Talking with Uri

It was interesting to see that I put this post in draft back in 6/2023. It's related to my current WIP "Four Jews."  Please do take a moment to read my note at the end after enjoying this "conversation" between myself and one of my characters.
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​Me: I feel like I shouldn't start this conversation when walking my dog since I won't be able to get working on teaching speech to text the correct spelling of your name, Uri.

Uri: Honey just stopped long enough for you to do it. He laughs. You just have to create somehow, don't you?

Me: Well yes, probably one of those reasons that I'll never get to shomer Shabbat. [In other words, a super traditional observation of Shabbat.]

Uri: If you are going to accept an Orthodox idea of what that means, but as a Reconstructionist who loves listening to “Judaism Unbound,” you've done well working through what Shabbat means to you.

Me: Am I assuming you're Jewish because you have an Israeli name?

Uri: Possibly, but a secular Israeli is still going to likely know a decent amount about religious Judaism. I’m glad you’re questioning yourself on that, given your concerns of separating your thoughts about me from the “Prisoners of War” show that you watched.

Me: Right. Would you please share three facts about yourself?

Uri: He grins and I notice his black curly mop of hair. I was born in Jerusalem. I went to Alaska as a tourist after my time in the IDF. [Israeli Defense Force]

Me: Alaska?

Uri: Do you want that story instead of a third detail?

Me: No, although you'll share the story too? I smile hopefully.

Uri: Of course.

Me: I laugh. You know on the way to get Taco Bell I was thinking about how your hairstyle is one that I have seen on dozens of rabbis.

Uri: He smirks. Are you ready for the Alaska story?

Me: Mhm.

Uri: I watched my friends go off to all sorts of places like Europe and Argentina but I wanted something different. I came across a year-long program of outreach to Alaskan Jews. I got to learn all about the fishing industry and enjoy the summer months when the sun never set. I didn't find the nice girl that my parents hoped I would settle down with, but I did make a solid group of friends and lovers who I still keep in touch with.

Me: That is so wonderful.

Uri: Aren't you going to ask about their genders?

Me: I roll my eyes. I wasn't going to go right for those details. I have plenty of time to get to know you more before I start writing in November.

Uri: He stretches out his long legs in front of him and relaxes his head back against the wall. So I'm guessing you're keeping the interviews one-on-one?

Me: I scratch my chin. Maybe, maybe not?

Uri: He chuckles. Why are you attached to Lucas spelled with a k rather than a c?

Me: The k feels strong. Also with all the languages I'm studying where you have a hard k sound and a soft s sound but there isn't the overlap of those sounds with other letters like in English.

Uri: Ah yes, you have Hebrew on the brain, although I wonder why that didn’t help you with how to say my name.

Me: I snort, choosing to ignore his comment before continuing. And Yiddish and German. Maybe Ukrainian does that?

Uri: He shrugs. The only Ukrainians I ever met also spoke Hebrew.

Me: Ava, Yana, Lukas. Do you want to talk about how you met any of them?

Uri: I thought you were going to be patient?

Me: Did you really mean that as a question?

Uri:  Smart ass. Did you really want me to live in Ramat Gan but speech to text wouldn't cooperate?

Me: Stupid speech to text! Is it possible that Yana likes Rihanna's music since speech to text keeps on messing up their names?

Uri: He laughs. Maybe you should give creation a break?

Me: Maybe you should hush since it's Tuesday?

Uri: I met Ava when she came to Israel on a Birthright trip. It was good to meet an American Jew who wasn't Orthodox but was still fluent in Hebrew. I admit to lust at first sight. On the short side, curvy, and with all those strawberry blond curls. He snorts. Her first words to me were, “Yes, I’m really a Jew.” Poor thing.

Me: I get it. I don’t look Jewish either. How about we pick this up later, maybe when one of the others can join?

Uri: Sure. It’s time for dinner. Ava makes a mean shakshuka.

Me: I gotta buy me some tomatoes. You owe me a third fact about yourself. Later.

I decided to share this even though it's not necessarily impacted on my WIP, "Four Jews." I'll be sharing a newer conversation with the characters soon. Be watching!!