A memorable line so lovingly stolen from the song Carol Burnett sang at the end of her comedy show in the 70’s. Perhaps it is because it best depicts the emotional state that I am in as I write my final article for the Shofar.

 

I can’t even begin to say how overwhelming these last few weeks have been for me, not to mention the two that will follow. The best wishes and moral support I’ve received have reached levels beyond my wildest dreams. I knew that I would go through a gamut of emotions, from the excitement of starting a new life to feelings of loss, but I never anticipated something of this magnitude. I am leaving a family—a family of staff, good friends and beloved congregants.

 

For those of you who do not know the history, as briefly as I can let me try to start from the beginning.

 

I came to the Shaarey Zedek from the Glendale Golf and Country Club—a Jewish club, but a non-kosher one—so I arrived with little knowledge of kashrut. I had great support during my transition from Glendale, and that was enough to plant my feet smack down in the middle of a whole pile of dietary laws I didn’t understand. Fortunately for me, there was an existing kitchen staff that guided me through the Kashrut Policy, which I had to learn very quickly. Oh, and I must mention the books. I did a lot of reading at that point. I soon found out that a chef’s culinary ability is greatly limited by kashrut, to say the least. So what happened next? Curious? Keep reading.

 

Soon after I was hired, Shaarey Zedek welcomed the additions of Jackie Wassermann and Robert Didych, followed by Rabbi Green and Joel Lafond. Needless to say, this presented all of us—both newcomers and staff oldies—with the daunting challenge of acquainting ourselves with the mix of personalities and mood disorders. And we did it. We persevered and beautifully hurdled over the obstacles, creating what I like to thing is “magic”.

 

Today I find myself in departure mode (sniff). Over these past six years I have made many friends, some of whom I consider to be family. But now it is time to find my way back to my own family and begin a new chapter in my life in Kelowna.

 

Thank you all for the opportunity to have worked with you. It has truly been my great pleasure. But wait! Maybe I’ll write a book—a cookbook or a diary, perhaps. All I’m saying is: stay tuned! You never know.

 

At this point, I must give special thanks to a circle of friends, and in no particular order:

 

Steven Donnelly, for passing up a great opportunity and allowing me to excel in my career.

 

Sandy Tapper, for my chance!

 

Kitchen Support (Krystyna, Erika, Ruth, Oi, and the rest of my “Polish Army”), for always being there for me, loving me, hating me, and then loving me again. I never thought I would leave before any of you.

 

Rabbi Green, for your contagious smile, grace, and calm demeanour.

 

Jackie Wassermann, for starting with me, respecting and protecting me. I know in my heart that the decisions you make will be the right ones. If not, move to the Okanagan and we will make cherry pies and peach jam together. There must be a market for gourmet kosher products, right? Okay, so we’ll ship them all to Manitoba! Or we could always just sit on the beach and weave baskets.

 

Rabbi Pinsker, for your sense of humour and ability to always make me laugh.

 

Cantor Mass, for your melodic manner and wonderful sense of humour.

 

Mathew Liebl, to your parents for bringing you up to be such a solid, strong and gifted individual! I guess I can thank you, too, for your brutal honesty on exactly who the chef is around here. I will surely miss your wit and your similar taste in music: Green Day, Foo-Fighters, Pearl Jam and, of course, our equally shared passion for Barry Manilow.

 

Clare Whiteman, for your soft and kind heart, strong energy and your incredible editing on my articles, especially when it was going to get us both into trouble! There will always be a martini for you, Sweetheart!

 

The Custodial Staff: Bill (I love you man!), Chris, Gary, Larry and Peter, for listening to my rants and always, always making it work! And we always did!

 

Accounting Staff: Gloria Budakowski, for loving the mushroom soup, and Mary Richard, well, for loving everything else! Thank you for your patience and guidance, and for always taking care of my financial statements.

 

Programming: Robert Didych and Shira Uretsky, who … let’s not talk about it! SOB, SOB! I will miss you both so much! For your support for everything from A to Z. Enormous thanks, and Cheers to great work! What an explosive team you make! Ilana, have fun! It should make a new person out of you, of that I am sure! To Marcy Dempsey, I hope our Rose Garden will always be lovingly tended. Ana Schor, for all the stories we shared. I guess we both have moved on, but we could write a serious chapter in my book. I may look you up one day!

 

Tybie Floom, congrats again! I wish you well in your new job!  I think you may need it, just ask Jackie. I am not alone in the belief that you will have a hard time replacing the love and support you are leaving behind. May you find inner peace and happiness.

 

Alice Weissmann, for being my MAMA, always! My own mom would be so proud. You are the only one she would have approved of!

 

Bill Weissmann, for being my Mr. Big and Tall.

 

Rose Mathews, for always keeping my YOUTH, and my American connection with Combos. The Combos were always free, the Youth, well, you may feel the pinch in your pocket book.

 

Gail Saunders, for always helping me with my French terminology, for keeping me current on the latest mystery novels, for constantly locating information for me, and most importantly, for listening, especially on important issues like …Will there be fries with that? I will miss you terribly, Grizzie!

 

Michael Segalbaum, for sticking it out as the only Jew on a non-Jewish kitchen staff, for working on holidays and never complaining once! Kudos, Bro! Thanks to Rabbi Green for allowing you to be part of our Kitchen Brigade! Oh, and by the way, Matt still claims that you make the best tuna salad!

 

Kelly Wing, for always watching, learning, and moving beyond always having to take notes! I would mention other things, but that has gotten me into trouble in the past. Seriously though, you will make an awesome sous chef, Mate! I wish you the best. You are the Soup Maker now.

 

Joel Lafond, for being YOU! Nothing else needs to be said! Be proud of what you do, always. Even if it is just a sandwich, make it the best one money can buy!

  

A few more thank-yous:

 

Stanley Fox: To this day, I miss your inimitable SOUL. We will surely meet again one day! Till then, be at peace, Amigo!

 

Manny Thompson, who was famous—or infamous—for always saying to me, “If you sold your soups, you could be wealthier than Campbell’s.” L’Chaim to you, Manny.

 

Teddy, Harriet and Mara Lyons, for always having the confidence in me.

 

Lyle and Anna Silverman, for your support, hospitality, and for the awesome dinners, endless conversations and exceptional wine.

 

Perry and Sylvia Schulman, for your friendship, gentleness, warmth and kindness.

 

Jack Shindleman, for always being one of the first faces I would see at the start of my day, and for always letting me know that I can be and do whatever I want to. I hope that you will be my Guardian Angel in my brand new place.

 

 For all the rest of you (way too numerous to mention): I will miss and cherish all the memories. Thanks to everyone for contributing to such an amazing ride. A ride like no other!

 

Seems like we just get started, and before we know it … comes the time we have to say … So Long!

 

Lovingly,

Shelley