בס''ד
I am by any means not a political blogger. I usually blog about family, health matters, recipes, special activities and day to day happenings, but the constant reading about all the terrorism happening to Jews worldwide, I just had to post my two cents.
First thing I want to make clear is that men and women who do terror attacks anywhere are not freedom fighters or insurgents, they are TERRORISTS. Plain and simple!
Merriam-Webster defines terrorism as: the use of violent acts to frighten the people in an area as a way of trying to achieve a political goal, the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.
Merriam-Webster
Being anti-Israel and saying I have nothing against Jews, it is Israel I don’t like is being anti-Semitic, and anti-semitism is alive and well, flourishing around the world at an all time high. Anti-Zionism equals anti-Semitism
The Anti-Defamation League has posted a very lengthy list of terror attacks to Jews and Jewish institutions around the world from A to Z.
Their Global Anti-Semitism Selected Incidents Around the World in 2014 lists attacks in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Norway, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, New Zealand.
ADL terror list
We are only at the end of February and already there have been several serious terror attacks against Jews in Paris, Buenos Aires, Copenhagen and this is just the tip of the iceberg. This morning Israel National News web site posted this terrifying video. Have a look!
Israel Nation News Arutz 7
To put it bluntly, Jews are not safe anywhere in the world.
Yidden come home! Israel is our G-d given land. Out of the ashes of the holocaust The State of Israel was declared in the United Nations and recognized as the Jewish homeland.
I know you are thinking “what about all the terror attacks in Israel over the years and what about all the thousands of missiles fired at Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah. Isn't that terror”? And the answer is yes. I know this fact first hand living 9kms. from Gaza and being on the receiving end of many Grad missiles.
But I still say… you are still safer in Israel than anywhere else.
I would like to tell you this little story about our experiences with anti-semitism.
Twenty-one years ago, my family and I lived in a hi-rise apartment building in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.
One morning, my then 11 year old son opened our front door to leave to go to school and promptly stepped into a puddle of rotten eggs that had been dumped on the carpet at our front door. Scribbled on the door and walls were swastikas.
We called the police and building janitor who called the building manager who notified the owner of the building, a holocaust survivor.
Photos were taken, and the carpet and walls were cleaned. Four days later, [a day after Rosh Hashana] swastikas were once again plastered all over the walls and on our front door in bold black paint ‘die jew’.
Once again we called the police and more photos were taken. The building manager once again had everything cleaned up. He then set up a security camera in the hallway fixed at our apartment.
My son was very scared. He told the police that he was afraid that someone would come in the middle of the night and kill us. The police were terrific. They had their hate crime officer speak to my son.
The police told us that the sign ‘die jew’ was a death threat that they were taking seriously. We told the police that Yom Kippur was in a couple of days and we were afraid of trouble.
They agreed to give us protection. On Yom Kippur, every 15 minutes a patrol car passed our building, we were given a direct phone number if we needed help and the police checked our apartment door several times during the day and night.
As far as I know, no one was ever caught or prosecuted.
It was our family’s dream to make Aliyah. Our two married daughters and three grandchildren were already living in Israel. We had one excuse after another why this year wasn't the right time to make Aliyah.
Our experience with anti-semitism gave us the kick we needed to make our dream come true. Seven months later, May 1994 we arrived home.
Making Aliyah and living in Israel [with all the mishagus [nonsense] that goes on here] was the smartest decision we ever made.
That’s all for now. Feel free to share and comment.
Miriam
Monday, February 16, 2015
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Nothing Like a Hot Bowl of Soup!
בס''ד
This time of year, when the evenings are cold, come supper time, there is nothing my husband and I like better than to start our meal with a hot thick bowl of soup.
Hot soup warms the body and soul. Takes away any chills and sets the stage for the rest of the meal. No food can comfort you like homemade soup. You can use up leftovers or combine fresh ingredients to make a variety of fabulous soups.
According to food historians, soup is considered one of the first fast foods. The history of soup is as old as the history of cooking. The act of combining various ingredients in a large pot to create a nutritious, filling, easily digested, food was seen as something that both the rich and poor homemaker could prepare to nurture their family.
Among the earliest soups recorded was a recipe that combined peas, lentils and beans for a quick and easy meal.
In Parsha Toldot [Bereshit] [Genesis 25:33] we read that on the day of the funeral of Avraham Avinu, his grandson Yaacov was cooking red lentil stew [soup], [the traditional mourner's meal]for his father Yitzchak who was mourning Avraham. Esau, [Yaacov’s twin brother] had been hunting all day came back was so hungry that he agreed to sell his birthright to Yaacov (his rights as the firstborn] for a bowl of red lentil stew and bread.
Soups traditionally are classified into two main groups: clear soups and thick soups. Whatever type of soup you are eating, savor the flavor and enjoy its taste.
My husband and I have our favorite soups and I would to share some soup recipes with you.
*Note: all vegetables and legumes must be checked for infestation and washed before using.
All soups are pareve [neutral]. The vegetable soup and the spicy red lentil soup can be made fleshik [meat] by browning either turkey, chicken or beef pieces and then adding the vegetables and following the rest of the recipe.
If you prefer a dairy soup, you can add grated cheese before serving to the vegetable soup, spicy red lentil soup and the mushroom and barley soup.
Hearty Thick Vegetable Soup
A complete meal in a bowl.
2 or 3 large carrots
2 onions
2 celery stalks
1 medium size kohlrabi
2 white potatoes
1 large sweet potato
1 large zucchini
¼ cup green pea
¼ cup yellow pea
¼ cup red lentils
¼ cup kasha
1 package baking powder [about 3 teaspoons] optional
salt and pepper
-Dice all the vegetable and combine with legumes in a large pot filled with cold water and bring to a boil.
-skim off foam.
-add baking powder [to cut cooking time] optional
-salt and pepper to taste.
-Cook on medium low heat until veggies are soft and legumes are melted. appr. 1 ½ / 2 hours.
*note: When finished add up to 1 ½ cups boiled water to replace liquid boiled away. Stir well.
If you would like to make this soup a complete meal, serve with dumplings.
Dumplings make just before serving
1 ½ cups flour
1 package baking powder
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup of soup liquid
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
-Combine flour baking powder and oil and mix well.
-add seasonings
Bring soup to boil
-using 2 spoons, dip spoons into hot soup and then spoon off mixture
-repeat to dip spoons each time before mixture.
-cover and cook 10 / 12 minutes. ENJOY!
Green Lentil Soup
Easy soup to make.
2/3 cup green lentils [that were soaked for 1 hour]
2 large onions cut in circles
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoon soya sauce.
-Bring lentils to a boil and then simmer until cooked. approx. ½ / ¾ hour.
