Sitting on my desk in my office in the University of Rochester Chapel is a fine example of early 20th Century Technology. The Bates Stapling Machine, Model B. Before the invention of those preformed stacks of staples that you load as a single unit into the modern stapler, the Bates Model B. made its own staples from spool of brass wire that attached to the back like a roll of toilet paper attaches to the wall.

Growing up in my extreme secular family, I learned to celebrate only one Jewish holiday -- Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving has all the themes of an important Jewish festival. 

1. They tried to kill us. 

2. We survived.

3. Let's eat.