Here are some of the things I considered writing about this week:
- Venezuela and Zimbabwe
- Why no one (not even women or the Democrat Party) is a winner in the Roy Moore matter
- What Mitch McConnell did right—and what he did wrong
- How quickly murder rampage stopped being front-page news
Here is why I am not writing about any of those things:
Even though I love writing, in the continual juggling act called life, cooking and baking won out this week over my Musings. Our grandson, Eliyahu, becomes a bar-mitzva this Shabbat. Despite the frequent misunderstanding that a Jewish boy turning thirteen is all about throwing a grand party, it actually is the age when the yoke of religious obligation descends on a pair of developing shoulders. The boy can shrug off the yoke, be crushed by it, or as we pray will be true in Eliyahu’s case, the yoke serves as a soul-building weight.
Since out-of-town friends and family will be coming to hear Eliyahu read from the Torah in synagogue as an initiation to being a responsible member of the community, my husband and I are hosting a dessert buffet after Shabbat to give everyone an additional chance to come together.
The evening will give my husband and me the opportunity to toast our daughter and son-in-law who do an incredible job nurturing each of their children’s individual personalities. In Eliyahu’s case, this includes music and performing. We hope that he will express his talent for, and pleasure in, music by playing cello for our guests. 
I don’t expect Eliyahu to particularly appreciate having home-made cookies rather than bakery ones. I’m sure the guests would enjoy store-bought apple cider as much as my slowly simmered concoction (though our house wouldn’t have smelled as amazingly yesterday). But as each year seems to fly by more rapidly than the one before it, I decided to stop and cherish this special occasion. Professionally made food might be just as tasty and would be presented more beautifully. The extra ingredient of love, however, is one that only I can provide. I love writing my weekly Susan’s Musings, but I love celebrating with family even more.
Thank you all for your kind words and wishes. Eliyahu did a wonderful job reading from the Torah and played a lovely cello concert for us on Saturday night. It was a true blessing to have so much of our family together for this celebration.
God bless Eliyahu! May he grow in wisdom and stature and make positive marks on the world.
I sometimes wonder if the Rabbi doesn’t get some of his wisdom from you.
Gods blessings on Eliyahu and all of your family.
God Bless and Shalom,
Brian
This made me smile. It is important to make memories, add that extra touch of love, and oh those lovely smells the preparation leaves in the home and in your memory. For me, this is the reason the Thanksgiving holiday is my favorite. Thank you for sharing.
I am also glad you chose family over politics for the Musing. Perhaps sometime your comment “… the yoke serves as a soul-building weight” could be the focus of a future post?
(anytime you want to share a favorite recipe, IMHO, feel free!)
My late mother held the world record for non-Jewish attendance at bar mitzvehs when in “retirement” from teaching school, she became a nanny for a series of Jewish families. She told them all that if they did not bring their children up as observant Jews, she would turn them into good little Episcopalians! They all grew up to be observant Jews. Mazel tov, and have a wonderful family time, which is more important than ever in these interesting times.
Blessings to you and all who gather to celebrate with your family. I have noticed that my children and grandchildren reminisce about times spent together. It is an honor to be included with your celebration.
I agree that the news is distressing and what better way to overcome the news blues with home cooking and spending it with loved ones. Shabbat Shalom!
Your Musings are a delight, and so is this Non-Musing Musing.
I love everything you just said!!! And how timely to be reminded of the virtues, traditions, and faith that strengthen families…the week before Thanksgiving. Blessings to you and your family!
Mazal Tov!!! I also feel that politics, social media and 24/7 news has robbed society of what really matters; our families, friends, and houses of worship. One of our sons invited the then sitting president to his Bar Mitzvah and he invited another sitting president to his wedding.
Mrs. Lapin,
This is just beautiful! Your cello cookies are adorable, and SO much better than store-bought! What a wonderful non-musing, and I pray that your dessert buffet as well as your grandson’s bar mitzvah is a wonderful time blessed with the Presence of God.
I always enjoy reading about your wonderful family. I have to take a break from all the news myself (it’s a constant assault) and get back to what is really important.
Have a wonderful day.
I can’t think of a better reason not to write a musing for us. I hope you all enjoyed the time together. See you when you get back 🙂
I was very happy reading this. It is a rare gift to make people happy through your writing even if it was a non musing. Only now I have a real longing for apple cider and it is 12:25 a.m.
Bless you Susan Lapin. You are a blessing.
Mazel tov on Eliyahu’s bar mitzvah. Such a milestone in a young man’s life definitely takes precedence over a musing. Hope you will share more after the fact.
The Lord has blessed us with your family’s presence and ministry.
Mazel tov, Susan! May your family enjoy much love on your grandson’s milestone in the Jewish faith tradition.
You picked the right subject, Susan! I, for one, am a bit worn down by the unceasing, and many times overwrought, daily drama to which we are subjected. A beautiful piece for a beautiful time in your grandson’s life that reminds us of the good in life.
One of my favorite creative outlets is cooking/baking for family and friends. We enjoy your musings, and a peek at the tasty delights you have been working on. Thank you!
I am a Christian who enjoys your musings and the rabbi’s writings. I wish your grandson growth and enlightenment in his faith. He is surrounded by good examples.
You are awesome! Have fun!
Congratulations to Eliyahu! Wishing your family a wonderful time together. Perfect priorities. : )
Susan, I concur! Nothing better than time spent with loved ones. May your family celebration be one with many happy memories and may your grandson love and appreciate all that his precious grandma did in preparing to celebrate him. Blessings to you and yours.
Tracy
Congratulations to you Susan and Rabbi Lapin on your grandson Eliyaho Bar-Mitzvah . I’m ? % with your decision and than you for the wonderful reminder of what life is really about. That wonderful balance that keeps us grounded. Shalom!
I’m glad to hear of your family getting together for such a wonderful event. Enjoy it fully!
Blessings,
Douglas
The desserts look yummy.
I am so glad that you were able to participate in and enjoy this wonderful milestone in your grandson’s life.
I found out recently that I am a bit Ashkenazi Jewish and I was so happy to learn this. 🙂
I think as the world becomes more unsettled the little things become the big things, the things we will cherish for a long time. Traditions give us a solid foundation to build hopes and dreams on, to raise families on, and in turn become the foundations that our children and grandchildren will build on.