LINK PLUS Vol 10

A Weekly Link Supplement

Vol. 1 Issue 10 / Nov. 20, 2019

Shab bo Glor s y

NEw

Horizons

Connecting the dots of family

Shabbatons

"Mincha" By R. Lowy 6 Simple Solutions

Nov. 20, 2019

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table of contents Publisher The Weekly Sob, Sob!Link Teach your Phone children to laugh 347.787.1838 at their terrible predicaments

Fax

sunset

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Back In School Email

Connecting the dots of family Shabbatons

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for a job?

Mailing Address

recipes

11

Is It Shabbos Yet?

15

mincha

16

TRAINING GROUND

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6 Simple Solutions

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4

347.787.4018

plus@weeklylink.com Common sense tips and tricks 8 Website www.weeklylink.com Looking Professional resume 1303 53rd St. writer shares some Suite #125 guidelines 11219 12 Brooklyn NY

Off the bus basics

Easy supper to greet your kids with 19

bedtime battle tips 24 Š 2019. All Rights Reserved.

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in whole or part in any form Creative without prior written permission Creations 31 from the publisher is prohibited.

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Nov.

Organic Chestnuts

DESIGN: YANKY GOLDMAN

Not just another brand...

...Oneg’s Organic Chestnuts are the best tasting brand sold in the kosher market.

Will greatly enhance your Yom Tov menu.

BloomsKosher.com Nov. 20, 2019

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Yehudis Schonfeld 4|

Nov.

Sunset.

The hazy twilight zone, where day has slipped away and night has not yet made it's hushed, veiled appearance.

Transitions.

Those awkward spaces in time where the past has bid farewell, yet the future is fuzzy and obscured.

Not unlike the tantrums and power struggles of a toddler; no longer mommy’s baby, yet not really a grown child.

Like the teenager’s angst; no longer a child, but not quite an adult; struggling to make sense of life’s vicissitudes with limited, immature perception.

Like the chrysalis hanging off the tree; not a caterpillar anymore, yet not quite a butterfly.

Like Erev Shabbos and Erev Yom Tov; not chol, nor kodesh yet.

When there’s nothing to eat (and so much to cook), and so much to do.

Transitions are uncomfortable.

We are no longer in our comfort zones, familiarity and predictability elude us, and the future has not yet made itself known. We are left hanging in the middle, 'nisht ahin and nisht aher.'

We waddle through muddled space, confused and unclear.

But… sunsets, those transitions between day and night, are stuff

Nov. 20, 2019

for poets. Their magnificent colors of crimsons and ochres, of mauves and violets, bleed and blur into each other as the sky resembles a giant canvas upon which the Master Artist splashes blazing hues. Their beauty has long been the subject of artists’ renderings, of photographers’ fascination, of writers’ prose.

Paradoxical, isn’t it, that this transition, this in-between space in time, uncertain and unnerving, is precisely the time of such showstopping magnificence?

It is precisely the times in our lives when we climb out of our comfort zones, let go of the security of predictability and put one unsteady foot in front of the other as we stretch ourselves and tell ourselves “Go!”, that real growth begins.

Complacency does not breed progress. When we courageously enter unfamiliar territory and stumble and blunder, feeling afraid and alone, we need to lift our eyes up to the sky and view the washes of brilliant color.

Take heart though, that change, as uncomfortable as it may be, need not be feared. For from that ambiguous, disconcerting place, new processes of growth begin.

Transitions mark the beginning of transformation and expansion.

Indeed, it is in that hazy twilight zone that the most magnificent sunsets occur.

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Shabbatons

Connecting the dots of family

B. Schwartz

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Nov.

The candles sparkle and cast flickering shadows over the tables covered with a delightful assortment of Shabbos food.

Enthusiastic banging and pounding accompany Zeidy’s familiar zemiros tunes. Strains of comfortable chatter float throughout the room. Children frolic and play and bump and fall and laugh and cry. Zeidy and Bobby look on proudly, their hearts swell with gratitude to Hashem, and find it hard to believe that all these wonderful people in the room actually belong to them.

