Shul of Rock

360 degrees

2011-01-20T21:02:00.008+02:00

Some of the finest Shul of Rockers (missing: J.J., Benjito, Tamara)

After five and a half years, and 360 posts, it seems that this blog has truly come full circle. When Mr. T and I first came up with the idea of a site called Shul of Rock, we had the goal of crafting a t-shirt empire, with the blog as an afterthought. Instead, it became a blog... and so much more. It has been a repository of original videos, a photo gallery, a love advice column, and a community.

We've laughed together; we've cried together; we've put up with my random online musings together. When we needed comedic love advice, Dr. Love was always there for us.

As I have alluded to in the past, this site helped form a social network for my friends and I to share and discuss things prior to the invention of Mark Zuckerberg's privacy-swiping Facebook empire. It filled a natural need. In the last five years, some of us have completed university degrees, started businesses, ended relationships, started new relationships, become engaged to be wed, married, moved across the world, and embarked on interesting careers. We've come a long way! Who knows what the next five years will bring?

This site will no longer be actively maintained, but it will remain online, with all posts and comments intact. The archive is fully searchable and contains hundreds of interesting posts and images for your perusal. It's a time capsule of the beginning of the 21st century in some ways, with cultural and political insights that will be fun to revisit as time marches on. The YouTube channel will continue to be updated periodically.

I am now putting my efforts into a new website that will serve as a more 'professional blog', with the hope that this could actually benefit my career. It will have longer, researched articles, as well as several dedicated pages featuring other content. When I want to reach my friends, I'll stick to using Facebook. I did pick up random anonymous readers over the years who came and went, and I'll miss having strangers commenting on my thoughts. It was always interesting.

Thank you to the thousands of visitors, but most importantly, thank you to my friends.

In May 2005, I opened the Shul of Rock by writing: "In Hebrew, a shul is known as a 'beit ha'knesset', or house of congregation. It's a place to come together, and a place to learn."

I learned a lot.

Keep on rocking!

Avi

The Original J-Town Diaries Theme Song

2010-10-31T21:56:00.003+02:00

The J-Town Diaries is a (currently) six episode web series about Noam and Avi, two guys from Toronto who wind up living, traveling and working in Israel for 6 months.

The fan-favourite has always been episode 2 (see below for an embed), but before any episodes were ever shot, there was an idea for an original theme song to introduce each instalment. This never materialized, but after more than two and a half-years, I've found the original notebook in which it was scribbled, and for the first time ever, I wish to introduce the lyrics to the aborted song. You'll have to imagine the beat and tempo yourself. Good luck. Here goes:

Two dudes - from Toronto

Done school - wanted a change of scene.

Went down to the airport -

got some tickets to Tel Aviv.

Worked on their Hebrew skills-

Lived on a kibbutz like slobs.

Bounced over to Jerusalem -

Landed themselves some crazy jobs.

(insane acoustic guitar riffs. Notes say 'G-F-C' for lead-in)

Noam works at a Museum-

thinks that he's Indiana Jones.

Walks around wearing a funny hat-

He gets excited when he finds old bones.

Avi's job is in a research center-

and that's all he can really say.

If he told you what he does,

he'd have to kill you. (1-2-1-2-3 time drum beat two times)

(Chorus:)
J! Town! Diaries!
J! Town! Diaries!

These two guys from Toronto live near the West Bank.
One of their closest friends, commands an Israeli tank.

AND... Did we mention that they share their building with a math slash bellydance teacher?
Well, they share
their building with a math slash bellydance teacher.
They also live with an Aussies, some French and some folks from the USA.
Everyone wants to party,
but they've all got work the next day.

So if you've never been to the neighbourhood,
or are just looking for another round.
Be sure to make a visit,
to a place called J-Town!

(Chorus:)
J! Town! Diaries!
J! Town! Diaries!

First time for everything

2010-09-22T01:18:00.002+02:00

I just had my first ride in a car with diplomatic plates. If the car had hit a pedestrian, there would have been no legal repercussions! Thankfully, no pedestrians were harmed.

Not cool

2010-09-05T03:52:00.004+03:00

"Hello my fellow Herzelians"

Hey Folks,

Taking a one month hiatus without announcing it is really not cool.

Just passing through a tumultuous patch right now, but in a little while things will be normalized. At the tail end of my MA program and the deadlines are hitting me fast and furious.

I've got so much I should be sharing on here. This blog is a great outlet for me to drop all kinds of talk about the current Israel/Palestinian peace talks, the latest going-ons in Canada, and juicy tidbits from the dark streets of Herzliya.

And you know, I'm hoping on editing some new videos to share with you too. All in good time.

But for now, please sit tight, and come back for a visit in a little while and we'll get this baby back on track.

No need to buy tickets for high holiday services at the Shul of Rock. This joint is free. And unfortunately, at this very moment, you are getting what you paid for!

But that'll change. Just believe in me. Someone's gotta!

- Mr. Avi

OK Go presents 'End Love'

2010-08-01T21:26:00.001+03:00

This music video is fantastic. Just sit back and enjoy!

'Film adaptations are risky' OR 'Why I love J.D. Salinger'

2010-07-25T00:09:00.004+03:00

Will Eisner's 'Contract with God' graphic novel has been announced as a forthcoming film adaptation.

Is this really necessary? Yet another excellent work of non-cinema is being forced into the film medium. Yes, sometimes it works. But usually you wind up with something wretched.

If it isn't a beloved comic, it's a novel, toy, video game or board game. OK, I'll admit, the 'Clue' movie was kind of fun. And the Lord of the Rings trilogy was a faithful delight, but most of the movies resulting from these ruthless cash-grabs are lame. They are often misfires, not capturing what made the original material so great. 'Watchmen' movie, I'm looking at you.

I always admired J.D. Salinger, not just for his writing prowess, but for his resolve to never allow 'Catcher in the Rye' to be made into a film. Knock off films like 'Igby Goes Down' still occurred, but there has yet to be a phoney film featuring Holden Caulfield as a protagonist.

I've got just one plea to make to the producers of Will Eisner's 'Contract with God' movie. I'm referring specifically to Bob Shreck, Michael Ruggerio, Tommy Oliver and Mark Rabinowitz. Please, PLEASE do not allow the material to be de-Jewified. What makes Eisner's material so powerful in general, and 'Contract with God' in particular, is Eisner's ability to reach into the depths of the American Jewish experience and allow the audience to use it as a lens in which they can filter the travails of the human condition. Basically, what I'm saying is don't f%#* this up. If you do, the movie will be very stilted, play at a few festivals, and wind up in the bargain bin at Blockbuster.

Let this be an American Splendor, and not a Marmaduke. Narrative liberties are a given when working in a different medium. Just don't change the story.

The Hip Hop Initiative

2010-07-07T13:44:00.004+03:00

Want to audition for a hip hop dance crew that is sponsored by the Jewish Agency? Perform in front of thousands of people across Israel while supporting a worthy cause. Check out the poster above, and be sure to pass it on. Also, visit the site here for further info.

Our Society Has Hit a New Low

2010-06-27T04:02:00.003+03:00

This is from the Craiglist 'Missed Connections' board from Toronto:

Hey,

I saw you today at the G20 protest. You were throwing a rock at a Starbucks' window. You were tall, 20ish white guy and you were wearing all black with a black bandana.

I was the cute girl with dreadlocks, a long brown skirt and a "Jews did 9/11" sign.

Email me if you want to get a cup of tea.

...

Our society has hit a new low.

J-Town Diaries: Episode 6

2010-06-23T03:43:00.002+03:00

It has been two years since the last J-Town Diary was posted, so here is volume 6. Click here and scroll down to see the rest of them.

Video: You Haul

2010-06-18T02:37:00.003+03:00

In this delightful video, Noam and Avi ride in the back of a truck. And then, something horrible happens. Featuring the voices of Snoopy and Nava, and the silent presence of Mr. T.

The video is a return to Canadian production for Noam and Avi, having filmed videos in Israel and Jordan during the last few years. Enjoy:

Video: Alan and Norman Going to Jordan

2010-06-14T02:26:00.004+03:00

For the 350th entry at the Shul of Rock, I have the privilege of presenting a fantastic video our resident Gnome made about our journey to Jordan. Check it out below. After you see it, you will have no need to go to Petra or Eilat. We do the sweating and shlepping so you don't have to!

Great video Mr. G!

Coming soon...

2010-06-04T16:18:00.003+03:00

Coming soon... a lot more regular content. I've got a lot to say and not enough time to say it. Just started writing exams and final papers for grad school, so please enjoy the extensive Shul of Rock archives until I get those under control. Over 340 entries at your disposal - and some of them are worth looking at!

Daddy loves you.

Islamic Spymaster: 'Order the Kosher Meal'

2010-05-30T12:46:00.003+03:00

The Ha'aretz newspaper has revealed the inner workings of a spy manual created by the man in charge of Al-Qaida operations in Palestine. It has all kinds of juicy tips that every terrorist needs when committing atrocities - umm, I mean, acts of martyrdom for the glory of Allah.

Some of these chestnuts include not tipping off friendly journalists when you are going to blow up a hotel - because they might tattle on you. Even if your journalist pal might stay there, you can't let them know. Man, what a moral dilemma!

