The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

Now that the weather has taken a turn for the warm and pleasant it was my turn to go out and take a walk and enjoy the fresh air and warmth.

As I was walking near the park on Tennyson, I noticed a familiar face.

I quickly went closer to say hello, when I realized they were already speaking to someone else!

I did not see anyone else, however, they were quite animated.

They were gesturing with their hands, raising their voice and at times seemed outraged!

However, to my surprise, there was not a soul in sight.

I also noticed a white object protruding from their ears.

Had they gone partially deaf?

Or had they gone mad?

They were speaking to someone however he or she could not be seen.

When i passed them they made a pointing sign towards their ears.

I wasn’t sure what this sign meant?

Were they indicating they couldn’t hear me?

Or were they communicating to me that they were talking to themselves?

Whatever happened to the good old days when people would actually stop and schmooze and we actually made eye contact with each other?

Whatever happened to friendship and civility?

Can’t we chap a schmooze with someone just randomly?

Anyway, I missed those times.

Will they ever return?