Israel has no shortage of ministries. Defense. Finance. Interior.

But the one that actually runs the country has no building, no budget, and has never held an election. Every citizen is appointed at birth.

Call it the Ministry of Unsolicited Advice.

Its wardrobe division convenes daily, often at a bus stop, always without being asked.

“It’s thirty-eight degrees. He needs socks like he needs a scarf.”

“Why is he wearing blue?”

“Why isn’t he wearing a hat? My grandson slept without a hat once. Sunstroke. Doctors were baffled.”

“My other grandson slept on his stomach and now he’s a lawyer.”

No one agrees with anyone else.

This has never slowed anyone down.

Transportation has its own department, and its jurisdiction begins the moment you look for parking.

There is no such thing as quietly circling the block in Israel. Within seconds, a total stranger is directing you into a space—verbally, physically, sometimes with both arms, like a man landing........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)