After my mother-in-law passed away last month, I felt the need to write something -- not in particular about her, but about the experience of going through two major milestones in one week: her death on the Monday evening and my oldest child's bar mitzvah on the Shabbos.
I had gone to a wedding on the night before she passed away, I went to her funeral on the Tuesday, I went to my son's bar mitzvah on Shabbos and I went to an unveiling on Sunday. The only thing missing was a bris.
Talk about life cycles...
I wrote my personal essay, then looked around to find it a home in print. Aish.com was the first place that came to mind, but they didn't want it. The Canadian Jewish News agreed to hold on to it for a while, should there be extra space in the paper (but never actually saying they would run it, either). I tried Mishpacha magazine with a query, but didn't hear back.
Then I recalled THE JEWISH PRESS, out of NY. Years ago, when I was still single, I'd had two personal humorous essays appear in their singles' pages. I'd been thrilled with the venue, knowing that I'd be hitting the right target audience with my words.
So I went straight to the top and queried the senior editor of The Jewish Press and ... long story short... Jason Maoz agreed to print the piece.
The newspaper is accessible throughout the U.S. and Canada, with a large proportion of the readership in the NY/New Jersey area and perhaps in Florida as well. My piece will appear somewhere in the newspaper this Friday, August 1st. It will be available in their online edition Wednesday, July 30th.
In bungalow colonies in the Catskills, in family rooms across the five boroughs, at lakefront summer homes this Shabbos, people will be reading my words. Strangers will be getting a glimpse into my psyche. My late mother-in-law, z"l, will be receiving some form of recognition.
It's always nice to get published; it's nicer to get published when a piece has personal significance in your life.
My words will have found a home and for that I'm grateful.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Visiting Day
My son who was just bar mitzvahed 6 weeks ago is experiencing his first time at sleepover camp...SLEEPAWAY camp to you Americans.
My husband and I are living vicariously through Avi because neither one of us has experienced overnight camp before. Although Avi is primarily with classmates from his school, there are campers from NY, Montreal, Ottawa, other U.S. states, including California.
Today was visiting day. It worked out well because Avi had come home for Shabbos with two friends so they could attend a close friend's bar mitzvah, so we were simply driving him back to camp.
And what is visiting day at camp?** Half-hour 'display' sessions and sessions for separate swimming, and an entire hour and a half geared to registering kids for the Summer 2009 season, which happens to also be the camp's 50th anniversary.
Visiting day is also like going to your kids' school or going to shul: shmoozing with other parents, making small talk, comparing life notes, etc. The truth is I'm not too good at that -- or even comfortable with that -- in any setting! But it's truly not me that counts this time. It's our son Avi...who just happens to be having a great time.
And for that we're grateful. Okay, so what if he's not trying every activity? Okay, so what if he's not caught in too many camp photos? Okay, so what if he's only written a note or two to us?
He's having a good time, and that's what matters.
And we've already opened the discussion re. the possibility of my daughter going next summer -- her bat mitzvah year...
Perhaps I'll be writing a blog post next mid-July for Visiting day 2009...!
**And what is Visiting day at camp...aside from parents portaging coolers and hampers, lawn chairs and knapsacks, barbecues and pizza boxes, blankets and cameras all the way from their vehicles in the parking area to park themselves and their campers or staff members somewhere and have mini feasts. (Jews and food... isn't that what life's all about?)
My husband and I are living vicariously through Avi because neither one of us has experienced overnight camp before. Although Avi is primarily with classmates from his school, there are campers from NY, Montreal, Ottawa, other U.S. states, including California.
Today was visiting day. It worked out well because Avi had come home for Shabbos with two friends so they could attend a close friend's bar mitzvah, so we were simply driving him back to camp.
And what is visiting day at camp?** Half-hour 'display' sessions and sessions for separate swimming, and an entire hour and a half geared to registering kids for the Summer 2009 season, which happens to also be the camp's 50th anniversary.
Visiting day is also like going to your kids' school or going to shul: shmoozing with other parents, making small talk, comparing life notes, etc. The truth is I'm not too good at that -- or even comfortable with that -- in any setting! But it's truly not me that counts this time. It's our son Avi...who just happens to be having a great time.
