More Spring In February

Friday and today were another taste of spring in February. Another shirtsleeves day. I could get used to this, but I know there's a blast of winter yet to come. May as well get out and enjoy all the people on the street.

Spring In February

Temps got above 60°F today in New York, and people were out shaking off cabin fever. Later this week temps are supposed to get up to 70°F. The bright sun made for some tough shooting conditions. I had a chance to fondle the new Leica M10 digital camera. I have old Leica M mount lenses so I may take my 35mm lens in and take the M10 out for a spin with it. Last time I tried this with the M9 and I was sorely disappointed.

Afternoon Walk

Had to get out for a walk on Wednesday to break up a week of cabin fever. It's getting harder and harder to get good street shots of people that are not staring at or talking into their cell phones.

Sunday Morning Bagels

I went out this morning to get my usual Sunday morning bagel, cream cheese, and lox. While I was standing in line, I received a text message asking if I could attend a prayer service and contribute to the minyan (ten men). So after leaving the bakery I went straight to the shul and arrived just before the rabbi who had gone out to get a dozen bagels for us. The Jewish Sunday classes were meeting as we had the service.

Afterwards, not to lose an opportunity, the rabbi talked with us and a few kids about the weekly Torah portion while we munched on the bagels.

Thursday on 47th Street

I spent some time at the Museum of Modern Art yesterday to enjoy an exhibit of works by Francis Picabia. On the walk back to Penn Station I stopped by the New York Diamond District which is centered on 47th street between Fifth and Sixth avenues. Rich pickings for street photography.

An Evening of Learning

There is a very old tradition in Judaism of study and learning that dates back many thousands of years. Our culture is deep and rich with many texts beginning with Torah and other biblical books, through the Babylonian and Jerusalem Talmuds, the commentaries of Maimonides, Rashi and scores of Medieval sages, the writings of Chassidic masters, and through to today's writers. There's a lot to dig into and absorb.

The format for debate and learning established before the common era (BCE) and continued to today has been for people to sit down at a table across from each other, usually two at a time, and dig through the texts word by word to explore all the meanings and ramifications of what's written. It's the way yeshiva students learn the massive quantities of discourse to become ordained as scholars and rabbis. This past weekend I was invited to a local Chabad center to enjoy the interaction of a group of yeshiva bochers (students) and members of the congregation.

Sunday Walk

I was itching to play with my 23mm f2 lens yesterday, so took a walk in midtown Manhattan. The sun was in and out and the light was difficult to manage. Each time I use this lens I love it more.