught of criticism waged against mothers who opt to feed with formula rather than from their breasts.
The formula vs. breastfeeding debate, which I'm not going to get into, wasn't the reason my interest was piqued by this video. What intrigued me so much about this video was that it made me question where the line is between legitimate criticism of others' parenting decisions and the etiquette of simply biting ones tongue.
Judaism certainly offers up its fair share of parenting advice. The Talmud, a sort of ancient parenting manual, advises when a parent should begin to teach his child Torah, how to swim, and even how to find a mate. On the matter of disciplining a child, Proverbs advises, "He who spares his rod hates his son but he who loves him is diligent to chastise him." It's one thing for Jewish law to offer prescriptions for responsible parenting, but when another parent is critical of how we parent our own children it can be an uncomfortable situation.
Many parents are quick to judge other parents, but haven't walked a mile in their shoes. We've all seen parents roll their eyes when another parent lets their young child see a questionable movie, get a cell phone at an early age, wear expensive name brand clothing, or go out in the cold without a jacket. As the Similac video made clear, our global concern should be over the wellbeing of all children rather than trying to force our own opinions of how best to parent on others.
So, if it's inappropriate for parents to criticize other parents over the source of food for infants and whether to let their children play outside without a warm jacket, is it ever acceptable to be critical of our peers' choices as parents?
Well, that brings us to two ongoing news items. The first is the current spread of Measles in the United States. The outbreak, which is traced to an unvaccinated child at Disneyland in California, is highlighting the vaccination debate in our nation. In the case of vaccinating children, it is acceptable to voice our disagreement with the choice of other parents. Sending your child outside without a coat, staying up late at night, or letting him play a violent video game only affects your child. When parents choose to avoid having their children vaccinated in the 21st century, it poses a serious health risk to others. In the name of pikuach nefesh, saving a life, we have the responsibility to voice our disapproval of parents letting their children go unvaccinated.
The same is true when a parent is seen hitting their child. While some parents choose to spank or as a form of discipline and others feel it is improper, we should all agree that outright hitting a child is abusive. Unfortunately there's no perfect litmus test for this and deciding whether to intervene when we see a parent hitting their child in public can be an uneasy situation. However, we should intercede on behalf of the child. In many cases, the parent just needs to calm down and handle the situation differently. While it might feel awkward to step in and voice an objection to the way the parent handled the situation, it is the ethical and justified course of action.
There is certainly gray area when it comes to criticizing other parents, but my sense is that our gut reaction will usually be right. There are certain things that occur between a parent and child that are none of our business, but there are other things that have a harmful effect – either on that child specifically or on society at large. I maintain that when it comes to parents not vaccinating their children or engaging in corporal punishment, we are duty bound to intercede and voice our disagreement. For just about everything else, just grin and bear it.
Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy
This Little Flame of Mine
The week began with me feeling self-conscious gesturing with my hands and glittery purple nails. I recently read Rebecca Sirbu's piece about how rarely we heed life's painful reminders that this is it. To honor the memory of a friend she had lost, she wore a purple hair extension for a week. When I read Rebecca's reflection, I recalled how much I wanted to paint my nails. I wrote Rebecca my thanks for her piece. I shared what I wanted to do, and my hesitation about doing it. I was afraid it would be too distracting to the students I teach, or my hospice patients and their families.
As a queer man, I have learned not to take my safety for granted. Several times a year, I am the target of harassment: when I walk down the street, people occasionally shout "faggot!". In my rabbinic work, my sense of unsafety is more subtle. People remark on how "young" I look, a perception I attribute not only to being 32, but also being queer and small-framed. "Looking young" is often code for inexperienced, not wise, or not fit for the rabbinate. To protect myself from these judgments, I sometimes feel I have to dress in ways that make me appear older or more normatively "masculine".
As Hanukkah begins, we are instructed to "publicize the miracle" (pirsum ha'nes) of the jar of oil that lasted eight days. The rabbis of the Talmud state, "It is a commandment to place the Hanukkah lamp by the outside door of the house. If one dwells in an upper apartment, one places it by the window nearest the street. But in times of danger it is sufficient to leave it on the table" (Shabbat 21b). Though I am largely safe as a Jew, I am not always sure I am safe as a queer male. As I look back over this week, I realize how many times I was tempted to put my hands into my pockets to hide my nails.
After I painted my nails, I taught middle and high school students. In one of my classes a teen asked, "Rabbi Adam, what's on your hands?" I told him it was nail polish. He asked, "Who painted them?" "I did one hand, my partner did the other", I replied. He asked "Who?" I repeated, "My partner." After he asked a third time, I said, with hesitation, "My boyfriend." Which he responded to by inquiring, "How do you say nail-polish in Hebrew?" As third period approached, I felt anticipatory dread about the response of my class of Jewish teen boys – historically not a "safe" environment for me. Instead of the comments I would have expected during my teenage years had I worn nail polish, they exclaimed, "Cool color!" and asked "Did you pick that because it matches your eyes?"
