From Moses to Moses ...

"From Moses to Moses there was none like Moses". The two Moses's of the quote are Moses the lawgiver -- he 0f the 10 commandments etc. -- and Moses Maimonedes the greatest Jewish sage of the middle ages.

Loyal readers of this blog will remember that last year my son Jake portrayed the earlier Moses in the kindergarten Pesach (Passover) play:

Jake as Moses

Witnesses said that his manner and physical resemblance to the biblical Moses was uncanny, and it seemed it would be a long time before anyone would else would pull off such a convincing portrayal ...

That was until Jake's little sister Ella put on the beard!

Ella as Moses

Apparently Ella was a little more tentative in her portrayal than Jake had been, but she is a year younger than he was when he took on the role.

Nevertheless, I am again very proud indeed. (And amused.)

Interesting articles on programming and management

The following are informative and frequently humorous resources for those of us working professionally in software development:

• The Hacker FAQ: Explains hackers to managers
• The Manager FAQ: Explains managers to hackers
• How to be a Programmer: Answers questions for those at various stages of the programming career-ladder

Anyone who fits the hacker archetype described in the Hacker FAQ may also find The Bipolar Lisp Programmer interesting.

Just a Little Bit Proud

What with the recent passing of Charlton Heston a newcomer had to step in and play the lead role of Moses in our local kindergarten's model Passover Seder* later today, and my son Jake has scored the honour, leaving me just a little bit proud.

Charlton Heston as Moses

Jake as Moses

Here are the lyrics to one of the more amusing Passover songs that the children will be singing today, recalling the second of the ten plagues that Moses called down upon Pharaoh (and the Egyptians):

The Frog Song (Shirley Cohen)

One morning when Pharoah awoke in his bed
There were frogs in his bed, and frogs on his head
Frogs on his nose and frogs on his toes
Frogs here, frogs there
Frogs were jumping everywhere.

Fittingly, both of his grandfathers will be in attendance, and I look forward to hearing reports, seeing photos and -- technology permitting -- video of Jake with his "overflowing beard" in action.

*The Passover Seder is a special meal in which the story of the Jews' escape from slavery in Egypt is retold and celebrated with food, wine and singing. The model Seder is the kids' version where they learn how it all works. It's a bit like a Christmas pageant, but with more food.