Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

(JNS) — I offered a relative a ride last week to and from Methodist Hospital in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, N.Y. I had the choice to wait in the area or drive home and head almost immediately back. I chose to drive home.

In another era, I would have gladly stayed in Park Slope — a hip Brooklyn enclave of picturesque brownstones, quaint bookshops and organic-food markets. Over the years, I was happy to browse in Barnes & Noble, step into Starbucks or wander around Prospect Park. No longer.

I have now reached my threshold for overlooking the political and cultural drawbacks of a n...