Friday 13 January 2017

December 16, 2009

Happy Hanukkah!

I can just imagine the excitement in the long line outside. From the moment we opened the front doors last night, we were greeted by so many guests wishing us, “Happy  Hanukkah!“  “Are you lighting the menorah this year?” By the time they reached their seats, they knew what a special night it was to be! Guests arriving late were waiting to be seated until others had left. One hundred and thirteen dined.

Susan and all the latke makers, Miriam and David who carved 60 lbs of meat and the rest of the chefs outdid themselves again.  We already dearly miss Shirley Silberg who broke her arm after leaving OOTC last week. We wish you a r’fuah shleima (get better, heal and strengthen.)

The menu:  Kosher Chicken Soup donated by Hamilton Kosher Meats, matzo balls and lokshen(noodles), roast brisket, latkes with applesauce, roasted potatoes, onions, parsnips, carrots and beets, salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes in a balsamic dressing, bananas, clementines AND chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with bright blue or white icing topped with silver wrapped chocolate gelt donated by Rhona and Lou, a genuine couple who get such pleasure from acting kind! Rhona was our volunteer coordinator, leading OUR army of Maccabees.

The tables were decorated with colourful hand-made Hanukkah cards by the Temple and Beth Jacob Grade Eight students. The blessings were sung and candles lit.

Yes, it was special indeed, but I will tell you why it was more meaningful than any OOTC Hanukkah celebration in the past.  A special man had a wish. Weeks ago, he gave me a thick bank envelope of bills and insisted that it be used for a roast dinner with potatoes for Hanukkah.  For many years, this special man used to eat dinner at OOTC when he was too sick to work, when his family no longer cared about him, when OOTC was the only place he could receive a warm smile, encouragement, spiritual healing…. r’fuah shleima, the renewal of body, the renewal of spirit. He is, today, a stronger man, able to work full time, to contribute to society and so willing to bring light to others less fortunate.  He chose our program.

A while ago, Beth Jacob showed an excellent film called Amal. It is the story of a man of wealth looking for just one person who embodies goodness.

"I searched the streets of Delhi for years for any trace of goodness and almost gave up, but after meeting you, I realized something I haven’t before. That the poorest  have wealth no rich man can ever dream of.   You have given me the most valuable gift of all and the fortune I leave you is nothing in comparison.” 

On Hanukkah, G-d wants us to remember that we have the ability today to recognize goodness, we have the ability to bring pure light into our lives and the lives of others. We mustn’t be afraid to face darkness. And like fire giving to fire, light giving to light, soul giving to soul, moments like last night give to the next pure moment. Candle to candle. Until the darkness disappears.
Thank you for making an already bright night that much brighter. Guests departed with accolades for the dinner and the experience. “Spectacular.” “Best dinner, by far.” “You’re going to have to roll me out!” “Super lovely.” “Exquisite.” And, from a Jamaican lady who used to work in a hotel in her homeland, “Just like Club Med!”

See you all next week.

Cindy


Responses:

Happy Hanukkah to you.  I hope there are many blessings on your house and that you enjoyed your family over the holidays.  What comes around goes around, so I hope you too will enjoy goodness, light, pure moments.....Tina

Dear Cindy;  The rich man from Delhi wouldn't have had to look too far to find that one special person who embodies pure goodness.  He could have found her on any Tues. night,  spearheading the making of yet another special meal for the cold and hungry.  That person is you,  and I am blessed for just knowing you.  Thank you for showing us all how it is done.   Love,  Miriam

You know, I was actually feeling good this morning, then I read your heart-warming sentiment and boom...get the Kleenex!!!Beautiful!!!!!Have a great day,see  you tonight.Love, L


Wow. i am sorry I missed it. Sounds like an amazing dinner experience. Thanks for the good wishes. Shirley

Cindy, this is one of your finest writings.  Simply beautiful and very touching to the heart.Wish I was there to witness the delight and pleasure of our guests. