Wednesday, September 12, 2007
"BE PREPARED"
I'm prepared. Are you prepared? For Rosh HaShana, that is.
Although this evening is the first night of Rosh HaShana - I'm still not ready emotionally for it. I'm prepared - but not ready, if you get my meaning. It's still hot, we're still in summer mode, it's not yet time to break out the fall and winter clothes - but Rosh HaShana will arrive in Jerusalem at 6:14PM - ready or not - here it comes.
My new article appeared in the WEEKEND edition of the Jerusalem Post this morning and I titled it "Be Prepared" - in honor of the song of the same name by Tom Lehrer. Do you remember Tom Lehrer? He was a teacher - professor? - at either Harvard or MIT or Dartmouth - how's that for being exact? - many years ago - but he's really famous (well, among a certain group of people of a certain age) for those wonderful, satirical songs we used to sing.
For those who don't remember the lyrics - or who want to know the lyrics to "Be Prepared"- here they are.
Be prepared! That's the Boy Scouts' marching song,
Be prepared! As through life you march along.
Be prepared to hold your liquor pretty well.
Don't write naughty words on walls if you can't spell.
Be prepared! To hide that pack of cigarettes,
Don't make book if you cannot cover bets.
Keep those reefers hidden where you're sure that they cannot be found,
And be careful not to smoke them when the scoutmaster's around,
For he only will insist that they be shared.
Be prepared!
Be prepared! That's the Boy Scout's solemn creed,
Be prepared! And be clean in word and deed.
Don't solicit for your sister, thats not nice.
Unless you get a good percentage of her price.
Be prepared! And be careful not to do
Your good deeds when there's no one watching you.
If you're looking for adventure of a new and different kind,
And you come across a Girl Scout who is similarly inclined,
Don't be nervous, don't be flustered, don't be scared.
Be prepared!
And with that I wish you - one and all - a Happy and Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
Yalla, Bye.
Although this evening is the first night of Rosh HaShana - I'm still not ready emotionally for it. I'm prepared - but not ready, if you get my meaning. It's still hot, we're still in summer mode, it's not yet time to break out the fall and winter clothes - but Rosh HaShana will arrive in Jerusalem at 6:14PM - ready or not - here it comes.
My new article appeared in the WEEKEND edition of the Jerusalem Post this morning and I titled it "Be Prepared" - in honor of the song of the same name by Tom Lehrer. Do you remember Tom Lehrer? He was a teacher - professor? - at either Harvard or MIT or Dartmouth - how's that for being exact? - many years ago - but he's really famous (well, among a certain group of people of a certain age) for those wonderful, satirical songs we used to sing.
For those who don't remember the lyrics - or who want to know the lyrics to "Be Prepared"- here they are.
Be prepared! That's the Boy Scouts' marching song,
Be prepared! As through life you march along.
Be prepared to hold your liquor pretty well.
Don't write naughty words on walls if you can't spell.
Be prepared! To hide that pack of cigarettes,
Don't make book if you cannot cover bets.
Keep those reefers hidden where you're sure that they cannot be found,
And be careful not to smoke them when the scoutmaster's around,
For he only will insist that they be shared.
Be prepared!
Be prepared! That's the Boy Scout's solemn creed,
Be prepared! And be clean in word and deed.
Don't solicit for your sister, thats not nice.
Unless you get a good percentage of her price.
Be prepared! And be careful not to do
Your good deeds when there's no one watching you.
If you're looking for adventure of a new and different kind,
And you come across a Girl Scout who is similarly inclined,
Don't be nervous, don't be flustered, don't be scared.
Be prepared!
And with that I wish you - one and all - a Happy and Healthy and Peaceful New Year.
Yalla, Bye.
