Old/New World Discourse: Festival of Lights

Baruch Hashem, it's Hanukka! Whereas my family has been Blessed with friends and festivities, from a party for giggly teen girls (yes, Boy-Getting-Taller took refuge at one of his friend's homes) to sleepovers for the little ones, and a football game ("Mom, everyone has yeshiva break") for the big boys, we've been rocking. We've been Blessed, too, with Shabbot guests, with lots of calls back and forth to local and foreign friends, with out-of-country visitors, and with many other sweet forms of ruach.

The greatest radiance I've experienced, however, so far, this holiday, happened at shul, during Shabbot Shacharit services. A friend, whom I had not seen face-to-face in a very long time showed up for services. This friend has trouble walking.

As she moved down the narrow aisle of our Beit Knesset's women's section, shuffling quietly so as to not disturb the other women, I looked up. Shyly, I regarded her and shyly, she regarded me; we were there for prayer, not for socializing. It was hard, though, not to be excited to see each other.

After the completion of Mussaf, we linger, just a bit, to give each other kisses and hugs. She asked me if I had been to shul before that day, given my long recovery from my injury. I likewise asked her how she was progressing.

I think we could have stayed longer, whispering endearments, but other, mutual, friends came to us to encourage us to join the kiddish taking place in a space next door. One more set of hugs latter, we allowed ourselves to be swept up in the flow of our friends, all the better to consume sufganiyot and good wishes.

There is much for which to be grateful this holiday season. Yet, I am especially glad to have seen my friend walking again.

May you and your loved ones know many such miracles!

Response to Readers:

I only infrequently read earlier entries. If I've missed your comments, or if you commented recently on an old gem, please forgive me for the lag time between your writing and my response. Nonetheless, keep those comments coming!

In reply to Bassya, who wrote in regarding "My Getaway; My Family's View",June 4, 2007, thank-you for your kind comment. Keep on reading!

In reply to Lauren, Dawn, and Dr. Danielito, who wrote in regarding "Twelve Great Reasons to Live in Israel, Part One," June 13, 2007, it's great to hear from you. Dr. Danielito, I agree that the list is simple, in fact it is parsimonious. Most truth is not complex, but most truth is overarching.

Dawn, I love your reasons. Since it is truth that we Jews belong in Israel, and since truth, as stated above is overarching, all of us can approach this wonderful belongingness from slightly different directions and be equally correct in our approach.

Lauren, gosh! I agree with you; that Klal Yisrael belongs in Eretz Yisrael.

In reply to Moshe, who wrote in regarding "Israeli Bathrooms, Security Guards, and Dumpster Cats, Part I," Apr. 25, 2007, you are funny. Please continue to write in.

Little Smile:

Where do all the bandaid wrappers go? I think they breed in my bathroom. I used

to find them mating on the floor, behind (but never in) the trash can, in the towel baskets and, sometimes, even in the shower.

I responded as only a mother can by insisting that we have a basket for bandaids and that the basket have an appointed place in a closable drawer. Consequently, these days, I am happy to be able to report, that my children only leave those wrappers for boo-boo covers in the drawer, next to those covers' designated, but nonetheless empty, basket.