mazal tov! i survived another simchas torah in the chabad bomb shelter/ shul in my neighborhood in the holy city of safed. i figured out a couple of years ago that the only way to get through the unique 5 hour service is to get loaded. that's right the first thing in the morning is to chug-a-lug half a glass of vodka. amazingly, you begin to feel a spiritual "high" and you don't fret over spilled crackers and drinks. humus and herring stains don't seem to matter. the sounds of babies crying is serene.burning hot cholent being passed through the women's section is a delight. hours go by and you still can't feel time. you smile at everyone and wish everyone a good chag. you stare at the clock and it's already 3:00 in the afternoon and you're still doing the morning service. i wish everyone a shavua tov and i hope you all had a spiritual high this season. love, zelda
by the way, this picture of me is from my son's engagement party last october. he married into a large sephardi family and i became part of the clan. the token ashkenazi in the crowd. to be continued...
Congratulations, and welcome to the new world of blogging, from a middle-aged semi-Italian woman who is intrigued by your writing style and unique focus. Looking forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteDear Zelda:
ReplyDeleteI think this blog is really a trick to get me to use your Hebrew name, after 25-30 years. Let me tell you, it won't work. I LOVE the picture--it is wonderful in so many ways, If you will send me a digital copy, I am going to have stamps made at the Post Office--an indulgence we have here that is probably NOT available in the Holy Land.
MAZEL TOV on the inauguration of this BLOG--I think it is FABULOUS and LONG OVERDUE.
Sign me,
Chana Sosha