Other pearls of wisdom include speaking in code, starting fake catering companies and effective means of going undercover. But the best tip of all? Order a 'Jewish (kosher) meal' when traveling by air. For the religious spy, it is the perfect way to ensure eating a meal that is free of pork, and meets the standards of Islamic religious dietary practice (Halal). "They are marked with the letters U and K" the 42 page manual makes clear.

It's nice to know those Jews are good for something.

FIVE YEARS OF ROCK!

2010-05-26T16:45:00.003+03:00

I can't believe it has been five years since I started this site! On May 26th 2005, I followed the advice of Samantha Israel and started blogging. Since that day, I've written full sized articles, lazy quick blurbs, made original video content, and I've posted lots of photography work. My co-founder, Mr. T, provided the fantastic title and the moral support at the beginning, but most importantly, he tapped into his alter ego, Dr. Love, who provided (and will continue to provide) much needed love advice for all those struggling souls out there.

With random articles, kooky videos, and an advice column, the Shul of Rock became a variety show. It has allowed me to create a living, public diary, and it created a place where my friends and I could keep in touch and interact, long before privacy destroying sites like Facebook became popular . Social networking was in its infancy at the time, and existed only in MySpace, so I decided I'd just create my own network in mid-2005, and I have never regretted the decision.

Random visitors and good friends enliven discussion on this site, and I'm proud of how far it has come. At its height, it had hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of visitors per month, but it was never about the numbers.

Thank you to Shul of Rock congregants and guests for being a part of this site over the years. I have every intention to keep on rockin' in the years to come. I hope you'll join me.

Avi

Israeli Jews Don't Know Much About their American Brothers

2010-05-17T16:28:00.003+03:00

The gap between Israeli and American Jews has been growing for years, and now the Israeli education system is going to try to correct it. There is little awareness amongst Israeli Jews about the nature and complexities of American Jewry.

An excellent article at JTA notes that "There is a feeling that members of the world's two largest Jewish populations know less about each other with each passing generation."

A growing disconnect has created a drift in which Israeli Jews are too busy being Israeli to think about the nature of global Jewish identity, and means in which American Jews practice Judaism, or even function within a cultural Jewish milieu. ""Are we a people who has a state, or a state that has a people?” is a question the article seeks to answer.

And don't even get me started on Israeli Jewish ignorance of Canadian Jews. Are there Jews in Canada, really? El-Al flys to Toronto direct? WHY?

“The recipe for perpetual ignorance is: Be satisfied with your opinions and content with your knowledge.” - Elbert Hubbard

Procrastination

2010-05-12T21:34:00.001+03:00

I've got a problem with procrastination, but it's not what you think. Watch the clip to find out what the heck I'm talking about:

Let Him Eat Cake

2010-05-10T23:55:00.003+03:00

I wanted to write a thank you note to Eleanore and Joey after they serenaded me and proceeded to fill me with a custom-made (yummy) Green Lantern cake. I also wanted to blog about it. Instead of being a little redundant, I thought I'd make this. Click it to enlarge.

My bad!

2010-05-06T19:46:00.004+03:00

Just dusting off the cobwebs here. A month and a half without a post is pretty lame.

I guess I should apologize. Not just to you, dear reader, but to me. I also let myself down. But hey, I was kind of busy, ok?

Busy with what? All kinds of cool stuff! I did some schoolwork, flew to Canada for a month and chilled with family and friends. Then I was off to Boston for a few days to crash Gnome's place and visit my friend Ben. And THEN - that crazy volcanic ash cloud went off, grounding all flights in Europe. You see, my flight from Boston was supposed to go through Zurich, Switzerland, but all flights were grounded. Luckily, Swiss airspace reopened the day that I flew!

It was a not so breathtaking 90 minute layover in Zurich, but flying out was great because I got a great view of the Swiss Alps! The plane even had customizable camera views on individual monitors, so passengers could choose to watch what the pilots were seeing, or other views from the plane.

Seeing Israel appear out of the clouds was an amazing moment - and after a smooth landing, a fun talk with a plainclothes police officer, and two train rides and a bus, I was home.

Now it's back to the school grind - and more Shul of Rock blogging.

For a long time, I have been considering making a regular video blog, perhaps even as a means of sometimes replacing text based updates. Any thoughts?

The Big Difference

2010-03-21T00:35:00.003+02:00

Here is a succinct explanation of what actually constitutes antisemitism, as opposed to legitimate criticism of Israel, according to Dr. Robert Wistrich:

The “new” anti-Semitism often claims to be no more than justified “criticism” of Israel’s policies. There are, however, a number of ways to test this. The “critics” will usually be covert or overt anti-Semites if they engage in any of the following manoeuvres:

a.) They will blame Israel for all the problems of the Middle East and of the contemporary world from the financial crash to global terrorism.

b.) They ignore virtually all infringements of human rights around the globe except for those allegedly perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians. Naturally Palestinian Jihadism and terror is downplayed.

c.) They firmly believe or assume that there is a Jewish/Israeli Lobby which controls American foreign policy or manipulates the West – especially against the Islamic world and the Palestinians.

d.) They systematically turn Israelis into “Nazis” and Palestinians into “Jews.”

e.) They apply classic antisemitic myths and stereotypes about Jewish greed, rapacity, cruelty, exploitation, bloodthirsty vengefulness and “racial” superiority to the behavior of the Jewish State. The result is to portray Israel as a fusion of Samson, Joshua and Shylock.

Read Dr. Wistrich's full piece here: http://cgis.jpost.com/Blogs/rosner/entry/robert_wistrich_on_the_meaning

Dr. Robert Wistrich is the head of the International Center for the Study of Antisemitism, and is an excellent scholar. I had the pleasure of hearing him speak at the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs.

Why Google scares me

2010-03-11T21:34:00.004+02:00

As you can see in this screenshot above, Google is reading my e-mail. Yes, it has been known for a long time that Google uses your e-mail content and searches in order to sell your data to advertisers, but that doesn't lessen the shock of being reminded with an intrusive pop-up.

Where does Google draw the line? Google has become so dangerously integrated into our lives, to the point where it seems that they truly have us over a barrel. Perhaps one day you'll get a message saying "You wrote 'Google sucks' in your message, but this violates our updated terms of agreement. Your data will now be deleted. Have a nice day."

Or not. But hey, did you know that this post is hosted on Blogger, which was purchased by Google? 'Cause it is.

If I dug a hole

2010-02-17T23:11:00.004+02:00

(I wrote this elsewhere, but I thought I'd post it here:)

I made an incredible discovery recently. If I dug a hole, straight through the ground from Toronto, and I managed to burrow to the exact opposite side of the planet, I would wind up drowning in the Indian Ocean, not too far off the coast of Perth, Australia.

And that is why I have called off my Earth digging adventure.

Also a good warning for the folks in Tel Aviv. Don't dig it. You would wind up in the South Pacific, between New Zealand and South America.

But if you're in Eastern Mongolia, go for it! It's a great way to get to Argentina!

Post #339

2010-02-13T23:50:00.003+02:00

Hi Shul of Rockers.

I had a really good weekly posting schedule going, and then it went kaput. Sorry 'bout that.

Here's some random observations I feel like sharing:

The movie Avatar is poorly written but worth seeing once if only for the visual spectacle
I'm living in Israel for over a year, but I won't be here on its most exciting day, Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day). What a shame.
I'm going to be spending 90 minutes in Switzerland in April. I never thought I'd be able to say that.
Read Philip Roth's Indignation. What a great book!
I wanted to watch the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, but the NBC site won't let me watch the Canadian hosted games unless I'm watching from the USA. How weird is that?
Most Israelis don't give a flying shit that Israel is competing in the Winter Olympics. Almost zero news coverage. Can't even find an Israeli who is aware. Quite sad.
I saw G.I. Joey's parents today. That was really nice. :)
I cooked quinoa for the first time. Came out great.
This is the 339th post on the Shul of Rock in 5 years. That comes out to 1.3 posts a week. As long as I keep it at 1 or higher, I'm doing OK.
Avi loves ya!

My First White Hair

2010-02-05T02:12:00.004+02:00

The long one in the middle.

The ones at the top are just reflecting light.

I woke up this morning and was in the bathroom washing my face. I looked up at the mirror in front of me and was shocked to discover a few white hairs on the side of my not yet twenty-five year old head. "That's what Israel does to you" my roommate informed me shortly after I burst into his room to deliver the news.

It sounds so trivial, but I see it as a milestone and a wakeup call. I'm not getting any younger, and I need to get my priorities straight, stop procrastinating, and accomplish what I want to do in life. I started that process a while ago, but now I know it is time to stop dreaming and start doing - more than ever before.

My (incredible) grandfathers both had white hair in their later years. I guess my genes are programmed to skip grey and go straight to white too.

Review: Building Reputation: Why Governments Fight Some Separatists but Not Others

2010-01-25T20:48:00.005+02:00

A political science literature review by yours truly:

Walter, Barbara F. 2006. “Building Reputation: Why Governments Fight Some Separatists but Not Others.” American Journal of Political Science 50(2):313–30.

