Category Archives: Uncategorized

Writing a new word

There are times when words are useless.
Times when you say something and then immediately realize that you meant something else.
Times when you write something down on a page, look at it, and realize that it’s completely fucked up. So you erase it and then write something new. And then realize that it’s contrived and pretentious. So you erase than and write something brand new. And then realize that nobody will understand the message that you intended to convey anyways.

So you erase that, and then start writing about the process of writing.

Then you glance at the clock and realize that you only have five minutes until you need to drag your body elsewhere.

But your mind remains on that page of paper.

And your soul remains somewhere else.

But the meaning lingers. That essence of something that needs to be conveyed, needs to be written, needs to be shared with the world.

But it’s stuck in your head, and lost in space, and unable to get out.

And you decide that there needs to be a new word to use instead of Fuck. Fuck is great at conveying anger, dismay, annoyance, stress, and all those lovely things that we try to rid our mind and body of, yet somehow feel lonely without.
But I need to find a word to convey the absolute *&^% (don’t have a word for it yet) at not being able to get what is in your mind out into the world. It’s beyond writer’s block. That only affects writers. I’m not a writer. It’s not a communication issue. I’m a pretty good communicator. People tell me that.

Any suggestions on a new word?

still on standby

Never having moved all of my belongings to an entirely new city, I have absolutely no idea how to judge how long it takes to pack everything up in a semi-organized manner. Let’s just say it takes quite some time. And money.

That in mind, I’ll resume a somewhat more regular blogging presence once I’ve moved into my new place in Montreal. Of course, there is a specific topic of interest that I need to address once I’ve settled in. I promise, more will come on that!

In the meantime, here’s where I’m starting classes next week!

Live, from above the Atlantic Ocean

I thought I’d take advantage of the free wireless internet on El Al and marvel at modern technology.

I’m on my way to Israel with an astonishing group of people… representatives from KESHER, AIPAC, Hillel, the ZOA, CAMERA, Shalom Achshav, Koach, and at least a dozen other Jewish and Zionist organizations. We’re going to be doing physical repair work in northern communities that we’re attacked during this past summer’s war with Lebanon. We’ll also be meeting closely with members of various communities and seeing a side of Israel that I haven’t had a chance to yet. I’m quite excited and anxious.

There are a number of recent encounters that I’ve been meaning to write about – things I’ve found quite intriguing. Perhaps I’ll find time on this flight to write. Either way, here’s a teaser…

  • My discussion with my Irish Catholic uncle about what it means to be loyal to both Canada and Israel at the same time. We talked about aliyah, Jewish sovereignty, social justice, and a host of other issues. My uncle is a fascinating and incredible man. I look forward to writing about this.
  • My ongoing relationship with the Zionist and Jewish professional world in Toronto. It’s an intriguing relationship… one that simultaneously thrills me, frustrates me, encourages me, angers me, and stimulates me. I’m not sure what to make of it. I can’t divorce my personal emotions from my profesional work, but they are often in conflict. More on this to come.

I’ll write more later on… perhaps after I’ve had a nap.
I’m drinking wine, watching The Illusionist, and chatting online. All at 30,000 feet above the Atlantic.

Marvelous.