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Perpetual Interview "Meme"

Posted on 2012.12.31 at 23:55
Current Mood: amused
I've been meaning to do this for some time now (mostly since some awesome discussions with [info]spider88 and [info]qatar), but keep on forgetting. It was [info]qatar's last question [link removed], that "forced my hand".

The damn-fool interview meme keeps on coming around every 6 to 8 months or so, and I generally ignore it, because I really hate the lame "What's your favorite color?" [1] variety of questions. But as Chapters of the Fathers 2:6 tells us "It is not the shy-bashful person who learns.", and because people have been very good about asking serious questions, I am putting this entry perpetually at the top of my journal. Feel free to ask ANY question here, personal, inter-personal, about Jewish Thought, Israeli Politics, or about the weather on Mars (no idea there). The worst that can happen is that I'll respond with "That Information is Classified!" (although I have yet to encounter that type of question yet).

So go ahead and Get Smart Now, Ask Me How!

  1. BLOOD-Red or Burgundy if you must know.
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Comments:

Josh Brown
[info]joshbrown at 2005-06-05 21:46 (UTC) (Link)

Okay, here is one for you

What does Judaism think about the color of the weather on Mars, and of how that affects Israeli politics?
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-06 14:46 (UTC) (Link)

Considering...

Given that:
  • The weather and terrain on Mars, looks surprisingly like the Negev (the arid South of Israel, for the non-natives). See the big photo, third row from top (or in more detail) and this BBC story

  • Jewish Thought tells us, that our "disagreement" with the Arabs, is not really about the actual land of Israel, but actually a war of principles.
I suggest that we ship them all off to Mars, where they can have as much of that "Israel" as they want.

[ Disclaimer: The above answer was written in the spirit of the question asked (i.e. downright silly), and does not reflect any actual Jewish doctrine, or my actual political opinion. Never mind that shipping to Mars is rather cost-prohibitive at present, even if one advocates a Marching Morons type of "Solution" (which I don't). ]
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Candida Albicans
[info]ginamariewade at 2005-06-05 23:32 (UTC) (Link)
I have been reading "Pharaohs and Kings: a Biblical quest" by David Rohl which lays out some pretty convincing (to my mind) evidence for reordering the traditionally recognized timeline for the ancient Levant and Egypt.
Basically, it posits that archaeological evidence for the Exodus, King David, the fall of Jericho, etc. has been there all along, but happened about 300-400 years earlier than previously supposed.

Have you heard of this book, this scholar, or this theory, and if so, what do you think of it? (If not, I recommend it, because it's very interesting.)
(Reply) (Thread)
Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-06 18:24 (UTC) (Link)

Tricky question

It is obvious that the currently accepted chronology of Ancient Egypt is dead wrong from the Jewish POV. Many archaeologists also find it to be untenable from a purely scientific POV. But from that to jump to the conclusions he seems to claim (according to this book review), is almost just as unacceptable! The theory that the "ancients Hebrews" are these mercenary Habiru / Efiru coming in from Mesopotamia (that merged and "took-over" the Canaanites), is nothing new in the archaeological world (another fascinating read would be Adam Zartal's book in Hebrew about his find - the ancient altar on Mt. Eibal). But again unacceptable. Interesting to read some of the reader comments regarding your book on Amazon. Does this book nention at all, the finding of this Altar?

I'm not at all worried about the "lack of physical evidence" or even "contrary evidence" to the Torah stories. I often find archaeologists to be, amongst stuck-up and self-conceited academics to be, by far, the worse of all. Everybody has his pet theory, and "of course" all the evidence "fits". Archeology is so far from being an exact science, as to be pretty pathetic if viewed objectively. Scholars taking their interpretation of pot-shards and letters in forgotten languages to be Gospel, while of course our "historical documents", that are eons older than most of their sources, and have stood the test of time, are regarded as unreliable "religious writings" (except of course when they support pet-theory de-jour).
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Lisa Hertel
[info]cogitationitis at 2005-06-06 01:51 (UTC) (Link)

Is there really no reason?

You're pretty versed, so maybe you know...

I was always taught that the prohibitions against intermingling crops and, similarly, wearing both cotton & linen, were the sort of things that had to be taken on faith. Is there any historical rationale? Certainly, most of the prohibitions and laws make sense, when taken in a historical context. (See my own post of today.) A rabbi once suggested to me that maybe wearing both cotton & linen were "too rich." However, intermingling crops is good for the soil. (I'll note that there is a fallow year every seventh year to help improve the soil; is that still followed?.)