Walter’s focus on the strategic use of established reputation seeks to explain why some governments expressly counter independence and/or territorial autonomy movements within their territory, while others accommodate them. In doing so, the author demonstrates the rationale for a government to go to war to build a deterrent reputation. Employing the framework of territorial disputes, her argument is that states will develop a reputation for toughness based on consideration of expected future events and future challengers to the status quo. In arguing that states are forward looking, she shows that the value of the stakes (territory) and the capabilities of the disputants are taken into account and immediate interests are weighed against perceived future challenges stemming from the initial decision.

By employing a dataset of all self-determination movements initiated between 1956 and 2002, Walters explains government behavior and dominant trends that emerge from the data. Her hypotheses seek to prove the forward thinking of government, in its balance of future consideration and current crises and demands from domestic cohorts – but she also allows as a possibility that the realist notion of prevailing balance of power being the ultimate consideration in responding to challenges.

Walter’s findings support her theory that a state will aggressively counter an initial separatist challenge to deter future attempts from others. She also concludes that this method produces the desired result.

I'm with Coco - Israeli Edition

2010-01-18T17:51:00.002+02:00

If you want to show your support to Conan O'Brien as NBC humiliates him and boots him from his perch at the Tonight Show, you can now do it in Hebrew. I've modified the iconic poster that became a viral sensation and replaced the 'I'm with Coco' lettering with a Hebrew translation. Feel free to use this on your blog, Facebook profile, etc.

I'm with Coco!

Churchill's Cat

2010-01-17T23:04:00.002+02:00

Before he passed on, Sir Winston Churchill asked that his home, Chartwell Manor, always keep an orange cat named Jock "in comfortable residence", in memory of a favourite cat given to him by his private secretary, Sir John Colville.

His request continues to be honoured, and currently Jock III occupies the home. Unfortunately, this prime-ministerial pussycat is not permitted to enter the main rooms of his own home. Kitty has his claws and could potentially destroy the furniture. According to the BBC, Jock III is kept happy. Says Victoria Leighton, who looks after him. "We try to ensure he keeps to the garden, where he sits happily in the catmint."

According to reports, Churchill's original Jock slept with his master, shared his dining table, and attended numerous war-time Cabinet meetings. If Jock was late for meals, Churchill would send servants to find him, waiting to eat until the cat was present. Jock was said to have been with his master when he died.

Are the Taliban descended from Israelites?

2010-01-11T21:49:00.002+02:00

Much to my surprise, there has been speculation for many years that the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan are descendants of Israelites that migrated across Asia 2700 years ago.

Now hold on a second. Before you totally flip out and say this is bullshit, let me please explain a few things.

The majority of Afghan Taliban are Pashtun, which is the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, and many in Afghanistan believe that the Pashtun are descended from the Afridi Pathans. The Afridi Pathans have a documented history of eerily similar rituals and traditions to those of Israelites.

Although the majority of Taliban fighters involved in the insurgency are from this group, most of these people are not fighters. Also, while many clans adopted Islam, there are huge quantities that practice something different altogether, which may partially draw its inspiration from Israelite practice.

Many have explored the connection for years, but now the Israeli government has shown interest! The Foreign Ministry is funding the research of a world class geneticist who will be based at the Technion. She has already collected blood from communities in Taliban areas, and will soon be able to provide confirmation of any possible relationship between those populations in Afghanistan and Jews in general.

One theorist believes that they are the lost tribe of Ephraim, while the last king of Afghanistan claimed he was a descendant of Binyamin!

Will Israel soon be accepting Taliban olim? I don't think so. But if the Taliban are found to be mishpacha, this will only reinforce the notion that Jews are their own worst enemy!

Hope & Prayer

2010-01-04T23:58:00.004+02:00

From Wikipedia:

Hope is a belief in a positive outcome related to events and circumstances in one's life. Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional connection to some greater power in the universe through deliberate intentional practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words, song, or complete silence. There are different forms of prayer such as petitionary prayer, prayers of supplication, thanksgiving, and worship/praise. People pray for many reasons such as personal benefit or for the sake of others.

Get ready to get naked!

2009-12-30T20:24:00.008+02:00

After the attempted plane bombing by a Nigerian Al-Qaeda agent (sent from Yemen, apparently) on Christmas 2009, and the revelation that there was a similar attempt in Somalia not too long before, things are changing.

We already have updated security in airports which mainly means more hassle and more undertrained guards. We also have tougher inflight regulations, including U.S. bound flights requiring no-one standing up during the last hour of flight. That puts terror in my bladder just thinking about it. OK, so now terrorists just won't wait for the last hour, and will attempt to blow up planes earlier during the journey.

But worst of all - and a huge violation of privacy, comes millimetre wave body scanning. Right now it's only being used on all Dutch flights to the US leaving from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport - but you can rest assured that it will spread to many more airports in the near future, including ones on U.S. soil. Right now it is in several U.S. airports, but is optional and experimental.

This form of scanning requires passengers to climb into a big glass booth and raise their hands in the air. A live image of the passenger appears on the screen and an airport worker looks at a picture of you without your clothes. Yes, just like the X-Ray glasses advertised in the back of old comic books - using this technology, you can see people naked.

This technology was first announced a few years ago, and I remember comments in the press about how it was an interesting idea, but people would never be comfortable with it, and it seemed a little too extreme. Well, not anymore.

Although the manufacturers claim that there is no way to save the image, and it's gone once the next passenger enters, I find this hard to believe. I'm sure some clever airport worker will manage to grab nude millimetre wave images of celebrities and sell them for a ton of cash. You might even find a nude picture of yourself online. I mean a new one, not the drunken shot from your office party last year.

Besides, if there really was no way to save an image from the scanning machine, how did the manufacturer release demo pictures to the press? The image to the right demonstrates the technology. There are a bunch more online.

I understand the need for increased security against terrorist threats - but rather than rush into using new technology, we need to review privacy issues and ensure that the systems being used to protect us cannot potentially betray our trust as well.

UPDATE:

A National Post article has made the same 'celebrity photo' prediction I made above, and also says that the US might be considering deploying the machines at all airports and making them mandatory.

When will Israeli politics grow up?

2009-12-24T01:59:00.004+02:00

This isn't a nuanced policy review, nor is it a deep existential exploration. Just a random question I'm throwing into the ether at 2 in the morning; When will Israeli politics grow up?

The nipping and backbiting between Members of Knesset is ridiculously candid and over the top, constantly making appearances in the press. It's embarrassing. In the most recent snap, we have several MKs leaving the Kadima party, and one of them, Eli Afalo, has a big bone to pick with Kadima leader Tzipi Livni. The quote from Jerusalem Post:

"You betrayed me and I don't believe in you anymore," Aflalo told Livni in the heated conversation.

Really, must you be that dramatic Aflalo? And if you must, does it really have to show up in the paper instead of being contained in a closed door conversation between adults?

I guess not - politics is theatre after all. I completely understand that there will be heated inner-party tensions, but I guess Aflalo's line above just seemed more suitable for a soap opera than an MK quotation.

National Security Advisor Uzi Arad recently put his foot in his mouth in speaking about one of his colleagues, but he had the good sense to apologize and clarify his remarks after they leaked out.

I get the feeling that David Ben-Gurion didn't waste his time putting people down. He had better things to do.

That's a First

2009-12-12T23:01:00.007+02:00

Last night was really interesting. I was staying in the Old City in Jerusalem for Shabbat (and the first night of Chanukah). After a delicious dinner with a lovely family, I was ready to head to bed so I could be up bright and early to daven (pray) at the Kotel (Western Wall). I had befriended a big burly 45-year old Puerto Rican Jew that night. He had become religious a few years back, and now lives in the Old City working at a Jewish hostel. He had amazing stories to tell as a former sailor in the US Merchant Marines, which he shared with me in between spitting chewing tobacco all over the place and telling me to join the IDF. "Even if your job is to pick up garbage, you should join!"

On the way to my freezing cold bed, my Puerto Rican pal stopped me and asked "Want to get some beer with me?", and being the gentleman that I am, I could not let him drink alone. I figured he must have a fridge stashed somewhere with a few beers in it.

"Sure. Where are we headed?"

"We're going to a bar. Come with me" the former sailor answered.

I was quite perplexed. It was Shabbat (the Sabbath), so we couldn't get beer anywhere for two excellent reasons. 1) It is forbidden to carry/use money on Shabbat. and 2.) No bars in the area would be open on a Friday night.

It turns out that reasons 1 and 2 would not be a problem.

"It's no problem" my beer thirsty buddy replied. "I know an Arab guy who runs a bar here, and he lets me pay him after Shabbat".

So that's how I wound up hanging out in an Arab bar on a Friday night with a sailor, a bunch of Swedes, and some Israeli Arabs. I'm guessing they were Christian - otherwise the whole alcohol thing could be a problem for them.

We walked into this Old City watering hole, and everyone stopped and looked us over - but only for a split second. Sailor man's tzizit (fringed Jewish garment) were hanging out of his winter coat, and our kippahs (skull caps) were sitting on our heads. After a collective shrug, it was business as usual. Saying hi to a few of his pals, my new friend ordered up two Heinekens, and the folks at the bar said 'Cheers' as they handed us our bottles. "Cheers!" we replied. After grabbing a seat in a dim alley outside, we raised our glasses and said "L'Chaim" and downed the cold brew.

Then the owner showed up. After a quick introduction and handshake, he went inside his establishment. "He hates Jews" my beer-mate informed me.

"Really? How do you know?" I asked, clearly surprised. "He seemed like a nice guy."

