CURRENT MISSION

Especially since recovering from a serious operation in 2001, my current mission is keep on writing. After all, since I can't draw worth a damn or play a musical instrument, what talents I do have should be exercised. Moreover, Maggie and I aim to enjoy our lives to the full. Meeting new people and travel to new places are almost as important as revisiting old places and renewing old friendship. Both are integral a life well lived.

ABOUT ME

I suppose my major life decisions were to emigrate from America, where I was an anti-war activist in the '60s, to Israel in 1976 and nine years ago, after 37 years of marriage, to divorce and, to remarry my present partner to whom I am devoted. I have four grown children and ten grandchildren. My wife Maggie, who is Scottish, has a grown son and two grandchildren. Much of our life together centers about family.

PHILOSOPHY

I believe meaningful work is a prerequisite to a meaningful life. And
the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam--good works to help repair a flawed universe--governs much that I try to do. Finally, to achieve anything of significance, risks must be taken.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Members since 2010, the underlying concept of Couchsurfing--sharing, trust. communalism, side-stepping the commercialization of travel--is simple, quite splendid, in fact, simply splendid. We have met a wide variety of people both as hosts and as travelers. I really believe that life, every day of it is an adventure, every new encounter is an opportunity to grow and learn.

Interests

Writing, good films, travel, encountering diverse kinds of people. I've grown up in the US, but I have lived in Japan for two years, in France for one year, in the UK for almost a year, and since 1976 in Israel.

• writing
• books
• design
• movies
• traveling
• drawing

Music, Movies, and Books

Maggie and I listen a lot to classical music on LP records. The best film we've seen recently is Austrian: Michael Haneke's "The White Ribbon." My all-time favorite is "Blowup." My favorite contemporary novelists are Hilary Mantel and Andreas Canobbio.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

One! That's almost impossible. Stonehenge (before it was fenced off), NY's Grand Central Station, the election (and reelection) of Barack Obama, winning the National Jewish Book Award (1989), most recently (2014) a first prize for writing from the American Jewish Press Association, visiting the brilliant Museum of Design in Holon (Israel)

Teach, Learn, Share

We try to share our experience and feelings not just as travelers but as immigrants from the US and Scotland to Israel.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Our lovely home and our collective experience.

•