One of my favorite sites to see on the boat is what appears to be a small flock of birds at high speeds just over the waves. It gets me everytime. I think birds first and then I realize now that they aren't birds; they are flying fish. There are large flying fish that seem to be a foot or so long that fly solo. Those I know are fish, but these little guys look like a flock of birds in a migrating pattern, but instead of a flock they are indeed a school. While others are impressed by the mammoth sea turtles whose heads bob in the waters of the Waianae coast, these little guys' aerodynamic skills are second only to the spinner dolphins on the same coast. While I have seen these guys in the spring, scientists say that Hawaiian coastal waters have more flying fish in the summer as they migrate here during the warm months. While there are 7 different types of flying fish here--most of them are in the mackerel family. Ok, I know you thought it so I might as well as say it: HOLY MACKEREL!
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There are many seabirds on the Western Coast. In Decemeber, I hiked the western edge where there are endangered albatross nesting grounds. The albatross have an interesting protector--the local population. Many people don't hike this area because where you have to park to access the trail is littered with automobile glass. When I pulled up in Brian's car, I was nervous to leave it since every single spot had green window glass. I turned around and parked quite aways back where there were people on the beach and hiked the extra mile or so to avoid getting a window shattered.
Out of all the sea birds, the Fairy Tern-- one good tern deserves another?-- is the local favorite. Since I have been here the mayor of Honolulu has named the Fairy Tern the official bird of the city. He points out that it symbolically represents some important things about the city. It is both a land and see bird representing the city's commitment to the ocean and the land. It can be found throughout Honolulu high in the trees sitting on its nestless egg that they rest in crooks of trees and wedges on branches. It is a threatened species; thus signifying Hawaii's fragile unique ecosystem.
The white tern is indigenous to Hawaii and a threatened species that is found throughout the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. It is the only seabird that nests in urban Honolulu.
It even has meaning in Polynesian mythology "This bird has been a traditional ... way finder and guide for our Polynesian forefather. The Polynesian Voyaging Society Web site claims mariners use seabirds like the white tern to find land.
A bird that can point the way--and a fairy at that!
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My last comment about birds is that Hawaii is delightfully riddled with roosters--wild roosters. I can say delightfully now since in urban Waikiki there are no roosters crowing, but when Brian lived in the more suburban Kalihi valley there were dozens of roosters by the stream that would crow at all hours not to be undone by the ducks who would cause a quacking din at 3 or 4 in the morning. That said I have seen some of the most beautiful roosters running around on trails, in state landmarks, on beaches and all over the island of Kauai. I feel a kinship with these animals, perhaps because of their loyal, protective and territorial nature, but more likely because I was born in the year of the rooster.
Just the other day, I saw two children gleefully chasing a rooster around and around. On the downside, there is cockfighting here on the islands. As I may have written about, when driving across country in Texas I came across the Aloha gym so I decided to stop and work out. Sure enough, it was owned and run by a Hawaiian family who had essentially won the money to open the gym from a very lucrative cockfight.
More majestic, but less prolific are the peacocks that are also in random places around the island. Seeing their dazzling display of feathers has brought back the childhood memories of amazement that these birds inspire. Pretty incredible.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The Rabbi's Flock Part 1
A DOVE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD BE A PIGEON
When I went to San Francisco earlier this year, I met Brian's friends Helisa and her sister Debra-- both Jewish lesbians. One thing Brian told me about them is that growing up they used to make up songs to keep them occupied. One of his favorites was their ditty about pigeons:
Pigeons, they know what to do
Pigeons, they fly
Pigeons, they eat lots of food
Pigeons, they ain't shy
We began to sing this too and then added some new lyrics:
Pigeons, they know what to do
Pigeons, they poop
Pigeons, they eat lots of food
Pigeons, throw you for a loop
This song has become even more meaningful after our daily walks to the gym because we pass this unassuming duplex with a small fenced in yard. Their is one large tree in her yard, but little grass. On any given day at any given hour their are at least 40 pigeons hanging around on the roof, in the yard on the ground or in the tree. Often there are two cats lounging on the steps or in a nearby bush. One can only imagine what they are plotting. Less pleasant is the copious amounts of pigeon poop that covers the area.