I'm just wondering where these laws came from.
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-08 14:19 (UTC) (Link)

There ain't no reason?

Is there any historical rationale?
Not that I know of. I really don't think there is.
Certainly, most of the prohibitions and laws make sense, when taken in a historical context.
Actually I find this NOT to be the case, as often as not. Most such "make sense" reasonings that I've seen are, IMHO, modern apologetics, trying to demonstrate "how reasonable those ancient laws are, see, ain't we cool? [and smarter than everybody else too, for having figured this out 3300 years before them]." Most of the time, these reasons fall flat on their faces, and end up making Judaism look bad, so I have little patience for them. Never mind, that the Torah is a single cohesive system, so when you fail to explain everything in these terms, you fall far short.
wearing both cotton & linen were "too rich."
This seems a lame and senseless claim to me. By this reasoning wearing Wool interleaved with gold is somehow less rich than wool and linen?? Does that make sense to you?
However, intermingling crops is good for the soil.
Do you mean simultaneously, or in alternating years? I know this is true of the later, and also permitted by Halacha.
I'll note that there is a fallow year every seventh year to help improve the soil; is that still followed?
To the greater extent, yes.
I'm just wondering where these laws came from.
I would say - G-d ;-) If these Laws were instated because of the reasons and type of reasoning you suggest (such as avoiding trichinosis), then this leaves "no room" for G-d in the Torah, nor any real "need" for G-d to exist at all, because then the whole document becomes just another fable. I find the idea of G-d giving us such rules, merely for Health reasons to be silly, and rather a petty view to hold about G-d - What, G-d's Chosen can stay healthy, and let the rest of Humanity be damned? I hardly find that a reasonable thing to expect from G-d.

Rather I would say, that it is only at the superficial skin-deep level of knowledge displayed by those who put forth these "theories", that this type of reasoning can hold-up. If you look deeper than just the relevant Torah quote, at the actual Halachic sources about many of these Laws, you will find the actual practice of these laws, do not fit the theories. You will also often find that they have in fact much deeper meanings, often on a purely metaphysical level. Some we have knowledge of, and some not.
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Sara
[info]smokingredmoon at 2005-06-06 03:46 (UTC) (Link)
that's my favorite color too!!!
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Marjorie in Qatar
[info]qatar at 2005-06-06 16:24 (UTC) (Link)
OK, what the heck.

What do you think is the most just solution to the whole Israel/Palestine thing? (And, in case your response wouldn't otherwise address it: what do you think of the security barrier? Am I correct in thinking it is not far from your home?)
(Reply) (Thread)
Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-07 22:01 (UTC) (Link)

Just kill me now. PLEASE!

Even back when I was a flame-thrower carrying zealot [1], the one topic, I have never EVER really discussed online, what MY "solution" for the Israeli/Arab [2] conflict is. I have often defended Israel, and tried to educate people about the actual facts behind the hype and propaganda, trying for third-party sources. I will talk up a storm around this issue, but won't touch it itself with a ten-foot battle lance. Another "touching the topic" issue that I'm working on writing, will be titled "Zionism is a Damn Lie!" Stay tuned.

I am willing to state that I think there can NOT possibly be a "just solution", that is both acceptable and viable to ALL the involved parties (more than two). There is NO way to make a "two-state [west of the Jordan] solution" work EVER. The "real-estate" is simply not sufficient to make two viable and defensible countries, in an area the size of New-Jersey. A one state solution ALSO won't work, because within two decades, this will just be any other Arab country, with a dwindling Jewish minority. So what we have is a rather bloody impasse.

I am further willing to state how I predict this impasse will be come to be broken: Sooner or later (ten years at the latest, more likely within FIVE). Our Arab neighbors, both inside and outside Israel's borders, will through achieving whatever level of concessions, will think Israel is sufficiently weakened, to concede against a major Arab offensive, and all-out attack us. Most likely this will initially only include the "Palestinian" Arabs (both those nationalized and those not), but as the offensive grows Syria, Iran and Egypt are likely to join in as well. [This is actually the type of Final-War that the whacko Millenialists like Bush actively seek]. But of course, as "the Eternity of Israel does not lie nor repent," (1 Samuel 15:29), in the end, we shall prevail, and facing an all-out war within our borders, will drive all Arabs out of here, most likely into Jordan (which is already 70-80% "Palestinian"). Is this Just? Hell no! Is this a good solution? Also no, but during our next war, this is what will happen. Thus spaketh Shmuel!

