Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winning actor, director, composer, and comedian, Mel Brooks (born Melvin James Kaminsky) turns 97 today . . . (Can Humor be (simultaneously) both self-deprecating and medicinal? No, Mel is certainly not a snake, although he might have been somewhat of a … [Read more...]

Miriam dies: maybe that should have been the end of it. Do Rebels Ever Prosper? / Miriam as a rebel? / Perhaps depends on whom you ask. Here below, Henry the IV, Part l, SCENE V (5) -- "Rebels never Prosper" (Shakespeare), for our consideration: The rebellion quells, and Henry chides … [Read more...]

Words and Symbols have meaning and importantly, tremendous power This is what Rachav (Rahab) says: (note: symbolically and for the record -- the Bible understands her as an Egyptian god and as a symbol of Egypt -- although apparently, she wants to join with this Israelite people on their way … [Read more...]

Life on the fringes: People, places and our' wear-with-al* ' "What we wear and why -- maybe 'the cord' is meant to remind us of our not-so-secretive past . . . Numbers 16:37 -- are the cords an "allusion to our past pr-stitution?" יהוה said to Moses as follows: דַּבֵּ֞ר אֶל־בְּנֵ֤י … [Read more...]

Smoke on the Water(s) a fire in the sky . . . From the Haftara of Zechariah: “Take the filthy garments off him!” When do words, performances, and costumes cross the line to 'harm?' And for the record, what does clothing say about the man? Does clothing make the man . . . . Waters, 79, … [Read more...]