These days, the sun races through the sky. Each day is short. As the moon wanes, the night's darkness deepens. Each year at this time, it is easy for me to despair, to believe the light will never return. At this darkest time of the year, we are instructed to light a light. Some of us do it in secret, some visibly. The Talmud says we always have the option to hide this light when we feel we're in danger. Despite this, I know I have ancestors who, even in times of danger, displayed their lit menorahs in their windows. They recognized that hiding does not always create a sense of safety.
When I told Rebecca my concerns about wearing nail polish, she responded, "What color do you want to do your nails?" Perhaps, as a queer man, it's time I began to publicize the miracle of acceptance, of relative safety I am finding. The miracle is that it is safe to flame, to shine my light. This Hanukkah, I know I'll be flaming all eight nights.
Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy
A Time to be Silent and a Time to Speak
"There is a time to be silent and a time to speak." So says the author of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) in a famous chapter that begins by telling us, "there is a time for every matter under heaven." Yesterday was Tisha B'Av, a fast day which traditionally commemorates the destruction of the first and second temples in ancient Jerusalem and all subsequent tragedies to befall the Jewish people. Last night, as I studied together with congregants, we looked at a story found in the Talmud (Gittin 55b) that attributes the destruction of the second temple to sinat hinam—baseless hatred. The story demonstrates how powerful emotions such as humiliation, pride, shame, inaction, and revenge unleash a destructive series of events on the people. And it all begins with words—an act of speech that contains the power to hurt and to harm in real, material ways. At every turn in the story, the question must be asked, "what if he had said…? What if they had said…? Did they say something in private? Should they have spoken in public?" I am a struck by the complexity of applying the Jewish ethical teachings on shmirat lashon (guarding the tongue) —taking great care with our words and lashon hara (literally "evil tongue")—negative speech/slander/gossip in real life situations. When must we speak out, and when ought we to consider silence in order to listen, observe, and witness?
Over the past few weeks I've read with sadness as some friends online have shared that they have been "unfriended" or have themselves "unfriended" someone with whom they have a profound difference of perspective over the war between Israel and Hamas. These are indeed challenging times as we consider the impact of our words and the challenge of responding to Kohelet's observation with thought and care—when is it a time to be silent and when is it a time to speak?
There have been times when speech is absolutely necessary. Those representing Israel must speak in the public sphere; to the media, to the UN, to the people of Israel and the people of Gaza. Those who seek to defend Israel's absolute right to defend itself from terrorist attack must gather and speak in public venues to demonstrate that Israel does not stand alone. Those who investigate and learn something that can further our understanding of the practices and tactics of Hamas, and of the Israel Defense Forces, must speak. And there are times, using the tools of social media, that we feel that we must share information that illustrates an important truth or an important need.
When, then, might it be a time for silence? I have read literally hundreds of postings and articles on the war this past month. Some I like, because they accord with my already pre-existing opinions and positions. Some I find challenging, because they share a perspective that, while it may contain important truths, are inconvenient because they do not accord with how I wish to frame things. There are things that I read, and I think most of us know them when we see them, that are so strident in how they express the certainty of one way of looking at things that it appears that the primary goal is to antagonize those who see differently, and not to educate on some important matter of fact. Those are the moments when it is easy to be drawn into a war of words—and when, in fact, we might do better to remain silent. I can like something without hitting "like" and I can disagree with something without needing to use the blunt tools of social media expression to bring the poster to task for what I perceive to be their misguided perspective.
Another time when silence may be better than the wrong words, or well-intentioned but clumsily expressed words? When I read the postings from my dear friend, a Muslim married to a Palestinian, who is in pain. I notice that she does not share political pieces, but simply her pain at bearing witness to the pain and suffering of her people. Could I counter with questions about who has caused those deaths and injuries, or talk about the use of human shields? What would be the purpose of my words? What is the emotion and the need expressed in her words? My silence could, of course, be interpreted as a lack of caring. But my silence is meant as an expression of respect—respect for the reality of the pain and suffering. I wish to say nothing that will diminish my friend's pain. My friendship is more important.
As we discussed these, and other scenarios, in our gathering last night, what became clear to us all is that it is very difficult to discern with clarity when to speak and when to remain silent. Simply carrying that awareness might bring with it a humility that accompanies our word—an awe that contains within it the knowledge of how much, in any moment, we don't know. There are times when we still must speak, and times when we still must respond. But, perhaps, if we take a little longer to reflect on our felt need to do so, and our perception of someone else's need to express something different, our words can contribute more to all that we seek to create, and do less harm to our friendships and to our society as a whole.
Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy
Jews Don't Believe in Birthdays but in Saving Lives
My husband does not do birthdays. When I first met him over 20 years ago, this truly puzzled me. Birthdays were simply not a big deal and when I pressed for a reason he fell back on tradition, reminding me that Jews don't believe in birthdays. Personally, I think his lack of birthday enthusiasm is related to his late August birthday falling on the seam between the school year blowout and the camp hoopla, and being resigned to it never being that huge celebration. But he is not so wrong. Birthdays are not a big deal in Jewish tradition.
