NorthWest Trek

Sorry for the slow pace of posts... I find it difficult to post regularly, especially when I'm on the road! I just spent a few days in Seattle, running a program for Congregation Ezra B'Sarroth. While I was there, I took the opportunity to visit NorthWest Trek. It's a fabulous place, essentially similar to the San Diego Wild Animal Park but focusing on native North West wildlife. The carnivores/predators are in spacious, beautifully scenic enclosures around which one walks on a path. These exhibits include bear, wolves, foxes, eagles, wolverines, etc. Then there is a 50 minute tram ride around the larger reserves, which contain bison, elk, moose, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Check out this picture of a bison which was walking alongside the tram!

If you're ever in the northwestern US, I highly recommend a visit to North West Trek!

Rare Books on Sale in Woodmere

A warehouse check turned up some books that were thought to be no longer available: The Science of Torah, Mysterious Creatures and The Camel, The Hare And The Hyrax. Although the first two titles have now been republished in vastly improved versions (The Challenge of Creation and Sacred Monsters), the original titles may still be of interest to those who collect original banned books - complete with haskamos! I have the remaining stock with me in Woodmere, where I will be for the next few days - if you want to come over and purchase these titles, or any of my other books, please write to me at zoorabbi@zootorah.com to arrange a time.

This Shabbat in Lawrence

Here are the details of the program taking place iy"h this Shabbat of August 9 at Beth Sholom in Lawrence, NY.

Shabbat morning (about 10:45am): "The Animal Kingdom in Jewish Thought"
Shabbat afternoon at 5 PM: "The Making of a Controversy"

The program is sponsored by Mina & Mayer Penstein in memory of his father Abraham Penstein a"h.

Wonders of the Animal Kingdom #2: The Rosy-Lipped Batfish

Baruch meshaneh habriyos, or Baruch shekachah lo be'olamo?

Classic Zoo Sign

Lion Bites Rabbi

Another video clip from my visit to Lion Park in South Africa. Thank goodness for my Timberland jacket!

Cheetah Encounter

Here is a video clip of my encounter last Thursday with Masai, a full-grown male cheetah, at Lion Park in South Africa. Listen to his purr! He started to lick my hand and it felt like sandpaper; the manager warned me not to let him lick it for too long, as he would take the skin right off my hand!