Monthly Archives: September 2013

Jews and Islam Judaism and the Middle East (Peter Beinart)

Posted on September 11, 2013 by zjb

In a recent article, Peter Beinart makes the strong point that American Jews cannot understand the conflict over Israel and Palestine, and that we cannot care properly about Israel without taking Palestine into account. Beinart’s point is to think outside … Continue reading →

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Obama Doctrine (Middle East)

Posted on September 10, 2013 by zjb

Following the diplomatic maybe-breakthrough between the U.S., Russia, Iran (?), and Syria, I think I understand Obama’s Middle East policy. If there is a logical coherence to it, then its structure is like a flow chart, composed of 5 parts: … Continue reading →

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Hands off Assad (Unbelievable Stupidities)

Posted on September 9, 2013 by zjb

  I think the smartest argument against a U.S. intervention is that nobody in the U.S. or Europe wants to see it happen, and that the U.S. is hated deeply throughout the Arab world. At least let’s be honest about … Continue reading →

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Syracuse Interstates (Urban Ruin)

Posted on September 8, 2013 by zjb

I took these photos from the top of the Crowne Plaza at Syracuse during a recent faculty retreat. From the view up there you get a strong visual sense as to how these two highways (rt 81 and rt. 690) … Continue reading →

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New Born Calf (Days of Awe) (New York State Fair, 2013)

Posted on September 8, 2013 by zjb

The great shofar is sounded, A still small voice is heard. The angels are dismayed, They are seized by fear and trembling As they proclaim: Behold the Day of Judgment! For all the hosts of heaven are brought for judgment. … Continue reading →

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Rosh Ha’Shanah Days of Awe (Syria)

Posted on September 4, 2013 by zjb

It’s the week after Labor Day and the Jewish New Year, the new year of creation, which comes early this year, is suddenly upon us. I know that these are the Days of Awe, but the rolling catastrophe that is … Continue reading →

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Day Into Night (The Book of Job at the New York State Fair, 2013)

Posted on September 3, 2013 by zjb

I was at the New York State Fair reading about Maimonides reading the Book of Job. The discussion has to do with scale, the vicissitudes of human suffering in relation to divine providence and the creaturely world at large. And … Continue reading →

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Dragon (New York State Fair 2013)

Posted on September 2, 2013 by zjb

I’m not sure my university friends and colleagues understand or appreciate my sojourn at the New York State Fair. Indeed, I think they scoff. But I like nonetheless this plastic mystical beast, caught at a moment of repose or on … Continue reading →

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Politics Looks Like This (New York State Fair 2013) (Chuck Schumer)

Posted on September 2, 2013 by zjb

Trying to get a candid shot of a politician on the schmooze at the New York State Fair is as hard as trying to photograph a chicken. I’ve now done both and I’m not sure what’s harder. They’re both constantly … Continue reading →

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Cow People (New York State Fair, 2013)

Posted on September 1, 2013 by zjb

One of my favorite parts of the State Fair are the livestock people who show up to exhibit their stock. The dairy folk spend their entire time at the fair, camping out to tend to their cows for the entire … Continue reading →

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