Think about it. Given the Jewish propensity for celebration and ritual there is a notable lack of birthday celebration. Judaism pays particularly close attention to the anniversary of the day someone dies, the Yahrzeit by saying prayer, lighting candles and remembering the good done during a life. The quiet around birthdays, derives in part from the association of celebration of births as a non-Jewish practice. The only birthday mentioned in the Bible is that of Pharaoh. In the Mishnah the only celebration of birthdays comes in connection to that of pagan rulers. Rabbi Louis Jacobs explains "…in ancient times, Jews saw a birthday as a gloomy reminder that life is drawing closer to its end; a day for solemn reflection and repentance rather than festivity." But by the time of the Talmud, there was a budding appreciation for the birthday, owing to the idea that famous rabbis birthdays overlapped with the day when another rabbi passed away so that the aggregate Torah knowledge was maintained.
Birthdays may be a less emphasized in Judaism but I'm not buying my husband's approach. Like most Jews, I love a good birthday celebration and in fact the lack of religious ritual allows for creativity without obligation when it comes to the day!
But with the state of affairs in the Middle East, with so many lives cut short and no clear end to the violence in view, joyful abandon just does not feel like the right approach as we near his birthday.
Instead we have decided to focus on one of his passions, one that puts the power of saving lives in the hands of ordinary people, donating blood. Since he was 17, he has donated over 90 times. He is hoping that in his lifetime he will reach 180 donations. And I hope to honor David Abusch-Magder (also known as Dr. D) by encouraging others to make a donation. Wherever you live, whether you know him or not, we want to encourage you to donate. He won't derive any direct benefit from what we are calling "a virtual blood drive," but many others will. Can't donate? Then encourage others to do so. The summer months are slow giving times. Those of us who are able should take an hour out of our busy lives or vacation time and take this important step.
Let us know if you donate any time in the next six weeks. We have put together a simple form to fill out. We will collect all the names and are taking suggestions on how to celebrate those who are able to give.
Jews may differ on celebrating birthdays but we can all agree on saving lives.
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Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy
Bridgegate vs. God
The story broke two weeks ago, and updates are still front-page news.
Allegedly, New Jersey Governor Christie's leadership team closed lanes on the George Washington Bridge into Fort Lee for no reason — except to annoy the mayor of Fort Lee, who did not endorse Christie's bid for re-election.
No one died in the four-day traffic jam. However, some very nasty emails were circulated. Emails documenting a petty, mean-spirited understanding of political exchange, in which politics serves individual careers rather than the common good.
"Moving on can't happen," says one New York Times reader-commentator, "until Christie accepts the blame for creating and enabling the culture that led to Bridge-gate."
Two weeks ago, at our Young Adult Talmud study, we agreed: it is a matter of creating an ethical culture. Around a table at Kafka's Coffee and Tea in Vancouver, Canada, graduate students in political science, education, business and medicine discussed a famous passage of Talmud (Bava Metzia 58b) about verbal fraud.
Just as there is fraud in buying and selling, so too there is fraud in words. One may not say to a merchant, "How much is this object," if one does not wish to buy.
"Why not?" I asked. "Why should I not entertain myself by bantering with a shopkeeper?"
Because, students said, business is based on trust. Asking prices for no reason gives a false impression; thus, it is a breach of trust. Normally, we assume we can trust our business associates, unless we have a specific reason not to. If you think you are too cynical and savvy to trust naively, remember your behavior when shopping in the supermarket. You read labels, assume the information is true, purchase a product, and put it right into your body.
And because, students said, it is personally harmful to the shopkeeper. By engaging with you, the shopkeeper invests time. The time, however, might have been more wisely invested in another customer. The shopkeeper also invests emotional energy in you. When you falsely represent yourself, you manipulate the shopkeeper's mood, for your own purposes.
And because, students said, words are the foundation of human communication. When you intentionally misuse words, you undermine a social foundation. The real purpose of communication is to create human community. In fact, the real purpose of business is to create community. When you are dishonest in business, you undermine human community.
At this point in the discussion – I am not making this up – an education student said, "Hey, did you hear about what happened in New Jersey?" Words were used badly, moods were manipulated, trust was broken, and community was undermined.
For the matter is entrusted to the heart, and concerning any matter that is entrusted to the heart, it was said: "And you shall fear your God" (Leviticus 25:17).
"When you do a very small wrong," said a medical student, "you may think you are getting away with it, but God sees what happened."
"Let's get away from the idea of God as a judge," said another medical student, "and talk about our conscience. When you do something bad, you feel bad."
"And the bad feeling in you affects others," said a business student. "If we want good relationships, we have to stop stockpiling lists of times others harmed us." Otherwise, we retaliate simply for the sake of retaliation – as Governor Christie's team seems to have done.
Didn't the students think they were getting a little overly spiritual? After all, we were discussing business and politics.
"There are higher truths than business," said a political science student.
"The matter is entrusted to the heart, and that's where God lives," said a medical student. "God is the space where we do interpersonal mitzvot. Create a trusting community, and you bring God into the world."
As they talked, I began to see the bridge as a metaphor. Bridge-gate does open onto higher principles. A bridge of trust connects humans in community; narrow the bridge, and community is constricted. Jewish mystics talk about the flow of divine energy that animates the world. When we see only our selves and fail to honour others who help sustain us, we block the flow.
The students in our Talmud group understand this higher truth. May they be the politicians, educators, healers, and business leaders of the future.
