| One of the blessings of my life as a kosher food maven is the
way kitchen musings open the door for discussions and supportive relationships
with other Jewish women of every age. Last year, a young lady asked me for a
recipe, and thus began a pleasant online acquaintance between us.
A few months after that first email, I was in New York, and made a date to spend
the afternoon with her at the Guggenheim. It took us a bit of time to find each
other, and we shared a giggle when saying that we both just kept looking for and
approaching other gals wearing long skirts. The exhibit and conversation were
both interesting and fun. When saying good-bye a few hours later, we each felt
that we had made a new friend.
A couple of months ago, I received an email from her, saying that her father was
undergoing surgery, and asking me to say a misheberach for him. Naturally, I
felt honored by the request, pleased that she shared her troubles, and glad to
be of help.
Baruch Hashem, her father came though everything, and is well enough to travel.
Her whole family will be spending Pesach here in California. I am looking
forward to another excursion with her on one of the intermediate days, this time
to the Huntington Library.
Why have I told you this story?
During the last few years I have received many copies of a circulating email
about Yom Hashoah. The gist of it is that I should forward this message which
contains a link to a website which is supposed to be some sort of memorial. The
site says that almost half a million people have visited there, although it
contains no information about Holocaust Remembrance Day, no further links to
educational or religious sites, not even a way to give charity. It does nothing
but exist and count how many folks have seen it. It says only that,
"If we reach the goal of reaching six million before Holocaust Remembrance Day,
we will fulfill and give back to G-d what he gave to us: six million Jews who
are alive today who remember those who perished."
Huh? What does that website do? I admit to being rather outraged at the notion
of fulfilling obligations by merely clicking a mouse. From my perspective, how
about giving tzedakah, saying a bracha, keeping kosher even for a day, being
shomer shabbas, going to shul: any or all of the preceding?
That is why I told you about my friend Marceia. We share tips on kashrut,
finding pretty tznius dresses, discuss religious and cultural issues, pray for
one another....... That is how to most effectively answer those who would have
erased our traditions. Be a light unto the nations and each other.
Celebrate Torah fellowship for those who can no longer do that. Keep Judaism
alive. |
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