One of the things I love most about the holidays is the way it brings people together. People from different parts of the world, people who speak other languages, people who may not know each other well but come together in the spirit of celebration.
My dear friends Dave and Suzanne hosted a brunch to celebrate Chanukah yesterday. It was an honor for me to be part of their celebration and learn more about their Jewish traditions. They and some of their friends did a beautiful job of explaining the history behind the celebration and the significance of the lights of the menorah, which to me reinforces all the things that faith represents.
Dave shared with us the four things that are most important to him: Family, Friends, Country and Tradition. Dave and Suzanne are British, and I adore the dose of British humour that always accompanies our get-togethers.
And just in case there were any candles going rogue among the menorahs, Dave was ready with the fire extinguisher.
As I chatted with some of the friends there, we talked about the differences between the “religions” of the world. One woman used a phrase that really rang true with me — that we all can be honorary Members of the Tribe. So even though you may not be of the same “faith” or “religion,” you can still be an honorary member through love, respect and honor for the people and their traditions. Oh what an impact that could be in the world today! Instead of blowing people up in the name of religion, you could extend the hand of friendship and peace and invite a stranger to be an honorary Member of Your Tribe.
The Chanukah brunch celebration was a way to bring Family, Friends, Country and Tradition together…plus some really good food!
Potato latkes! These are a favorite and one I’ve made during many a holiday celebration.
Angela, who is half French and half Spanish, brought this gorgeous zucchini bread.
Dave and Suzanne can bring British-based orange cranberry scones to brunch every time and I will be very happy. So good!
And what’s a Chanukah brunch without a little magic? Dave surprised us in costume with an intriguing magic trick that still has us scratching our heads over how he did it.
So thank you Dave and Suzanne, for inviting me to be an honorary Member of Your Tribe. It was an honor to have a seat at the table and to be among friends to celebrate all that is good and magical and special for this holiday season. Shalom!
Thank you, Suzette, for that lovely post. I totally agree and thank you for introducing me to these wonderful people and including me at my first Hanukkah celebration and initiation into The Tribe !!
Your piece wrapped it up with a bow Suzette – really captured the feeling of the day and the magic of sharing with others.
Thanks Winter Lyn! Great to see you yesterday and looking forward to seeing you again soon.
I loved this post. I agree 100%, with being an honorary member of the Tribe. What a wonderful and lovely idea. Wishing you Love and Peace in 2018. Bonnie in white WI.
Thanks Bonnie! We can each try to make the world a better place, one friend at a time. All the best to you this holiday season and for the new year as well!
Beautiful words Suzette! Thanks so much for joining our gathering and celebrating together!
Loved every minute of it! Always so much fun to be with friends, old and new. Everything was beautiful!
Wonderful words for our sorry world.
Thanks Barbara. Sharing good times with people who come from all walks of life helps me deal with the world when bad things happen. Chin up.