This is where I sit and write in the casita.
Friday mornings I am part of a zoom call with about 20 people. We never have that many at once, but usually around 10 make the two-hour call. A friend of my husband’s asked me to join. He thought I’d be a good fit for the group. Why? I’m not sure.
Interestingly, there are only two women in the group — including me. Also, I’m the youngest by at least 10 years. The oldest is 101 years old and sharp as can be. Demographically, they are highly educated, successful individuals. There are two neurosurgeons, several attorneys, a guy who ran a bond desk, and another who ran a hedge fund. The other woman is a mayor of a Southern California town.
Then there’s me. A former stay-at-home mom, former PR employee with an undergraduate degree and current blogger.
What’s the purpose of the zoom call? To determine “What is the truth.”
We discuss current events, politics and religion. All the stuff you’re not supposed to talk about. Yet, with our contrary views, everyone is civil and we are learning a lot from each other. At least I am.
One of the things I’ve learned about is Israel and Judaism. The majority of the group visits Israel annually and are deeply religious Jews. My daughter’s best friend growing up was Jewish and I learned a lot from their family about Orthodox beliefs and practices. But this zoom call is giving me an intensive history education in the nation of Israel from several scholars and teachers in our group.
Needless to say, today will be eye opening reviewing the events of the past week.
God bless everyone! Have a safe and happy weekend.
That sounds very interesting. I hope you will report back after today’s meeting. My best friend was adopted by Jewish New York (Brooklyn) parents and raised Jewish. She met Jesus as an adult when she read the whole Bible for the first time. She’s a Christian now.
What I like about the weekly zoom call is how respectful everyone is. Also, it’s fascinating your friend was raised in a Jewish household and is now Christian. My friend I mentioned above was raised in a Christian household but is now Orthodox Jewish. She married a man who was Conservative Jewish and through the years with kids, they developed their religious beliefs.
What an interesting group Elizabeth. I’d be very interested to learn their views about the current situation.
Yes, I definitely want to hear what they have to say today. Two of the men returned recently from trips to Israel. They were not aware that anything was out of the ordinary.
Most people, Americans included have harsh views about this retaliation from Hammas.
I am surprised at the younger generation in our country. College campuses including the UW have been holding rallies that are pro Hammas and use graphics of paragliders on their posters. I’d say at least 80 percent or more of the US is against the actions of Hammas.
I think long standing religious conflict is almost impossible to define or understand unless you have/are a part of that history. Each side has their reason and background and beliefs. What I believe is a part of all the demonstrations is that people looking from the outside seem to believe that these Palestinian students are somehow in line with Hammas….terrorists absolutely. What I take from the protests is not that. It is the historical persecution of an entire culture that they feel is being overlooked and still a part of their history. It is sort of the quintessential concept that the powerful voices/governments have managed to gain allies while no one is really listening to the backstory of their cultural oppression. Palestinians have much the same history as African Americans and Indigenous Peoples- losing their lifestyles and heritage by those who feel they are more privileged and powerful.
I enjoy hearing the perspectives from my group of people who have family in Israel and history. They point out so many things I’ve never known, and how media portrays events without all the facts. They will pick a certain current event and point out the other side of the story that I had never heard before. For example, I didn’t know that Palestinians serve in the the parliament called Knesset.
Also, I understand where our youth is coming from. But using the images of paragliders is too much for me.
What they did cannot be condone. And what Israel is doing should be condemned.
👍🏼
I’m intrigued obviously with their thoughts on the current events … but I’m interested too in how they keep things civil. What do you think the secret sauce is? I could easily see folks starting out that way but soon diving into some rabbit holes that might be hard to avoid. (Yes, I’m making fun of other men, but the high number of guys on the call and it being civil surprises me too. Ha, ha.) Good for you for putting yourself out there EA — learning and growing! Sounds awesome.
I think it stays civil because everyone wants to learn from other people’s points of view. There are a few who like to hear themselves talk…Also, there is a group leader who keeps us in line! He will ask questions of each person in the group so we all get to express our opinions. I think without our “leader” it could get out of line. He sets the agenda with topics, sends out things for us to read before the meetings. It was a friend and former business partner of my husband who asked me into the group. Maybe they wanted more women?
That was my thought after reading your Post, but, it’s also good to get people from all walks of life including the “Common Housewife”.
I love this! Yes, the common housewives rule most families and have practical opinions and solutions.
I had the same thoughts. Dr. Zeus and I were part of an intellectual discussion meetup group for many years (all other members were 20+ years our senior), but it totally devolved during the last election cycle and then COVID. Whatever the topic, even when non-political (legalization of psychedelics, smart cities, etc.), most attendees ended up ranting about their hated for Donald Trump rather than ideas and solutions.
Ugh! We have a little bit of that, but the group leader is a good moderator and keeps everyone focused. Without his direction, it could become chaos.
What an interesting opportunity…to listen, learn and I have no doubt you’ll contribute plenty, too. 💕
Thank you, Vicky. I’ve been part of this group going on a year. At first I was very intimidated. Now I realize how much I can learn and I love to listen. My husband a couple friends in the group and they say I do contribute good points. That’s reassuring to hear.
Don’t be intimidated for a moment. You’re there for a reason, I suspect, and the ‘why’ might be revealed over time…so good! 🥰
Thank you for your awesome support! 💕
🥰🥰🥰
Wow – what an interesting group. I can imagine how much you add to that group with your experienced and agile mind.
Thank you, Wynne. I am learning so much from the other members. They have a perspective that is from living on this planet for a few more decades than me.
Good for you EA! What an amazing opportunity to be a part of 🙂
It is. I’ve been on the weekly zoom call (unless we’re on vacation) for close to a year. Funny, I’m only beginning to appreciate and understand that it is an opportunity to broaden my knowledge and learn.
That sounds like a fabulous group and a unique opportunity to hear various opinions and viewpoints without rancor. What is currently (and historically) going on in the Middle East is extremely complicated. I’m afraid there are not clear heroes or villains and anyone who thinks there are doesn’t understand the history of the area. Good for you and your group to foster understanding and value educated, thoughtful discussion.
I think that is so important to foster understanding and learn from others who have a different perspective. It is a unique opportunity.
What an amazing way to gain insight. I’m sure you’ll gain understanding that you’ll share with us? It’s been a difficult week to know how to process anything.
It has been a difficult week. It was a brutal zoom call to hear heartbreaking stories of family and friends.
I can imagine. ❤️
💕
I love that you can all discuss the topics that usually cause so much dissension. When done in a respectufl way, we really can learn a lot from each other. <3
Happy Weekend!
Yes. That’s it. We have a moderator to keep everyone on check. Plus the people are very respectful of each other.
Very interesting
Nice blog ❤️ Do we follow each other? I started doing it. Please let me know when you start following my blog and LET’S BELIEVE TOGETHER. A CORDIAL GREETINGS FROM THE SOUTH OF SPAIN 🇪🇦
Wow! That sounds like a fascinating Zoom group and I’m glad to know civil conversations like these are happening still in the world. We need to hear more stories like this.
Right? When I was asked to join a group to discuss weekly about current events, politics and religion, I was wary!