WHAT'S WORTH KNOWING...

  

גזענות, שנאה ואלימות: במצעד הדגלים לא נרשמו אירועים חריגים

גם השנה צעדו אלפי נערים משולהבים מישיבות ומכינות קדם צבאיות דרך הרובע המוסלמי, קראו קריאות גזעניות וחיפשו — וגם מצאו — עם מי לריב. במשטרה בוודאי יסכמו את היום כהצלחה

https://www.haaretz.co.il/news/politics/2023-05-18/ty-article/.premium/00000188-3043-d805-a7c9-f9cb4f680000

 

Unanswered Questions About Trump and Russia

I have no reason to doubt the Durham report, but it’s still curious that Trump treated Putin so gently.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/unanswered-questions-about-trump-and-russia-helsinki-durham-report-fbi-10ce5fdb?mod=panda_wsj_author_alert

 

The Strange Career of Shlomo Sand: Polemicist Masquerading as Historian

https://israel-academia-monitor.com/2023/05/18/the-strange-career-of-shlomo-sand-polemicist-masquerading-as-historian/

 

South Africa Tries to ignore arrest warrant for Putin

Tensions high after US intelligence claims weapons were sent to Russia

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/south-africa-russia-weapons-putin-2t7fjpb5z

 

Former FBI employees accuse bureau of ‘weaponization’ against conservatives

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-former-fbi-employees-accuse-bureau-of-weaponization-against-conservatives

 

Nota bene - I am not endorsing the editorial slant of any of these articles; I am saying they are worth knowing about.  Your recommendations for WHAT'S WORTH KNOWING are welcome.  ej5@nyu.edu

"Old Geezer's Concise Restaurant Review"

Vegetarian at Mahane Yehuda Shuk Jerusalem

  Tzemah Vegetarian

1 Dekel Street 

https://www.tzemahrest.com/

02-5333444 הדקל 1, ירושלים

​Sun-Thu: 09:00-23:00 | Friday: 09:00-16:30 | Saturday:18:30-23:00 |   | 02-5333444 Hadekel St. Jerusalem

Ambiance/decor/cleanliness - *7* 

Good buzz; great location, especially if you don’t venture by car.  On a Shuk side street

Toilet/accessibility

Two available toilets. Clean. On the main eating level (one step down).

Restaraunt is partly accessible from the sidewalk. Some steps. 

Food 

Vegetarian - There is no kosher certification (a plus in my book)   *7*  

Small portions; pricy; tasty; nicely presented

Service/management/professionalism 

Well-trained, competent, bilingual, pleasant waiters and welcome staff. This was decidedly, for me, the saving grace  *8*

Noise level (Common Geezer Kvetch)

*1* constant, unremitting, high decibel – forget about conducting anything but perfunctory conversation. 

To be fair, the restaurant posts an advisory about noise on its reservation confirmation tool.

Alcohol 

Cocktails were expensive and good but stingy on alcohol. A glass of wine is prohibitively expensive. Wine (including top notch) without kosher certification served. 

Reservation policy

Draconian- substantial forfeiture if you need to cancel - but this is made clear when you reserve via the Internet or Smartphone.

Bottom line

Recommended at least once for the experience; bring earplugs; and a padded wallet. Then enjoy. Next time, I'd ask to sit at the bar and watch the open kitchen.

 

1 = terrible

10= supremely perfect