parsha bit: Noach

When Noach wanted to see if the flood waters had receeded enough, he sent out a raven that went "to and fro". The rabbis say this means the raven argued with Noach, asking "why me?". Noach replied, "What need does the world have for you? You are fit neither for food nor for an offering." The raven replied, "your lord hates me and you hate me. Your lord hates me because he ordered you to take seven pairs of some creatures but only one pair of us. You hate me because you could have sent one from the other species instead. Should I perish, the world will be deprived of my species." Nonetheless Noach sent the raven, and it found a corpse to eat and did not return. (Genesis Rabbah 33:6)

visitng Boston

I'll be in Boston for a few days next week. The primary purpose of my visit will consume most of my time there, but chaiya and hakamadare have graciously offered to hold a dinner party on Sunday, November 5, and there's room for a few more people. If you would like to come hang out with us, please send email to both me and chaiya by Tuesday (October 30). Edit: All full now.

I also plan to stop in at the MASSFILC gathering that afternoon (hosted by tigerbright and the rest of her household). If that's something I might be able to see you at, please let me know. (Someone from MASSFILC should correct me if I'm wrong, but I gather that the afternoon is more social than anything else -- after all, I'm not a member and I was invited.)

If you want to give me a phone number so that, should I end up with unexpected free time elsewhen, I can give you a call, feel free. You should assume I won't have net access. Comments initially screened (I'll unscreen ones that don't contain contact info).