Family Shabbatons. The stuff memories are made of, nachas and bonding and family tradition. But is it always so?

Although the Shabbaton pulled off by her family was beautiful, Nechama Green is keen to admit that it isn’t always only bliss, “Things did get sticky here and there when we were together for so many hours. It was almost impossible not to compare differences in people’s lives and some family members were pained when they perceived that others seemed to have an easier time (with their children, marriage…) than them.”

Nechama also suggests that old childhood patterns resurface and at times, mature adults act like children when prompted by certain family dynamics. “Family Shabbosim are beautiful opportunities for togetherness, yet one must be wise and cautious not to let the yetzer hora of contention in.”

Sarala claims that her family is very close to each other, yet their wise Bubby refuses to let them do a Shabbos Getaway. “It will only cause problems,” she insists.

Chani points out, “The most important thing to remember throughout all the ups and downs of planning and then being together is, ’why are we doing this?’

Usually families put in the enormous amounts of effort as a tribute to their beloved grandparents. If we keep in mind that the goal is to give Zeidy and Bobby nachas, the many little ‘bumps in the road’ Nov. 20, 2019

that inevitably tend to crop up will not be taken out of proportion.”

How does a family divide the costs that such a Shabbos entails, especially when some family members are able to contribute more than others?

Nechama’s family divided the expenses between each other. “We all contributed and cooked a different part of the Shabbos.

Everyone kept track of their expenses and if someone had to shell out more money (i. e. for the fish and meats), the others compensated. It wasn’t so simple. My sister that traveled in from a different state claimed that she already paid so much for the traveling expenses and could not contribute her entire share. Another sibling, learning in kollel, also claimed that he could not afford it. It was my parents who bore the brunt of the expenses, filling in all the gaps.”

Devorah hosted the family Shabbaton in her own home, to cut down on the costs.

“Our family is young, and we still managed to fit into my house. I found places for other family members to stay on the block and although it was quite crowded, it was still beautiful.”

Devorah continues, “It’s important to work within your budget. As much as I wanted to make a beautiful presentation, we used simple paper goods and did not |7

spend on decor, as it would only have increased our limited budget.”

My family rented a hotel in the country, had the food catered, and brought along waiters to serve.” says Chani. “It was a real vacation for all of us”.

Penina’s family rented two houses in South Fallsburg and kept the costs to a minimum. The men davened with the South Fallsburg Yeshiva (so that they did not have to put together a minyan and bring along siddurim and a Sefer Torah) and the women cooked all the food. “We all chipped in $150 and put the money

“The highlight of it all is just spending time together, all under one roof” into my in-laws grocery account. We then placed the order on their account.

As for transportation, most of our family members do not drive. We rented a yellow school bus and traveled up to the mountains by bus. The fun began already then, on the way up.”

Ruchy’s brother and sister-in-law sponsored the entire family Shabbos.

“We are a very close family, and as much as we would have loved to get together for a Shabbos, we simply could not pull it off. My brother and sister-in-law opened their hearts (and wallet!) and organized 8|

a magnificent Shabbos in a hotel in the mountains. They went all out, delicious, catered food, waiters and transportation.

My parents had such nachas!”

Mr. Steiner organizes many such Shabbosim and offers valuable advice.

“Before you book rooms in a hotel, go down and check out the place, as well as their rules and regulations. A hotel with electric doors is an absolute no-no.

Sometimes, families take out a few private suites in a non-kosher hotel and bring their own food in warmers and crockpots.

I know of several incidents where families plugged in their cholent in their rooms and as Shabbos progressed the distinctive smell began to waft throughout the hotel.

The staff tried to figure out what was going on. It wasn’t always so pleasant.

Once, the hotel staff summoned the police who then unplugged the cholent. Another time, the family was sent out in the middle of Shabbos.”