And for that we're grateful. Okay, so what if he's not trying every activity? Okay, so what if he's not caught in too many camp photos? Okay, so what if he's only written a note or two to us?
He's having a good time, and that's what matters.
And we've already opened the discussion re. the possibility of my daughter going next summer -- her bat mitzvah year...
Perhaps I'll be writing a blog post next mid-July for Visiting day 2009...!
**And what is Visiting day at camp...aside from parents portaging coolers and hampers, lawn chairs and knapsacks, barbecues and pizza boxes, blankets and cameras all the way from their vehicles in the parking area to park themselves and their campers or staff members somewhere and have mini feasts. (Jews and food... isn't that what life's all about?)
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Cue the Kewpie Doll!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdURxR5Tmuk
I believe this is my favorite movie scene of all time -- check the video between 1:57 and 2:15 minutes. It makes me laugh every time -- however many times! -- I see the film.
Note a young Lucille Ball.
I believe this is my favorite movie scene of all time -- check the video between 1:57 and 2:15 minutes. It makes me laugh every time -- however many times! -- I see the film.
Note a young Lucille Ball.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We Need to Hear from More People Like This One
National Post Published: Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Re: Grim Exchange For Israel As Soldiers' Bodies Returned, July 17.
I read with revulsion of the celebrations in my native country over the return of terrorist Samir Kuntar; never in my life have I been more ashamed to be Lebanese.
That someone who murdered innocent civilians would be hailed as a national hero stands against the core of human decency that I would have expected from my fellow citizens. Kuntar crushed the skull of four-year-old Einat Haran, after forcing her to witness the murder of her father, Danny. These are the acts of a cold-blooded killer that ought to be reviled. Instead they are being championed by my countrymen and used as propaganda to further fuel the murderous agenda of groups such as Hezbollah.
Re: Grim Exchange For Israel As Soldiers' Bodies Returned, July 17.
I read with revulsion of the celebrations in my native country over the return of terrorist Samir Kuntar; never in my life have I been more ashamed to be Lebanese.
That someone who murdered innocent civilians would be hailed as a national hero stands against the core of human decency that I would have expected from my fellow citizens. Kuntar crushed the skull of four-year-old Einat Haran, after forcing her to witness the murder of her father, Danny. These are the acts of a cold-blooded killer that ought to be reviled. Instead they are being championed by my countrymen and used as propaganda to further fuel the murderous agenda of groups such as Hezbollah.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Yiddish, Hebrew, or Yenglish?
I just completed a wonderful survey about the development/use of American Jewish language. I read about it on Nextbook, a wonderful site about Jewish culture.
You, too, can complete this survey. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=9eQwWyblG_2b8ixLqbt6QFhg_3d_3d
If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact Prof. Sarah Bunin Benor (sbenor@huc.edu) or Prof. Steven M. Cohen (steve34nyc@aol.com).
You, too, can complete this survey. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=9eQwWyblG_2b8ixLqbt6QFhg_3d_3d
If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact Prof. Sarah Bunin Benor (sbenor@huc.edu) or Prof. Steven M. Cohen (steve34nyc@aol.com).
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Everyone's Got a Story...
...some just have more to say than others.
And this is where author/editor/lecturer Ruchama King Feuerman came into the picture.
Ruchama, who hosts writing workshops, both in person and via teleconferencing, recently compiled and edited a book of short stories/essays written by some of her students.
Not only does Ruchama have the pleasure of presenting this new batch of writers, she scatters some of her own writing tips and tools throughout the pages. Catchy and concrete ideas that are sure to help any writer work through challenges or offer a springboard from where to start.
Back in February 2007, I wrote a post called The Perfect Name. It was about Ruchama and the blog she'd just started. Alan Busch commented on my post, thanking me for the reference to Ruchama.
I am more than pleased to say that Alan is a talented writer himself, having put out his own book -- Snapshots in Memory of Ben -- a tribute to his beloved son who died at too young an age. Alan has a couple of essays featured in Ruchama's latest book "Everyone's Got a Story".
