Substitute Godesses

 Belief in a god or gods who intervene in the world to create order is a core element of global religions,” (Adam Green).

Without belief in that God, people choose to subscribe to conspiracy theories. While there are certainly unseen actors, more elaborate and improbable conspiracy theories are obviously a substitute for God for those who can no longer make themselves believe in Him.

Things just aren’t all that well-run. If only it all was a giant conspiracy theory. Then we could all rest assured that like the stock on any other well-run ranch, we would be properly fed and watered before we were sheared.

…but we haven’t even that consolation. If anyone is in charge, they’re spectacularly incompetent.

Ill.: Athena and Poseidon, competing for the title of Patron God of the City. Athena won. Athena never had a lover and was known as Athena Parthenos, “Virgin Athena”. The temple Parthenon takes its name from her virginity. Mary, the wife of Joseph and mother of Jesus and his brothers, is also believed to be a virgin. What obsession these peoples had with virginity?

The Attraction of Judaism

We are a very small people but exert a disproportional influence on humanity. A large number of people from all over the world tries actively to join us. I think it is because of our aura of success and wealth, however precarious the reality turns out to be. On the other hand, we are engaged in a competition to protect Jewish majority in Eretz Israel, so we cannot be too selective, and anyone with some (presumed) blood connection to the historic Jewish people is accepted. And because of this existential imperative of having a larger head count, Israel is forced to follow a pro-natalist policy. And a westernization policy for its Arab minority ("westernization" does not mean becoming Western, European or American, since Oriental peoples like the Japanese are the undisputed champions in not reproducing). Pic.: Bnei Menashe immigrants (they are from NorthEast India, no genetic link to any Middle Eastern people).

Second wave in Israel

Coronavirus cases peak - 12% of those tested have the virus. More than 900 people are hospitalized, including 476 in serious condition, among them 137 who are intubated. 

 People is fed up with the disease and the quarantine ordered by the government, one week we are clean and the next general closure and isolation of cities. People arrived to the conclusion that the government does not know what to do and tends to ignore it. The protests are growing, but they are focused on Bibi as if its decapitation would solve something. The police is confused, are unable to distinguish between violent protesters and the inoffensive jobless artists present in search of a public. Yesterday, Shoshke, a parody of Sara Netaniyahu, was arrested "protesting" in front of the Netaniyahus residence for being "sexually offensive" (sic). 

Katza Closed

Kfar Saba is a Green City yet we feel the virus floating in the hot air above it. The main school Katzenelson is closed and two kindergartens. I feel depressed because this unending stress. Pic.: We may be the most liberal, secular city in this country, but in the Katzenelson School events the girls sit behind the boys.

Beethoven: Triple Concerto in C major, op. 56

News from Argentina

I talked to my relatives in Argentina. They are all working. Schools are closed and people live in fear of street crime. 4000 additional policemen (pic) were sent to the Buenos Aires Province to increase personal safety. From my vantage point, their situation is sustainable. 

Argentina's foreign debt of 323 billion US$ is, however, unsustainable. After 160 days of quarantine, 400,000 people are sick and 8,000 have died. 

Kfar Saba Boiled and Steamed

 

The heavy heat will continue over the weekend, with the heat becoming oppressive on Friday afternoon. Along the coast, the air will be extremely muggy.

In Katzrin, temperatures on Friday are expected to reach 42 degrees Celsius (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit), while in Tzfat, Rehovot, and Beit Shemesh, temperatures are expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). Nahariya, Haifa, and Tel Aviv will see temperatures of 34 degrees (93.2), while Tiberias and the Dead Sea area will reach up to 45 degrees (113 degrees). In Tayibe (NEXT TO KFAR SABA CITY), the heat will reach 37 degrees  * (98.6 degrees), while in Ariel, temperatures will reach 39 degrees (102.2 degrees). Jerusalem and Mitzpe Ramon will see temperatures of up to 40 degrees (104 degrees), while Be'er Sheva could see temperatures of 43 degrees (109.4 degrees) and Eilat of up to 47 degrees (116.6 degrees).

(*) It is 10 AM and already it is higher!