Shalom My Gantseh Megillah Family and Friends,

It has been six long months since we last published a new issue of the Gantseh Megillah. This past summer, and current fall season, Arnold and I, were presented with several challenging situations. Sadly, this forced us to temporarily suspend our monthly publication. It is with great relief that the hiatus has finally come to an end.

We want to thank our entire Megillah family for your patience, and support, during these trying months. Concurrently, we acquired a print magazine, Being Jewish, and we celebrated our khassana. Just as things were beginning to settle down, out of nowhere, a serious medical problem erupted. Happily, we are now ready to focus, once again, on the return of our anchor publication, the Gantseh Megillah.

I regret that I must inform you of the passing of one of our most beloved Megillah columnists. Dov Burt Levy, died suddenly a few weeks ago, leaving his family, and associates, in a state of shock, and mourning. Dov regularly contributed some of the most informative, provocative, and fascinating columns for the Gantseh Megillah. He will be greatly missed as a member of our writing team, and more importantly, as our good friend. Dov had the foresight to compose his own obituary, which appears on his page this month. Rest in peace, dear friend.

Here in Montreal we have had our first major snowfall, and the bright lights of the holiday season, and Chanukah, are beginning to glow these evenings. Each year, we make the same sincere, yet repetitious statements about how we are all praying for peace, and goodwill, throughout the world.

This year, there is a sincere anticipation of renewal, and positive change; so I will repeat my annual wish for a better, and brighter world. My special hope is that these positive changes will begin to evolve in all our lives, and the lives of those who are in such desperate need of assistance, and caring.

If there is one thing I have learned in recent months is that life has a way of presenting surprises, and curve balls, that can knock us, and our plans, for a loop. Our human spirit never fails to amaze me. I will often hear people say that they simply could not abide, or endure, this or that problem, and yet, when faced with those exact, or different set-backs, they rise to the occasion with spirit, pluck, determination, and strength.

I have witnessed, and experienced, this phenomenon in my own life. Within each of us, we have the ability to face life’s difficulties, and uncertainties. Of course, there are those times when it takes extra help, and support, in order to overcome these challenges. We must be ready to give of ourselves to help others through trying times.

Arnold and I, certainly have had lots of that kind of assistance from our friends, and family, and we shall never forget the kindnesses extended to us. You, our Megillah family, are a huge part of that support system. We wish you a happy, joyous, and peaceful Chanukah, and only the very best life has to offer in the New Year.

Much love to all of you,

Michael