I like anecdotes as they allow me to better illustrate a subject matter and to create a connection between "real life" and the subject matter. I also find that it is more interesting than just writing a dry article about XYZ. For that matter, while most of us are not politicians and therefore might feel removed from Yair's current challenge, most of us have experienced situations similar to my "rights" story. I want you, as a reader, to be able to identify with the situation. An anecdote may bring it closer.

I would hardly say that they are perspectives to eternity, however I have found that small incidents can have a disproportional effect on ones life and one that can derive wisdom from small events. An anecdote in illustration …. The guy who trained me to be a Dunkin Donuts baker when I was 19 used to tell me, repeatedly, work clean, stay clean. Now, I could not make a donut today if my life depended on it, but I repeat those four words to myself to this day and they influence everything from how I organize stuff when I cook to how I keep the books in my work as an accountant.

As for the naivete, yes, well, as an Anglo it is a bit of an occupational hazard. In our defense, quite a few of the very positive developments in this country over the last few years (such as the solar energy farm down South and at least a part of the recycling efforts here in Jerusalem) can be linked to some can-do, naive Anglo coming to Israel, seeing that something isn't done and saying, but why not? And then proceeding to do it. (I haven't done anything like that, but I bask in the Anglo glow).

Shabbat shalom