To avoid such scenarios, Mr. Steiner recommends that families rent ballroom space. “If you rent ballroom space for the meals, they will usually grant you kitchen space for your food.” But that leads to a host of kashrus problems. Food like fish and meat cannot be left unattended amongst non Jews. Mr. Steiner says that all his warmers have chains and cannot be opened by anyone besides for him.

“Fish in the fridge also need simanim. It is very important to know the halachos of kashrus before embarking on such a Shabbos,” he continues.

“I have seen families plug in their warmers and leave them in non-kosher kitchens unattended, unlocked for the duration of Shabbos. That food cannot be eaten. When I’m in a hotel on Shabbos, I usually wake up two-three times at night and check on everything in the kitchen.”

What about the waiters? “If you take Nov.

along waiters, you have the advantage that they usually know the basics of kashrus and Shabbos. However, the disadvantage to that is, that you have to provide them with lodging. If you take waiters from the area (around the hotel), you don’t have to put them up, yet they might know nothing about kashrus and Shabbos.”

What are some things that people tend to forget to take along?

“Salt,” says Mr. Steiner.

“If the food is all cooked, people can forget to bring the salt. Not always will they remember that it’s needed for Hamotzie, and sometimes as a necessary taste enhancer. Other often forgotten items are knives to cut the challah (today they make good-quality plastic knives for challah), candles, siddurim and a Sefer Torah.

When you're away at a hotel, you are not in Williamsburg or Boro Park, and you cannot borrow from the neighbors when you run out of something. You need to be very organized and have to take along everything.”

On transporting food - “In the summer,” continues Mr. Steiner, “Food tends to spoil quickly. I remember the Shabbos that we uncovered the soup and a terrible, rancid smell filled the air. We had no soup that Shabbos and I think the putrid smell still lingers in that hotel Nov. 20, 2019

Plan + Entertain = Nachas!

When hosting a large group of people for a full weekend, planning a program takes lots of time and energy. Read a sampling of tried and true successful entertainment ideas that worked well for our interviewees.

"Our family put in lots of effort to end our family Shabbos with a beautiful presentation. We gathered old, vintage family photos, and presented it professionally, accompanied by a song written especially for the occasion.

My parents were overwhelmed with Nachas. It was the best gift that we could have given them.” -Chani W. “At our Shabbaton, we put out a ‘memory jar’, along with little slips of paper and pens. On Friday, as everyone arrived, they quickly took a few minutes to jot down memories from the distant (and not-so-distant) past. On Motzaei Shabbos, we all laughed until we cried as we took a rather bouncy trip down memory lane, while reading through all the slips of paper.” - Devorah K. Another idea is a Family Values game, where everyone writes down on an index card what they perceive to be their parents’ (the Zeidy and Bubby)’s most important values. "At our Shabbaton, surprisingly (?) the cards all read similar values. Our parents had much nachas when they realized that the values they held so dear were acknowledged, noticed and appreciated by their progeny."

-Nechama G. "When you have a large group of children, treat them like you would treat students in a classroom. Motivate them to cooperate and have the 12, 13, 14 year olds act as ‘counselors’. You can do a points system, give out tickets or raffle off little prizes.“ -Esti P. "Have each family bring along one toy that their children enjoy the most. This simple system works very well for families with lots of little ones. There is excitement as the children enjoy playing with toys that are new for them the entire weekend.” -Suri M. "Our children planned and prepared booths for a carnival, in advance. On Motza’ei Shabbos, the older children manned the booths, the younger children attended the carnival while the adults enjoyed a slide presentation and a beautiful program." -Leah B.

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kitchen… My advice to those traveling in the summer with soup is to freeze it.

