Contiuum of Art and Life

The Jewish, Russian language Soviets and their Yiddish counterparts are inextricably linked. Brodsky's mourning of Mandelstam is akin to Ozick's of Glatstein - this last man is, of course, a spectre of Ozick's time - not quite dead, not quite alive.

Some more Jewish things in New York

I will remember the surprise and pleasure on the Hasid's face when I wished him 'gut Shabbes' in the WASPy business tower.

I will remember Williamsburg-Jerusalem and the deserted Shabbes streets and the small Jews with huge peyes.

The Hasid on the train who wished me a good morning; all the yehudim lov'shim kippot