Welcome to my weekly thoughts!
I’m trying something a little different today.
I’m using my Substack as a weekly journal - I’ll post articles I find interesting, as well as my own thoughts.
Let’s go!
Interesting Finds
Jazz originated in New Orleans, primarily as it served as a melting pot for the music that ultimately led to the jazz genre. One of the main reasons it formed there was that slaves from a wide variety of nations could come together and play music, something that wasn’t always permitted in other cities or states.
Shabbat and the Built Environment
I spent this past weekend in Far Rockaway for Shabbat. For me, it’s a day to disconnect from the daily routine - no phones, no electronics, no vehicles.
I believe more people should disconnect from their phones and electronics, but I digress.
Far Rockaway is an interesting place - since Orthodox Jews don’t drive on Shabbat, everything you need for the day is within walking distance.
The synagogue was a 10 minute walk, and the house I stayed at was right around the corner from where we had our Shabbat meal on Friday night.
It’s quiet too because there are almost no people driving on the road.
It’s a friendly environment for humans. Walkable, safe, quiet.
We live in a modern world, where we can hop in a car and get anywhere in under half an hour.
Or even hop on a plane and be on a different continent in under 12 hours.
But, when I lived in LA, I had to drive every week to the grocery store. Why?
So much of our built environment is dependent on vehicle transportation — A blessing and a curse.
I hope we can focus our attention on what matters most — where we live.
- Isaac