"I've been around, my friend. I'm almost double your age. I know these things. I'm not blind."

And then we had a second round, had the requisite conversation about life, the cosmos, and politics, and my amigo informed me that the beers were his Chanukah gift to me.

Gracias Amigo.

Afterword:

Some Halacha, according to Rabbi Haber at TorahLab:

With certain conditions it is permissible to buy Shabbos food on credit from a store on Shabbos itself:
a) The food is for Shabbos
b) The words buy or sell are not used
c)One may not say “I’ll pay you after Shabbos”, rather he must say “we will make arrangements after Shabbos”
d) One may not order by weight or price

Mother-Son Moving Company

2009-12-04T01:51:00.002+02:00

Nothing gives a mother strength like a child in danger!

Israel's Future: Nathan Responds

2009-12-01T01:08:00.005+02:00

In response to my previous message, Nathan responded with this insightful collection of observations regarding the Israel/Palestinian conflict. It's jam packed with off the cuff analysis of the current situation and prospects for the future. Without further ado, here's Nathan:

Ok, first I'll describe my view of what's behind the whole conflict. As far as I'm concerned, Israel and the Palestinian territories are the pawns of a great geopolitical chess game being played between the US and the Arab/Muslim powers. The US supports Israel because it sees it as a foil against Arab nationalists and Islamic fundamentalists. After all, if the region is divided, the US can use its market power to get relatively cheap oil. The Arab/Muslim powers, on the other hand, hate Israel as a symbol of Western colonialism. They see it as the only thing that keeps their societies divided and unable to resist US hegemony. A single Arab state or Caliphate would be able to sell oil to America on its terms. Therefore, Israel/Palestine is a proxy war fueled by energy and a clash of civilizations. Europeans are ambiguous about Israel precisely because they are ambiguous about America - and because they are less dependent on Middle Eastern oil, but have larger domestic Muslim populations. Anyway, the US has an incentive to promote peace (without asking too much of Israel), while the Arab/Muslim powers see no reason to recognize Israel's existence at all (except for Egypt and Jordan, which lack oil, and have been bribed by the Americans to accept Israel). That said, Israel is as much a cultural symbol as an economic fulcrum to both sides.

Therefore, I'm pretty pessimistic about the prospects for two states, let alone a two state "solution". Hamas doesn't even recognize Israel's right to exist, and even the PA insists on the "right of return", and those demands are non-starters for Israel. At the same time, I have my doubts that Israel could summon the political will to relocate hundreds of thousands of West Bank settlers for the sake of a viable Palestinian state, even if the Palestinians were willing to give up the right of return. I think that Israel is probably in too deep in the West Bank to ever voluntarily get out, especially since the Gaza withdrawal discredited "land for peace" among Israelis. Therefore, I don't think that two states are likely any time soon (more on that later), let alone three states.

You're right that demographics is a serious problem for Israel. A single state encompassing Greater Israel wouldn't work either, as it would soon have an Arab majority. I don't think that Israeli Jews would be secure under an Arab majority state, even if it was explicitly binational and the constitution prescribed a lot of minority rights to the Jewish community. As you mentioned, the proportion of Israeli Arabs is increasing in Israel proper, and this could gradually weaken Israel's willingness and ability to defend itself as a Jewish state. Same with the increasing proportion of Haredim, who also don't serve in the army and often depend upon welfare. Finally, Israel is also gradually re-desertifying thanks to climate change and population pressures, which could fuel the conflict by increasing pressure on water resources. Basically, the way things are going, the prognosis does not look good for Israel.

The only way out of this that I see is the end of the disastrous energy dependence/conflict relationship between the US and the Arab/Muslim world. When oil money is no longer at stake, then armies will take much less interest in the region. The funding that Hamas and the PA get from Arab/Muslim oil money will cut off, making it a lot harder to maintain a rejectionist position. Also, Israel would be pushed towards compromise as the US takes less interest in its fate. But another thing would need to happen before there is peace: a Muslim Enlightenment. Basically, Muslims have to stop fantasizing about a return to the glory days of empire, and accepts a least some aspects of liberalism - including a repudiation of anti-semitism. But I think that's much more likely to happen after the oil money stops flowing in, and Muslim societies are forced to confront the weaknesses of their current cultural paradigm, since they will no longer be able to blame everything on the West. Maybe then there will be two states.

But I think that it's just as likely that it will all end in disaster. There's a lot of ways in which things could get worse: Iran could get nuclear weapons, one of the Arab states or Pakistan could fall to Islamic fundamentalists, or the West Bank could be taken over by Hamas. I could easily see it unfolding this way: some lunatic terrorist bombs a major religious site, resulting in calls for blood and a rapidly escalating spiral of violence that eventually results in a war between the US and the Arab/Islamic powers, possibly involving nuclear weapons. That could be the end of Israel as we know it.

Will that happen? I think it depends on how fast we can make an "energy transition" away from Middle Eastern oil and gas and towards renewable resources (that's equally important for environmental and geopolitical reasons). It will also depend upon countering the influence of religious fanatics, primarily Muslim ones but also including Jews and Christians. But sadly, I'd give it more than 50-50 odds that things go wrong.

Sorry to be such a downer, but that's just what I think. I don't know if this is really a Canadian perspective, because I'm basing a lot of my info on the impressions I got from the last time I was in Israel (summer '08). Let me know what you think.

Nathan

Chanukah Flash Mob

2009-11-29T00:43:00.002+02:00

When 150 people start 'spontaneously' dancing in the street, you've got to take notice. Great video. Check it out below. Also, keep your eyes peeled at 1:13 for the Jays cap:

Two State Solution?

2009-11-25T16:50:00.003+02:00

My friend Nathan recently wrote to me and asked, "Do you think that a two state solution is possible?" in reference to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Below is my personal response:

I definitely think 'two states' are possible, but I don't see it as a 'solution'. I believe that external pressure from outside governments and internal demographic growth (lots of Palestinians and Israeli Arabs having babies) will make this a reality within our lifetime. I just don't see it as a means of ending incitement against Israel from within the Palestinian community or the Arab world. It won't bring recognition of Israel as a legitimate country let alone a Jewish state. When the Arab League, and likeminded 'Pro-Palestinian' groups in the West advocate for an end to occupation, they don't mean a reversion back to pre-1967 lines. They want a reversion back to pre-1948 lines - they seek the end of Israel.

I've sat in lectures at U of T where activists referred to the city I'm writing this from (Herzliya), as a 'settlement'. In a delicious twist of irony, a 'hawkish' leader like Netanyahu stunned the world when he began using the term 'two state solution' and referred to it favourably. If it becomes a reality, activists will not lose their raison d'etre, but in the eyes of the less informed mainstream public, they will. That is because they will have 'gotten what they wanted' - an end to occupation of the Palestinian territories. (Sadly, in the eyes of extremists, all of Israel is Palestinian territory.)

So, yes, a 'two state' existence is possible, but a 'two state solution' is not.

That is, unless Palestinians unite under new leadership and choose to end incitement, rewrite their school textbooks, shut down propaganda television stations, and embrace real coexistence. Gaza could be a mini-Singapore if it wanted to be. There is great economic potential in the territories.

Afterword:

Just don't get me started on a three state solution. Dershowitz proposed that one. Why wait for Hamas to give up arms when we can solely negotiate and make a contiguous state within the West Bank? That's the idea there.

What do YOU think?

The Smell of Home

2009-11-21T21:49:00.003+02:00

Ugly jacket (not mine)

I've been living in Israel for two months so far, working on an MA degree. It got chilly tonight, so I pulled out an old plaid jacket which usually stays stuffed in the back of my closet. It's ugly, but incredibly warm - a redeeming quality for some jackets as well as some people.

It hadn't been worn since it was washed two months ago in Toronto, and the second I put it on, I could smell home. It still had the scent of the detergent I used back in Toronto, and I was struck by a wall of thoughts and memories which took me back to the family and friends I left behind.

Oopsies!

2009-11-13T13:55:00.002+02:00

A Syrian just got stopped at the Canadian border with $880,000 in cash, a ring with a Hezbollah insignia, a Palestinian scarf AND some videos glorifying the 9/11 attacks.

Yes, some people are just that stupid.

His name is Khaled Nawaya and he is 34. Also, did I mention that he is a fully accredited flight instructor?

If Nawaya can't prove the money is legit, it will go to the Canadian government. Thanks pal!

Shabbat Herzliya - שבת הרצליה

2009-11-04T03:09:00.003+02:00

Are you a student in Herzliya? At IDC Herzliya perhaps?

Do you want to be part of something great?
You don't have to be religious. You don't even have to be Jewish. Just be open to meeting new people and eating good food.

This is a forum for students in Herzliya to organize potluck Shabbat meals (Friday night dinner and Saturday lunch). If you don't have a kosher kitchen, you can still contribute by bringing wine, challah, etc.

Go to our public Facebook group and join up today! Your tummy will thank you.

Street View Arrives in Toronto

2009-10-09T01:59:00.002+02:00

Google's 'Street View' service has finally arrived in Canada - including Toronto. The service allows viewers of Google Maps to zoom into a street level view of the city, with fully movable and zoomable views.

