Wednesday, July 05, 2006

TV Politics

Israel now has a "Wife Swap" Reality TV program.

In a NYTimes report, I read this:-

On the Friday of the taping, with just minutes to go before the Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset, the Muslim call to prayer blasts from a nearby minaret. Mrs. Movsowitz suddenly remembers that she has no wine for the evening's ritual blessings.

As observant Muslims forbidden to drink alcohol, the family has no wine, but Mr. Ahmed Abdullah rushes to get her some through a Jewish family he knows nearby. Soon after, curious family members look on as Mrs. Movsowitz lights the Sabbath candles.

Mrs. Ahmed Abdullah is also preparing for the Sabbath and trying her best to remember the Jewish dietary laws. She sets the table with the family's finest linen and dishes and looks disappointed when Mr. Movsowitz says that as a non-Jew, she cannot light the Sabbath candles. When he offers her a drink of the Sabbath wine, it is her turn to decline as a Muslim.

The show's director, Roy Oz, said filming that moment was deeply moving.

"Suddenly both religions meet but at the same time cannot meet," Mr. Oz said. "You leave with something from this episode; it makes you ask questions."


Oh, I have a few questions alright but you all know them and probably the answers, too.

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