Travel with frozen soup and it will stay fresh. Another summer spoiler: I was at a hotel in Pennsylvania (2 1/2 hours from New York) when we realized, on Friday, that the cholent had spoiled. It was almost Shabbos and I had to think fast. I ended up sending someone to the local supermarket for beans (no ‘cholent mix’, obviously) and potatoes. I took some meat and gravy out of the Friday night meat, combined it with the beans and potatoes, added water and put up the cholent. I did not tell anyone what happened. The next day, everyone commented on the delicious cholent.

I then told them what had occurred yesterday, only a short time before Shabbos, and they could not believe it.”

How to delegate tasks effectively?

Chani suggests that jobs be given out to family members according to their strengths. “Let the ‘organized one’ take care of the planning, the ’creative one’ arrange the program and the one that just ‘gets people’ figure out room placement.”

On room placement Nechama advises. “Put the noisy families downstairs, and far away from those who are looking for peace and quiet. Definitely not on top of them.”

Devorah adds, “Much thought and effort went into organizing proper lodging for our guests. We made our Shabbos in my home and I invested time, effort and lots of phone calls until I succeeded in placing everyone within short walking distance. I really appreciated those that graciously accepted where they were put up and did 10 |

not complain.”

“It’s very important to decide where you will focus most of your efforts, while planning a Shabbos,” Chani advises. “Will it be the food, the décor, the program…?”

(See sidebar for entertainment ideas.)

How long is too long? “Keep it short and sweet. Say good-bye while everyone still has pleasant feelings and wants more,” says Devorah. “Friday to Motza’ei Shabbos was just magical. After that, well… it just wasn’t the same.” Nechama claims that Friday to Motza’ei Shabbos is just perfect for family togetherness without family politics. “After that it would be too much of a good thing.”

And the highlight of it all? “The davening,” asserts Chani. “When the entire minyan is comprised of your children and grandchildren (and great-grandchildren); one davens for the amud, another leins, and a third gives a d’var Torah, and then they all together raise their voices in tefillah, nothing can give grandparents more pleasure than that!”

“The highlight of it all is just spending time together, all under one roof”, claims Devorah. “My parents shepped tremendous nachas when the entire family ate the meal and sang zemiros together.”

Family Shabbatons can bring out the best and the worst in us. “Come with an ayin tova, be prepared to overlook that which does not go your way and keep your eyes on the goal“ says Nechama. “the goal of bringing nachas to grandparents and connection between family members.”

Nov.

Shabbos Glory

Tables are set with a pristine white tablecloth, gilded dishes, candles, wine and golden Challah. The family sits together and reconnects over good food and beautiful Zemiros. We all know what day that is‌ Shabbos.

When thinking about the Shabbos food repertoire, some people love the simplicity and predictability of serving the same menu for their Shabbos meals. Others see it as a chance to try out special new recipes or showcase seasonal produce and flavors.

This week, we bring you some tried and tested dishes that will fill the air with the scent of Shabbos, and make the magical day even more special.

Good Shabbos!

-Sarah F. Nov. 20, 2019

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Hot mediterranean Salad

Ultimate Marinated Eggplant

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Nov.

Pepper Crusted Side of Salmon

Fire-Roasted Eggplant Tomato Dip

Nov. 20, 2019

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Hot mediterranean Salad This fresh and flavorful salad is amazing when paired with challah or fish. A great contrast to the heavier foods served at your Shabbos Sueda, this easy take on Mediterranean Salad will be sure to lighten up the menu.

Ingredients: • 9 egg tomatoes • 1 red onion • 6-7 jalapeno peppers • 3 cloves garlic • Olive oil, to taste • Salt and black pepper, to taste Directions: 1. Wash the vegetables and chop them into very small, uniform pieces (I highly recommend using a vegetable chopper).

2. Place chopped vegetables in a jar or container and add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and serve.

Fire-Roasted Eggplant Tomato Dip What can be better than combining the traditional tastes we love, into one creamy dip? The fireroasted eggplant and tomatoes lend a deep, mysterious flavor that complements the light mayo base perfectly.