Was my answer controversial enough for you. ;-)

  1. If you feel like stalking ME, for a change (and really have no-life), you might want to search alt.callahans for Shmuel the Kahn man, or further qualify that search with "Israel" or "Jewish". Those times were Good and Wild. Warning: many BAD puns ahead.


  2. The use of "Arab" rather than "Palestinian" is deliberate, as I don't acknowledge their identifying as an entity separate from the "Greater Arab Nation" (to use their terminology). Back in the 70's their own statesmen were saying this as well!
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-07 22:02 (UTC) (Link)

Security Fence

The whole "Security Fence" is much easier to address, especially as I've already answered it in detail for [info]odanu. I could have written much more, as I have MAJOR issues with nearly ALL "walls" (as mentioned here), but slacked off. I further mentioned the term "Apartheid Wall".

You are correct regarding my proximity to this damned fence. In fact I am surrounded by it on three sides. If you look at the north tip of this map, you will see REHAN, with a lighter yellow area north and west of it, and a "C" shaped lump in it. That lump is made up of three small villages and an industrial-zone. I live at the top right tip of that C. :-) So The fence is about one to three miles from me on three sides. This means that I'm "inside" the fence, living in an a "land grab enclave". Obviously, I have no problem with this.
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Jane
[info]jane_etrix at 2005-06-07 21:32 (UTC) (Link)
I'm greedy, so I have three questions:

1. How did you meet your wife?
2. What are your feelings toward the Kahanists?
3. What's your favorite novel/author?
(Reply) (Thread)
Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-09 12:59 (UTC) (Link)

Finally some easy ones

  1. How did you meet your wife? - I'm surprised I haven't already blogged this, but apparently I didn't (can't find it). A note: Jews who are seriously observant, do not date "for fun", but only for the purpose of marriage (this doesn't mean it can't actually be fun, just about the intentions involved). The simple answer is on a "Blind Date", just like everybody else. The only thing unusual about it, even for intensely clannish Israel, is that I was "set-up" by my sister's mother inlaw (and the extent of how protective Anat's parents were)! The way it happened was that Sister's MIL was sitting around with a very good friend, Suzie, and gossiping. The subject of their good friend's "eligible" daughter came up, in the "what 'to do' about her" sense. My sister, listening in, piped-up "What about my brother!?" Both this MIL and to a lesser degree, Suzie know me reasonably well, and thought it a "good match". So they went and talked to Anat's parents, who then went as far, as coming a few times, to a weekly open lecture, that I attended, to "observe" me (without me knowing - we didn't find this out until we got engaged (rather creepy in retrospect)). So SMIL starts calling me on the phone, "nagging" me about "this girl" she knew. I kept on putting her off, with various excuses. "After all", Eeeew! this was my sister's MIL, and I'd had enough dating disasters from previous set-up attempts from others who only marginally knew me (and was feeling rather cynical of this whole "dating thing" at the time)! About a month later, the dear wife of a very good friend of mine calls me up - "HEY! Why aren't you calling this girl?". My response was "Whoa! You mean you know her?" Turns out Anat is a very close childhood friend of hers. I called Anat up, spent 45 minutes of the phone. Dated very intensely (3-5 times a week) for six weeks, and married six months later. Another note: Even for my friends and contemporaries, this was PDQ! But is was for-me, pretty much love at first sight. I knew, after our third date, knowing her for all of a week, that if my first impression was right, that this was the woman for me. The rest is history. Almost 10 years of it.

  2. What are your feelings toward the Kahanists? - While in general terms, I agree with a lot of what the late Rabbi Kahane said, I can't stand most of his followers. They are much too forceful (and Fascist). While, as I explained above to [info]qatar, I don't believe a two-state solution is possible, and that in the end, there will be, rather few, if any, Arabs inside Israel. I think this can be achieved in a much more peaceful manner than many of these thugs suggest.