-While lentils are cooking
-fry onion until slightly brown
-add salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
-turmeric and soya sauce. Stir well.
-When lentils are soft add seasoned fried onions and enough boiled water to fill soup pot.
-Make a couple of hours before serving time to have to best taste.
-Reboil before serving. ENJOY!
Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Simple soup to make and so yummy!.
1 medium onion
3 carrots
2 / 3 white potatoes
1 cup red lentils [soaked for 1 hour]
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon hot paprika [if you like really hot add 1 teaspoon]
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
salt and pepper
-Combine all the ingredients including the seasoning in a large pot.
-Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer for 45 minutes or until all the vegetables and lentils are soft.
-add more boiled water if necessary. ENJOY!
Mushroom and Barley Soup [our favorite]
¾ cup barley
2 cans mushrooms or equivalent fresh
2 or 3 onions diced
salt
pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons soya sauce [optional]
-Add barley to a pot filled with boiling water. Continue boiling for 3 minutes and then simmer until soft. [about 30 minutes]
-Fry mushrooms and onions
-season with turmeric, salt and pepper to taste.
-When barley is soft add to fried onions and mushroom mixture and mix well.
-Fill pot with water and bring to a boil.
-season with soya sauce.[optional]
-simmer for 20 minutes with or without the soya sauce. ENJOY!
*This soup is also better when it is allowed to ‘sit’ for a couple of hours. Goes great with garlic bread or pita and hummus.
Enjoy the recipes and share them with your friends.
Until next time
Miriam
This time of year, when the evenings are cold, come supper time, there is nothing my husband and I like better than to start our meal with a hot thick bowl of soup.
Hot soup warms the body and soul. Takes away any chills and sets the stage for the rest of the meal. No food can comfort you like homemade soup. You can use up leftovers or combine fresh ingredients to make a variety of fabulous soups.
According to food historians, soup is considered one of the first fast foods. The history of soup is as old as the history of cooking. The act of combining various ingredients in a large pot to create a nutritious, filling, easily digested, food was seen as something that both the rich and poor homemaker could prepare to nurture their family.
Among the earliest soups recorded was a recipe that combined peas, lentils and beans for a quick and easy meal.
In Parsha Toldot [Bereshit] [Genesis 25:33] we read that on the day of the funeral of Avraham Avinu, his grandson Yaacov was cooking red lentil stew [soup], [the traditional mourner's meal]for his father Yitzchak who was mourning Avraham. Esau, [Yaacov’s twin brother] had been hunting all day came back was so hungry that he agreed to sell his birthright to Yaacov (his rights as the firstborn] for a bowl of red lentil stew and bread.
Soups traditionally are classified into two main groups: clear soups and thick soups. Whatever type of soup you are eating, savor the flavor and enjoy its taste.
My husband and I have our favorite soups and I would to share some soup recipes with you.
*Note: all vegetables and legumes must be checked for infestation and washed before using.
All soups are pareve [neutral]. The vegetable soup and the spicy red lentil soup can be made fleshik [meat] by browning either turkey, chicken or beef pieces and then adding the vegetables and following the rest of the recipe.
If you prefer a dairy soup, you can add grated cheese before serving to the vegetable soup, spicy red lentil soup and the mushroom and barley soup.
Hearty Thick Vegetable Soup
A complete meal in a bowl.
2 or 3 large carrots
2 onions
2 celery stalks
1 medium size kohlrabi
2 white potatoes
1 large sweet potato
1 large zucchini
¼ cup green pea
¼ cup yellow pea
¼ cup red lentils
¼ cup kasha
1 package baking powder [about 3 teaspoons] optional
salt and pepper
-Dice all the vegetable and combine with legumes in a large pot filled with cold water and bring to a boil.
-skim off foam.
-add baking powder [to cut cooking time] optional
-salt and pepper to taste.
-Cook on medium low heat until veggies are soft and legumes are melted. appr. 1 ½ / 2 hours.
*note: When finished add up to 1 ½ cups boiled water to replace liquid boiled away. Stir well.
If you would like to make this soup a complete meal, serve with dumplings.
Dumplings make just before serving
1 ½ cups flour
1 package baking powder
3 tablespoons oil
1 cup of soup liquid
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon turmeric
-Combine flour baking powder and oil and mix well.
-add seasonings
Bring soup to boil
-using 2 spoons, dip spoons into hot soup and then spoon off mixture
-repeat to dip spoons each time before mixture.
-cover and cook 10 / 12 minutes. ENJOY!
Green Lentil Soup
Easy soup to make.
2/3 cup green lentils [that were soaked for 1 hour]
2 large onions cut in circles
salt
pepper
garlic powder
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoon soya sauce.
-Bring lentils to a boil and then simmer until cooked. approx. ½ / ¾ hour.
-While lentils are cooking
-fry onion until slightly brown
-add salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
-turmeric and soya sauce. Stir well.
-When lentils are soft add seasoned fried onions and enough boiled water to fill soup pot.
-Make a couple of hours before serving time to have to best taste.
-Reboil before serving. ENJOY!
Spicy Red Lentil Soup
Simple soup to make and so yummy!.
1 medium onion
3 carrots
2 / 3 white potatoes
1 cup red lentils [soaked for 1 hour]
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon turmeric
½ teaspoon hot paprika [if you like really hot add 1 teaspoon]
1 bay leaf
2 teaspoons vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
salt and pepper
-Combine all the ingredients including the seasoning in a large pot.
-Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer for 45 minutes or until all the vegetables and lentils are soft.
-add more boiled water if necessary. ENJOY!
Mushroom and Barley Soup [our favorite]
¾ cup barley
2 cans mushrooms or equivalent fresh
2 or 3 onions diced
salt
pepper
1 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons soya sauce [optional]
-Add barley to a pot filled with boiling water. Continue boiling for 3 minutes and then simmer until soft. [about 30 minutes]
-Fry mushrooms and onions
-season with turmeric, salt and pepper to taste.
-When barley is soft add to fried onions and mushroom mixture and mix well.
-Fill pot with water and bring to a boil.
-season with soya sauce.[optional]
-simmer for 20 minutes with or without the soya sauce. ENJOY!
*This soup is also better when it is allowed to ‘sit’ for a couple of hours. Goes great with garlic bread or pita and hummus.
Enjoy the recipes and share them with your friends.
Until next time
Miriam
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
What Should I do on a cold Wintery Day??
בס''ד
Brrrrrrrr, it’s cold today in Israel. Although we live in the south and not expecting any snow :( we do have high winds and rain on and off. Heavy rain is forecasted for later in the day and tomorrow and Friday
The Tel Aviv and areas have high wind. Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and the North of Israel, well they also have high winds and heavy snow. Electrical outages are reported everywhere.