See, it pays to read blogs...and write!
Pick up a copy of this fine book of Ruchama's; it will make for good Shabbos afternoon reading, or late-night reading in bed.
And this is where author/editor/lecturer Ruchama King Feuerman came into the picture.
Ruchama, who hosts writing workshops, both in person and via teleconferencing, recently compiled and edited a book of short stories/essays written by some of her students.
Not only does Ruchama have the pleasure of presenting this new batch of writers, she scatters some of her own writing tips and tools throughout the pages. Catchy and concrete ideas that are sure to help any writer work through challenges or offer a springboard from where to start.
Back in February 2007, I wrote a post called The Perfect Name. It was about Ruchama and the blog she'd just started. Alan Busch commented on my post, thanking me for the reference to Ruchama.
I am more than pleased to say that Alan is a talented writer himself, having put out his own book -- Snapshots in Memory of Ben -- a tribute to his beloved son who died at too young an age. Alan has a couple of essays featured in Ruchama's latest book "Everyone's Got a Story".
See, it pays to read blogs...and write!
Pick up a copy of this fine book of Ruchama's; it will make for good Shabbos afternoon reading, or late-night reading in bed.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Happy 4th of July!!
To all of my American friends and readers:
HAPPY 4th of JULY
As you celebrate your nation's independence, may you have a safe and healthy weekend.
(just an an aside: in my years of blogging, I've been using American spelling, not Canadian, so that the majority of my readers -- Americans -- will not think I'm typing with spelling errors.
:) )
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
The Bus Brigade
Okay, so school was out...what? A week ago for most kids, two weeks ago for others.
The school buses had the shortest hiatus on earth, only to reappear in the last two days.
Today is my two younger children's first day of day camp. We stood outside the house with the dog, waiting for the Camp Eitan bus.
"I see it down the street!" yells Noam.
A bus nears.
Nope. It's a Camp Robin Hood bus...and passes us by.
"There it is!" yells Adina.
The bus nears.
Nope. It's a Lubavitch Camp bus...and passes us by.
A mini school bus passes in the other direction. Might it be ours? Maybe camp enrollment from our area is down and we've downsized to a minibus...?
Nope. The bus doesn't slow dow. It's a Camp Green Acres bus.
Finally a bus comes our way. No fancy names or decorations on the bus. But a familiar face of the bus driver whom these kids have had for the past few years during their camp sojourn. The bus slows, the doors open, greetings and goodbyes are exchanged...and my kids are off to camp!
I take Max our dog for a walk when the kids are gone. Throughout our neighborhood, outside lovely homes, you see parents standing with their children or nannies standing with their charges. All are doing what we did -- waiting for that big -- or little! -- orange/yellow schoolbus to transport these children to day camps.
This scene happens in the morning between 8-9:30; between 3:30-5:00 in the afternoon, the scene will be in reverse, as parents and nannies stand outside the homes, waiting for the schoolbuses to drop off children.
The pattern will repeat itself from Monday through Friday...
Tomorrow, big boy/bar mitzvah boy Avi, is off to overnight camp for the first time. I don't think it'll be a big orange/yellow schoolbus we'll be looking for in the shopping center's parking lot where he gets dropped off. A comfy, coach bus ought to do the trick!
May all these buses drive safely throughout the summer, transporting their precious cargo to and from camps and summer programs.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Touch of Blue
A Touch of Blue, the name of this brief post, was also the name of the literary section of the Jewish campus newspaper, when I was literary editor back in the early eighties at the University of Toronto. I'd come up with that name, as it had a double entendre for me: "blue" meaning ink of a pen, and also meaning sad.
I haven't tuned in for a while to this blog; my life has been very busy, to say the least.
It's been a time of sorrow and happiness, rolled into a short time frame.
My mother-in-law passed away last Monday, June 16th. My eldest child's bar mitzvah took place this past Shabbos, June 21st.
Shiva...and simcha: an odd juxtaposition...
(more to come...)
I haven't tuned in for a while to this blog; my life has been very busy, to say the least.
It's been a time of sorrow and happiness, rolled into a short time frame.