Check out this video to see it in action:

R.I.P Marek Edelman

2009-10-03T22:41:00.002+02:00

"People have to be educated from childhood, from kindergarten, that there should be no hatred" - Marek Edelman

Excerpted from Jpost:

Marek Edelman, the last surviving leader of the ill-fated 1943 Warsaw ghetto revolt against the Nazis, died Friday at the age of 90.

The ghetto fighters inflicted heavy losses on the Germans, but eventually succumbed. More than 55,000 people were killed or deported to Nazi concentration camps when the uprising failed.

The uprising's leaders were rounded up in a bunker and, seeing no chance of escape, committed suicide on May 8, 1943.

The Nazis razed the ghetto street by street, as part of their so-called "final solution" in which they killed 6 million people in their efforts to wipe out European Jewry.

Edelman was not in the bunker. With a small group of survivors, he left through the sewers to the Aryan side of Warsaw, where he found places to hide and helped coordinate Jewish partisan groups in nearby forests.

Why I Love Natalie, Reason #42

2009-09-24T00:46:00.002+03:00

“I don’t know if I’ll want to work. I don’t know if I’ll be able to work. I don’t know. I have no answer to that … I’ll be making strudel or something. Latkes. Something Jewish.”

Natalie Portman, speaking about the future of her acting career, at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival

Video: Joey's Bachelor Adventure

2009-09-23T17:10:00.002+03:00

Most of what went down during those two days in Darlington Provincial Park will never be shared - but here is a small highlight reel of the more palatable moments of this epic adventure.

Video: Even More Chaos

2009-09-23T01:33:00.002+03:00

No-one thought this would see the light of day. Lost for four years, this third Chaos film has finally been found. See all of them at youtube.com/rogue2036

Toronto Reacts: Joey & Eleanore Get Married

2009-09-17T21:59:00.002+03:00

The wedding of the summer gets the Shul of Rock treatment. Watch it below, or go to its YouTube page and see it in high quality (HQ).

President Obama Welcomes Lord Stanley to White House

2009-09-11T19:09:00.003+03:00

It was a great day for the Pittsburgh Penguins this week when President Obama welcomed the 2009 Stanley Cup winners to the White House. Their 21 year old Canadian team captain is Sidney Crosby of Nova Scotia. The cup was originally the Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup, and was donated in 1892, by then Governor General of Canada Lord Stanley of Preston.

It is nice to see a Canadian institution such as the Stanley Cup return to the White House. This isn't the first time it has made a visit. When it is not travelling, the Cup can be found at rest in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. History buffs will recall that Governor-General Sir George Prevost of Canada called for the burning of the White House in 1814. This successful attack on Washington was considered a victory during the War of 1812, when the US was at war with the British Empire. The attacking contingent later became Canada in 1867.

Joey and Eleanore Engaged to Wed

2009-06-23T02:01:00.005+03:00

TORONTO (Reuters) - All it took was a package of M&Ms, a ring, and, oh yes, love, and Joey made what many experts are calling "The best decision of his life".

Having met Eleanore at the Community Hebrew Academy of Toronto, Joey and Eleanore stayed in contact over the years as Joey made aliyah (moved to Israel), and served in the Israel Defense Forces. Their friendship blossomed into a continent spanning relationship with roots in Canada, Israel, and even South America.

Now, engaged to wed, the two look forward to sharing their lives together in Israel.

*********

Visitors to the Shul of Rock will recall that Joey is also known on this site as G.I. Joey. Asked for his opinion on the recent engagement, Shul of Rock's resident love advice columnist, Dr. Love, had the following remark: "Mazel Tov!!!!"

Eleanore could not resist those dimples. Can you blame her?

Internet Censorship - How to get around it

2009-06-19T20:22:00.002+03:00

I wrote about Iranian internet access and censorship one year before the current crisis in which the Iranian government is clamping down on its use. There is social unrest as the Iranian presidential elections seem to have been more selection than election, and as citizens attempt to communicate concerns and civil unrest to the world, Iran is attempting to hamper access.

Luckily, the cat is already out of the bag. A connected populace is not going back to the dark ages, and young people have been figuring out innovative ways of staying one step ahead of the censors. The same actions are occurring in China, where the government has built an enormous infrastructure surrounding the censorship of the internet.

If you are accessing this blog post from inside Iran, China, or another state run by an oppressive regime, I urge you to read on.

To better surf the internet, and search key terms which may be blocked from you - use a proxy server. It allows you to surf undetected - and many are available as some get blocked by your government. This is also handy for Canadians and Americans, who will likely suffer a loss of privacy as new pending legislation will allow local police forces to access your private information from your internet provider.

Resources:

Visit http://opennet.net/ for more information about internet censorship.

Here are some proxy servers you can use to surf anonymously:

http://www.AntiBlocking.Info

http://www.BeatFiltering.Info

http://www.PeoplesUnBlocker.Info

http://www.MafiaUnBlocker.Info

http://www.HiddenNet.Info

Entire list available at http://www.proxyhustle.com/biglist.php

Archie Proposes to Veronica?

2009-05-27T21:20:00.007+03:00

Could this really be happening? Archie graduates high school, proposes to Veronica, destroys his friendship with Jughead, and devastates poor Betty? The first issue in this 6 parts series hits stands in July in Archie #600.

The Secret Canadian

2009-05-26T09:07:00.004+03:00

When filmmaker Kevin Smith is not in Canada for a speaking tour or filming cameos at Degrassi, the man in black is obsessing over hockey and Walter Gretzky.

Many have thought of Smith as a Canuck wannabe, but two consecutive Tweet posts have confirmed it:

Watched TRUDEAU with Colm Feore on flight home. Great PM, no doubt; but Homie had a handful with that wife of his, huh? Holy shit.4:38 PM May 21st from web
On her deathbed, I fully expect my Mother to reveal huge family secret: "We... we're not from Jersey... We're really from... Ca...Canada..."4:42 PM May 21st from web

Welcome to the family, sir.

Minnesota bans BPA

2009-05-11T06:20:00.002+03:00

As stated on Consumerist.com, Minnesota has become the first state in the US to ban bisphenol-A from baby drinking bottles and cups.

Bisphenol-A is a toxic chemical found in many of the products we use, including canned and bottled food. Its use has been questioned since the 1930s and it has only been in the last few years that governments have begun to take action against it.

The government of Canada already banned the import of baby bottles containing bisphenol-A in 2008. Unfortunately, most other products containing the chemical continue to get the green light.

Video: Apartment 1408

2009-04-26T22:00:00.001+03:00

An original Shul of Rock production - Apartment 1408:

Update: This video has been removed.

Craig Robinson - A fan of Israel

2009-04-12T21:41:00.004+03:00

Craig Robinson (left) co-starred with Seth Rogen in Kevin Smith's Zack and Miri Make a Porno

I was watching an old clip on the comedy site Funny or Die which featured actors Justin Long, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Craig Robinson, and director Judd Apatow. It was a self-reflexive viral shill for Apatow's movie Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, and it was rather humorous. Especially when Robinson called Apatow a 'fucking Jew' while wearing an IDF t shirt.

I couldn't help but notice that Robinson (Daryl from The Office) was wearing the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) t shirt throughout the entire clip. It struck me as odd, since I never associated the actor with any connection to Israel. It turns out I was wrong about that.

After a web search, I learned that he performed at a benefit comedy show in Jerusalem to support an Israeli humanitarian youth charity. The show was at the Yellow Submarine club, and he cracked some solid jokes about life in Israel and showed off his Hebrew!

You can watch the IDF t-shirt clip below:

Backlash from Judd Apatow

My favourite holiday

2009-04-08T17:52:00.004+03:00

Coconuts are Kosher for Passover

Chile and Argentina were amazing. It was a month-long adventure of great experiences and incredible locales. I'm looking forward to getting some pictures and videos online. The volcano and rain forest clips will be especially fun to see.

Pesach (Passover) begins tonight. It's an annual Jewish festival which celebrates freedom. It's my favourite holiday. The unique rituals, delicious meals, and incredible back story make it number one in my books. This year, it coincides with the Birkat Hachama, a unique event which occurs only once every 28 years - when the Sun is believed to be in the exact same position it was in during its creation. Pretty cool.

For a link to a seder locator, and other past Passover posts, click here and scroll down!

Trip to Chile

2009-03-09T20:08:00.002+02:00

I´m keeping a written journal which I hope to upload later.

Quick fact: I scaled a smoking volcanoe with Joey yesterday - 6 hours to the top, and 2 hours down, sliding on snow. Very fun, and very challenging.

More later, I hope.

Peace, love, and a Happy Purim. (Click link and scroll down for complete Purim archive!)

25 Songs

2009-03-01T05:51:00.002+02:00

This guy likes song #24

I was just thinking about some of my favourite songs. Here's a list of the 25 tunes I can't live without. What are yours?

In alphabetical order:

1. The Beatles – I’m Only Sleeping
This song reminds me that I’m a spectator in this crazy show called ‘life’. It’s got a reassuring vibe to it, and a very enduring quality (of course! It’s a Beatles track).

2. The Beatles – Hey Jude
It’s simply beautiful in its composition and execution. Makes me happy. It’s uplifting.

3. Blink 182 – Carousel
Its got this great one minute build before the vocals kick in.

4. Bob Dylan – Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
I don’t know why, but this song gives me chills when it comes on.

