Is He Or Isn't He?

"Are you here for Egypt or Israel?" the woman asked.  I had barely walked in the door and already, things had heated up.  Before I could answer, the lovely Yael, who had the pleasure of driving in my luxurious auto, said, "Israel."  The woman pointed, "Down the hall."  So no one should be offended, UCLA was hosting two conferences in the same location.  Egypt occupied one side of the building, Israel the other.  Happy to report it was a peaceful day.  Of course, you gather hundreds of Jews in one room, where there aren't enough seats, there's going to be a little tension, not to mention, a lot of fressing.  While professor-types spoke eloquently about Israeli culture, attendees nibbled muffins, bagels and fruit, to keep their strength up till lunch, where the main draw was Howard Gordon, co-creator of "Homeland," adapted from an Israeli series.  I'm a late-to-the-party "Homeland" fanatic and hung on his every word, hoping he'd give up some spoilers on Season 2, but no such luck.  Questions in the audience ranged from "What's in it for Israel?" to "Why isn't the show about Israel?" to "Is he or isn't it?" Howard Gordon smiled.  "You mean, a terrorist?  I can't answer that." He could've answered it, but, since that question is the key to the entire series, he'd be giving away the whole megillah.  All in all, the SJG came away from the day, organized by my dear friend Maura, enlightened and a little bit full.  Did I really need to eat that big cookie?