  3. What's your favorite novel/author? - Now that's a really tough question, as I don't really have single "favorites", but rather favor different authors for different types of "narrative". If I had to pick a single novel, I would most likely pick Sea of Glass (1987) by Barry B. Longyear. This is a superb novel about a rather dismal dystopia in the near future. It is detail-perfect throughout. It also deals extensively with themes of physical/sexual/mental abuse and mind-games, human nature and ultimate moral dilemmas. These are themes, that I identify with, very strongly. It also helps, that if the the Computer "manipulation" of the humans, are taken as a metaphor for G-d's interaction with us humans, it nicely demonstrates how G-d can be omniscient and "in control", while we still truly maintain our Free-Will (although reality is hardly as dismal and fatalistic). I highly recommend it, but DO keep in mind, that it is a very very heavy book, and can be depressing.

    If I were to chose an overall favorite author, I would most likely say Terry Pratchett of Discworld fame. Nothing un-funks me, like a new [or reread] Discworld novel. I own most of them.
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-06-09 13:00 (UTC) (Link)

That icon

of yours is very bewitching, and becoming of your "greed" in asking three questions. ;-) Even if it wasn't really an Apple that Eve ate, I like that icon a lot (although it seems to annoy my wife). Is that you in the picture, or do you have any photos online?
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Katrina
[info]kyra_ojosverdes at 2005-07-06 21:36 (UTC) (Link)
Your favorite color is almost the same as my favorite color!


Okay, here goes. When reading up on sheitlen, I noted that (human) hair from the Indian subcontinent is an iffy thing.

Why?
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-07-06 22:08 (UTC) (Link)

ROFL

Now THAT is one unexpected question! But actually it has a pretty straightforward answer.

Jews are strictly forbidden to derive ANY benefit or pleasure from idolatry, or anything related to it. Now, in India, it is a rather common religious practice, to as a religious "offering", to take a vow to grow-out one's hair, and then after cutting it, give it to their temples, where "in theory" it is supposed to be burnt. Except that the temples, seeing how much money real human hair brings in, have been selling it to wig makers...

Because of the nature of this source of hair, we aren't allowed to use it.

Above and beyond this issue, the whole greater issue of wearing wigs, natural or not, has become extremely controversial in recent years, because of the much greater quality of the wigs now, which look entirely natural, compared to those wigs that were initially permitted, which were rather obvious.
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Introspection Addict
[info]spider88 at 2005-07-07 10:57 (UTC) (Link)
I'm sick of reading and searching the web on this topic, so clue me in. :)

Is the Chabad-Lubavitch movement the same as Hassidic? Are these the folks referred to as "black hats"? (Means something different, where I'm from!) The Ultra-Orthodox? How do they differ from just "Orthodox"? And how does Modern Orthodox differ from Orthodox?

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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-07-07 23:06 (UTC) (Link)

Set theory

The following explanation could be read as a math lecture. :-p All of the above labels, are various sets and sub-sets of each other, with some overlap between them. So I guess I'll start with the super-set and drill down (You likely know some of this already, so bear with me).

Orthodox - That "movement" of Judaism closest to it's original form of two thousand years. Holds the Torah to be G-d's literal word, and the Talmudic tradition to be also G-d given. Only modifies the law according to very specific meta-rules, and in keeping with previous rulings (As opposed to the much more liberal Reform and Conservative).

Ultra-Orthodox - An Orthodox subset. The most insular segment within Jewish Orthodoxy, that is most strict in their rulings (I would say unrealistically strict). In many ways having a mentality similar to that of the fundamental Christians, in that they are highly defensive and reactionary, due to the threat they feel from the "Modern World".

Hassidism - An Orthodox subset, with a strong overlap with Ultra-Orthodoxy. This is an orthodox "mind-frame" / philosophy that puts a stronger emphasis on the "emotional" side of observance, beyond the actual laws themselves. Is for the most part Orthodox, although many of the core concepts have been incorporated by other groups as well. Most Hassidic communities (AKA "Courts"), each centered around a specific spiritual leader, the Rebbe, are also Ultra-Orthodox, although, in theory they should less prone to this kind of "extremism". I have strong Hassidic leanings and ties, and am definitely NOT Ultra-Orthodox (although the Rebbe I am nominally associated with, is for the large part).

Chabad-Lubavitch - A subset of Hassidism. This is the largest, and most well known "Courts" of Hassidism, mostly due to their huge Jewish outreach program, and usage of mass media, to reach the general [Jewish] population.

