“Ma Nishtana” is one of the songs of the Seder, the Passover holiday ritual. I know, it’s my 3rd (or more) item about this holiday, I truly wish there was nothing to write …
Ma Nishtana means – what is different – and in context; why is this night different than other nights of the year. Sitting in the Seder, a few nights ago, I was thinking to myself; well, the only thing different this year is the geographical location. I might be in Vienna this year, but the ugly face of fascism will probably unmask anywhere on this damned holiday. Nationalism, ignorance, racism and rudeness are still main characteristics of too many Israelis, no matter where they celebrate their holidays. Anyway, I decided to stay positive, leave the ugliness in its natural place and move on. The next day I woke up ill with a Post-Seder-Trauma-Flue, something like a Jewish Chicken Flue that you probably catch on national and religious holidays if not too careful... Anyway, enough with Passover for now, I mean, we still have some important memorial days, independence, occupation and other happy days ahead of us to celebrate.

In the spirit of my new positiveness, not to leave you upset, and to link this item with the theme of the last one, I attach a screen shot of my current desktop. The image is of a Wickiup; winter home of the Mono Native American tribe. Taken from the American Library of Congress’ website, the photograph was shot by legendary Edward S. Curtis. During this lifelong project, Curtis documented over 80 tribes from Mexico to Alaska. Over 2,000 images appeared in the enormous 20 volume publication called The North American Indian. Amazing project is an understatement; this one man’s work is unconceivable.

Live long and prosper…