5. Buena Vista Social Club – Chan Chan
I have no idea what the lyrics mean, but I think the song sounds beautiful. I assign it its own meaning.

6. Coldplay – Fix You
I feel like this song is manipulating me into liking it, but I don’t let that stop me

7. Daniel Greaves – This Longing (from Neverending White Lights Vol.1)
It’s dark and brooding, and when you’re feeling down, it keeps you there, but makes you feel like you’re not alone.
I like art that makes you feel something – good or bad. If it reaches off the canvas/movie screen/headphones, and squeezes you a bit, that’s a good thing.

8. David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust
Starman is a close second here.

9. Everclear – Strawberry
Has some of the most inspiring lyrics I’ve ever heard – “Don’t fall down now, you will never get up”. One of my fave Everclear songs, and I’ve heard their whole catalogue. A lot.

10. Fiona Apple – Across the Universe (Beatles Cover)
I love what she does with the material. She makes the song her own, and it becomes this melancholic piece that I can listen to over and over again.

11. Idan Raichel Project – Eem Telech
Decent lyrics, great singer. This song has a nice vibe to it, and the singer really sells you on the longing she’s feeling. It rings true.

12. Johnny Cash – Hurt (NIN Cover)
The last new recording from Mr. Cash, this song is so genuine when it spills from his lips. It’s moving, powerful stuff.

13. The Kinks – This Time Tomorrow
I love this song. Who knows where we’ll be ‘this time tomorrow’? Our circumstances could change completely. The lyrics speak of looking down from a spaceship somewhere, looking at a sea. It’s about being removed enough from reality to see things from a new perspective, and the song delivers this ability to me. Amazing.

14. New Found Glory – Boy Crazy
It’s fun, and it’s pretty darn true.

15. The New Pornographers – These are the Fables
Sounds great, and very re-listenable.

16. The Offspring – Special Delivery
‘You can’t kill a man when he’s got no hope’. This line says so much, and is shortly followed by a scream. It’s about pushing back.

17. Plushgun – Just Impolite
When you’re riding a bus late at night in the rain, and you’re thinking about someone you like, this song compliments that moment well.

18. Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Need I say more?

19. Simon and Garfunkel – I am a Rock
It’s all about being resilient.

20. Stars – Calendar Girl
I love it. It’s about time, being vulnerable, and carrying forward. The best Stars songs are the ones where both Amy and Torquil sing, and this is one of them. “I’m alive”.

21. Antonio Lucio Vivaldi - Le Quattro Stagioni (Op. 8, RV 269) - La Primavera
This piece makes me want to do great things. It’s inspiring.

22. Verve – The Drugs Don’t Work
It’s about the hope that things will be alright, even if it means not being around to see it. Some of the most mature lyrics I’ve heard.

23. Weezer – My Name is Jonas
Solid track – I could listen to this over and over.

24. The White Stripes – Little Acorns
“Be like the squirrel, girl.” Why isn’t this on a t-shirt? One of the more overtly positive Stripes songs. Plus I like squirrels.

25. Led Zeppelin – Kashmir
Deal with it.

Call for Submissions!

2009-02-20T02:26:00.001+02:00

Call for submissions for Virtual Tel Aviv Exhibition at Brandeis University:

Please email the curator, Noam Gilboord, gilboord at brandeis.edu, with text, audio, video, or images of Tel Aviv's white city and help create this online exhibit! All participants will be credited for their contributions to this exhibit.

Watch this video for more information:

Friday the 13th

2009-02-12T09:48:00.005+02:00

The new 'Friday the 13th' movie is in theatres this week. Mr. T and I caught a preview of it. A thought of mine:

Slasher horror films are a dime a dozen these days. The consistent formula of teens drinking, smoking weed, and having sex as a prelude to their dismemberment is a requirement in contemporary horror cinema, arching back a few decades. The frisky teens always bleed for their sins. Jason does an excellent job in expediting this process.

Click here for my full review.

50 years later

2009-02-03T07:32:00.003+02:00

It was fifty years ago. Some of the hottest rock n' roll musicians had just played a slammin' show, and were all set to play their next, when they boarded an airplane. They never made it.

The plane crashed 5 miles away from the nearest airport, killing all three passengers, as well as the pilot. The pilot was Roger Peterson. The doomed musicians were Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper (J.P Richardson). They were young, talented, and had they lived, music would not be what it is today. Their transformative influence on rock n' roll shaped and fortified its sound and stature. If they had lived on, their musical growth would have been exponential. Buddy Holly laid down some of the most enduring tracks of the 20th Century. Imagine if he had lived past the age of twenty-two. What could have been?

These talented musicians had their lives cut short. This is a common theme in music. John Lennon. Kurt Cobain. Bob Marley. The list goes on. In the midst of their creative zenith, they left us. Their legacies are their music. But the question of 'what if?' haunts listeners, always wondering what could have been.

The Cincinnati Kid!

2009-01-25T08:17:00.003+02:00

This is a great Kids in the Hall sketch.

The Cincinnati Kid shows up in Toronto, looking for trouble. And he finds it! This features all five Kids in the Hall members, and offers up some great laughs. Watch it below:

It's crazy

2009-01-15T07:05:00.002+02:00

It's crazy how time can slip past you when you are busy.

It doesn't matter whether you are busy with something meaningful and worthwhile, or inane and stupid, time just whirls past. This is post #301 at the Shul of Rock. The S of R has become one of those seasonal shuls which doesn't always have a minyan (quorum of ten men for prayer - it's a Jewish analogy, people). I should remedy that by updating more often. Once a week seems doable. I kept it up for a long time before, so why not continue?

If you're a return visitor, I hope life has been treating you well between stops. Life has been treating me to something, but I don't know what. I probably never will - but that's just how the cookie crumbles, mon ami (that's French, people).

Hugs and Kisses,

- Avi

Chanukah Round-Up

2008-12-08T06:44:00.004+02:00

Chanukah is fast approaching. It's a special time to remember a special miracle.

For all of the Shul of Rock's past Chanukah goodies, just click here and scroll down.

And for a little blast from the past, here's a Chanukah vid from a few years back. The funny part is, it starts with Joey saying "It's a shrunken Santa head from the Amazon" and he'll actually be in the Amazon around Chanukah time! Enjoy:

Have a happy holiday!

Honest University commercial

2008-11-11T04:54:00.002+02:00

This video totally sums up the stupid distorted reality that is the university experience. I mean, don't get me wrong - higher learning is great. It's just the universities that seem to be the problem. Enjoy...

Canadians: Buy stuff now!

2008-10-27T23:38:00.002+02:00

In these wacky financial times, as our economy slowly slides into a sinkhole and the Canadian dollar plummets... (Thanks America!) - I want to advise my fellow Canadians to buy stuff.

I know - that doesn't seem to make any sense. If the dollar is getting crappy, why spend money now? Well, here's the answer: You should make some purchases now because prices have not been adjusted yet. At the Apple stores in Canada, you will see that a 16 gigabyte iPod Touch is retailing for $329. If pricing reflected the value of the dollar, that device, which is $299 in the US, would be $382 in Canada, as I write this. $60 more than the current price.

If you were planning on making a big retail purchase, like a car, computer, or iPod, you'd better do it now. Sure you could take your chances and wait everything out, but seeing how the Canadian dollar is slipping, it probably won't pull itself out of this slump for a long time.

*** On the flipside, I just made some money from this economic downturn. My Paypal account is in US funds, so I gained 20 cents on every dollar. Bet you wish you had bought American money a few months ago, eh? You would have done better than playing the stock market. ---- Then again, anyone would have done better than playing the stock market! Yikes.

Huggles

2008-10-20T05:42:00.002+02:00

If you have can attest to any of the following, then you might like this video. Have you ever...

Received a present you did not really like?
Had an over demanding girlfriend?
Enjoyed David Mamet plays?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these three questions, you should check out Huggles:

The Great Schlep

2008-10-03T22:35:00.001+03:00

First off, I'd like to wish you readers a Shanah Tova! May the year 5769 be filled with good health and great happiness for you. Read some past Rosh Hashana messages here.

This video is funny, whether you agree with the politics or not:

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.

I like speaking

2008-09-23T05:07:00.002+03:00

I gave a two hour lecture/presentation tonight, and I really enjoyed it! I was never a huge fan of public speaking before, but I knew it was important, so I'd barrel through some talks here and there, but I had never spoken for more than thirty minutes.

I knew what I was talking about, presented the material to a sizable audience in a clear and well articulated way (I hope!), and I even kept my cool when a journalist showed up unannounced and started recording me. If her article goes to press, I'm hoping that I don't get misquoted. It has happened to me before.

I learned something new about myself tonight - namely that I enjoy public speaking. As long as I know what I'm talking about.

Back in Canada

2008-09-17T06:54:00.005+03:00

I haven't updated in a while. Sorry.

It's just that, I guess when I update my blog from Canada, it means I've truly returned to this northern rock. Don't get me wrong - I love Canada, but I had grown very accustomed to spending my days in the land of my fathers. Now I must officially be back in Toronto, Canada, if I'm blogging from here.

Only one way to brighten things up....

Karaoke!

Words can't describe

2008-08-13T12:04:00.005+03:00

Avi takes part in a state ceremony as Israel's President, Shimon Peres observes

Words can't describe the experience I had living and working in Israel for half a year. It was the best 185 days of my life!