My mother-in-law passed away last Monday, June 16th. My eldest child's bar mitzvah took place this past Shabbos, June 21st.
Shiva...and simcha: an odd juxtaposition...
(more to come...)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Nightfather
i read this book over yom tov.
it is a quick read. it is a captivating read. it is an insightful read.
i bought this book for one dollar from the discard book cart at the public library.
it is worth so much more.
i have read many holocaust books --fiction and non-fiction -- in my lifetime, but none like this one.
it is a novel made of up of short chapters. each chapter is a vignette. each chapter captures a father's memory from the war, and his children's reactions to that memory.
the reader is left wondering: is this a work of fiction or is this a biography?
with great simplicity, the author -- carl friedman being a woman actually -- captures a survivor's tale. the book, originally written in dutch and translated into english, does not lose anything in translation.
it is a powerful read.
i highly recommend it.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
FINAL Sale
Oh. My. G-d.
I was just on the COSTCO website, checking out the location of one in Toronto near my parents. I want to go and see what sorts of paper goods they have -- if any -- for making a simcha.
I scanned the site banner of features: decor, food, furniture, funerals.
Of course I had to check it out -- it's broken down into categories with visuals: caskets, pet urns, memorial flowers, etc.
Oy... I can't help but laugh as I imagine this scene...
LAST STOP FUNERAL HOME. Vera and family are gathered for visitation from 2:00-4:00. Her mother, Eldora, died of old age at the ripe age of 97, and people are coming to pay their last respects and view the body.
Nestled in a baby pink, with mother-of-pearl inlay, coffin, she looks so peaceful, with her rouged cheeks and frosted pink lipstick. Her regular housedress has been replaced with a smart-looking denim pantsuit and orthopedic loafers.
People comment as they pass.
"Vera, I'm so sorry about Eldora. She was a wonder still at her age. Playing pinochle with the cronies at the seniors' lodge and baking muffins."
"She looks better than ever," is whispered between two lady friends.
"Vera. What a darling coffin! Did the funeral parlor supply it?"
Vera: "No. I got it online, ON SALE -- it was a clearance item -- at COSTCO! Marked down from $2500 to $800...can you believe it?"
Friend: "That is a bargain."
Vera: "Anything for Mother... And did you notice her pantsuit? COSTCO too! A special from last year's fall close-outs...I bought it just for this occasion, and even showed it to Mom, who gave it her blessings. You know, I guess when COSTCO calls itself a 'big box store,' they really mean it!"
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
A Quick Reference
Someone sent me this link. It's great -- and I suggest you bookmark it.
Don't thank me. Everyone...all together now....
"THANK YOU, MARALLYN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
http://www.allmyfaves.com/
Don't thank me. Everyone...all together now....
"THANK YOU, MARALLYN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
http://www.allmyfaves.com/
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A Girl Can Dream....Can't She????
Job Details
Organization:My Perfect Princess Party
Application Deadline:Thursday May 15, 2008
Website: http://www.myppp.ca
Position: Princess Performer
Term: Contract
Location: Toronto and GTA
Salary: $70.00/hr
Start Date:
Job Description
My Perfect Princess Party (www.myppp.ca) is looking for a new girl to play Barbie as well as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in Toronto and the GTA. Compensation is $70/hour
Requirements
Requirements:- valid drivers license- access to a car all weekends- available all weekends- beautiful singing voice
Additional Information
If you would like to apply please send the following to careers@myppp.ca- Performance resume- Head shot- full body shot- hair colour, eye colour, height, weight, dress size
Good luck to all applicants!
Send Submissions To: e: careers@myppp.ca
Organization Description
Make your little princess' special day truly magical . . .Your daughter will really believe she has her favorite fairytale princess at her party - a day to remember and treasure forever!
She can choose her Fairytale favourite: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Tinkerbell, The Little Mermaid, and Arabian Nights. Or she could choose Barbie, Bratz, or a Ballerina party.