Modern Orthodox - A subset of Orthodox. That which takes the more lenient path regarding Halachic rulings, trying to make Jewish observance more compatible with "modern" life, hence the name. IMNSHO, this is an issue of "tossing the baby with the bath water", as in it's more extreme forms is getting rather close to the Reform/Conservative POV. Probably also somewhat of an reactionary trend, opposite that of the Ultra-Orthodox.

Another main subset of Orthodoxy, would be the "Litvak-Yeshivish" which mostly historically strongly opposed Hassidism (much less so now, as they can be hard to tell apart these days). Coming geographically from Lithuania (hence the name). Very non-emotional and stickler-strict.

"black hats" - Diasporah Jews, especially American Jews, can be extremely formal in appearance, completely unlike most Israelis. What this means, is that most American Jews, will on festive occasions, wear a suit, tie and hat. As is often the case, with groups of varying degree of insularity and "minority status", appearance often takes on significant importance, becoming practically a "uniform". This means that a lot can be told about many Jews, by the various styling elements of their suit and hat. Black hats (and a dour overall appearance), are generally associated with the stricter elements of the Orthodox community. This is true of both the Hassidic and Litvak subsets (although their hats differ).
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Introspection Addict
[info]spider88 at 2005-07-07 10:59 (UTC) (Link)
Oh, and, does your wife have an LJ? If not, does she think you're a big dork for all the time you spend here? :)
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-07-07 20:47 (UTC) (Link)

No and Yes

Anat does not have a journal of any kind. She is a rather private kind of person (which is partially why she hardly ever gets mentioned in my journal), and prefers knowing people who are physically present. While she does think I spend too much time online, and would prefer me to work on my face-to-face social skills, she knows that at times this journal is highly therapeutic to me, and that it consists of a large part of my social life. So she tries to be understanding. At times in the past, but not in recent years, I would go offline for months at a time, by her request. This did not have the effect she hoped for (me getting a life), so she stopped asking, and thus, I HAVE gotten less dependent on this silly box.

The question before this that you asked, will take some time to answer.
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Dainty Sampler of the World's Delights
[info]shadedmelody at 2005-07-12 00:06 (UTC) (Link)
Hey! You added me!

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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-07-12 12:38 (UTC) (Link)

Hi again.

Indeed I did. :-D Practically nothing on my journal is filtered anyway, and you have a lot to see it seems. Can't promise to read it all though. ;-)
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The Mad One
[info]madfedor at 2005-07-20 21:25 (UTC) (Link)
Is there a secret scroll cache, from which they "seed" a cave or three every couple of decades just to keep those uppity academics busy?

If not, there should be... ;-)

Seriously, though: has Israeli folk dance merged completely with modern dance (as it has been threatening to do since I started learning it in 1974), or is it still a distinct dance form?
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2005-07-21 08:38 (UTC) (Link)
Regarding the scroll-cache :-p I would rather see most of those uppity academics as unemployed, but that's just me, and my major issues with what has become mostly useless Academia in general. The latest "scrolls" are really parchment fragments, and AFAIK, not found in a cave at all.

Regarding [Israeli] Dance - I know so little about dance, that I'm not even sure what your question actually means. I wasn't even aware that there was a distinctly Israeli form of dance. I always thought "our" dance was just strongly influenced by Russian and other East-Europe forms of [folk] dancing. Even the famous "Israeli" Hora isn't [to me] too unlike many Baltic dances. Every year there is a famous "dance festival" in Carmiel, which is less than an hour away from home.

But as I said, I hardly know anything about dancing. With my big feet (size 13), long legs and overall clumsiness, I can hardly dance at all, let alone the more complex and sure-footed circle dances. If you want a nice challenge, learn to dance the Yemenite Step dance.
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Sizz
[info]sizztheseed at 2007-05-15 03:34 (UTC) (Link)

Hebron

How do you feel about the settlement in Hebron? Are their efforts to establish a presence legitimate or embarassing? Do you think the IDF should protect these settlers, or let them fend for themselves?
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2007-05-15 09:25 (UTC) (Link)

Re: Hebron

First lets turn your question around: There has been a continuous Jewish presence in Hebron for two thousand years. The only break in this presence was when the damn British, in response to the Massacre of 1929 (which they stood-by and watched, when a single gunshot later dispersed the rabble), forced the Jews to leave AFTER it was over. Historically, Hebron is far more Jewish than ANYWHERE else, including Jerusalem or "upstarts" like Tel-Aviv. So far, the entirety of the "settlement" in Hebron, is in a very small percentage of the properties that were clearly owned by Jews, before the British evicted them. So how can one NOT justify a Jewish presence in Hebron??