Brian explained there is a woman who lives in the house that feeds the pigeons daily. I wanted to see this sight, but Brian didn't know when the feeding ritual happens, just that she was known in the neighborhood and a nuisance to some of her neighbors. Walking by at various times did not yield anything.
Until one early evening, I had just picked Brian up for work. He commented on the shirt I was wearing. It was one that I had bought in Jerusalem on pilgrimage. In fact, it was a shirt that fostered plenty of interesting conversation earlier that day. In Waimanalo, when I finished at the ranch I stopped at a local art gallery. This woman behind the counter asked what my shirt meant. I told her it said Peace in Hebrew, Arabic, and of course English. I explained I got it on a trip that fostered understanding between Muslims, Christians and Jews. "Christians and Muslims? Why do we need to understand them? All they want is war and killing." I played dumb and asked, "Who? The Christians or the Muslims?"
Indignant,she shook her head, her blond curls bounced and her wrinkled face scrunched up further,"The Muslims, of course." I explained that we all have misunderstandings and that if we really want to end war and killing, we have to learn about each other and make connections. This 5 second simplistic explanation did not mollify her. She squinted at me and said, "Well, which one are you?" "Jewish." "Well, at least that means you are one of God's chosen people. Jesus was a Jew, you know." I resisted the temptation to say, "Who?" I just nodded wanting to leave. "My son is a pastor and he says the Jews are blessed, but we are waiting for them to accept the Truth." I smiled and knowing that nothing positive was going to be accomplished, I wished her well and left.
On my way back into Honolulu, I stopped at Barnes and Noble to buy a controversial novel called My Holocaust by Tova Reich. She pokes fun at victim culture and those who are in the Holocaust "business". It is a scathing satire that may irk many fellow Jews, so far it is good, but not excellent. Anyways, when I was making my purchase, a Chinese woman behind the counter smiled wide and said, "Shalom! I love Jewish people. Are you Jewish?" "Yes!" "Well, do you go to Shabbat?" I paused wondering how much to say and she took the pause as a no. "Oh, you should try shabbat it is so much fun." I told her I was a rabbi and she said that I must meet her pastor at the synagogue she goes to, "Daniel Yeshua somethingorother". Yeshua, huh. Before I could ask her, she beat me to it. "Do you believe in the Messiah?" "Yes, but probably not the same one. I assume you go to a Messianic synagogue." She nodded and began to invite me. I thanked her and declined. It was hard to be annoyed with her as she was very sweet and well meaning.
So when Brian commented on liking the shirt, I joked that I would never wear it again. But I kept in on for an evening run down Waikiki beach. Out of breath, and slowed to a walk three blocks from the apartment, there she was coming into the yard with 5 loaves of bread and a big bag of crumbs. I looked up and there was a sea of white. At least 500 pigeons surrounded the house. As she tossed the pieces of bread, there was a fluttering of mostly white wings. I have never seen anything like this. Even in the center of Venice, where the pigeons are infamous did not compare to seeing so many in such a small space. I watched in awe as did the cats.
I stood still close to the fence. A man walked by and remarked to his wife just in earshot, "Too bad we don't have our camera. That guy was wearing a peace shirt in the midst of the fluttering of all those doves. Pretty amazing."
Maybe I will wear it again.
When I went to San Francisco earlier this year, I met Brian's friends Helisa and her sister Debra-- both Jewish lesbians. One thing Brian told me about them is that growing up they used to make up songs to keep them occupied. One of his favorites was their ditty about pigeons:
Pigeons, they know what to do
Pigeons, they fly
Pigeons, they eat lots of food
Pigeons, they ain't shy
We began to sing this too and then added some new lyrics:
Pigeons, they know what to do
Pigeons, they poop
Pigeons, they eat lots of food
Pigeons, throw you for a loop
This song has become even more meaningful after our daily walks to the gym because we pass this unassuming duplex with a small fenced in yard. Their is one large tree in her yard, but little grass. On any given day at any given hour their are at least 40 pigeons hanging around on the roof, in the yard on the ground or in the tree. Often there are two cats lounging on the steps or in a nearby bush. One can only imagine what they are plotting. Less pleasant is the copious amounts of pigeon poop that covers the area.