Have a look at the article from Arutz 7 from early afternoon.
It is snowing in Israel
Oh wow! I just heard a rumble of thunder over my house. Now another one and another one! Here comes the storm...we have hail the size of golf balls and the wind is blowing like crazy. Five minutes later, the hail is changing to heavy rain and it is very, very cold. I don't know how we are going to get the dog out to do her business. Just mentioning to go out and she runs away and hops into bed. Smart pooch!
What was I going to do on such a cold day, I thought to myself? I could go back to bed and hide under the blankets or I could clean up the house. I could surf the news and Facebook. I could do laundry and hang the clothes inside. I could prepare work for my students for next week or I could turn on the oven and warm up the room where the computer is and bake.
And bake I did. I made coconut cake, chocolate chip cake, raisin and cranberry squares and baked 2 batches of cookies. Talking on the phone, I forgot [didn’t hear the timer go off] the first batch in the oven and they sort of got slightly burnt. Saved the best ones and baked the second batch…
Have a look at my day’s accomplishments…
Chocolate chip cake
Coconut Cake
Raisin-Cranberry Squares
Sprinkle Cookies
Once the baking was finished, and while the flour was still out. I decided to make mushroom and barley soup and pizza for supper.
Barley and Mushroom Soup
Tomato and Peppers Pizza
If you would like any recipes, just contact me with an e-mail address.
Oh, by the way, I did manage to get the laundry done. Think I’ll go peel the veggies, for tomorrow’s Shabbat cooking…
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Stay safe and warm…
Miriam
Postscript: It's 6:30a.m. and as I post this blog the wind is howling and it is raining very hard, smashing against the windows. Wishing you a good day. Stay warm and stay safe.
I wrote this blog yesterday but just as I was about to
post, our internet went and only came back during the night.
The Tel Aviv and areas have high wind. Jerusalem and the surrounding areas and the North of Israel, well they also have high winds and heavy snow. Electrical outages are reported everywhere.
Have a look at the article from Arutz 7 from early afternoon.
It is snowing in Israel
Oh wow! I just heard a rumble of thunder over my house. Now another one and another one! Here comes the storm...we have hail the size of golf balls and the wind is blowing like crazy. Five minutes later, the hail is changing to heavy rain and it is very, very cold. I don't know how we are going to get the dog out to do her business. Just mentioning to go out and she runs away and hops into bed. Smart pooch!
What was I going to do on such a cold day, I thought to myself? I could go back to bed and hide under the blankets or I could clean up the house. I could surf the news and Facebook. I could do laundry and hang the clothes inside. I could prepare work for my students for next week or I could turn on the oven and warm up the room where the computer is and bake.
And bake I did. I made coconut cake, chocolate chip cake, raisin and cranberry squares and baked 2 batches of cookies. Talking on the phone, I forgot [didn’t hear the timer go off] the first batch in the oven and they sort of got slightly burnt. Saved the best ones and baked the second batch…
Have a look at my day’s accomplishments…
Chocolate chip cake
Coconut Cake
Raisin-Cranberry Squares
Once the baking was finished, and while the flour was still out. I decided to make mushroom and barley soup and pizza for supper.
Barley and Mushroom Soup
If you would like any recipes, just contact me with an e-mail address.
Oh, by the way, I did manage to get the laundry done. Think I’ll go peel the veggies, for tomorrow’s Shabbat cooking…
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Stay safe and warm…
Miriam
Postscript: It's 6:30a.m. and as I post this blog the wind is howling and it is raining very hard, smashing against the windows. Wishing you a good day. Stay warm and stay safe.
Monday, December 8, 2014
"It's a Beautiful Day!"
בס''ד
In Memory of my Friend and Mentor.
photo: Hhaalumin Hamilton Facebook page
As the school bell rang to start the new day, Rabbi William Zev Eisenstein z”l, principal of Hamilton Hebrew Academy stood at the front door with a warm smile.
“It’s a beautiful day”, was the Rabbi’s catchphrase as he greeted all the children. And with a little bop on the nose, the school day started.
On November 26th, after a very long and difficult illness, our beloved Rabbi returned his soul to his Maker. His funeral was held at Adas Israel Synagogue in Hamilton and burial was in Bet Shemesh, Israel.
We learn that every person is given a purpose in life. Rabbi E., as I called him, together with his lifetime partner Esther a”H, lived their lives fulfilling their purpose. The many neshamas [Jewish souls] they woke- up to the true calling of a Jew is countless.
Rabbi E. was a principal, a teacher, a father figure, a mentor and a friend. He loved his students and many a recess you would find Rabbi E. outside playing baseball or some other game with the kids. Every June, Rabbi E would escort the grade 8 graduation class on a camping trip.
He was a wonderful story teller. Rabbi E.'s Shabbat groups were the highlight for many children. For some, coming to the groups was their introduction to Yiddishkeit. Today, these children are all grown-up and many live a religious life.
And what would a simcha be if the Rabbi didn’t do his broom or bench balancing act to the delight of all the guests.
photo: memorial page
In 2011 the Hamilton Hebrew Academy made a tribute dinner honoring Rabbi Eisenstein. Tribute dinner
On the memorial Facebook page former students and teachers posted their warm memories of their days at the HHA and their relationship with Rabbi Eisenstein.
Facebook memorial page
I posted on the page: Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Dear Chani, Chaim, Bitzy and Shayna
You Dad z"l was a beautiful man who lived his life caring about everyone. He was never without a smile and a nice word. From the first time I spoke to him when we moved to Hamilton in 1977, I saw how special he was.
Your mom a"H and Dad z"l were a guiding light for our family. Both your parents were very special and were my friends and my mentors.
It is so hard to believe he is gone and now is joining your Mom in Gan Eden.
May your good memories be a source of comfort to you on these dark days and may you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may you know no more sorrow.
To do justice for Rabbi Eisenstein, volumes would have to be written.
From his earliest days growing up in the lower east side of New York, to the turning point in his life, his relationship with Rav Moshe Feinstein z”l, as a yeshiva student rescuing children who were placed in monasteries and no family to claim them.
To his motorcycle days, his university days, his marriage to Esther a”H and the beautiful family they raised. Life in Israel, Seattle, St. Louis, and Hamilton. And much, much more.
Chani, Chaim, Bitzy, Shayna, your spouses and to all the grandchildren, your loss is tremendous. I personally will never forget your parents.
Your father was so proud of each of you. He loved being a Zeidy and visiting you in New York and Israel.
He once told me when he visiting in Israel that he didn’t realize how much fun it was to take the eyniklekh [grandchildren] to school and to babysit.
