Monday, February 16, 2009

Where has the Mentschlichkeit gone ?


This past Motzei Shabbos, I had the occasion to be in Boro Park and decided to go to Amnon's on 13th Avenue. Now, for those who haven't had the unique joy of driving thru the area lets say on a Monday morning, there's nothing like getting stuck in a traffic jam 3 blocks long on 15th Avenue, only to find out that it's being caused by Moishie double parking in front of Korns Bakery for some fresh rye bread while Chezkie decided to double park directly accross the street from him to buy his rye bread as well.

Getting back to Sat nite, I parked on the corner of 48th Street and 13th Avenue to go to Amnon's Pizza. As I'm leaving the car I'm assaulted by the sound of constant honking coming from a Minivan. In the van full of wife and kids is a Chasidishe driver holding a cell phone, yakking away on it, while his other hand is on the horn non-stop. The reason for him honking is an SUV letting out some people. Now, the people getting out looked to be Puerto Rican, but they definitely were not Jewish, the guy looks at the driver leaning on his horn and flips him the "Bird".

I don't know where Minivan guy was in such a rush to get to (maybe Mendelson's Pizza), but is it really worth the Chillul Hashem to honk like a maniac for the minute's difference in his schedule? These are the same guys who will also double park you in for all of alternate side (no note telling you where to find them), and G-D help you if you need to pull out during that time. It's time for all the Rabbayim in Boro Park and Flatbush to speak about decorum while driving and parking!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Would you like some Mysogyny with your Smut,Sir?

Sitting in a Doctor's office recently, I picked up a copy of Time Magazine to peruse. Practically inside the front cover is a feature called "10 Questions". That weeks subject was Hugh Hefner;Publisher of a certain famous "magazine".One of the questions asked was; "What do you feel about Proposition 8?". Do you feel it is fair to treat gays as second class citizens?" R.M. San Francisco (Proposition 8 having to do with gay marriage)Hugh answered; "I believe gay people have a right to marry. The Constitution protects against "Mob Rule". If we simply went by what is popular,black men probably wouldnt have equal rights"

Now, maybe it was a freudian slip but notice the wording "black men" as opposed to black people. Just sumptin' I noticed. What do you think?