-Sarah F. Ingredients: • 1 medium eggplant • 3 small tomatoes • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp lemon juice • ½ tsp salt • 1 tsp onion powder • Pinch black pepper • 2-3 cloves garlic • 1 cup light mayonnaise Directions: 1. Wrap eggplant and tomatoes in 2 separate pieces of foil. Over an open stovetop flame, roast the foil-wrapped eggplant and tomatoes for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

Rotate every few minutes for even cooking.

2. Remove from heat and peel off foil. Set aside to cool.

3. In a food processer fitted with the “S” blade, add into the bowl the roasted vegetables and blend until smooth. Add in the rest of the ingredients and blend until combined and creamy. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

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Ultimate Marinated Eggplant Baked or fried, this all-time-favorite Eggplant Salad is the perfect accompaniment to any course of the Shabbos Meal.

Ingredients: • 1 medium eggplant, cut into ½ slices or small cubes • Salt, for brining • Olive oil • 1/2 red pepper, sliced • 1-2 cloves garlic, sliced • 3 tbsp sugar • 1 tsp black pepper • Salt to taste • 1/4 cup vinegar • 1/2 cup hot water (for a more liquid consistency) Directions: 1. Line a baking sheet with paper towel. Lay out the eggplant slices and lightly sprinkle both sides with salt.

Let sit for about an hour. Pat dry the eggplant slices with paper towel.

2. Baked: Preheat oven to 400°. Lay the brined eggplant on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with oil. Bake eggplant for about 40-45 minutes until browned. Toss every 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and drain the oil.

Fried: Heat oil in a large frying pan until hot. Add the eggplant and fry until fully browned. Remove from hot oil and place on paper towel to drain.

3. Place the baked or fried eggplant into a medium jar or container and add the rest of the ingredients. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least an hour prior to serving. Enjoy!

Pepper Crusted Side of Salmon Full of peppery and autumn-inspired flavors, this salmon is so simple to prep and makes a beautiful presentation at your Shabbos table. Decorate with lemon slices or garnish of your choice.

Ingredients: • 1 (4 lb.) Side of salmon or about 5 individual slices • 3/4 Pure Maple syrup • Coarsely ground black pepper (ground with peppermill) • Salt to taste • Garlic powder • Lemon slices, optional for garnish Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Wash and pat dry the salmon. Smear liberally with maple syrup. Generously sprinkle with black pepper, salt, and garlic powder. Garnish with fresh lemon slices (optional). Bake for 40 minutes and serve.

Nov.

Is It Shabbos Yet? We were wrapping up an enjoyable week of vacationing at Killington Mountain in Vermont. It was Friday morning and we had taken the gondola chairlift up to the summit of Killington Mountain. As we were slowly and calmly trekking down, we felt relaxed that we had lots of time on our hands. The Shabbos food was prepared, ready to be warmed and the day was still long.

We then decided to hit the road and go to nearby Rutland, which was a mere twenty minutes away. After entertaining our four children for the duration of the afternoon, we started heading back to our lodgings.

We took the main highway 4 and made a right turn at the exit that would lead us up the Killington Mountain. My baby was having a tantrum and being just moments from the Mountain Green condo we’d rented for our weeklong stay, I took him out and tried distracting him. Suddenly the car swerved. Badly. My husband immediately braked, and the car made a complete U-turn screeching to a standstill facing the oncoming traffic.

My husband and I shuttled the kids out of the car, onto the shoulder of this quiet mountain road to assess the damage. We could not have been more shocked at the scene that met our eyes. The rear axle had twisted on itself so that one wheel was at the trunk, and the other wheel blocked the left door.

Calling the Car Rental Company back

Nov. 20, 2019

as told to Miri Isaacs

in Brooklyn proved futile as they were already closed for Shabbos. Luckily for us, we were AAA subscribers and so we reached out to them. In the meantime a state trooper passed and stopped to help us out. He put us in contact with the local AAA branch who said they would send a tow truck ASAP. He then drove us safely back to our hotel, while my husband stayed behind to wait for the tow procedure.

