Between the ages of 17 and 20 I tried very hard to become a jazz bassist. I quite literally lived the movie Whiplash, including (almost) flipping over my car once, when late to rehearsal. I owe much of what is unique about me to this period of my life. It's also a part of my life I rarely ever talk about, and I haven't really touched a bass since that time. 14 years later I am still not sure I've fully processed those experiences.

In the summer, I forget that I like Tel Aviv. It's hot. It's crowded with tourists, our regular juilletistes and aoûtiens. The usual relaxed atmosphere of the city dissolves into what I interpret as brashness. Tel Aviv the cosmopolitan urban center becomes a beach town. Please accept my excuses, it's just not the kind of place I like spending time. Then September hits, and it starts to cool down. Just a few degrees are enough! It becomes possible to take a stroll again. You notice the new shops that recently opened, the cafe that changed hands, the city projects getting closer (we can only hope!) to completion. You see people again! Tel Avivians! Not just on their way to and from the beach. Between meetings, sitting with their dogs. Being active. Reading. I like Tel Aviv in the fall. And the winter, and the spring.

Some moments in the Startup Nation feel surreal. Today is erev Yom Kippur - the day before Yom Kippur. Officially, it is a 'half-work' day. Schools are closed, but most people need to work the first half of the day. Nevertheless, the WeWork receptionist just let me know: I'm the only member who arrived to this location today. Keep in mind, this WeWork occupies four stories in one of Tel Aviv's tallest buildings. Don't get me wrong - I'm enjoying the quiet! Gmar chatima tovah and wishing everyone who observes a tzom kal tomorrow.