I know that your parents are watching over you from Gan Eden and shepping nachas from their beautiful family.
On January 5, 2010, I wrote a blog called Friends
dedicated to Rabbi and Esther z”l. I have reposted this blog.
In Memory of my Friend and Mentor.
photo: Hhaalumin Hamilton Facebook page
As the school bell rang to start the new day, Rabbi William Zev Eisenstein z”l, principal of Hamilton Hebrew Academy stood at the front door with a warm smile.
“It’s a beautiful day”, was the Rabbi’s catchphrase as he greeted all the children. And with a little bop on the nose, the school day started.
On November 26th, after a very long and difficult illness, our beloved Rabbi returned his soul to his Maker. His funeral was held at Adas Israel Synagogue in Hamilton and burial was in Bet Shemesh, Israel.
We learn that every person is given a purpose in life. Rabbi E., as I called him, together with his lifetime partner Esther a”H, lived their lives fulfilling their purpose. The many neshamas [Jewish souls] they woke- up to the true calling of a Jew is countless.
Rabbi E. was a principal, a teacher, a father figure, a mentor and a friend. He loved his students and many a recess you would find Rabbi E. outside playing baseball or some other game with the kids. Every June, Rabbi E would escort the grade 8 graduation class on a camping trip.
He was a wonderful story teller. Rabbi E.'s Shabbat groups were the highlight for many children. For some, coming to the groups was their introduction to Yiddishkeit. Today, these children are all grown-up and many live a religious life.
And what would a simcha be if the Rabbi didn’t do his broom or bench balancing act to the delight of all the guests.
photo: memorial page
In 2011 the Hamilton Hebrew Academy made a tribute dinner honoring Rabbi Eisenstein. Tribute dinner
On the memorial Facebook page former students and teachers posted their warm memories of their days at the HHA and their relationship with Rabbi Eisenstein.
Facebook memorial page
I posted on the page: Baruch Dayan HaEmet
Dear Chani, Chaim, Bitzy and Shayna
You Dad z"l was a beautiful man who lived his life caring about everyone. He was never without a smile and a nice word. From the first time I spoke to him when we moved to Hamilton in 1977, I saw how special he was.
Your mom a"H and Dad z"l were a guiding light for our family. Both your parents were very special and were my friends and my mentors.
It is so hard to believe he is gone and now is joining your Mom in Gan Eden.
May your good memories be a source of comfort to you on these dark days and may you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem and may you know no more sorrow.
To do justice for Rabbi Eisenstein, volumes would have to be written.
From his earliest days growing up in the lower east side of New York, to the turning point in his life, his relationship with Rav Moshe Feinstein z”l, as a yeshiva student rescuing children who were placed in monasteries and no family to claim them.
To his motorcycle days, his university days, his marriage to Esther a”H and the beautiful family they raised. Life in Israel, Seattle, St. Louis, and Hamilton. And much, much more.
Chani, Chaim, Bitzy, Shayna, your spouses and to all the grandchildren, your loss is tremendous. I personally will never forget your parents.
Your father was so proud of each of you. He loved being a Zeidy and visiting you in New York and Israel.
He once told me when he visiting in Israel that he didn’t realize how much fun it was to take the eyniklekh [grandchildren] to school and to babysit.
I know that your parents are watching over you from Gan Eden and shepping nachas from their beautiful family.
On January 5, 2010, I wrote a blog called Friends
dedicated to Rabbi and Esther z”l. I have reposted this blog.
We made Aliyah [moving to Israel] from Hamilton, Ontario, fifteen and half years ago. Although making Aliyah is the start of new beginnings, we left behind family and many good friends.
One couple in particular that we said good-bye to was Rabbi Zev Eisenstein ad120 and his dear wife Esther z”l.
Rabbi Eisenstein is the principal of the Hamilton Hebrew Academy, the day school that our three children attended and where I worked in the preschool for seventeen years.
Esther was the Balanit [in charge of the mikvah] for our city and she looked after the mikvah with love and devotion. She taught many kallahs [brides] the Halacha [Jewish laws] of Tahara HaMishpacha [family purity] and introduced the beauty of using the mikvah to women who were becoming Baala Teshuva.
Her kind words, warm smile and gentle eyes made the mitzvah very inviting. Esther respected everyone and she never considered herself better than anyone else.
Although we keep in touch by e-mail, the other day I had the opportunity and pleasure to speak on the phone to Rabbi Eisenstein, who was visiting his children here in Israel. It was very nice to catch-up.
We moved from Chomedey [suburb of Montreal] to Hamilton, Ontario in the summer of 1977. This is when we met the Eisenstein family, Rabbi and Esther and their children Chaim, Chani, Bitzy and Shayna who was just 6 weeks old. Today all the children are married and Rabbi E. is B”H the Zeida to many grandchildren.
Our daughters were enrolled in the day school and we came to have a look around. Rabbi Eisenstein gave us the tour of the school and spoke about its qualities. He welcomed our daughters so warmly that they were really excited to go to a new school.
Since this is a small world, I must mention that both the Rabbi and Esther were mentors to my sister-in-law Esther when she was a teenager in St. Louis Mo. Rabbi E. was my sister-in-law’s principal and he married my brother Yitzchak and Esther in St. Louis.
For several years, once a week a group of women would meet at the Eisenstein home and the rabbi would teach us Chumash. [5 books of the bible]
Every Shabbat afternoon our daughters loved to go to 'the Rabbi's Shabbat groups.' They would come home and tell me, "we heard the best Shabbos story today."
On a personal note, the Eisenstein’s were good friends of my husband and myself. Esther and I spent many hours on the phone [Bell Canada must have loved us]. We spent many Shabbat afternoons enjoying Seuda Shlishi [the third Shabbat meal] together. Since we lived in an apartment building and didn’t have a sukkah, for years they would invite us to their home on the second night of Sukkot.
We celebrated together their sons Bar Mitzvahs and our daughters Bat Mitzvahs, Chani & Moishe’s wedding and when our son’s adoption was finalized, his bris and seuda mitzvah.
Rabbi, you and Esther are in many ways responsible for who I am today and I will always be grateful to you both.
Our family wishes you many more years of nachas and simchas from your children and eyniklekh.[grandchildren]
Come home sooner than later!
That's all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Miriam
Monday, November 17, 2014
My Blessing in Disguise…… Diabetes!
בס''ד
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. I decided to blog about diabetes because I’m a diabetic. If you are on Facebook, you may have seen this photo.
And in the beginning, when I was first diagnosed there was shock and fear. I shouldn't have really been so surprised because my late father and my brother both were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
But since I never showed any symptoms, I thought that this particular gene didn’t pass on to me. Boy was I wrong!
