The Gospel According to (Nato) Green

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
● On coming from San Francisco: My wife and I are a typical San Francisco couple. We recycle; we’re into light bondage; our safe word is “Zinfandel.”
● On his wife’s pregnancy (with twins): It was a tough time. She was eating for three; I was drinking for four. We didn’t want to know whether they would be boys or girls. People would say, “What gender are they?” People, I’m from San Francisco. They get to pick.
● On gluttony: I need more of a continuum. I have “hungry” and “full” but I don’t have a concept of “satisfied,” “enough,” dayenu.
● On fatherhood: Now that I have children, I realize nobody actually likes children. Children are like free jazz and Christianity — much better on paper.
● On his former occupation: I used to be a union organizer. People always want me to make jokes about the labor movement, but I think it’s tacky to make fun of the dead.
From “The Nato Green Party” (Rooftop Records)
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