Image: theoldmotor.com. Cross-posted at On Sophia Street.
Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy
Pursuing your dreams?
About a year ago, someone recommended a Paulo Coelho book to me—a popular one—The Alchemist. Most people I know that have read the book loved it: they feel it's speaking to them, encouraging them to take life by the horns, and live it to it's fullest; to pursue their dreams. But I… I hated it.
Like many books of its type, its assumption is that when people don't live their dreams out, it's because they didn't try, or they didn't dream big enough—books like these are inspirational posters writ long. Not that I have anything against inspirational posters. If that's your thing, feel free. But at the same time, I can't help but think that this attitude underlies so much of what Judaism struggles with against secular culture: that adults are required to act as part of a social contract and to sometimes do boring things for the sake of others. Where is the recognition that sometimes you work hard at a crappy job to support your family? My father was a bureaucrat until his retirement, and I think he did the best job at it he could, and he did good for others in whatever way he could there. But I strongly doubt that it was the job he dreamed of as a child. But I always had enough to eat and a roof over my head. He's still married to my mother. Did he not dream big enough? Maybe he should have lit out for the hills to pursue his dreams instead?
When I hear people saying that the only thing in the way of one's dreams is oneself, I find myself angry for the janitors and clerks and fast food workers—did they not dream big enough? Do they not work hard enough? Do the poor of other nations simply lack imagination? And angry on behalf of people like my father, who work hard all their lives to make sure their families have enough, even if the job isn't—in itself—meaningful or stirring. Whose lives are just not exciting. From the outside, at least. Continue reading
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Hillel and Shammai
Two weeks ago I posted a piece responding to some articles on patrilineality which provoked several excellent other blog posts and a lot of conversations. I deeply appreciate both the supportive and the critical responses, as a result of which I continue to examine and reexamine my approach to the matter.
Although after having done so, I remain convinced that the Conservative approach remains correct, halachicly speaking, I thought it might be interesting to present a sugiyah from the talmud in which the schools of Hillel and Shammai discuss a breach between them which could have led to their division from one another in a profound way, yet did not.
In the talmud Yevamot 14a (I'm using the Soncino translation) we read the response to a dispute involving who is permitted to marry whom. I've added comments in brackets to try to make it more understandable.
The talmud says,
Come and hear: THOUGH THESE FORBADE WHAT THE OTHERS PERMITTED … BEIT [The school of] SHAMMAI, NEVERTHELESS, DID NOT REFRAIN FROM MARRYING WOMEN FROM THE FAMILIES OF BEIT HILLEL, NOR DID BEIT HILLEL [REFRAIN FROM MARRYING WOMEN] FROM THE FAMILIES OF BEIT SHAMMAI. Now, if it be said that [Beit Hillel] did not act [in accordance with their own view] one can well understand why THEY DID NOT REFRAIN [from intermarrying with one another] [Because this would mean that they both acted according to the same principles, but one school did so while acting contrary to the principles that they held]. If, however, it be said that [Beit Shamai] did act [in accordance with their own view], why did they not refrain? That Beit Shammai did not refrain from marrying women from the families of Beth Hillel may well be justified because [the individuals in question] are the children of persons guilty only of the infringement of a [relatively minor prohibition, for which the punishment is also minor] but why did not Beit Hillel refrain from [marrying women from the families of] Beth Shammai [Because descendants from these marriages between rivals, which are permitted by Beit Shammai, are regarded by Beit Hillel as forbidden and involve a major penalty]? Such people, surely, being children of persons who are guilty of an offense involving karet, are illegitimate [this causes a major problem - how can one marry into the family of someone if their status might be someone you are prohibited to marry, and which carries a major penalty for doing so if it turns out to be the case]! And if it be suggested that Beit Hillel are of the opinion that the descendant of those who are guilty of an offence involving karet is not a [illegitimate], surely, [it may be retorted], Rabbi Eleazar said: Although Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel are in disagreement on the questions of rivals, they concede that an illegitimate is only he who is descended from a marriage which is forbidden as incest and punishable with karet! Does not this then conclusively prove that [Beit Shammai] did not act [in accordance with their own view]? — No; they acted, indeed, [in accordance with their own view], but they informed [Beit Hillel] [of the existence of any such cases] and [Beit Hillel] kept away.
So, we see that situations like these are not novel – we have always had a diversity of halachic opinions on matters that in their time were no doubt just as painful to those involved. Yet, in the end, the two schools continued to marry one another – their solution, according to the talmud, being that they made clear, out of respect for one another, who fell into or outside of their boundaries – but they remained one community, despite their differences.
On Yevamot 14b, the talmud concludes:
Come and hear: Although Beit Shammai and Beit Hillel are in disagreement on the
questions of rivals, sisters, an old bill of divorce, a doubtfully married woman, a woman whom her husband had divorced and who stayed with him over the night in an inn, money, valuables, a perutah and the value of a perutah, Beit Shammai did not, nevertheless, abstain from marrying women of the families of Beit Hillel, nor did Beit Hillel refrain from marrying those of Beit Shammai.
This is to teach you that they showed love and friendship towards one another, thus putting into practice the Scriptural text, "Love ye truth and peace."
