H O L I D A Y
HOW WE
CELEBRATE THREE FAMILIES SHARE THEIR SEASONAL PLANS AND ANNUAL TRADITIONS BY ANNA-RHESA VERSOLA
THE SOBELS PHOTO BY JOHN MICHAEL SIMPSON
L
ois Sobel and Richard Sobel
don’t miss the bone-chilling winters of Worcester, Massachusetts, as they enjoy the sunny warmth of their screened-in patio in Briar Chapel. The couple moved to Chapel Hill in 2018 to live closer to their daughter, son-inlaw and three grandchildren. Lois and Richard also have a son, daughter-in-law and grandson in northern New Jersey who travel down for holidays and special occasions. The pair say the big move was mostly effortless. “The only difference, I think, between here and up north is that we keep kosher … and
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CHATHAM MAGAZINE
WINTER 2021-2022
Richard Sobel and Lois Sobel (center) with their daughter, Rachel Bearman, her husband, Nathan Bearman (left), and three of their four grandchildren, Noa Bearman, 21, Dov Bearman, 19, and Lev Bearman, 15 (right).
finding kosher foods is a little difficult,” Lois says, referring to their Jewish dietary practices. When she needs kosher baking supplies, her son sends her what she needs. At the conclusion of the High Holiday season, which includes the most important observances in the Jewish calendar, the community looks forward to festive Hanukkah celebrations. The festival of lights begins this year at sundown on Nov. 28 and lasts until sundown on Dec. 6. Small gifts are exchanged while fried foods like potato latkes – Lois’ neighbors look forward to enjoying hers every year –