I do not believe that there is a long-term "two nation solution" that is viable. But even if there was, I do NOT recognize the "Palestinians" as an ethnic/national group, but merely a subset of "the Greater Arab Nation", (to use their own term), so there is no justification in creating a second "Palestinian" state. Let them move to Jordan which already has a "Palestinian" majority. So there is no reason to not let Jews live in Hebron.

While at times, there happen in Hebron various incidents that look "embarrassing", this is mostly because the media coverage is so lop-sided. There is practically no coverage of the same type of constant harassment of the Jews. So while this is no excuse for the Jewish behavior, this is more the norm in Hebron, than you'd otherwise think.

I think the majority of the problem in Hebron, is that we Israelis are ourselves divided on the issue, with a large block against it. The Arabs use this weakness to pressure us. This is just as true of the greater regional picture. If the Arabs understood that we feel justified in our position here, and that we are here to stay, then they'd understand that the constant pressure against us will not prevail. WE too, would understand that we have no choice but to strongly and unrelentingly defend ourselves (instead of the present wishy-washy half-assed responses). Israels' Prime-Minister Golda Meir once quipped back in 1969 that "We Jews have a secret weapon in our struggle with the Arabs; we have no place to go". This is NOT enough, because it is an argument coming from weakness, rather we Jews must recognize that this place is ours, regardless of what the world may wish. If we can find this resolve within us, the situation will become MUCH clearer.

We have the ridiculous situation were in the "Palestinian Authority" that WE helped create, there is a law that it is illegal, punishable by death, to sell property to a Jew! This is hardly indicative of a situation that is even remotely likely to create Peace. We also have the absurd reality, that the one place in the world, that is explicitly forbidden for Jews to pray in, is the Temple Mount! Enforced by the Israeli Police no less! This is all because we are uncertain of ourselves!
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prophet_marcus
[info]prophet_marcus at 2007-06-20 20:00 (UTC) (Link)
Happy late birthday (I'm pretty sure it's tomorrow for you now.)
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2007-06-20 20:26 (UTC) (Link)

Thank you

actually still have 35 minutes left of the 20th. :-)
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Jonathan
[info]ilca at 2007-10-16 06:53 (UTC) (Link)
What do you do for a living?
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2007-10-16 20:45 (UTC) (Link)

Hello and welcome

That is actually a tricky question to answer.

For most of my life, I've been a Software Engineer (programming for 20 of my 36 years). BUT I'm trying to get OUT of the Hi-Tech world for many reasons. I used to be somewhat of an uber-Geek, although in recent years, I've been coming more and more out of my shell.

So while working in Hi-Tech, I'm also currently training to be a "Horse Therapist", one who deals with "Therapeutic Horse Riding" activities/lessons. I'm actually in the middle of writing a long entry about the trials this involved for me. Should be done in a day or two.
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[info]gh4acws at 2008-06-24 13:26 (UTC) (Link)

hope you had a good

birthday. ( come to think of it why does google calendar not offer the use of other calendars too ? Programming should not be difficult - and while we are at it all events should be marked as belonging to a timezone - so I do not have to check the time diffference to NZ every time I want to call my friend )
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Karen or Kineret
[info]karenorkineret at 2008-09-19 05:40 (UTC) (Link)
Hi

I am [info]jane_etrix's sister-in-law. She recommended I add you to my friends list, and I also want to thank you for suggestions you have made which has made it easier for both our families to adjust to our conversion.

She refers to me mostly as "Karen," but I am also known as Kineret. I guess that's rather obvious from my lj name :)
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Shmuel A. Kam
[info]shmuelisms at 2008-09-20 21:29 (UTC) (Link)

Hello there

I saw a couple of your comments in [info]jane_etrix's journal, and pretty quickly figured out which Karen/Kineret who you where. :-) After all, it ain't that common a name-combo.

I was more than happy to help Jane and you all. Having a family that never really got over my father becoming Orthodox, I know what a PITA these transitions can be. I'll be more than happy to have you on my friends-list, and will add you shortly. But NOW I must rush out for Slikhot.
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