I'm heading back to Toronto tonight, and it pains me to leave. I hope to return as soon as possible. I miss my family and friends in Canada, and I'm very excited to see them. It's a weird feeling to trade one home for another.

"If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand wither, let my tongue cleave to my palate if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy." (Psalms - 137, 5-7).

He's done!

2008-07-31T10:51:00.003+03:00

G.I. Joey completed his service, and is now a civilian once more. He celebrated this occasion by throwing a release party. He was joined by his recently released fellow former soliders (say that ten times fast), Ittai and Issac. Noam and Avi decided it would be fun to stick their shoulders in Joey's armpits, and the result is this unique, tasteful photograph.

Mazal Tov, Joey!

(click photo to enlarge)

6 Israeli Arabs arrested on suspicion of planning to kill Bush

2008-07-18T11:22:00.004+03:00

One of the Israeli Arabs arrested on charges of planning to kill President Bush lived in the Hebrew University dorms. That's where I live.

They six men have been indicted for allegedly setting up an Al-Qaida cell in Jerusalem and offering their services to Global Jihad elements in an attempt to assassinate US President George W. Bush during his visit to Israel in May.

Teaser: The Real J-Town

2008-07-14T23:33:00.004+03:00

Imagine a reality show, but without the reality.
It would just be a show, wouldn't it?
Yeah. That's what it would be.

A View from Congress

2008-06-30T14:54:00.005+03:00

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Ambassador Dore Gold

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of the U.S. House of Representatives spoke at my workplace this morning. Her lecture was titled "The United States, Israel, and the Iranian Threat: A View from Congress".

It was a great speech, and Representative Ros-Lehtinen even took the time to field some questions from the audience. I had the divine pleasure of handing her a publication on Iran's incitement to genocide, and I also took some photographs.

J-Town Diaries: Episode 5

2008-06-16T16:38:00.001+03:00

Noam and Avi cause havoc in a sculpture garden. Includes the internet premiere of the hit single 'The Fart Song'.

More Zohan

2008-06-11T23:02:00.002+03:00

I raved about the Adam Sandler movie You Don't Mess with the Zohan back in January - and now that it is about to come out in Israel, I'm looking forward to watching it with an Israeli audience.

An interesting review was provided online by The New York Times, and it's part of a YouTube video featuring new clips, including a really funny pushups sequence.

You can see the clip here.

Weezer - The Red Album

2008-05-25T23:52:00.002+03:00

On June 3rd, Weezer will be releasing their sixth studio album. It's self-titled, but is already known by fans as 'The Red Album'. The music video is one big 'inside joke' for YouTube fans. It features references to famous YouTube videos and stars many of the online actors recreating their famous roles. Watch it below.

Atom Egoyan is 2008 Dan David Prize Winner

2008-05-23T02:42:00.004+03:00

Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan was recently in Tel-Aviv to speak and collect a $1 million prize. Read my coverage of the event here.

J-Town Diaries: Episode 4

2008-05-12T17:02:00.000+03:00

Here's episode 4, brought to you by our affiliate, Shul of Rock News. We're a franchise, baby!

J-Town Diaries: Episode 3

2008-05-05T16:07:00.001+03:00

In the third episode of the series, Noam and Avi have a deja vu moment. This episode is exclusively for people familiar with the city of Toronto. Anyone else will likely not appreciate it... or understand it.

Sorry! - But don't worry. Episode 4 is for everyone!

Yom Hashoah

2008-05-01T22:14:00.001+03:00

It was Yom Hashoah – the day for remembering the Holocaust. I woke up early and hurried across Jerusalem to Yad Vashem – the foremost Holocaust museum and research centre in the world. I had been invited to take part in the ceremony, alongside various government officials and VIPs. I felt honoured to be a part of the commemoration.

After rehearsals, I moved into position. Standing within the centre aisle, I was to carry a wreath and accompany the President of the Jewish Agency, an organization which played an integral role in building the State of Israel. I stood alongside my wreath carrying partner, fifth within the procession. The first pair accompanied the President of Israel, Shimon Peres. The second pair accompanied the Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert. The third pair walked with Dalia Itzik, Speaker of the Knesset. The fourth pair escorted the chief of Yad Vashem.

When it came time to step up to the stage, I stopped to wait for the podium to clear. I stood in position, directly next to the seated leaders of Israel, but I did not look at them. I stared straight ahead with military precision, my nervous right hand clutching half of the wreath. Everyone else in the procession was in uniform, mainly military. I was the odd man out.

When I stood listening to the sirens go off at ten in the morning, I was aware that the entire country came to a standstill to remember the systematic extermination of six million Jewish people. No other country would ever commemorate the Holocaust in such a way. I thought about my grandparents and their miraculous survival. I thought about the siblings and parents they lost to the death camps. I looked up at the honour guard standing at attention, and knew that the State of Israel would ensure that it would never happen again. Never again.

After approaching the podium and delivering the wreath, my procession partner Gabriel and I pivoted to the left in unison and walked off to the side. Gabriel made aliyah (moved to Israel) two months ago from his native Argentina. Prior to that, he had never been to Israel before. He sought to create a new life for himself in the only Jewish homeland in the world. He too felt blessed to be taking part in such a meaningful event.

As the event winded down, the government leaders departed with their entourage of bodyguards, assistants, and rooftop snipers. Gabriel and I agreed to stay in touch, and I stood a little extra tall as I walked out of Yad Vashem. I will never forget the day I got to stand alongside the leaders of Israel and commemorate those lost to the mire of man’s hatred. It was an honour and a privilege, and I wish it never had to happen.

J-Town Diaries: Episode 2

2008-04-28T19:11:00.001+03:00

Here is the exclusive premiere of episode 2. It's a musical. It's called Field of Dreams, not to be confused with the Kevin Costner movie of the same name. Enjoy!

Video: That Day in November

2008-04-25T00:43:00.002+03:00

This video already made an appearance on Facebook. Now it's here. A photoshoot from November 2007. Pictures are at the end!

Video: Avi Goes to a Conference

2008-04-15T16:36:00.002+03:00

Enjoy the video. The portion from Irwin Cotler's speech is pretty riveting, in my humble opinion. Hopefully there will be more vids soon - Comedy!

...and a belated Happy Purim

2008-04-11T00:40:00.002+03:00

Clark Kent and his cowboy pal.

Seder Locator

2008-04-09T11:39:00.003+03:00

Do you live on planet Earth? Are you looking for a Pesach (Passover) meal, a festive meal often referred to as a 'seder'? Well, now it's easy, with the all new Seder Locator.

Don't know what the heck Passover is? Click here to learn about it.

Chag Kasher v'Sameach.

China's Shame

2008-04-08T10:38:00.002+03:00

China has alot to be ashamed about, including its environmental crimes and pitiful human rights record. Every single skeleton in her closet will be dragged into the harsh light of day as protests around the world continue as the Olympic torch makes its way to Beijing. There's a great column about it in today's National Post. Reading about the mayhem in Paris is fascinating. The torch was extinguished multiple times! Check it out.

P.S. - I don't have internet in my apartment yet. Hopefully this week we will receive a new router and modem.

Great Conference!

2008-03-28T01:42:00.004+02:00

MK Benjamin Netenyahu addresses the conference

I've only been at my internship for a few days, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm working on a bunch of great research projects, some on my own, and others that I picked up from previous researchers. I'm making a presentation next week on an Egyptian imam.

I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic conference yesterday, which was co-hosted by my employer. The amazing array of speakers included Israel's vice-Prime Minister, Tzipi Livni, and former Prime Minister Benyamin Netenyahu. Canada's former justice minister Irwin Cotler delivered a powerful address regarding the United Nations.

The influential people in the room added to the event. After a speaker criticized the European Union for funding anti-Israel groups, the Ambassador from Slovenia (current EU presidency holder) stood to deliver a response.

The conference was held at the David Citadel hotel.

The complete program can be downloaded here.

Some JCPA interns

And so it begins...

2008-03-23T13:49:00.002+02:00

We moved into the apartment a few days ago. We've got a lovely view of Jerusalem and a portion of the West Bank. Living on a (small) mountain is kind of cool. I just wish we didn't have a rooster beneath our fifth floor window.

I'm writing this in a laundromat, as I wait for my clothes to be ready. I don't have an internet connection in my apartment yet, but I've got one here, right next to the dryers. Go figure.

Noam and I share our apartment with three other folks; David from Australia, Rebecca from Brazil, and Sharon from Florida. We each have our own bedroom, and we share a kitchen/living room, plus two bathrooms.

The roomates (flatmates?) are great so far. We all get along, share in cleaning duties, and we genuinely enjoy hanging out with one another. We all got to know each other over the course of the past month as we lived on a kibbutz.

We start our professional internships tommorow. I'll be working at a policy institute/think tank as a researcher.

We are heading to a Purim seudah tonight in the Old City of Jerusalem. That means we are attending a festive meal to commemorate Persian Jews being saved from slaughter, thanks to the heroics of a few folks, including Queen Esther, and her uncle Mordecai.

Purim is a really fun holiday during which people dress up in crazy outfits, give money to the poor, and exchange tasty treats with friends and family. One is also obligated to hear a retelling of the Purim story, read from a scroll which is known as a 'megillah'.

