Well, here we are again. What is the topic of discussion anyway? Oh yeah, Chanukah. After five seasons at Shaarey Zedek, I think I have exhausted all my thoughts and views on the subject. I think I’ll just give you a few thoughts on where I work, and how I feel about it.

 

So, I know our space at Shaarey Zedek is limited.

I know we don’t have the ambiance of other venues.

No, we don’t have an in-house pastry chef, and how I wish we had!

Yes, we have ugly bathrooms.

Yes, we have dark walls that can’t always be camouflaged.

Yes, we have new chairs, which almost always have to be covered anyway!!!

Pastry chef, new bathrooms, picture windows overlooking the river… Wow! We could have ourselves a heck of a party!

 

Yes, we have THE BEST EVER clergy!

I’ve never met anyone more spiritual than Rabbi Green. He is the most humble, intellectual and dignified of souls. His presence is one of grace and respect. Rabbi Pinsker, new to our family, brings a spirit of compassion and honour. Cantor Mass brings the community together with his love of music. Executive Director Jackie Wassermann protects us all from controversy and harm. And hats off to our President, Rocky Pollack, and to the past presidents I have had the pleasure to work with: Teddy Lyons and Perry Schulman.

 

And our Ana Schor is now gone. I hope we didn’t drive her away, and hope her days in brighter, greener pastures are filled with happiness and prosperity. We welcome Shira Uretsky into the fold as our new Program Director. I hope we don’t drive you too insane too quickly, Shira!

 

Now for my favourite subject: Food. What if we run out? What if it doesn’t taste great? These are very important concerns at any Jewish function, you know! Oh my G-d, what a mama would do if that should happen?

 

I recall a very special 10-course feast we made for a member at Glendale Country Club years ago. Afterwards, he called us into the dining room to thank us for all the care and details that created a wonderful dining experience for him and his guests. People, I vowed then and there that everything we did in the future we would make to perfection. Our salami sandwich would be the best salami sandwich money could buy!

 

Do you think his kind words have made me a better chef? You bet your ABC’s they have!

 

Now that I’ve vented and said all of that — why wouldn’t you want to have your Simcha, marriage, and Shabbat dinner here at Shaarey Zedek? We really do have the best to offer, you know. It is, quite simply and elegantly, “the way to go”.

 

Since I’ve exhausted my tales about Chanukah, let me tell you a story from my Polish background: On Christmas Eve we do a very traditional thing. When we were kids we would go on a sleigh ride, taking with us thermoses filled with hot chocolate for the kids, and a wee bit of rum for the adults. We’d arrive back home in time for midnight Mass, to return home at 1 AM to eat a huge meal consisting of 12 meatless dishes. And then we’d open presents. We continued that tradition year after year, until someone finally said, “This is crazy.”

 

We still eat the 12 meatless dishes and still open presents, but we now do it at the respectful hour of 5 PM on Christmas Eve. Phew. Much better.

 

<<Perogies (aka verenekes).>>

 

My favourite perogies have to be “Beer Hogs”. My mom would make them for me when I was a single girl and living on my own. Beer Hogs – perfectly sculpted morsels stuffed with seasoned ground beef, sautéed cabbage, onion, mashed potato and gravy. Oh my. To this day I am not sure how Mom made them. I just hope she leaves the recipe for me somewhere in her repertoire.

 

Bon appetit!

Shelley