Fields of Heaven

I didn't know how to begin to deal with such research, which touches so deeply on existential questions. From the outset, it was clear to me that this was not a task for a single researcher. I wanted, of course, to succeed and break through, I dreamt that my name would be remembered as the initiator of the idea and the thinker of the theory, but the challenge was enormous, far beyond the ability of a single person, however talented. I had to accurately formulate a research proposal to recruit additional researchers. After all, I couldn't expect an academic institution to just trust me and give me a budget. Who there knows me? Who has heard of me?

Yael was right, the world of academia was foreign to me, and I needed good advice. I thought of a person who would fit the role like a glove: Adina is a gifted physicist and a full professor at the Hebrew University specializing in nonlinear optics.

Nonlinear optics is a branch of physics that studies phenomena that occur between light and matter where the relationship is nonlinear. For example, consider the case where we double the intensity of light and get a response that increases in intensity fourfold.

Adina is a special woman. Her stature is average, and she is neither thin nor particularly hefty, but her presence cannot be ignored. She has eye-catching red hair and constantly exudes frantic energy. She speaks fast, thinks fast, and 'shoots from the hip'.

She doesn't exactly fit the name Adina. When talking to her, you must be alert all the time, and when she's in the room, the atmosphere is electrifying. We studied together for an undergraduate degree and completed our doctorates about the same time. And ever since then, I've known that although she's not easy to deal with, she is very worth listening to.

I picked up the phone and found her name in the contact list. "Hey Adina," I began, "it's Jonathan. How are you?"

"Jonathan! What a pleasure to hear from you! How is everything? How are you? How is Yael? That's your wife's name, right? What are you doing these days? Do you still live in Modiin?"

I smiled. She hasn't changed. "Lots of questions. I have a lot to tell you. Do you want all the answers now?"

"OK, OK, I know I'm impatient, certainly with you. Here, I'll take a breath," she joked. "Now, tell me a little about what's going on."

"The truth is, it's a long story. I would be happy to update you, but I would also like to consult. Would you like to meet?"

"Gladly," she replied, "we'll meet and discuss all the juicy details. But maybe you should prepare me a bit? What do you want to consult on?"

"Look, after years in high-tech, I'm exploring the possibility of returning to academia, and I'd love insights and guidance."

There was a very uncharacteristic silence on the other side of the line. "...Hello," I said, "are you still there?"

"Yes, I'm just stunned," she replied, "after so many years, going back to academia?! What's wrong being in high-tech? "

"Nothing bad. I quit because there is a topic burning in my bones. But it's really a long story. Let's meet."

"You've intrigued me. Of course we will meet! Want to come to my university office?"

"Great idea. For many years I have not visited the laboratories of the Danziger Building. You're there, aren't you?"

"Yes, the second floor of the Danziger B building. Tomorrow at four, will that work?"

We agreed. I smiled to myself. When I talk to her, suddenly I too become so determined and purposeful.

The next day at four o'clock I showed up at Adina's office. Many years have passed since my last visit to the university campus in Givat Ram. The campus has hardly changed, only here and there new buildings have sprung up, and building names have changed, but not the atmosphere.