Organization:My Perfect Princess Party
Application Deadline:Thursday May 15, 2008
Website: http://www.myppp.ca
Position: Princess Performer
Term: Contract
Location: Toronto and GTA
Salary: $70.00/hr
Start Date:
Job Description
My Perfect Princess Party (www.myppp.ca) is looking for a new girl to play Barbie as well as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty in Toronto and the GTA. Compensation is $70/hour
Requirements
Requirements:- valid drivers license- access to a car all weekends- available all weekends- beautiful singing voice
Additional Information
If you would like to apply please send the following to careers@myppp.ca- Performance resume- Head shot- full body shot- hair colour, eye colour, height, weight, dress size
Good luck to all applicants!
Send Submissions To: e: careers@myppp.ca
Organization Description
Make your little princess' special day truly magical . . .Your daughter will really believe she has her favorite fairytale princess at her party - a day to remember and treasure forever!
She can choose her Fairytale favourite: Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Tinkerbell, The Little Mermaid, and Arabian Nights. Or she could choose Barbie, Bratz, or a Ballerina party.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Google Thyself
It was probably about six years ago that someone had told me they'd Googled me. I didn't know what they meant. It had a risque sound to it!
But once they explained they'd put in a search with my name, I began to do that too every now and again. I still do, simply as a means to see what cyberspace tracks and TRAPS about me.
If I write and publish something new, my name is sometimes attributed to that, but not always.
Sometimes comments I leave on websites appear, too.
I seek my maiden name and come across Polly Adler, aka Pearl Adler, a notorious madam.
I seek out my married name and Google usually presents me with Nick Saban, a sports coach, or Pearl Harbor. Hello...? My name is Pearl Saban.
Googling oneself is sometimes as good as going to a different city and looking up your name in a phonebook. Sometimes it exists; other times it doesn't. But it's a game of curiousity.
See if there's a famous version of you out there. Ahem...a version famous for more than just a blog...or leaving a perpetual comment on a blog!
But once they explained they'd put in a search with my name, I began to do that too every now and again. I still do, simply as a means to see what cyberspace tracks and TRAPS about me.
If I write and publish something new, my name is sometimes attributed to that, but not always.
Sometimes comments I leave on websites appear, too.
I seek my maiden name and come across Polly Adler, aka Pearl Adler, a notorious madam.
I seek out my married name and Google usually presents me with Nick Saban, a sports coach, or Pearl Harbor. Hello...? My name is Pearl Saban.
Googling oneself is sometimes as good as going to a different city and looking up your name in a phonebook. Sometimes it exists; other times it doesn't. But it's a game of curiousity.
See if there's a famous version of you out there. Ahem...a version famous for more than just a blog...or leaving a perpetual comment on a blog!
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Inquiring Minds Want to Know
Last Thursday I traveled to Ottawa (about a 5 hour road trip from Toronto) with my daughter and the rest of her school choir as well as several parents. This choir was having the privilege of performing in the national Yom Hashoah ceremony on the steps of the Parliament Building, along with Canadian dignitaries, international ambassadors and numerous survivors, who would be having the privilege of laying wreaths in memory of countless numbers who'd died in the Holocaust.
The choir children, grades 3-6, were excited by this honor and had started official countdowns to their Ottawa trip. The previous evening, they'd performed at the main Toronto Yom Hashoah ceremony, an annual event.
Giddy with excitement, my daughter had continually told us, "Stephen Harper, the prime minister, might be introducing us."
Needless to say, Prime Minister Harper was not there on Thursday, apparently off on other official national business.
When we left Ottawa, I called my husband to tell him we were on our way and to expect us around midnight; my youngest had picked up the extension, but my husband told him to get off so that we could talk. A few moments after I'd hung up with Ron, the cell phone rang. I thought my husband was calling me back...
Me: "Hello?"
Noam: "Hi, Eema."
Me: "Hi, Noam."
Noam: "Where are you?"
Me: "In Ottawa. We're on our way back to Toronto. We're on the highway."
Noam: "What did you do there?"
Me: "I went to see Adina and the choir sing at the parliament building."
Noam: "Was Stephen Harper there?"
Me: "No he wasn't."
Noam: "Why not? Where was he?"