Now let me backtrack a little. That Sunday morning started off pretty routine. Among the many other things I had to do, my first stop was to the health clinic to do a routine blood test to check my cholesterol.
Monday morning, I had an appointment with the doctor to get the results.
Although my cholesterol was high, he was much more concerned and very shocked to see how high my blood glucose was. “Must be a mistake,” he said to me. And with that he sent me to the nurse’s office to recheck my blood sugar with her glucose monitor. My reading 410. Anything over 126 spells trouble.
Suddenly, my world came crashing down. “You have diabetes” he said “I don’t know where it came from. These reading are from out of nowhere.”
My doctor is very kind and soft spoken. He called the diabetic counselor to come to his office and told me she will be my best friend.
Dalia, was wonderful. She gave me the ins and outs, showed me the glucose monitor and taught me how to use it and arranged for me to see the dietitian and the diabetic doctor.
Truthfully, when I went home, I couldn't remember one word she said.
After moping around the house for 3 days feeling very sorry myself, I decided to go to war with my diabetes.
What exactly is diabetes? How did I get it? Is it really hereditary? Is it a virus? Do I have to stay away from sugar forever? Do I have to give up all my favorite foods? Am I going to have to stab myself for the rest of my life? So many questions that now require answers.
I parked myself in front of the computer and started my research. The Israeli, British, American & Canadian Diabetic Associations were my first stops. So much information was available. I printed out information that I really wanted to remember and made myself a handbook.
Did you know that over 400,000 Israelis have been diagnosed with diabetes and the estimated number of undiagnosed Israelis with diabetes is 200,000?
In Hebrew, diabetes is called sukeret. The Israel Diabetes Association link is:http://www.sukeret.co.il/
and in English:
http://www.sukeret.co.il/EN/enInfo.asp?info_id=39832
The truth is as opposed to many other illnesses, diabetes can be controlled. Proper nutrition, close and individualized follow-up, physical activity and an appropriate drug regimen can prevent complications and offer people with diabetes a better quality of life.
In other words follow your doctors instruction, do research, the internet is full of information, just be careful to take your information from reliable sites. There are loads of ‘quacks’ out there who want to sell you everything from A to Z and promise if you take their medicine or buy their product you will be cured of diabetes.
Just remember, if the advertisement or information sounds too good to be true...take it with a grain of salt.
Some hospitals have support groups for diabetics. Talking is a great way to learn and to deal with your diagnosis.
Another way to find other diabetics in your community is to post a note on your community e-mail list looking for other people with diabetes to get together once a week or even once a month to talk, share recipes or share a shoulder. Keep a journal or write a blog. You will see your progress first hand.
Having diabetes is just one more thing that Hashem has put on my plate, but I see His Hand everyday helping me.
Everything fell into place. The diabetic counselor was in her office the day I was diagnosed, the dietician had an opening for the next day. The diabetic doctor who only comes twice a month was going to be in his office a week later.
Baruch Hashem, my diabetes has been in complete control for the past 5 years and I am off all meds.
I am a very spiritual person and I believe that everything happens for a reason. And the reason for me being diagnosed with diabetes was to give me a wakeup call to get healthy, so that I can be around for my husband, children and thirteen grandchildren...And this week we will celebrate at our granddaughter’s engagement party…
That’s all for now..feel free to share and comment.
Miriam
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. I decided to blog about diabetes because I’m a diabetic. If you are on Facebook, you may have seen this photo.
And in the beginning, when I was first diagnosed there was shock and fear. I shouldn't have really been so surprised because my late father and my brother both were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
But since I never showed any symptoms, I thought that this particular gene didn’t pass on to me. Boy was I wrong!
Now let me backtrack a little. That Sunday morning started off pretty routine. Among the many other things I had to do, my first stop was to the health clinic to do a routine blood test to check my cholesterol.
Monday morning, I had an appointment with the doctor to get the results.
Although my cholesterol was high, he was much more concerned and very shocked to see how high my blood glucose was. “Must be a mistake,” he said to me. And with that he sent me to the nurse’s office to recheck my blood sugar with her glucose monitor. My reading 410. Anything over 126 spells trouble.
Suddenly, my world came crashing down. “You have diabetes” he said “I don’t know where it came from. These reading are from out of nowhere.”
My doctor is very kind and soft spoken. He called the diabetic counselor to come to his office and told me she will be my best friend.
Dalia, was wonderful. She gave me the ins and outs, showed me the glucose monitor and taught me how to use it and arranged for me to see the dietitian and the diabetic doctor.
Truthfully, when I went home, I couldn't remember one word she said.
After moping around the house for 3 days feeling very sorry myself, I decided to go to war with my diabetes.
What exactly is diabetes? How did I get it? Is it really hereditary? Is it a virus? Do I have to stay away from sugar forever? Do I have to give up all my favorite foods? Am I going to have to stab myself for the rest of my life? So many questions that now require answers.
I parked myself in front of the computer and started my research. The Israeli, British, American & Canadian Diabetic Associations were my first stops. So much information was available. I printed out information that I really wanted to remember and made myself a handbook.
Did you know that over 400,000 Israelis have been diagnosed with diabetes and the estimated number of undiagnosed Israelis with diabetes is 200,000?
In Hebrew, diabetes is called sukeret. The Israel Diabetes Association link is:http://www.sukeret.co.il/
and in English:
http://www.sukeret.co.il/EN/enInfo.asp?info_id=39832
The association has a symbol on foods that are safe for me to eat.
The truth is as opposed to many other illnesses, diabetes can be controlled. Proper nutrition, close and individualized follow-up, physical activity and an appropriate drug regimen can prevent complications and offer people with diabetes a better quality of life.
In other words follow your doctors instruction, do research, the internet is full of information, just be careful to take your information from reliable sites. There are loads of ‘quacks’ out there who want to sell you everything from A to Z and promise if you take their medicine or buy their product you will be cured of diabetes.
Just remember, if the advertisement or information sounds too good to be true...take it with a grain of salt.
Some hospitals have support groups for diabetics. Talking is a great way to learn and to deal with your diagnosis.
Another way to find other diabetics in your community is to post a note on your community e-mail list looking for other people with diabetes to get together once a week or even once a month to talk, share recipes or share a shoulder. Keep a journal or write a blog. You will see your progress first hand.
Having diabetes is just one more thing that Hashem has put on my plate, but I see His Hand everyday helping me.
Everything fell into place. The diabetic counselor was in her office the day I was diagnosed, the dietician had an opening for the next day. The diabetic doctor who only comes twice a month was going to be in his office a week later.
Baruch Hashem, my diabetes has been in complete control for the past 5 years and I am off all meds.
