species of spaces: Mrs. Malka Rosenblatt: a righteous woman; running up and down three floors, her key holder jingling, up and down the stairs, always smiling, always willing to stop for a chat and share with you her anecdotes, her life story, her agenda, her opinions regarding anything that matters. Malka Rosenblatt, a woman of deeds. She volunteers for this organization and that, she goes to the hospital twice a week and has this white robe with a special brooch she received from the important professor, the head of the department himself gave it to her. One must do all the time in order to keep one’s mind working, not like the neighbor from the first floor, who doesn’t do anything at all, and that’s why her mind is in a blur. Oh no! One must climb the stairs and go and do things. And once an acquaintance of hers wanted to come for a visit and asked: is there an elevator in the building? And when she told her “no”, she didn’t want to come. Such nonsense! Can you believe this? That’s how one keeps one’s good health! One has to go and do!
Oh no! The building now isn’t what it used to be. Back then, everyone knew each other. We used to play cards together. And Mrs. Rosen, the neighbor, owned the grocery store that now belongs to Misha, We used to shop at her place, and talk, and chat with everyone. And the grandmother! What a strong character! She was very special, do you know that? And Nora, she invited me once to see her show at Gordon gallery! Do you know that? And I went. I always liked things like that. No, now it’s not the same. Some of the neighbors, I say hello to them and they don’t answer back! The young neighbor from the second floor, I always invite her: “come, drink coffee with me”, but she never comes. Back then, everyone knew each other. You are leaving? Where to? Toronto? Noo! As long as you are happy! And who will live in your apartment? A nice couple? They are all nice.
The day after I took her photo Mrs. Rosenblatt came to me and confessed, while whispering: “I really want Amir to get married. I think that he needs a little push, don’t you think”?
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