This recently-turned-eight-year-old expected me to know the prime minister's agenda! I didn't expect him to know who our country's prime minister was!
I relayed the story to my mother. She relayed it to my father. My father is relaying it to everyone!
You can catch a glimpse of the choir in this short news video bit:
http://www.achannel.ca/ottawa/news_56560.aspx
The choir children, grades 3-6, were excited by this honor and had started official countdowns to their Ottawa trip. The previous evening, they'd performed at the main Toronto Yom Hashoah ceremony, an annual event.
Giddy with excitement, my daughter had continually told us, "Stephen Harper, the prime minister, might be introducing us."
Needless to say, Prime Minister Harper was not there on Thursday, apparently off on other official national business.
When we left Ottawa, I called my husband to tell him we were on our way and to expect us around midnight; my youngest had picked up the extension, but my husband told him to get off so that we could talk. A few moments after I'd hung up with Ron, the cell phone rang. I thought my husband was calling me back...
Me: "Hello?"
Noam: "Hi, Eema."
Me: "Hi, Noam."
Noam: "Where are you?"
Me: "In Ottawa. We're on our way back to Toronto. We're on the highway."
Noam: "What did you do there?"
Me: "I went to see Adina and the choir sing at the parliament building."
Noam: "Was Stephen Harper there?"
Me: "No he wasn't."
Noam: "Why not? Where was he?"
This recently-turned-eight-year-old expected me to know the prime minister's agenda! I didn't expect him to know who our country's prime minister was!
I relayed the story to my mother. She relayed it to my father. My father is relaying it to everyone!
You can catch a glimpse of the choir in this short news video bit:
http://www.achannel.ca/ottawa/news_56560.aspx
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Israel at 60
I was contacted yesterday -- no doubt a general email sent out -- by the publisher/editor of a U.S.-based literary publication that had featured one of my poems a couple years back--Poeticamag. The essence of the email message was: We are looking for poetry and short stories celebrating Israel 60th birthday. Please submit in the body of the email - no attachments.
I assume the publisher is seeking pieces for the journal's website not a print edition. I quickly answered the call-out, writing the following poem in about 3 minutes.
AT SIXTY
At sixty, one is not quite old, neither young...but somewhere in the middle.
With life lines to show,
fine wrinkles here and there,
graying hair or balding patches,
hinting age spots
and a book of photographs depicting a life.
At sixty, Israel is not quite old, neither young...but somewhere in the middle.
But in truth she is ancient -- Israel is a "she," you know -- and was reborn in May 1948.
Not everyone has the chance to be reborn. But Israel...she fought to be reborn.
She fought hard. Her supporters fought harder.
From desert sands and barren fields, she brought forth life.
From stark grayness, she brought forth greens and blues.
From a handful of devotees, she yielded multitudes of lovers.
Lovers of her country.
Lovers of her language.
Lovers of her culture.
Lovers of the blue and white of her draping flag.
Lovers of "Hatikvah."
Hope. Forever sustaining Israel.
Forever sustaining...
I assume the publisher is seeking pieces for the journal's website not a print edition. I quickly answered the call-out, writing the following poem in about 3 minutes.
AT SIXTY
At sixty, one is not quite old, neither young...but somewhere in the middle.
With life lines to show,
fine wrinkles here and there,
graying hair or balding patches,
hinting age spots
and a book of photographs depicting a life.
At sixty, Israel is not quite old, neither young...but somewhere in the middle.
But in truth she is ancient -- Israel is a "she," you know -- and was reborn in May 1948.
Not everyone has the chance to be reborn. But Israel...she fought to be reborn.
She fought hard. Her supporters fought harder.
From desert sands and barren fields, she brought forth life.
From stark grayness, she brought forth greens and blues.
From a handful of devotees, she yielded multitudes of lovers.
Lovers of her country.
Lovers of her language.
Lovers of her culture.
Lovers of the blue and white of her draping flag.
Lovers of "Hatikvah."
Hope. Forever sustaining Israel.
Forever sustaining...
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Published for Passover
Last week my mother called me up on Wednesday and said she'd seen my poem in the Jewish news and that it was very nice.
