Comments on: Ode to Merkaz Hamagshimim

By: Joel Katz

Joel Katz — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:53:01 +0000

Really enjoyed the post Rebecca!

I remember when the Merkaz opened in ’96 – had lots of friends who lived there and used to go to many of the events. I always said that the location was “too good to be true”.

BTW. The article you linked to about Hadassah & Madoff is from Dec. 2008 when the ‘news hit the fan’. The $90 million “loss” was a figure quoted by Hadassah at the time. It turns out that this figure was the “assumed” amount – on paper that is.

As mentioned here in Bloomberg News, Madoff Liquidator May ‘Claw Back’ Charities’ Profits Hadassah is believed to have “invested $40 million with Madoff and took out $130 million in profits”.

By: Harry

Harry — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:46:46 +0000

They started calling that a guest room? Ha! The guys who were living in the Bayit wouldn’t allow me to store my luggage outside my “room.” I slept every night with two big duffels hanging over my head and my two guitars under my legs. It was horrible. I recall having a tiny window though…

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:41:17 +0000

Miriam, Thank you for saying that. There may be a few more people and factors for me staying here and being positive. (hint…)

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:40:20 +0000

Harry, Oh the guest rooms. Those were quite depressing with the ceilings and walls covered with carpet with no window, as far as I remember and won’t be missed.

By: Rebecca

Rebecca — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:38:25 +0000

Joel, yeah, I used to be funnier before blogging. Also, everything used to be so new and fascinating. I guess I stopped noticing things after a while :( Although I still take pictures of the busses that say Happy Chanukah or Shana Tova and get weird looks.

By: Fun Joel

Fun Joel — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:13:30 +0000

Great post! I love it. Never knew you were so funny! :-)

I have not lived at the Merkaz, but have spent many good times there and even rented space there to teach. I’ll miss it very much. Such a shame.

By: Harry

Harry — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:37:22 +0000

The Merkaz was my first stop when I made aliyah in 1997. I spent the first month sleeping in a closet (in the bayit in the first building) until a room was available. I eventually scored a bigger room and then finally one of the coveted studios in the back building. I ended up living there for most of my army service. Met some good people in those days and many who I am still in touch with. Though I have to admit the musical production rehearsals drove me crazy.

By: Miriam Schwab

Miriam Schwab — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:28:49 +0000

Such a great post! Hilarious, and it also shows what a positive attitude you had about Israel. In Israel, a person can either see things as amusing/sweet/nice or horrible, i.e. it’s about the half-full/half-empty cup. You definitely saw and still see the cup as half full (or more), which is amazing and one of the reasons you have succeeded here.