High Holidays

At the beginning of the Western New Year, I was on a flight to Newark Liberty International Airport. A rambunctious group of teens was also on board, heading for a new term at yeshiva.

During the flight, they started taking out various books, talismans, and other items out of their bags and from pockets within their clothing. Soon all were deeply engaged in prayer.

Given accounts of several recent in-flight security incidents, real or imagined, one wonders what would have happened, had this been an identifiably Islamic group of youths demonstrating the same head-bobbing and gesticulating fervour, and muttering in a foreign language. How long before the F-16 escort is scrambled?

As it was, the usual cross-winds were especially strong on landing, and any form of prayer would have been appreciated.

On this season's 10th edition of The Amazing Race I was curious to see whether Bilal and Sa'eed would get into travel trouble for their appearance and mode of dress. The short answer, in case you haven't seen the first episode, is no.