I am a very spiritual person and I believe that everything happens for a reason. And the reason for me being diagnosed with diabetes was to give me a wakeup call to get healthy, so that I can be around for my husband, children and thirteen grandchildren...And this week we will celebrate at our granddaughter’s engagement party…
That’s all for now..feel free to share and comment.
Miriam
Friday, November 7, 2014
Shepping Nachas
בס''ד
Baruch Hashem, my husband Avraham and I have been blessed with thirteen precious Sabra grandchildren.
Since the day they were born, we have enjoyed their lives…the ups and down.. our little babies growing and becoming toddlers, the first haircuts, a preschooler, elementary school, Bar and Bat Mitzvot, Ulpana, Yeshiva, Sherut Leumi, chayalim, and higher education.
And this past Moetzi Shabbat we had another first in our lives as Saba and Safta…our first grandchild to get engaged and become a Kallah.
Our granddaughter Batel and her chatan Chanan announced their engagement. The happiness and excitement their announcement brought to our family cannot be expressed in words…
Last night was the vort. A vort is a Yiddish word that means ‘word’. At the vort 2 people traditionally give their ‘word’ and formally commit to marry.
Our daughter and son-in-law, parents of the Kallah, invited the chatan’s parents, his siblings and his Saba to their home and we had the opportunity to meet Chanan’s wonderful family.
The gathering was so relaxed and beautiful. My daughter cooked up a storm and everything was delicious. Around the table, brachot were showered on the happy couple.
Yesterday was my Hebrew birthday. Naomi announced it at the table and a chorus of Happy Birthday in Hebrew and English was sung. Without a doubt this was the best birthday gift I could have ever asked for.
In a couple of weeks we will enjoy the engagement party and then look forward to the chuppah and dancing at their wedding.
Mazal-Tov Batel and Chanan! May Hashem grant you both a life filled with Brachas, happiness, good health and much nachas.
To the parents of the Chatan and Kallah, we wish you both Mazal-Tov and may you only have nachas and simchas from your children.
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment.
Shabbat Shalom
Miriam
Baruch Hashem, my husband Avraham and I have been blessed with thirteen precious Sabra grandchildren.
Since the day they were born, we have enjoyed their lives…the ups and down.. our little babies growing and becoming toddlers, the first haircuts, a preschooler, elementary school, Bar and Bat Mitzvot, Ulpana, Yeshiva, Sherut Leumi, chayalim, and higher education.
And this past Moetzi Shabbat we had another first in our lives as Saba and Safta…our first grandchild to get engaged and become a Kallah.
Our granddaughter Batel and her chatan Chanan announced their engagement. The happiness and excitement their announcement brought to our family cannot be expressed in words…
Last night was the vort. A vort is a Yiddish word that means ‘word’. At the vort 2 people traditionally give their ‘word’ and formally commit to marry.
Our daughter and son-in-law, parents of the Kallah, invited the chatan’s parents, his siblings and his Saba to their home and we had the opportunity to meet Chanan’s wonderful family.
The gathering was so relaxed and beautiful. My daughter cooked up a storm and everything was delicious. Around the table, brachot were showered on the happy couple.
Yesterday was my Hebrew birthday. Naomi announced it at the table and a chorus of Happy Birthday in Hebrew and English was sung. Without a doubt this was the best birthday gift I could have ever asked for.
In a couple of weeks we will enjoy the engagement party and then look forward to the chuppah and dancing at their wedding.
Mazal-Tov Batel and Chanan! May Hashem grant you both a life filled with Brachas, happiness, good health and much nachas.
To the parents of the Chatan and Kallah, we wish you both Mazal-Tov and may you only have nachas and simchas from your children.
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment.
Shabbat Shalom
Miriam
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Traditions, Traditions, Traditions.....
בס''ד
Traditions are wonderful and very important. We have personal and family traditions, religious traditions and country traditions.
Israel is no exception. Come October, the chagim [Jewish holidays] are all over and life is getting back to a regular schedule with no more mid week days.
Starting in November, we pray for an abundance of rain in Eretz Yisrael and on the grocery store shelves everywhere in Israel, a tradition is happening. Colored boxes of 10, 12 or more Krembos are appearing.
If you are not from Israel, I’m sure you are asking yourself, “What is a Krembo?”
Krembos are a very popular winter treat. It comes wrapped in a colourful aluminum wrapping. Krembos have a round cookie base on the bottom and marshmallow cream on top, coated with a thin layer of chocolate. Krembos also come in vanilla and mocha flavour.
The "krembo season" is very short, from October / November to February. More than fifty million krembos are sold each year. Krembos are a part of winter as ice-cream is a part of summer.
According to a study funded by Strauss, Israel's leading krembo producer, 69% of Israelis prefer to eat krembos from the top down (starting with the cream), and only 10% start with the biscuit at the bottom; the rest had no preference.
In the Hebrew version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the character Dumbledore’s favorite sweet is a Krembo, rather than a sherbet lemon. The Krembo has become a national icon. While considered a children's favorite, researchers have found that it is eaten and enjoyed as a comfort food of Israeli expatriates in the United States.
Krembos are so popular that they have their own Facebook page. KREMBO
And within the next day or so another tradition will be making an appearance to let us know that Chanukah is not far away.
This year, Chanukah begins on December 16th, and Jews observe the custom of eating foods fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the Temple Oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough oil for 1 day.
In Israel, the tradition is to eat, sufganiyot [doughnuts.] Sufganiyot are sold from November up to and including the 8 days of Chanukah. The most popular doughnuts are the ones filled with strawberry jelly and have powder sugar on top.
Bakeries and grocery stores sell sufganiyot individually and by the box, and they have become a favorite for school and office parties. One of the largest bakeries in Israel, fries up more than 250,000 sufganiyot every day during the eight-day Chanukah festival. Each batch uses 100 kilograms of dough and makes 1,600 sufganiyot. That’s a lot of doughnuts!
There are many homemade doughnut recipes. If you want to try your hand at making sufganiyot at home, just Google ‘sufganiyot recipes’ and dozens of recipes will open.
So whether you fancy krembos or sufganiyot, or both, relax and enjoy the sweet taste.
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Miriam
Traditions are wonderful and very important. We have personal and family traditions, religious traditions and country traditions.
Israel is no exception. Come October, the chagim [Jewish holidays] are all over and life is getting back to a regular schedule with no more mid week days.
Starting in November, we pray for an abundance of rain in Eretz Yisrael and on the grocery store shelves everywhere in Israel, a tradition is happening. Colored boxes of 10, 12 or more Krembos are appearing.
If you are not from Israel, I’m sure you are asking yourself, “What is a Krembo?”