Back at the hotel, with little time to spare, we quickly got ready for Shabbos. It then dawned on us that we were stranded in Vermont without a car to return to Brooklyn on Sunday! Monday was Labor Day and we had to be back. Mr. Weitz, the one who had reserved the hotel for our group, offered to take my husband to a local car rental company that had a branch in Brooklyn. We could then return the car upon our return.

However, he advised us that it still had to be arranged before Shabbos, as we would not be able to reserve a car on Labor Day weekend. Left without too many choices, my husband left to Rutland where he managed to rent a Toyota Sienna for the weekend. He made it back to the hotel a mere five minutes to sundown!

It was with no small measure of relief that we welcomed the Shabbos HaMalka with gratitude to Hashem at having experienced a car accident of this magnitude, and having all come out unscathed.

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Mincha

By R. Lowy

As the setting sun drapes the fields in red and gold, A tzaddik wrapped in prayer – talking to Hashem. ‫ ויצא יצחק לשוח בשדה‬- a sight to behold, The tefila of Mincha is born to all men!

And since that fateful day, so many years ago, This sacred ritual, continues on each day.

Is there a secret signal, how do they all know, Exactly when to stop what they’re doing, and go pray?!

In Jewish homes around the world, a familiar scene, Girls and boys, books and toys, the smell of cooking food.

Baths and bedtime stories, homework and routine, And in between the cozy scene – a woman in a snood.

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Nov.

Trying to stay patient, to smile and stay afloat.

She ignores the doorbell, the phones incessant rings, And calmly dons a wig, her shoes and a coat.

“I’m going to Mincha”, she exclaims importantly,

The author can be contacted at: 914-299-5744

Imagine if one day, while she’s doing all these things,

And gently behind her, closes the door.

Dear ‫נשים צדקניות‬, I’m sure you’ll all agree, There wouldn’t be a minyan for us anymore!

For by the time we’d gather half the required ten, Our homes would cease to function, the world would fall apart.

So let us be grateful, and leave mincha to the men, And serve Hashem from within our homes – with all our heart!

Nov. 20, 2019

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10

TRAINING GROUND

by Chava Leah Beer

Chapter Ten Recap: Shoshana decides to join her mother and grandmother at her 19-year-old cousin’s wedding to ease her mother’s load of caring for Grandma. At the affair, she gracefully deals with the humiliating moments.

Miri meets her at the train station on a wintry morning as they set out to Niagara Falls.

Before long, they were seated comfortably in the nearly empty car, each of them spread out over two seats. Usually, they drove, but Shoshana, who was their designated driver, wanted to take it easy this time and enjoy a stress-free trip, with the added benefit of legroom. She was happy with her decision and was already thoroughly enjoying

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herself.

“Are you going to try to sleep, Shosh? You told me you were up until who-knows-when packing?”

“Nah, I’m too pumped up to sleep now. We have a long trip ahead of us; I’ll have enough time to rest later.”

“Right. Did I tell you about that hot Kohn shidduch that went crashing because of some negative information?”

Miri got straight to the point, whispering the details of her sob story.

“My aunt claimed that the boy’s sister told her mother that I’m way too blunt and that I lack basic social graces. The nerve! The girl barely

Nov.

knows me. Granted, we were in camp together, but that was so many moons ago!”

The train rumbled along at a steady pace as the girls sat engrossed in conversation. After a brief break for davening, they ripped into their nosh stash: barbeque-flavored rippled potato chips, Twizzlers, taffies, and some health bars for good measure.

“Hey, Miri, whatever happened with dropping your job?” Shoshana suddenly remembered the comment that had instigated the whole getaway.

“Oh, I was in a bad mood that day.

Teaching is my gas; I could never live without it.”

“Well, it’s a good thing you complained because otherwise, I don’t know if I would have realized how desperate you were to get away!”