I knew I'd submitted a poem to be considered for the annual Passover literary supplement to the Canadian Jewish News, but couldn't remember which one I'd submitted!
And when I saw it, I remembered; I'd actually written the poem sometime last year and posted it on my blog, then this past February submitted it to the CJN.
The poem is based on an incident that happened to me; it is truth patterned in a poetic style is all.
Oftentimes that's what poetry is. At least my poetry.
It is nice to get published once again. To have my words published in a venue that means something to me, in a venue that is accessible to so many people in Canada, the States and abroad.
Here is the link: http://www.cjnews.com/images/stories/Supplements/2008_Passover_Lit.pdf
Find your way to page 22 of the supplement and you will find my poem. (The Montreal edition of the literary supplement has my poem appear on a different page with a slightly different layout, because of the advertising.)
I knew I'd submitted a poem to be considered for the annual Passover literary supplement to the Canadian Jewish News, but couldn't remember which one I'd submitted!
And when I saw it, I remembered; I'd actually written the poem sometime last year and posted it on my blog, then this past February submitted it to the CJN.
The poem is based on an incident that happened to me; it is truth patterned in a poetic style is all.
Oftentimes that's what poetry is. At least my poetry.
It is nice to get published once again. To have my words published in a venue that means something to me, in a venue that is accessible to so many people in Canada, the States and abroad.
Here is the link: http://www.cjnews.com/images/stories/Supplements/2008_Passover_Lit.pdf
Find your way to page 22 of the supplement and you will find my poem. (The Montreal edition of the literary supplement has my poem appear on a different page with a slightly different layout, because of the advertising.)
Food A-Plenty
Many times I've told you what kind of special husband I have. I'm telling you again: he took 3 days off of work to help prepare for Pesach -- shopping and cooking and cleaning. We work pretty well as a team or sometimes he's the master chef and I'm the sous chef or main dishwasher, but together we get things done.
My husband enjoys working in the kitchen and attempting new recipes; I look to take shortcuts oftentimes.
For the seders and Yom Tov day meals we had some wonderful dishes:
chicken soup with knaidlach (matzah balls) and pupiklech (chicken stomachs)
vegetable soup (leek, sweet potato, potato, squash, carrots, broccoli)
gefilte fish
salmon trout
grilled vegetables
green salad
broccoli and potato kugel
pickled beef brisket
veal brisket
turkey roll with mushroom sauce
pastilles (ground beef stuffed in potato balls)
banana sorbet
matzah cake
lemon pie
For the charoset, we had 2 types: Ashkenazi and Sephardi. I made the Ashkenazi one: apples, cinnamon, walnuts (I tossed in ground almonds too), sweet wine. My husband made his family's Sephardi one: dates, sweet wine and walnuts. (with one small apple thrown in for good measure)
Certainly would've been a tasty mortar for those bricks those Israelites were busy assembling for Pharoah!
We have lots of leftovers and will cook fresh for next Shabbos and the end of the chag. And hopefully the diet starts AFTER that!
My husband enjoys working in the kitchen and attempting new recipes; I look to take shortcuts oftentimes.
For the seders and Yom Tov day meals we had some wonderful dishes:
chicken soup with knaidlach (matzah balls) and pupiklech (chicken stomachs)
vegetable soup (leek, sweet potato, potato, squash, carrots, broccoli)
gefilte fish
salmon trout
grilled vegetables
green salad
broccoli and potato kugel
pickled beef brisket
veal brisket
turkey roll with mushroom sauce
pastilles (ground beef stuffed in potato balls)
banana sorbet
matzah cake
lemon pie
For the charoset, we had 2 types: Ashkenazi and Sephardi. I made the Ashkenazi one: apples, cinnamon, walnuts (I tossed in ground almonds too), sweet wine. My husband made his family's Sephardi one: dates, sweet wine and walnuts. (with one small apple thrown in for good measure)
Certainly would've been a tasty mortar for those bricks those Israelites were busy assembling for Pharoah!
We have lots of leftovers and will cook fresh for next Shabbos and the end of the chag. And hopefully the diet starts AFTER that!
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