Curous as a Cat's Monday Meme

I haven't had a chance to visit Curious as a Cat's wonderful Monday meme site in a while, so I thought I would indulge today. Each week, you are given a set of questions to answer, and a photo to which you can respond. Here goes!


1) In what movie is the most violent scene you've ever seen?

I tend to stay away from movies that are too graphically violent, so this is a tough one. I guess the movie that has haunted me for years since I saw it, and therefore, I haven't seen it again, is Saving Private Ryan. I can't stand all of the gunfire and loss of life in every scene. It is just too painful for me.

2) Of all the people you know, who would make the most successful TV evangelist?

As a rabbi, I find this question to be especially fun to answer. I used to want to be a Jewish televangelist, myself, especially after playing the role of "Reno Sweeney," a traveling evangelist, in my high school's production of the Cole Porter musical, Anything Goes. However, if I had to identify someone else, I would probably pick the former senior rabbi at the synagogue I work at. He has such a commanding presence at the pulpit - he is a true "preacher," and is always incredibly inspiring. I'll bet he could make lots of money if he took it on the road :)

3) Who is the person who most deserves to be rewarded for something?

As of right now, my mom! She has been the hero of the family since my dad's stroke. She is so strong and brave, and even took time out to come to NYC six months ago for my surgery. I wish I could give her some kind of "mom of the year" award - I really believe that she has tapped into an inner strength that, heretofore, she didn't even know she had. I am so proud of her.


4) When was the last time you cried and why?

This morning, as I was watching Meet the Press's tribute to Tim Russert. Within the first few minutes, I was already tearing up as the various journalists remembered this great man. I am so saddened by his death, and I send my thoughts and prayers out to his family.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.



This photo reminds me of trips that we used to take to old homesteads - those ones that were meant to recreate homes in the 18th or 19th centuries. We probably had a school field trip to those places every year of elementary school. I remember being both envious of the people who had to pretend to be townsfolk from that time period, while also feeling sorry for them and their job :)

Monday Meme - Curious as a Cat

Curious as a Cat posts thought-provoking questions each Monday, and it always sparks interesting discussion and ponderings. I haven't had a chance to participate in awhile, so here goes! Plus, Cat reminds us that you don't have to play on Monday, so if you wanna join in, go ahead whenever you want!

1) If you had to experience one trauma your mother has gone through so that you could better understand her, what would you choose?

My mother's mother died when my mom was only 20. From what I understand, her mom was ill for most of her childhood, and thus my mom never really HAD much of a childhood. She was an only child, and wound up caring for my grandfather as the primary homemaker. Over the years, I have asked my mom about her mother's life and death, and my mom has (understandably) blocked most of it out. And I mean, completely. There are just no memories of it. Thus, I have had to speculate, recreate, and imagine what it must have been like for her to grow up with a sick and dying mother.

2) What is the most revolting combination of colors you can imagine?

What a cool question! Let's see.... definitely some combination of vomitous green and poopy brown :)

3) If you could punish the most difficult person at your workplace, what would you do, and to whom?

A previous co-worker of mine at a previous job was definitely toxic. He thought he was god's gift to the workplace, was incredibly pompous and arrogant, and was completely a FAKE. As soon as you got past the slick exterior, you found... nothing. Emptiness. So, I suppose I would just hope that he would one day be exposed as the fake he is. I hate wishing harm to anyone, but I also believe that he could probably cause a lot of harm to others if trusted too much...

4) What is the thing you know the most about?

Hmmm..... I pride myself on knowing a little bit about a lot, so I have to think. I would hope that the answer would be Judaism, since that it my job.... I also have way too much pop culture knowledge. So, between the two, you've got most of my brain.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.
I don't know where this picture actually takes place, but it reminds me of Coney Island. I LOVE Coney Island, and I have had a number of memorable visits with family and friends (MJP - I am talking about you!). I don't know how much longer it will remain the Coney Island that we all know and love (they are supposedly tearing most of it down and building condos in the next few years), but the amusement park, historic roller coaster, sideshow, hot dogs, and general ambience make it a very special place. If you've never been - GO!