Krembos are a very popular winter treat. It comes wrapped in a colourful aluminum wrapping. Krembos have a round cookie base on the bottom and marshmallow cream on top, coated with a thin layer of chocolate. Krembos also come in vanilla and mocha flavour.
The "krembo season" is very short, from October / November to February. More than fifty million krembos are sold each year. Krembos are a part of winter as ice-cream is a part of summer.
According to a study funded by Strauss, Israel's leading krembo producer, 69% of Israelis prefer to eat krembos from the top down (starting with the cream), and only 10% start with the biscuit at the bottom; the rest had no preference.
In the Hebrew version of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the character Dumbledore’s favorite sweet is a Krembo, rather than a sherbet lemon. The Krembo has become a national icon. While considered a children's favorite, researchers have found that it is eaten and enjoyed as a comfort food of Israeli expatriates in the United States.
Krembos are so popular that they have their own Facebook page. KREMBO
And within the next day or so another tradition will be making an appearance to let us know that Chanukah is not far away.
This year, Chanukah begins on December 16th, and Jews observe the custom of eating foods fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the Temple Oil lasting 8 days when there was only enough oil for 1 day.
In Israel, the tradition is to eat, sufganiyot [doughnuts.] Sufganiyot are sold from November up to and including the 8 days of Chanukah. The most popular doughnuts are the ones filled with strawberry jelly and have powder sugar on top.
Bakeries and grocery stores sell sufganiyot individually and by the box, and they have become a favorite for school and office parties. One of the largest bakeries in Israel, fries up more than 250,000 sufganiyot every day during the eight-day Chanukah festival. Each batch uses 100 kilograms of dough and makes 1,600 sufganiyot. That’s a lot of doughnuts!
There are many homemade doughnut recipes. If you want to try your hand at making sufganiyot at home, just Google ‘sufganiyot recipes’ and dozens of recipes will open.
So whether you fancy krembos or sufganiyot, or both, relax and enjoy the sweet taste.
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Miriam
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Oh Canada....What is happening to you?
בס''ד
Oh Canada, our home and native land, is the first line of the Canadian national anthem. Canada, what is happening to you?
Although my family and I have lived in Israel for the past twenty years, Canada was the country that I was born, raised, got married and had my children in.
I refer to myself as a Canadian Israeli. When Israelis hear that I am from Canada, many say to me. ”You are so lucky. Canada is wonderful. Why would you ever leave”?
My answer is: “Yes, I was privileged to be born in a country that allows me to live my life as I wish, but Israel is our G-D given homeland and where my heart is.”
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his government have proven to be Israel’s true friends and we appreciate all this support.
Last week, when I heard about the two separate terror attacks, my heart sank.
The first attack was in Quebec on Monday [Oct. 20th], when two Canadian soldiers were hit by a car driven by Martin Couture-Rouleau, a 25-year-old Canadian who, as The Globe and Mail reported “converted to Islam recently and called himself Ahmad Rouleau.” One of the soldiers died, as did Couture-Rouleau when he was shot by police upon apprehension after allegedly brandishing a large knife.
In the second attack two days later in Ottawa Canada's Capital, an unarmed soldier, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders died after being shot while on sentry duty at the National War Memorial guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Once again, a recent convert to Islam, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau from Quebec was the shooter and after he attempted an attack in the Canadian Parliament building, he was killed by the sergeant-at-arms of the parliament Kevin Vickers, who was called the hero of the day.
Had the terrorist made his way in the parliament chambers where all the members of parliament [MP] were, this terror attack could have been much more tragic.
Times of Israel published this report on the attacks:
All I could think of was… Canada what is happening to you? Why are you allowing radical Islamic applicants to come to your shores, learn in your universities and set up secret terror cells.
They are brainwashing misguided and troubled Canadian youths to convert and become homegrown terrorist.
Canada, I fear for you. I have a friend who lives in Ottawa. The day of the terror attack at the Parliament building, I sent her a note asking if she and her family were okay. She answered me, today, we in Ottawa experienced what you in Israel experience on a daily bases….a terror attack on our capital building, soldier murdered in cold blood , another injured, schools and universities on lockdown and in general the information changing from minute to minute.
My dear Canada, I read that you have now raised the terror alert and that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police [RCMP] calls for more powers to restrict movement of terrorist suspects.
Canada, the land of my birth, the land that my father a”H served during WW2, please stay safe…………
That’s all for now. Feel free to comment and share.
Miriam
Monday, September 22, 2014
Thirty-Four Years, Gone but Always in our Hearts.....
בס''ד
Tonight is my father Louis Small [Eliezer David ben Chana v’Yitzchak] HaKohen a"h 34th yartzeit and in his memory I would like to dedicate this blog to him.
My father left us and this world on September 9th,1980 / 28th Elul 5740.
My dad was a wonderful man. He was a great husband, a super father and a loving grandfather. He was kind. He was good natured and he really cared about the next person. He would give you the shirt off his back, if that was what you needed.
Our family was the most important part of his life.
My father cared about the community we lived in. He spent countless hours working on fundraisers for the shul [Young Israel of Chomedey] that our community wanted to build.
My father was a food chemist and would love to look at new products on the shelves in grocery stores.
When my brother and I were children, he was always there for us. No matter the situation. He would do anything for his children.
My dad would speak softly, but directly to us, never down at us. When I had a problem we would go for a walk or a drive in the country and talk all the way. He made every problem seem not so bad.
My dad and I did the dishes together every evening. He would ask me about my day in school. I cherished those few minutes. My dad taught me to work ‘clean’ and always have a clean kitchen.
My daddy would help me with my homework. One time, when I was ten years old, I had a geography project from school. I had to make a scrapbook about each province in Canada and write what it was known for. Now I had weeks to get this project done, but I procrastinated and before I knew it the project was due. I had information only on one province.
It was late at night and I couldn't sleep. I was so worried about the trouble I was in. At ten o'clock in the evening, I finally told my parents my problem. My father was really upset with me, but he told me that he would try and help me out and that I should go to sleep.
A few minutes later he was out of the house and drove to the train station. Since we lived in Montreal, The Canadian National Railways had a very large station underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hotel that was opened all the time. My father was able to get me great information on every province.
Five o'clock in the morning, he woke me up and said, "here is your information, now get to work." I worked like I never worked in my life. By eight thirty, when I had to go to school, my project was more than half finished. I told my teacher that I would hand in my project after lunch.
In those days, we came home for lunch. I finished my project while munching on a sandwich. I couldn't believe it. My project was completed. I thanked my father a million times for getting me the information that I needed. I promised him that I would never procrastinate again. To this very day, I never procrastinate.