Brian explained there is a woman who lives in the house that feeds the pigeons daily. I wanted to see this sight, but Brian didn't know when the feeding ritual happens, just that she was known in the neighborhood and a nuisance to some of her neighbors. Walking by at various times did not yield anything.
Until one early evening, I had just picked Brian up for work. He commented on the shirt I was wearing. It was one that I had bought in Jerusalem on pilgrimage. In fact, it was a shirt that fostered plenty of interesting conversation earlier that day. In Waimanalo, when I finished at the ranch I stopped at a local art gallery. This woman behind the counter asked what my shirt meant. I told her it said Peace in Hebrew, Arabic, and of course English. I explained I got it on a trip that fostered understanding between Muslims, Christians and Jews. "Christians and Muslims? Why do we need to understand them? All they want is war and killing." I played dumb and asked, "Who? The Christians or the Muslims?"
Indignant,she shook her head, her blond curls bounced and her wrinkled face scrunched up further,"The Muslims, of course." I explained that we all have misunderstandings and that if we really want to end war and killing, we have to learn about each other and make connections. This 5 second simplistic explanation did not mollify her. She squinted at me and said, "Well, which one are you?" "Jewish." "Well, at least that means you are one of God's chosen people. Jesus was a Jew, you know." I resisted the temptation to say, "Who?" I just nodded wanting to leave. "My son is a pastor and he says the Jews are blessed, but we are waiting for them to accept the Truth." I smiled and knowing that nothing positive was going to be accomplished, I wished her well and left.
On my way back into Honolulu, I stopped at Barnes and Noble to buy a controversial novel called My Holocaust by Tova Reich. She pokes fun at victim culture and those who are in the Holocaust "business". It is a scathing satire that may irk many fellow Jews, so far it is good, but not excellent. Anyways, when I was making my purchase, a Chinese woman behind the counter smiled wide and said, "Shalom! I love Jewish people. Are you Jewish?" "Yes!" "Well, do you go to Shabbat?" I paused wondering how much to say and she took the pause as a no. "Oh, you should try shabbat it is so much fun." I told her I was a rabbi and she said that I must meet her pastor at the synagogue she goes to, "Daniel Yeshua somethingorother". Yeshua, huh. Before I could ask her, she beat me to it. "Do you believe in the Messiah?" "Yes, but probably not the same one. I assume you go to a Messianic synagogue." She nodded and began to invite me. I thanked her and declined. It was hard to be annoyed with her as she was very sweet and well meaning.
So when Brian commented on liking the shirt, I joked that I would never wear it again. But I kept in on for an evening run down Waikiki beach. Out of breath, and slowed to a walk three blocks from the apartment, there she was coming into the yard with 5 loaves of bread and a big bag of crumbs. I looked up and there was a sea of white. At least 500 pigeons surrounded the house. As she tossed the pieces of bread, there was a fluttering of mostly white wings. I have never seen anything like this. Even in the center of Venice, where the pigeons are infamous did not compare to seeing so many in such a small space. I watched in awe as did the cats.
I stood still close to the fence. A man walked by and remarked to his wife just in earshot, "Too bad we don't have our camera. That guy was wearing a peace shirt in the midst of the fluttering of all those doves. Pretty amazing."
Maybe I will wear it again.
Rabbi finds lost tribe?
As I was exploring the Volunteer Hawaii website, I came across a request for volunteers to help with a communal Honolulu pet blessing day in June. Sounded fun and up my alley and there was no indication of any particular faith so I responded to the post. A wonderful woman named Irene wrote me back.
She explained that the pet blessing was going to be held by the Shinto community at one of the Shinto temples. Since I wrote her from my rabbijosh email address, she asked if I was a rabbi.
