By Herb Keinon
What It’s About
The article challenges the stereotypical Jewish parental aspirations of their children becoming white-collar professionals by illustrating the practical desire of an Israeli father who wishes his child to become an air conditioner repairman.
Why It Matters
In Israel, during the blistering summer months, finding a reliable air conditioner repairman can be more challenging than securing the services of a doctor, lawyer, or accountant. The author’s commentary underscores the importance of appreciating and valuing skilled trades in a society predominantly focused on traditional professional careers.
The Story
Herb Keinon expresses his longtime dream of having his child or son-in-law become an air conditioner repairman. He highlights the practicality of this profession in Israel, especially during the searing summer heat, where air conditioner breakdowns are common but qualified repairmen hard to find.
Keinon shares his personal experiences dealing with a malfunctioning 18-year-old mini central air conditioner and the immense difficulty of finding an available repairman during the peak summer months. He humorously contrasts the abundance of doctors, lawyers, and accountants in Israel with the scarcity of essential service providers like HVAC specialists.
Practical Benefits of Skilled Trades
Keinon admires the many honorable professions his children have pursued, including hi-tech, special education, agriculture, and finance. However, he reflects on the tangible benefits of having a skilled tradesman in the family. He imagines the convenience of calling upon his son to fix an air conditioning problem late on a hot Friday afternoon before Shabbat.
Looking Beyond Prestige: Valuing All Professions
Recognizing societal perspectives, Keinon subtly criticizes the excessive emphasis on certain prestigious careers while highlighting the real-world necessity of skilled professions. He urges for a broader appreciation of vocations driven by practical utility and passion rather than prestige alone.
Embracing Future Generations
Keinon closes on an optimistic note, suggesting that the aspiration of having an air conditioner repairman in the family need not end with his children, but could extend to his grandchildren. He humorously envisions teaching them HVAC skills during their summer stays, planting seeds for future passions.
Appreciating skilled trades, Keinon concludes, is not only practical but important for the genuine functionality and comfort of daily life in Israel.
This story was first published on jpost.com.