And when I was a Kallah, just before the badeken my dad asked me if I was sure Brahm was the man I wanted to spend my life with. When I told him I was sure, he and my mother made us a real prince and princess wedding.
I still remember when Brahm called my dad in the middle of the night to say I was in labour and that he had to take me to the hospital because he [Braham] was too nervous to drive. And when Naomi, their first grandchild was born, my dad was the proudest Zeidi in the world.
Daddy, even though so many years have passed, I remember our last days together, as if it were just today. It was Moetzi Shabbos, the night of Selichot. For some reason I just felt the need to cook for Yom Tov. I went to Selichot, and when I came home I just couldn't go to bed, so I cooked all night.
Eight o'clock Sunday morning Mommy called and said that you had a heart attack during the night and that I should come to Montreal. I told her I would get the next flight out. I then understood what I was feeling all night. By Sunday afternoon, I was at your bedside. Yitzchak arrived from Detroit a couple of hours later. We spent as much time as the hospital would allow us to visit with you and talk to your doctors.
Tuesday morning you told Mommy that you wanted to speak to each of us alone. You somehow knew you were dying, but you didn't say so. You told me to go home and be with my family for Yom Tov. Yom Tov was Wednesday night. When I protested that my family was in good hands, you told me not to argue, and that I could come back after Yom Tov. What I didn't realize was that you were saying good-bye.
With a heavy heart, Yitzchak and I returned to our respective homes. From Montreal to Hamilton the flight is a little over an hour. I arrived in Hamilton in time to go and pick up the girls from school.
As we entered the hall of our apartment building, I could hear the phone ringing. It was Mommy, saying that you had just passed away. Two hours later, Yitzchak and I were on our way back to Montreal.
Your funeral was the next day, Erev Rosh Hashana.
We sat shiva for 1 hour and in that hour I heard so many stories from people I didn't know about your generosity and how you quietly helped so many people.
Daddy, I know you and Mommy are watching over us from above. I want you both to know that your grandchildren have grown up to be wonderful parents. Baruch Hashem, you have over forty plus great-grandchildren.
We love you and miss you!
__________________________________________
I would like to wish everyone L’Shana Tovah. May this new year be a year full of brachot, good health, happiness and nachas.
G’Mar Chatima Tova
Miriam
Tonight is my father Louis Small [Eliezer David ben Chana v’Yitzchak] HaKohen a"h 34th yartzeit and in his memory I would like to dedicate this blog to him.
My father left us and this world on September 9th,1980 / 28th Elul 5740.
My dad was a wonderful man. He was a great husband, a super father and a loving grandfather. He was kind. He was good natured and he really cared about the next person. He would give you the shirt off his back, if that was what you needed.
Our family was the most important part of his life.
My father cared about the community we lived in. He spent countless hours working on fundraisers for the shul [Young Israel of Chomedey] that our community wanted to build.
My father was a food chemist and would love to look at new products on the shelves in grocery stores.
When my brother and I were children, he was always there for us. No matter the situation. He would do anything for his children.
My dad would speak softly, but directly to us, never down at us. When I had a problem we would go for a walk or a drive in the country and talk all the way. He made every problem seem not so bad.
My dad and I did the dishes together every evening. He would ask me about my day in school. I cherished those few minutes. My dad taught me to work ‘clean’ and always have a clean kitchen.
My daddy would help me with my homework. One time, when I was ten years old, I had a geography project from school. I had to make a scrapbook about each province in Canada and write what it was known for. Now I had weeks to get this project done, but I procrastinated and before I knew it the project was due. I had information only on one province.
It was late at night and I couldn't sleep. I was so worried about the trouble I was in. At ten o'clock in the evening, I finally told my parents my problem. My father was really upset with me, but he told me that he would try and help me out and that I should go to sleep.
A few minutes later he was out of the house and drove to the train station. Since we lived in Montreal, The Canadian National Railways had a very large station underneath the Queen Elizabeth Hotel that was opened all the time. My father was able to get me great information on every province.
Five o'clock in the morning, he woke me up and said, "here is your information, now get to work." I worked like I never worked in my life. By eight thirty, when I had to go to school, my project was more than half finished. I told my teacher that I would hand in my project after lunch.
In those days, we came home for lunch. I finished my project while munching on a sandwich. I couldn't believe it. My project was completed. I thanked my father a million times for getting me the information that I needed. I promised him that I would never procrastinate again. To this very day, I never procrastinate.
And when I was a Kallah, just before the badeken my dad asked me if I was sure Brahm was the man I wanted to spend my life with. When I told him I was sure, he and my mother made us a real prince and princess wedding.
I still remember when Brahm called my dad in the middle of the night to say I was in labour and that he had to take me to the hospital because he [Braham] was too nervous to drive. And when Naomi, their first grandchild was born, my dad was the proudest Zeidi in the world.
Daddy, even though so many years have passed, I remember our last days together, as if it were just today. It was Moetzi Shabbos, the night of Selichot. For some reason I just felt the need to cook for Yom Tov. I went to Selichot, and when I came home I just couldn't go to bed, so I cooked all night.
Eight o'clock Sunday morning Mommy called and said that you had a heart attack during the night and that I should come to Montreal. I told her I would get the next flight out. I then understood what I was feeling all night. By Sunday afternoon, I was at your bedside. Yitzchak arrived from Detroit a couple of hours later. We spent as much time as the hospital would allow us to visit with you and talk to your doctors.
Tuesday morning you told Mommy that you wanted to speak to each of us alone. You somehow knew you were dying, but you didn't say so. You told me to go home and be with my family for Yom Tov. Yom Tov was Wednesday night. When I protested that my family was in good hands, you told me not to argue, and that I could come back after Yom Tov. What I didn't realize was that you were saying good-bye.
With a heavy heart, Yitzchak and I returned to our respective homes. From Montreal to Hamilton the flight is a little over an hour. I arrived in Hamilton in time to go and pick up the girls from school.
As we entered the hall of our apartment building, I could hear the phone ringing. It was Mommy, saying that you had just passed away. Two hours later, Yitzchak and I were on our way back to Montreal.
Your funeral was the next day, Erev Rosh Hashana.
We sat shiva for 1 hour and in that hour I heard so many stories from people I didn't know about your generosity and how you quietly helped so many people.
Daddy, I know you and Mommy are watching over us from above. I want you both to know that your grandchildren have grown up to be wonderful parents. Baruch Hashem, you have over forty plus great-grandchildren.
We love you and miss you!
__________________________________________
I would like to wish everyone L’Shana Tovah. May this new year be a year full of brachot, good health, happiness and nachas.
G’Mar Chatima Tova
Miriam
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