I have Mitchner-itis. That is, I must begin every story at the beginning of time. This essay (actually, this is the first of five essays) is about Israel. It begins at the beginning of monotheism. I think laying out such a broad and deep context is necessary to avoid the accusations of anti-Semitism that are inevitable in internet discussions on this topic. [On a less enlightened note, it may give you something to distract you from Super Bowl Mania this weekend.