Special Shabbat

So last Saturday, there was another terrorist attack against my people. Some loser nutcase brought a gun into a Chabad Center near San Diego, and started shooting. One woman, a charitable 60 year old mother, dove in front of the rabbi, and was killed. The rabbi had fingers blown off. Two armed congregants chased the coward out, shot at his car, and he surrendered on the freeway. The rabbi considered it a miracle more weren't killed, and he called upon all Jews to make the following shabbat a particularly powerful one -- to drive out the darkness with light.

D1 and Joey have started a wonderful tradition: they spend alternating Friday nights with Joey's parents and with us.  Joey's Mom typically hosts at their home -- since Wifey doesn't cook, we sample local restaurants with our meetings.

Last night, Joey and D1 asked Wifey and I to come over. We had bought them a gas grille, and Joey wanted to show off his skills. They bought delicious NY Strips, chicken, and salmon, and all manner of veggies. Wifey and I drove through the rain and arrived in Shorecrest -- the grill was in full use.

Joey prays to the Big Man -- a lot. D1 is starting to pray more -- she realizes her manifold blessings, and gives thanks. She lit the shabbos candles and said a prayer. We shared the challah in the Sephardic way -- Joey broke off pieces, dipped them in salt, and then playfully tossed each piece at us -- no handing off.

We then sat and enjoyed a feast. D2 was out in the Hamptons celebrating her friend Ali's pre wedding hen party. She Facetimed us, and Ali's work partner, Professor the dog, got to sniff at the phone as we showed Madeleine, the spoiled Spaniel.  Jonathan, alone in the apartment in Greenwich Village, happily demanded a similar barbecue next time he's in town. Joey happily agreed -- and added that they ought to move back to Miami sooner than later -- we have a great family going here, and we miss the two on extended sabbatical in NYC.

We talked of the future, and playfully made fun of D1. She was worrying about stuff three decades from now. Wifey explained to Joey that nothing has changed -- as a small girl, she always worried about years ahead.

But it was an evening of warmth, and joy, and light -- literally -- the candles chased away the darkness.

Today is a chill one -- the only thing we need to do is maybe head to Home Depot to buy a new patio umbrella -- a wind gust while were were in California snapped the aging one in two pieces. I say maybe, because we might decide NOT to leave the house -- Wifey has vintage "Twilight Zone" episodes on TV, and I have lots of reading to do.

Tonight, Mike is hosting another theme party. Though today is Stars War day (May the 4th be with you), he has decided to hold a Cuatro de Mayo party -- inviting about 50 of us over for drinks and Mexican food.  Wifey pointed out last night that Mike is a serious man with very silly hobbies -- to me, a wonderful combination.

So I count my blessings this lovely Saturday morning -- the best way, I figure, to keep darkness at bay.