Purim has already been completed around the world, but in Jerusalem, it runs a little bit longer.

Video and pics are coming soon. Now that we have some laundromat internet, Noam and I will be putting some goodies online.

Kibbutz Life

2008-03-05T15:30:00.002+02:00

Living on Kibbutz Harel means living in a paradisical oasis of serenity. Every day, I wake up, attend five hours of (enjoyable!!!) Hebrew class [aka: Ulpan], followed by either a free afternoon or some fascinating lectures and discussions.

My fellow participants are from around the world, and over the next three weeks, we will enjoy one another's company before splitting up for our professional internships in either Jerusalem or Tel Aviv.

The cafeteria serves up greasy comfort food and a lot of salads, and I'm surrounded by palm trees and chirpy birds. And it's only a 40 minute ride to Tel Aviv by bus.

I'm sponging off Noam's computer because mine is in Jerusalem. He's having a good time here too. We hung up a huge Canadian flag in our window, much to the chagrin of our roomates from Brooklyn and Brazil.

I see, and often hear, Israeli fighter jets flying overhead. The situation in Gaza has grown quite dire, and now a quarter-million Israelis are within range of the new rockets being fired by Hamas. Tank crews moved into Gaza yesterday. Innocent Palestinians are dying, as are the brave Israeli soldiers that battle Hamas terrorists. Until the threat presented by Hamas is extinguished, most Israelis accept that fighting the terorists is necessary. As a sovereign state, Israel must defend her borders, and her citizens. Israeli blood is not cheap.

So that's life in Israel - peaceful surroundings, and battle brewing on the periphery. The good and the bad. I wouldn't expect anything else.

J-Town Diaries: Episode 1

2008-02-28T12:43:00.006+02:00

*** Updated:
Due to the sensitive nature of my internship, I have decided to delete the first episode of 'J-Town Diaries' from YouTube. Sorry for the inconvenience.

- Avi

This is the first entry in what I hope will be an ongoing series co-produced by Noam and myself. Please subscribe on YouTube.

Please Standby

2008-02-26T18:16:00.004+02:00

Earlier today, my group had a good view of Jerusalem

as we studied the security fence.

Hello.

Please standby. Future updates to the Shul of Rock will be delayed. I am in the process of bouncing around Israel without a steady internet connection. This will all change when I am securely in my own apartment, starting in late March. Until then, enjoy the spotty updates.... Sorry.

The Eagles Have Landed

2008-02-21T22:58:00.003+02:00

After a great going-away party, Noam and I bounced to Israel. We are currently in Joey's apartment in Jerusalem, waiting for him to fly in tommorow in time for Shabbat. I haven't done much sleeping in the past two days, and I'm about to pass out, but I thought I'd share the above photo with you. I spotted it in Joey's neighbourhood this afternoon.

Much love,

- Avi

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-02-14T18:33:00.004+02:00

The movie trailer premiered today at IndianaJones.com, and it looks great. It has been so long since the last adventure with Dr. Jones.

The film's IMDB page lists the languages spoken within the movie as English, German, Hebrew, and Nyaneka. Could this mean that the Ark of the Covenant will make a cameo? Rumours have been pointing to that for a while, and when you watch the trailer, you will see a very familiar looking government warehouse...

The film will be released internationally in May 2008. Woo hoo! No waiting!

Cloverfield

2008-02-08T09:28:00.000+02:00

I first saw the movie trailer for Cloverfield last summer, before witnessing the 'big n' loud' Transformers movie. It seemed to be a fun preview - untitled and intriguing. I just came home from seeing the final film with Danny E. It was pretty damn cool.

Cloverfield is not a 'film'. It is not cinema. It's a ride - an attraction. An exhibit. It can be summed up through brief description. Four friends make their way through a war zone which was formerly Manhattan, in search of the protagonist's girlfriend. An enormous alien threat is attacking the city, and it is unleashing creepy spider creatures. Oh, and the Statue of Liberty gets decapitated.

This is all captured on a handheld video camera. It sounds like a tired gimmick, but this is no Blair Witch Project. This film is lively, has a sense of humour, and delivers both thrills and some drama. It's worth watching once.

As for the rumours that a barf bag is a necessary viewing companion - this is false. If you can watch amateur YouTube videos, you can watch this movie. The cinematography isn't much different. But that's the point.

The Big Switcheroo

2008-01-30T11:06:00.000+02:00

The view from my hotel window, Jerusalem in December 2006

Click to enlarge! Makes great PC wallpaper

In a really odd turn of events, Toronto was a balmy 5 Celsius today, with no snow on the ground, while Jerusalem was covered with the white stuff. It continues to fall as I write this post. School and universities have been cancelled, and drivers are being asked to avoid the roads. Snow plows are patrolling the streets! And in Toronto? All clear. Enjoy it while it lasts!

Coming Soon: That Day in November: A Photoshoot Mini-Doc

The Last Lecture

2008-01-20T09:27:00.000+02:00

**Updated Link

Randy Pausch is a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. Beyond being an incredibly intelligent person, he is also inspiring, generous, and eloquent. He was stricken with pancreatic cancer, and does not have long to live. In an impassioned final lecture to his students, friends, and colleagues, Randy speaks about realizing your dreams, and living life properly.

These are words of wisdom, and as the audience rises to its feet, and the professor reveals his true motive behind delivering the lecture, I dare you not to shed a tear.

Watch it here.

Shul Bulletin, Vol. 8

2008-01-13T08:39:00.000+02:00

It has been a while since the previous installment of the bulletin. Sixteen months, actually. I figure it's time for an update. If you'd like to see the previous editions, just click here and scroll down. And here's volume #8:

In the photograph above, Gnome is wearing his favourite soccer jersey. It looks like he will be heading to Israel for a five month internship. In order to make sure he stays out of trouble, Avi hopes to be join him for the adventure. Reminder: Buy plane ticket.
Speaking of adventures - Indiana Jeff has recently started a contract at Indiana University's Hillel. The Shul of Rock wishes him nothing but success.

Joey at 8 years old

Everyone's favourite hobo-turned-medic-turned-army commander, G.I. Joey, has opted to extend his army service further. With Israel's current education strike threatening to cancel university for next year, this could be a genius move. G-d willing, G.I. Joey will be in Toronto later this month for a visit.

Benjito and Snoopy practice their respective crafts

Snoopy recently sold a photograph, earning him the title 'professional photographer'. Keep up the great work, Snoop!

Benji recently recorded his first commercial voiceover, earning him the title 'professional voice actor'. Keep up the great work, Ben!

Dr. Love was last spotted on a beach near Havana. Could the doctor be resting up in preparation for a comeback? Time will tell.

Mr. T and Avi recently attended a Jewish meditation session. Are chakras kosher?

Birthright registration (free trip to Israel!) opens up on Feb. 12th at ten AM at Israelforfree.com . I'm looking at you, Danny.

This has been the eighth edition of the Shul Bulletin.

Sandler Joins Mossad

2008-01-07T05:28:00.000+02:00

The movie trailer for the latest Adam Sandler movie has finally reached the net. It follows the story of an elite Mossad agent (Sandler), as he tries to start a new life in New York hairdresser. He winds up falling in love with a Palestinian woman (played by the very Jewish Emanuelle Chriqui, of Toronto) and then things get a little nutty.

Go here to see the trailer - just choose the newest entry, You Don't Mess with the Zohan.

****

And in other Shul of Rock news, well..... I'm not going to spill the beans yet, but keep checking back for one of the biggest announcements to ever grace this site. It's gonna be huge!

Film Camera? What's that?

2007-12-30T07:26:00.000+02:00

A lot of you kids are growing up in the Digital Age. You always have a cell phone at your side, Facebook in front of you, and an MP# player attached to your skull.

Another technological innovation that permeates your life: The digital camera. You can take pictures with impunity, always knowing that an unwanted snapshot can be discarded with the click of a button.

It was not always that easy, and in a nod to the past, the following shots were originally caught on film, using a chemical process (before being digitally transferred to a computer). They were snapped a few weeks ago, when a bunch of foolhardy folks opted to do some hardcore tobboganning.

Britney's Sister is Pregnant!!! OMG!

2007-12-19T22:54:00.000+02:00

Britney Spears and her sister, Jamie-Lynn

The world has been rocked by the news. Jamie-Lynn Spears, 16, is pregnant. Cars have stopped in the streets. Airplane flights have been grounded. Lions and lambs lay together in the field as pure anarchy sweeps the Earth. Thunder and lightning have filled the skies. Civilization will never be the same.

Meanwhile, more trivial matters are thankfully being swept aside as the public comes to grips with this shocking revelation.

Some of these unimportant issues include:

The crisis in Darfur
Canada's descent into unfair copyright laws
Iran's continued desire to acheive the destruction of Israel through a long-range attack
Turkish air strikes in northern Iraq
Vladimir Putin's erosion of the last shreds of democracy in Russia

Thank goodness for little Jamie-Lynn. She's a helpful reminder that we, as the public, need to stay focused on what really matters. A special thank you to the media for keeping us on track. Journalists report on the issues that matter. I salute their integrity.

Watch this space

2007-12-14T22:17:00.000+02:00

Chanukah is over! I know, it's sad, but there is always next year, right?

More material coming soon.

WATCH THIS SPACE