They shared a chuckle. On impulse, Shoshana whipped out her phone and snapped a picture of the two of them. It felt good to just be, even if they didn’t exactly look their best. As a reminder of their high school years, they wore hooded sweatshirts and ponytails, with Shoshana’s usually ironed hair a mop of frizz and Miri’s thin, black angled haircut sliding out of her ponytail.

After what seemed to them like a 10-minute doze, it was time to disembark. Lugging their suitcases, they flagged down a taxi to take them to their hotel.

Once they had checked in, Shoshana was bursting with adrenaline. “Let’s head straight to the Horseshoe Falls, okay?” she said,

Nov. 20, 2019

pulling out the map she’d saved from a previous trip.

“Right. And for the first few minutes, no talking. Just living the moment.”

The sun was out, though it was slowly waning at this wintry afternoon hour. The falls were a short walk away, and the chilly air pushed them to move at a brisk pace. The rushing sound greeted them like an old friend, the mighty crashing of the falls, overwhelming and soothing at the same time.

The two girls sat down on a bench in silence for a few minutes.

Suddenly, they heard voices.

“Wow, awesome!”

“Let’s take a class picture.”

“Girls, you have half an hour here until we move onto the next attraction. Make sure you are back at this spot at 3:30.”

A lively bunch of frum highschoolers dispersed in clusters, oohing and aahing, and of course, capturing the moment on camera.

One nearby group was searching for someone to snap their photo.

As Miri and Shoshana looked on in bemusement, one of the girls turned their way, “Excuse me, can you take a picture of us?” With wry glances at each other, the two young women reluctantly accepted the cameras that were thrust their way, taking turns photographing the group. With a series of flashes and last-minute instructions (“Don’t zoom in, I have tons of pimples today!” “Press hard on the silver button, it works.”), they were done.

A collective “Thanks!” was issued in their direction and some girls even

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“The rushing sound greeted them like an old friend, the mighty crashing of the falls, overwhelming and soothing at the same time.” had the guts to initiate conversation.

Miri grimaced at this unwelcome intrusion, but Shoshana flashed her a look to remind her of the if-weare-okay-with-ourselves-everyoneelse-will-be discussion they’d just had on the train. She tried to put on a pleasant demeanor.

“Which school are you from?” one girl shot their way.

“Hey, do you go to Bais Perel? I think I recognize you from the play!” said another.

Clearly, the group hadn’t realized they were speaking to certified old maids, Shoshana thought with an inward grin. To think these little whippersnappers thought they were contemporaries!

Someone turned to Miri, “So, you’re related to Chaya Berman? You look exactly like her!”

Miri swallowed. “Yes, she’s my niece.”

“Oh, right, I heard she has an older aunt…” The tall, freckled girl slapped her hand over her mouth as her nearest classmate poked her with her elbow.

“I mean, she told me she has an aunt who’s…”

“Not married yet,” Miri filled in simply.

The leader of the group spoke up.

The eager high school girls stared at the two young women on the bench, then looked away in embarrassment. The leader quickly spoke up again.

“We’re from Bnos Leah and this is our midwinter trip. And you?”

“Well, enjoy your trip and hope we didn’t bother you too much…”

She decided to play along. “First of all, where are you girls from?”

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“Uh, we graduated school some years back and we’re simply enjoying a trip together,” Shoshana replied.

Nov.

Shoshana gave Miri a hearty pat on the back after the group left and they shared a moment of victory.

“I guess you can’t escape society completely,” Miri said with a sigh.

“And it’s worth learning to deal with these situations when your mind is open to change, and you feel good about yourself,” Shoshana agreed. *** On the last night of their trip, the two young women stood watching the breathtaking light show and fireworks, awestruck by the dazzling array of color illuminating the cascading falls.

Wearing layers upon layers of clothing and several pairs of socks under warm boots, Shoshana and Miri huddled together savoring the pristine serenity of the moment.