When I confirmed this, she invited me to consider being one of the blessers with the Shinto priests provided I was comfortable wearing traditional Japanese robes that they would allow me to loan. Costumes?! Pets?! I replied, "I am in."
She then invited me to come to their Spring Thanksgiving Festival which was sooner. She also indicated that she had many Jewish friends with whom she worked and often went to seder. In fact, she said some scholars pose the theory that the originators of Shintoism were in fact, a lost tribe of Israel as there are many commonalities.
I do not know much about Shintoism, though up until recently it was the national religion of Japan. Though many people, Japanese included do not consider it a religion, but more of a cultural expression or philosophy. Some see it as pagan because like other indigenous faiths, it recognizes God's presence in all things--but it seems to me to be like Reconstructionism where it recognizes that God's presence works through nature.
The ceremony was very intricate. The sanctuary was small but exquisite in a elevated but simplistic way. The priests' robes were beautiful and very colorful. (I am hoping for purple or robin's egg blue.) Afterwards, we were invited to a feast where we listened to some traditional Japanese music, watched Japanese dance, and saw karate demonstrations. Brian was a great sport and came with me to the celebration. We even were in the group picture.
Irene was the consummate hostess; her husband was one of the priests. We didn't get to talk much, but we did have lunch the following week. I look forward to getting to know her better and to understand better what the similarities are between our faiths. She was also very flattering to me saying she searched me on the web and couldn't believe I had done all that I had but was as young as I am. While flattery will get you everywhere, I was more impressed that she had read about me (clearly the net identifies my orientation!) and was as open as she was.
Hawaii is not the most open place for LGBT people. Like the south there are some hard core fundamentalists here. Many Hawaiian churches actively proselytize and send missions to Asia. But Irene explained that Japanese culture has generally been very accepting of gay people, especially in the Shinto tradition where gay people had a ritual function.
I may not have discovered a lost tribe, but I am learning about a whole new tradition.
She explained that the pet blessing was going to be held by the Shinto community at one of the Shinto temples. Since I wrote her from my rabbijosh email address, she asked if I was a rabbi.
When I confirmed this, she invited me to consider being one of the blessers with the Shinto priests provided I was comfortable wearing traditional Japanese robes that they would allow me to loan. Costumes?! Pets?! I replied, "I am in."
She then invited me to come to their Spring Thanksgiving Festival which was sooner. She also indicated that she had many Jewish friends with whom she worked and often went to seder. In fact, she said some scholars pose the theory that the originators of Shintoism were in fact, a lost tribe of Israel as there are many commonalities.
I do not know much about Shintoism, though up until recently it was the national religion of Japan. Though many people, Japanese included do not consider it a religion, but more of a cultural expression or philosophy. Some see it as pagan because like other indigenous faiths, it recognizes God's presence in all things--but it seems to me to be like Reconstructionism where it recognizes that God's presence works through nature.
The ceremony was very intricate. The sanctuary was small but exquisite in a elevated but simplistic way. The priests' robes were beautiful and very colorful. (I am hoping for purple or robin's egg blue.) Afterwards, we were invited to a feast where we listened to some traditional Japanese music, watched Japanese dance, and saw karate demonstrations. Brian was a great sport and came with me to the celebration. We even were in the group picture.
Irene was the consummate hostess; her husband was one of the priests. We didn't get to talk much, but we did have lunch the following week. I look forward to getting to know her better and to understand better what the similarities are between our faiths. She was also very flattering to me saying she searched me on the web and couldn't believe I had done all that I had but was as young as I am. While flattery will get you everywhere, I was more impressed that she had read about me (clearly the net identifies my orientation!) and was as open as she was.
Hawaii is not the most open place for LGBT people. Like the south there are some hard core fundamentalists here. Many Hawaiian churches actively proselytize and send missions to Asia. But Irene explained that Japanese culture has generally been very accepting of gay people, especially in the Shinto tradition where gay people had a ritual function.
I may not have discovered a lost tribe, but I am learning about a whole new tradition.
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