It is June 19th,
and I sit here trying to concentrate on a feature recipe for
this article; I find it impossible. This is Winnipeg, a city
that boasts only of great summers. Sure, we are notorious for
our ultra-freezing winters, Portage and Main – the windiest
corner in North America, mosquitoes the size of small goats, and
giant crater size potholes. But there has always been one thing
that we Winnipeggers can say proudly, and that is that we have
kick-a_ _ summers! Summers with warm and sunny months like May
and June, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot Julys, and balmy,
perfect Augusts. And if we’re lucky, we have beautiful Indian
Summers that can sometimes carry us through to mid-October. So
what is up with this crap? Snow in May? Tulips in June? Roses in
July? They say it’s global warming. I say it crap!
Saturday, June
19th, and here’s the weather report straight from the
movie, “Groundhog Day”: again it’s cloudy with a 60 percent
chance of rain, again the winds are howling at 70 kilometers or
more, with an expected high of 11. But hey, look at the bright
side; if we’re not being thrown off the deck by the north winds,
at least we don’t have to worry too much about the pesky
mosquitoes, as they too, are being blown straight down to the
US.
I can’t figure
any of this out, and frankly, as p.o.’d. as I am, I must take my
hat off to we hearty Manitobans. After getting home from work
today, I wanted to sit on the deck, have a beverage and enjoy a
BBQ dinner, but first I had to make a last minute dash to the
store. Along the way I had a chance to have a look around to see
what is up in the Hood!!!
As windy and
cool as it was, people were trying to make the best of the
situation. They were sitting in their yards under a tree, on
their decks, wearing shorts, ball caps, sweaters and fleece, all
trying to make the best of the day – all trying to enjoy a
summer’s day. They say we can create our own realities. Right?
Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Perhaps we can retrieve some of our
dignity and sit on the deck in our shorts, but without the
sweaters and fleece. Throw the “Off” over the ledge, and pack on
the 30-sunscreen. I say, Giddy Up! We are all for that.
Getting Back to the News of the
Shaarey Zedek
Not a heap to
report. Passover came and went once again, which is probably the
most hectic time for us in the kitchen. So much work, and barely
enough time to accomplish all the needs of our members and
friend. But, this being our fourth time around, I think we can
say it was another howling success. Having said that, it would
only be right to report that next year we will be doing
something new and different on Pesach. The Shaarey Zedek will be
offering a Congregational Seder on the second night. Of course,
there will be a brilliant traditional menu, including sumptuous
appetizers and wine for those who like to mingle about prior to
the five-course dinner. And did I say there will be wine? Our
goal is to offer families seating at their own table, and the
opportunity to participate in the Seder, which will be lead by
Rabbi Green and Cantor Mass.
I realize that
this will be a disappointment to the eight families that have
traditionally had their private Seders at the Synagogue, some
for as long as I have been here. But at the same time, it is our
hope that we will provide a memorable evening for everyone who
will attend this second Seder. Just think: A Family
Congregational Seder, plenty of delicious food and wine, a warm
atmosphere, a lively recitation of the Haggadah. And the best
part is: NO COOKING! NO CLEAN UP! Our goal is that you take your
leave from the Synagogue that night filled with the warmth and
spirit of Passover. Who knows? Maybe we’ll be starting a brand
new tradition. After all, isn’t that what Life is all about?
So before I
close, I must add that because of the great amount of labour and
energy involved to ensure the success of our very first
Congregational Second Seder, we will not be offering any
Passover Seder catering/take-out in 2005. We all want it to go
off with flying colours!!!
Once again, we
will miss all of our Passover Seder Families, and can only hope
that you will be joining us in this spectacular new event.
>
Perogies (aka Verenekes) Recipe
Take good care
and bon appetit!
Shelley