“I feel so humbled, yet secure in Hashem’s embrace,” Shoshana said.

“It’s amazing that this one creation has enough power to provide electricity for millions of people,” Miri added more pragmatically.

A few snapshots later, they practically ran to their hotel, eager to warm themselves with hot coffee and fluffy blankets.

Sleep, of course, was not on the agenda. Aside for their nightly games of Boggle (Miri’s choice; she was a word addict) and Rummy (Shoshana liked numbers better), they cashed in on their last few hours in frozen paradise, philosophizing, joking and enjoying each other’s company.

Eventually, Shoshana regretfully informed Miri that they’d better catch some sleep before their departure the next morning.

Nov. 20, 2019

“It’s already 5:00 a.m.,” she pointed out with a yawn.

Miri rubbed her eyes and nearly toppled over as she rose to toss a paper cup into the overflowing garbage can.

“Let’s set a series of alarms on our phones to make sure we actually get up.”

Some ten hours later, two exhausted but wonderfully refreshed young women stepped off the train in Brooklyn, ready to deal with the challenges ahead of them. *** At first, Shoshana thought she was imagining it; after all, she was still very tired. But when the two of them met at the door to Dr. Lowy’s office the next morning, she was sure she saw a shy smile on Ayala’s face.

“How was it with Ruchy?” she asked, flicking on the lights and turning on the heat. The entire world seemed brighter the day after her vacation, even the same old office she had entered thousands of times before.

“Okay, I guess,” Ayala shrugged.

“Nice to have you back.”

“Thanks!”

They settled into their respective chairs and Shoshana began checking her messages (no e-mails, no texts, she had instructed Ruchy, except in the case of a true emergency).

Thankfully, there were not many.

The morning routine passed quickly, and then came the lunchtime lull.

“Do you want to see some pictures from my trip, Ayala?”

“Sure.”

To be continued…

| 21

e l p Sim ions t u l o S

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1

Sometimes, all it takes to miss the bus is one knotted shoe. What you might not know is that all it takes to catch the bus is a little bit of cornstarch, rubbed into that stubborn knot. It lessens the friction for easier untangling.

22 |

2

Don’t throw out the piece of cork you just popped out of that bottle, especially if the cork went flying across the room and whammed into the picture frame so that it’s hanging tilted – again. Cut some small flat pieces of cork, and affix them to the back of the frame. It will give the wall hanging just enough friction to stay put, and will also keep away those black “swing marks” on the wall.

Nov.

3

When you slice a pepper on a cutting board, the first slice usually gives you the thick side of the pepper instead of a thin, even slice. Try cutting the pepper in three (instead of in half) to avoid this slight annoyance.

4 5 6

If you hesitate and deliberate every time you pass the onion goggles on display in a store window, this one’s for you: The National Onion Association (now you know they exist) suggests freezing onions for a half hour before you slice them. They also advise cutting off the top and peeling off the outer layers, which you probably do anyway because of insects.

The point is to leave the root intact, because it has the highest concentration of the sulfur compounds that cause you to tear up.

Stop feeling guilty about those useless slivers of bar soap that you’re so easily disposing, when any family in the tenements would have felt fortunate to own it. As soon as your soap becomes more of a bother than a blessing, transfer it to the kitchen for a second life. Cut a slit in your kitchen sponge and insert the shriveled bar. You’ll have an instant dish detergent every time you sponge up.

Nov. 20, 2019

Extend your vacuum cleaner hose to reach the highest shelves. Attach a toilet paper or paper towel roll, depending on your extension need, to the end of the vacuum cleaner attachment with a piece of duct tape. Make sure the connection is airtight. Another vacuum cleaner trick: Soak a cotton ball or two with your favorite diffuser or scent. Stow it in the vacuum bag. As you make your way around the house, the air will be permeated by a pleasant, fresh scent. | 23

24 years ago, TTI became the trendsetter in creating kosher and rabbinically approved pathways to parnassah opportunities in our community.

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