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Is Freedom A Jewish Virtue?
Are you on the freedom bandwagon yet? Celebrations of the concept of freedom seem to be permeating the cultural-political zeitgeist these days. Stephen Spielberg's movie "Lincoln," which tells the story of President Lincoln's efforts to pass a Constitutional amendment banning slavery, just received a leading 12 nominations for best picture of the year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in which we celebrate the birth of the great civil rights hero who helped lead African Americans in their struggle for freedom from racial oppression, is just around the corner (January 21).
And have you seen the Piers Morgan-Alex Jones interview yet? In a clip that has gone viral, Jones, a radio talk show host and gun enthusiast, launches into a vitriolic tirade about guns, freedom, and potential revolution that makes one wonder how he qualified for a gun permit in the first place.
All of this happens to be coinciding with the time of year in which Jews read the Exodus narrative. At first glance, it appears to be perfect timing. After all, the story of God's deliverance of the Israelites from slavery to freedom formed the moral and linguistic basis for Kin''s civil rights oratory and is inextricably intertwined with Western society's development of a natural right to liberty (which underlies both the 13th Amendment and gun owner's claims to liberty from government intrusion into gun ownership). Continue reading
Note: The opinions expressed here are the personal views of the author. All comments on MyJewishLearning are moderated. Any comment that is offensive or inappropriate will be removed. Privacy Policy


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Clutch matching your outfit, them new heels that ain't out yet
from Hit-Boy (Ft. James Fauntleroy) – Fan Lyrics on Genius
Throughout the following lines HitBoy is making his fashion sense known.
He likes well dressed girls who are ahead of the times, fashion forward.
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Any style... Geared toward your goals
Learn to play the songs you want to play..... I am a professional performing Singer/Guitarist/Songwriter with 25+ years experience playing and teaching. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Guitar Performance from Temple University and spent 6 years performing in NYC with various groups and ensembles. I have studied and teach Classical guitar, Theory from both a classical and Jazz view point, Composition/Arrangement, Counterpoint and performance techniques such as repertoire building and maintenance. *** Lesson Details *** I will tailor the lesson toward you goals..... It's all about making music and having fun.... For beginning students we will begin with chromatic exercises to start building hand dexterity and comfort with the guitar as well as working out of Mel Bay's guitar
Scales, chords, finger and chordal techniques. Classical to contemporary genres. Combo of teacher and student choice repertoire for best well-rounded musical education that challenges and expands student's horizons and encourages a fun learning experience! Uses a variety of books; acoustic and/or electric depending on student's interests.
MM Degree - University of Miami Frost School of Music BM Degree, Summa Cum Laude, Berklee College of Music University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Katherine is an internationally-acclaimed, third-generation and award-winning artist who has appeared on Good Morning America, NBC 6, Telemundo and many other TV and radio shows. She has toured and performed throughout the US and abroad including top nightclubs in Los Angeles and NASCAR Vegas, Dallas and London. An inspiring and classically-trained musician/actor, she performs and teaches over 25 different genres. Down-to-earth, funny and knowledgeable, she has taught students nationwide and is known for her ability to produce results. Her ability to connect with students is matched by her impressive resume. Katherine ...
I grew up around Atlanta, GA and started playing piano when I was around 7 years old and bass when I was 11. Most of my education has been on the upright bass. I've studied classical bass performance at major music schools on the east coast and in the midwest. I've studied and worked with musicians from many of the great orchestras around the world. I enjoy working with students who are just coming to the bass or piano for the first time and getting them started with music in a rewarding way as well as more advanced students that need finer musical direction or audition coaching. *** Lesson Details *** I try to keep a relaxed environment while still being motivating and inspiring. I tailor lessons around what the individual student's goals are. There are materials that I like to ...
Sam K.
I play and teach Guitar (Electric/Acoustic), Bass (Electric/Upright), 5-String Banjo (Bluegrass and Old-timey), Violin/Fiddle, Mandolin, Dobro, Pedal Steel Guitar and Lap Steel Guitar, Ukulele, Piano and Piano Accordion. I have been teaching in the Pittsburgh area for over 20 years and owned my music studio/store for over 10 years. I have instructional book/cd(s) and instruments for purchase or rentals usually available on-site. I am experienced and friendly. Parking lot is free and off-street.
Various styles of guitar
My name is Grant and I am looking to educate people of all ages in playing Guitar and learning music theory. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor's of Music. As a student, I performed with Pitt's Carpathian Ensemble and Carnegie Mellon University's Classical Guitar Ensemble. In addition, I have performed with multiple groups/bands as well as a soloist. I have been playing the guitar for over 12 years. Although I have learned under traditional teaching methods, I specifically tailor lessons for each and every individual student. My goal as a teacher is to ensure that all students improve their abilities as an artist and a musician. I am an easy going, reliable individual with hopes of sharing my knowledge and skills with others. **Studio Equipment** ...
