Mike Leaf

Jews, Joints, Jail and Jehovah: a Story Both Humorous and Serious Describing a Seven Years Cycle in the Life of an Unconventional Artist. He Lives ... Center of Jewish Mystic Thought, the Cabala. Mike Leaf Lrg edition

During the 1960s when the Hippy movement developed in the States, Israel was in her early teens and was desperately trying to defend herself, send down roots and develop her economy all at the same time. The Israelis tackled this tough reality with Calvinistic determination. There was no time for drugs or experimental life styles or even the Beatles. Nevertheless there are always a few oddballs in every society and some of these unconventional individuals gathered together in the almost abandoned ancient center of Cabala, the Old Jewish Quarter of Sfat. Some of the indigenous clans that could trace there histories in this town back to the 15th century still inhabited this ancient site. These locals, a tough breed of mountain people, were now joined by an influx of hippies, freaks and artists that were drawn to the place by its remoteness, beauty and mystic atmosphere. Here are ten short stories about an unconventional artist and his dealings with a variety of characters living in and visiting the the Old Jewish Quarter. These stories alternatively humorous, serious and philosophical cover a seven year cycle in his life at the end of which he comes to some conclusions and a better understanding of himself, his life and the future.