When your life revolves around the Jewish calendar, certain periods in the year overwhelm time. Passover is one of those occasions which take up so much mental and physical space that there is no attention left for most other things. Trayvon Martin and George Zimmerman; Obama and Romney; even Iran and nuclear armament recede into the background.
In those years when my husband and I host Passover observances for our family and friends, preparations for the holiday completely overpower the rest of life. (See 50 Pounds of Potatoes) This year, however, we had the delightful experience of being guests of our daughter and son-in-law at a Passover Conference for about 600 Jews at a Bahamian resort. They arranged for my husband to be engaged as a scholar-in-residence, teaching through the week. The added inducement of spending the week with granddaughter, Aliza, made it an offer we couldn’t refuse. While my husband was busy teaching for the program, I had few demands on my time.
The holiday and the setting worked its magic. While I am grateful for the many blessings in our lives over the past few years, including weddings, babies and a growing publishing business, there hasn’t been a lot of down time. Having abundant food with no cooking or clean-up in an absolutely stunning setting was incredible. The prayer services were lovely and our fellow participants were congenial and fun to meet. We even got to visit a pirate museum on one day, which delighted my husband as he appreciates knowing that there are alternate career options available. (He has long been quite fascinated with the many Jewish pirates (o.k., privateers) in the 17th century.)
I am having a hard time getting back to everyday life. This is to say that despite numerous faulty starts, I simply couldn’t order my brain to deal with anything substantive in time to write this Musing. See you next week!
I just read your 4/25 musing, which lead me to read the 4/17 musing….I must say that I was not in the least bit offended by your words regarding Travon and Zimmerman, I’m African American….Some things that we have no control over just needs prayer. We have no control over this situation. On another note – I love Ancient Jewish Wisdom, you are bringing the New Testament alive for me. I record every episode so I won’t miss a thing. May God continue to bless you.
Way to go Susan! I think I’ve always known that the person who is the victim is often the one with the problem, but never really thought that through and often forget to apply it when reading a news story. Not any more! You are one smart muser! Thank you for this muse, I plan to share it with some friends.
I was saddened to hear the negative feedback. However, this was just one person, who probably wrote emotionally. Unfortunately, as we all have very busy lives, there are some news topics, that we do not urgently follow, because other topics, related to our own city, neighborhood, religious or ethnic bacckground, take president and we tend to focus in that direction. That which concerns us may not concern the writer and that which concerns the writer may not concern us. That does not mean that we are uncaring or that we do not pray quietly over such situations.
What I gleaned from your musing, was that you were blessed to spend a very importand holiday, being pampered (for a change) surrounded by your precious family, in a beautiful resort.
Wow, Susan! I am musing on that! That was a rare occurence for you and Rabbi! May you have many more!
And yes, let the issues of the world take a back seat, every time.
I appreciate your all taking the time to write. I hope in the next few weeks to tell you about a negative comment my husband got on this Musing – with a rather strong attack on me.
Thank you for the pleasant read. It was a good way to start my Wednesday. I look forward to your musings each week and have shared them with friends and family.
A time to give and a time to receive…may you enjoy the ebb and flow of life, whatever the stage.
(And thanks for sharing with us!)
A break well-earned. Sounds wonderful. Your many ongoing contributions continue to make a positive impact even as you bask in the sun with your beautiful family.