There's no substitute for self-motivation whenever learning a new instrument. Whether it be the song with 500 plays on your iPod, or the theme to your favorite video game, you are much more likely to commit hours of weekly practice to an instrument if you spend that time with a song you thoroughly enjoy. For that reason, the core of my teaching style is simple: students come to me with the songs they love, and I show them how to play those songs. If this calls for specific chords, techniques, or strumming patterns, I make those the priority in the student's instruction. General fundamentals, music theory, and ear training are integrated into lessons as we gradually work toward mastering the songs you love.
I am a graduate from the University of Pittsburgh with a BA in Music, and I plan to use my experience and passion for the art to help students reach their performance goals. I've been playing guitar for ten years, and the mandolin & ukulele for five. Over the years, I have performed in large events like the One Young World Summit with the University of Pittsburgh Carpathian Ensemble, and the Passion of Gamelan and Pop Sunda Concert. I've also played smaller, more intimate concerts at venues like Mr. Small's Theater and the Warhol Museum with my own pop-rock band, The Suburban Sellouts. In 2012, I had the incredible opportunity to study Romani music abroad in Central Europe through the Romani Music, Culture, & Human Rights study abroad program, and in 2013 I trained in Balkan music at the ...
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Get the gyros for sure. Probably skip the souvlaki. The desserts are almost always good. I think the tzaziki sauce could use more garlic. All in all not a bad Saturday afternoon gut bomb when shopping.
In town a couple times a year and this place is always what we have for lunch. Great food and home made desserts! Don't be afraid of the authentic look of this spot, you will be disappointed if you do. Whatever you do don't settle for Subway across the way! This place is legit.
The gyros are fantastic, with excellent tzatziki sauce. The baklava is great too, and they have other fancy desserts that look tasty in the display, but I haven't tried them yet. The restaurant is in a mall, with typical mall decor, but the food makes it worthwhile.
This place is well hidden in the Holiday Village mall. You have to look to find it, but worth the effort.
I ordered a Giro,Asked about some other products and The Giro was delicious! The information I received on My questions was answered... Nice People. Nice Café...
Last year we had an excellent experience here, the food was great, but this year we went late and we had the feeling they used left over meat and too much sauce, but the home made baklava was more than excellent.
We love Little Athens. Great gyros, best French fries in town and probably the best homemade baklava anywhere. Better than what I've had in Europe or the middle east.
The very best Gyro in the State. Help is young and careless sometimes but the food keeps me coming back.
I have no complaints about this place. Good baklava and the only place to get a good gyro besides the state fair. The only downside is that they only take cash. Something many people don't carry around. They would get a lot more business if they took cards.
Being placed inside a mall foodcourt in an otherwise limited cultural city notwithstanding, the food and reprieve were much needed. After spending a portion of the holiday season shopping in the in-laws hometown and actually going to a mall for the first time in 15 years, observing American spending and instant gratification at its finest, a Gyro with meat cut...
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100 Restaurants Worth a Pilgrimage: North America & South America
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Napa Valley: The Restaurant at Meadowood
The high style, bespoke Napa cooking at the gorgeous Meadowood Resort comes from talented chef Chris Kostow. In his superlative nine- or 10-course tasting menus, Kostow often uses ingredients from the resort's expansive garden in creating exciting flavor combinations, like pine-cured venison, and tuna with assorted sorrels. meadowood.com


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Space where guests can cook their own meals
In the building, free or for a fee
Continuous access in the listing
Space where guests can cook their own meals
Towels, bed sheets, soap, and toilet paper
Central heating or a heater in the listing
In the building, free or for a fee
In the building, free or for a fee
Continuous access in the listing
Breakfast is provided.
The listing can accommodate a gathering of 25 or more attendees
Easy access to the building and listing for guests in wheelchairs
Private or Shared
Free, in the building or nearby
Posted emergency information and resources
The Space
You are checking - Captain Stern room (on boat 1) - bed size Queen (soft bed) - full set bathroom, Large sea windows, desk, reading light, air-conditioned, clean pillows and quilt.
For other room options, visit below links:
1. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/65117 ( Room1- Front Cabin, boat 1) - USD88/night
2. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/349836 (Room 2-Roof Suite, boat 1) - USD 118/night
3. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1514586 (Room3-Captain Suite, boat 1) - USD 108/night
5. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/2013499 (Room5-Cabin Suite, boat 2)- USD 75/night
6. http://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1967069 (Room6-Captain Suite. boat 2) - USD108/night
"We are now recommended on Lonely Planet, yeeey" (See all photos)
Our Chinese wooden-Junk boat is called Moksha (Moksha in sanskrit means Liberation) and was built in 1993. The boat has been restored and converted into comfortable houseboat in Oct 2010, with classic Chinese wooden decoration, modern kitchen and with luxury of space, open deck and balconies watching and listening to sky, air, ocean, mountains and refresh from vibrant and high-tech Hong Kong. Moksha is moored in Arberdeen on Hong Kong Island in South China Sea and conveniently connected. A local bus ride to famous Times-Square in Causeway Bay is just 10 minutes away. Causeway Bay is HK's major shopping districts and one of the most crowded areas as it contains many trendy shops carrying both locally made fashion and products from Japan and rest of the world. As such, it is a popular social spot for young people. Your host Saral, Siti and 2 cats (Shiva & Apple) live on the boat and there are 2 extra rooms on boat for travelers to stay.
