The Anarchist Rabbi
To give you all a glimpse of a glimmer of a glimmer of a glimpse. Not sure where that came from. Wait. I am sure. In a Woody Allen film, back when they were still funny, we must be going back to sometime in the 1920’s, Woody had a line that went something like this “this is a travesty of a travesty of a travesty of a travesty.” For whatever reason, it was much funnier when I actually watched it. If you’ve seen it and you feel my delivery was even funnier, why thank you!
So, I grew up in an Orthodox community. Catholic. Kidding. Now I feel guilty for making such a lousy joke. Anyways, as an adult, I have consciously decided to remain within my society. Mainly for the free room and board. And all the herring and pork in the freezer.
People always ask me: “say, do you have the time“. To which I respond “yes, in fact I do. But I was sworn to secrecy and cannot divulge this information“. To which they reply: “OK, you cannot share the time with me. Jerk. But, I was wondering if people ever leave your community and do their own thing….” To which I reply “it’s 11:15 AM and we are missing The Price is Right. And yes, as is the case with every society, people move out (as well as in)“.
When I was in Yeshiva (Hebrew for college without any fun), there was a guy who was called the Captain. I have fond memories of him stomping on top of my table, whilst I was in the midst studying an ancient text about a cow that tramples a garden (sheer irony). The Captain was truly an entertaining character. I did not hang out with him all that much, except for when he would walk on my table. Still, he was a charming fellow, with a good sense of humor and a brilliant head.
Several years later, I heard that the Captain had enlisted to the US Army. (The name “captain” was more than just a silly nickname!) He has since served in Afghanistan & Iraq. This is his blog. And his MySpace FAQ. He is angry. And well-spoken.
This has been a glimpse.
November 14th, 2006 at 4:37 am
Thanks for the shoutout.