Let's begin with a few facts, which deal with religion. Not to be uncomfortable, but simply to explain that I found a book that I wanted to read, the title was catchy. It's called "Thou Shalt Innovate"; catchy, right? Having been born French-Canadian, then as the sky is blue, I was born & baptized Catholic. Going to McGill, it seemed everyone else on campus was English & Jewish. That was fine, because I'd crossed the border into the US as child (legally, & before dreamers was a thing). One of the very best things in the US is how Americans come in so many variations; growing up American innoculated me to thinking of 'different' being the spice of life, something to cherish. Returning to my hometown to go to school to realize not everyone was like me, that rolled well.
I've never thought of DC as a city with many Jewish people, but it turns out, I'm quite wrong. A recent study by Brandeis shows the DC Jewish population to be 300,000. The city itself is 8%, compared to a much lower 2% or so national avegage. What this means is that I probably don't see religious differences very much at all. Some people are color blind, maybe I'm simply not very sensitized to religious differences.
Let's presume that I picked up this book, being fairly obtuse. But I was captivated, and at 15 chapters, a quick & easy read that I could pick up and drop as time allowed. But this book made me think. Each chapter is a different invention, the result of gymnastic leaps of faith, perserverance and ability to overlook perceived differences in people. The book may lose me here becaues I'm not Israeli and I doubt I can't fully comprehend how deeply ingrained religious difference must be for the Israeli's (or for many other people). Surely I must consider that my American perspective hides the true hardships imposed on people living in the mideast. The people spotlighted in this boo rise to the task...with amazing results. Some are "inventors", others are simply people putting their minds to solve a problem.
Perhaps it's best if I quote my Amazon review
I came to this book as a novice with no connection to Israel whatsoever. Just another book that captivated my interest (innovation always captivates)
What a wonderful read, such that now I have tremendous respect & appreciation for Israeli ingenuity. Were that all I found, it would have been a good & easy book to read. But I found so much more, and now have a profound respect and appreciation for what Israelis have shown us. How to seek and find hope with ultimate success when surrounded by innumerable challenges.
Be you Israeli or especially if you are American, see in this book how divisions of religion & history & political affiliations can be overcome. As an American in 2018, I found hope in this book and have brought it back into my memory often. In this way, Israel can teach the world and Jorisch’s book is the primer. Applicable to the world globally in 2018 & years to come.
Yes...go buy this book, tell me what you think. The author is a DC resident, his website link is here.
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