On this page, you can see the bedroom pictures. It's a big 300 square feet suite room at stern-lower level. We'll provide fresh bed linens on your arrival and change once in 4 days. Our helper will daily clean and make your bedroom, washroom / bathroom. This suite room can accommodate 2 persons (a couple) and a small kid. There's no charge for one kid under 10 years old. For extra guests or kids can either book another room on the deck or stay in the TV room, that has a double bed but with a curtain to close on the bedside. The TV room is right next to this room, please refers to pictures for details. If you are traveling with a bigger group, we could reserve 2 full boats or upto 6 rooms with the TV room. Please contact us for details.
- Bus Terminal and Taxi station is right outside our Pier.
- 2 minutes boat ride is the famous Jumbo Restaurant on ocean.
- 5 minutes by Local bus is Ocean Park
- 15 minutes by local bus to Jockey Club (Horse races-every Wednesday), Wan-Chai, Causeway-Bay and Deep-Water-Bay beach.
- 15 min by taxi to the Wanchai Exhibition center.
- 25 minutes by local bus & MTR to Central.
- Direct ferry to Lamma island from Aberdeen Pier - 5min from our boat.
Stone throw away from our boat is the Ocean Park, which is undoubtedly the best theme park in Hong-Kong (Yes, much better then Disney-Land). With the presence of four giant pandas and four very rare and cute red pandas, as well as plenty of rides, such as the celebrated roller coaster called the Dragon and the Abyss 'turbo drop'. In Marine Land you'll find sea lions and seals, daily dolphin and killer-whale shows, and aquariums with 5,000 fish from 400 species, and contain the world's biggest aquarium viewing dome. The newly opened "Polar adventure" in 2012 house many polar animals including 70 penguins, pacific Walruses etc.
To go for local flair, near to our boat, there's Nam Long Shan road cooked food market and Ap Lei Chau Fish Market where Chinese Dai pai dong (food stalls) operators cook up tasty dishes in HK$30 to HK$60 range, and affordable seafood selections. You can buy seafood from the wet market downstairs and pay them to cook it for you the way you want.There's also a Thai food restaurant that offers the best Tom Yum soup and Red Curry run by a Thai couple. Every evening, fishermen, dragon boaters and locals come to these markets for the cheap beer and delicious food.
Lots of beaches like Deep-water Bay (walkable distance), Repulse Bay, Stanley beach and small island villages that are within 20 mins bus or Ferry ride from our boat. We can arrange many water sports such as wake-boarding, Jet-Ski etc so send us message for details. Stanley is also famous for stalls selling that last-minute souvenirs gifts and lots of great restaurants and bars. 20mins by Ferry is the most famous Lamma Island where you can visit the Lamma Fisherfolk's Village, Tin Hau Temples and enjoy hiking to find strange rocks and beautiful views or relax by eating sumptuous Chinese seafood feast at a delightful waterfront restaurants.
From the airport to our place, it takes around 40 minutes by Taxi & costs around HKD350. If you want a local/cheaper option, then first take the airport express train (HK$100 per person) from the airport to Hong Kong Station (Central- last stop) then jump on a bus (HKD4.7 per person) from right outside the Hong Kong Station station (Exchange Square bus terminal) to the last stop (Shum Wan road bus terminal) near our home. Or you can take a taxi (HKD80) after you arrive Central. The pier is next to the bus terminal, you can take the water taxi to the boat. It's only 2 minutes away from the pier to the boat. The water taxi runs 24 hours and cost HKD7 per person in the day time, HKD10 per person in the night time and HKD20 per person after mid-night. The direction with full details & reference pictures will be sent to you few weeks before your check in.
You can always see "Boat Moksha Hong Kong" on FxxxBxxk Page as well !! If you like our FxxxBxxk page, you will get US$ 5 off for every night of your stay with us. You can also go to that page to check out more picture which are shared by our guest :).
Basic breakfast such as cereals, bread-toast, tea, coffee will be provided. You are welcomed to use the kitchen to cook and store your groceries in our fridge but make sure to clean-up after use. If you like us to prepare meals for you, please send us message for details. There are also many local & chain restaurants around. Please ask us for details.
Finally, if you haven't found answers to all your questions then feel free to send us the message with your questions. We'll get back to you as soon as possible, normally within an hour if not sleeping.
In addition, you may also read "House Rules" to find out more about the location, our pets, check in, and check out times. Your host keeps the availability calendar updated, so you may go ahead and book if it says available or otherwise send us the message and we may be able to make special arrangements depending on conditions.
Looking forward to see you at Moksha-Happy Travels !!
- The hosts lives with 2 British-short-hair cats. As concerned about the health of the cats, Please do-not feed the cat without host permission.
- Check out time Before 1pm however in some circumstances such as late flight, we accept late check-out considering that no other guests are arriving the same day, in which case you are welcomed to hang-around on the boat but clear the room before 1pm.
- Check in time: After 1:00 pm however in some circumstances such as early flight arrival, we accept early check-in considering that no other guests are checking out the same day, in which case you are welcomed to hang-around on the boat until the room is cleared and cleaned.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If Check-in after 9pm, is consider as late and requires you to inform the host in advance as we have to make special arrangements. If the guest didn't inform the host of the late check-in, we will consider the booking is cancelled automatically without refund.
- We have electric toilets on-board which gets jammed/damaged if you throw anything else in the toilet except toilet paper (eg cotton buds, plastic, diapers, pads etc) . In case the pump is broken due to your carelessness we'll charge the repair fees of USD200 as penalty.
- Smoking is only allowed in outdoor area. It's not allowed to smoke indoors including living room, guest room and washroom.
- All rules are flexible, but the guests have to discuss with the host in advance if they have any special situation.
- Only the person who have made reservations to stay on the boat are allowed, if you have friends in Hong Kong and you want to invite them to the boat, please ask the host permission in advance. If the guest bring other persons on the boat without notice, we will cancel your stay permit immediately without any refund.
Such a wonderful time we have spent in Moksha for a local Valentine's Day getaway! The boat was so fantastic, nice views and quite easily accessible with clear instructions given. Room was very clean and bright, nothing to complain about the facilities!
Siti was always there to take care of us, made us a lovely breakfast and helped us when we needed. Saral responded to messages efficiently and tried to arrange the suitable room for us. He was very welcoming and friendly, made us feel warm!
Make sure you are there for the sunset (sunrise is hard to say, we waited ardently but it was blocked by the hill- Saral suggested a route for walking up instead). Getting around with sampans (boat taxi) was a good fun. In short, a PERFECT holiday when it's sunny!!!! Even Hongkongers should get there for a sweet escape !
P.S. They have a lovely little bookshelf in the living room where they kindly offer you to take the book you like home with you, we've got a book that reminds us of this adorable trip. Thanks for everything!
Wonderful yacht and friendly and supportive hosts. Not far from oven park, jumbo, and lama island . Perfect introduction to Hong Kong beauty and diversity
It was great place for vacation. We never met Saral but Siti was a very helpful host. The bost was very easy to find although we arrived at midnight on the New Yeas Eve. Siti was still right there for us.
The bost was very clean, relaxing and comfortable. You can take a break at the front of the boat, have a cup of coffee and chat with your friend while watching the water, mountain and star.
There are two buses directly leading you to the city center where you can take the metro to wherever you want.
It was the best place I've ever stayed in HK these years. There is only one thing that the hot water stopped working while I was taking a shower the last night. As it was really late, we didnt ask for Siti to fix the problem...maybe just because someone else was using the water at same time...Hope it will not happen next time.
This is our 1st trip to Hong Kong...We had a wonderful experience to stay in Saral' (email hidden)anks to Saral and Siti
The boat was great, although one would have to be tolerant of the cats. Otherwise it was a great experience overall. A note to the wise, that while we never had too much problems getting a water taxi to reach the boat, it can be challenging to hail one down late at night depending on where you are.
This host has 209 reviews for other properties.View Other Reviews
We live on the boat with our helper Siti and two funny cat Shiva and Apple. Saral is from India and Siti is from Indonesia and we enjoy to share living on the boat experience with the guest comes all around the world.
We enjoy the life on the boat and the peaceful life style make us feel great, if you want to try something different in Hong Kong, Moksha will be your good choice.
Our property agent said to us while we were looking to rent a property, "Careful, You can't live on Land after living on a boat". I thought being an agent he was trying to push a story but realized soon enough that he was right. We finally bought the boat to live on it forever.
Hong Kong is a great city but with very limited space, it makes it difficult to live if you come from open places. Having a 6 feet by 2 feet balcony in Hong-Kong means throwing millions more and a sea view is something only thousands of dollar/night can buy you.
You can check out the 5 rooms on the boats from the link below,


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Robotnik's pet robotic bird.
As Cluck was pet by it's master, it's eyes focused upon the grim look his master had looking upon the land below them, as if... he owned it.
Beküldő: Exor 2004. január 16.
The sound a chicken makes. Otherwise referred to as the sound of goodness and happiness.
Should the chickens of the world stop clucking, all the world's people would become suicidally depressed and commit suicide.
Beküldő: cluckity cluck braap 2003. május 16.
A girl who is a clumsy dancer. Jazz age slang.
Where's Mabel? I gave that cluck the air. The band is hot tonight, and I want to have a little fun. Last dance my knees were practically black and blue.
Beküldő: Bob Proczko 2006. október 16.
a fcking annoying idiot. from the sound of a chicken. fucking is the adjective that gives this word the most emphasis. :D
u fuckin cluck shut up.
ur such a fcking cluck why didnt u take ur birth control pill?!!
ur such a fcking cluck why didnt u take ur birth control pill?!!
Beküldő: your2coolbuddy 2004. december 9.
To trade something for drugs.
Dennis Davis clucked his clock for a gram.
Beküldő: zulu 2003. június 15.
verb. to steal something and pawn it for drugs, usually meth or crack
watch your shit or that nigger will cluck it
Beküldő: cluka 2006. július 22.
Alternative to "fuck". Used in cases of slightly more mild irritation or aggravation.
"Ah cluck, not again..."
"Cluck off."
"Cluck off."
Beküldő: Kally 2004. július 21.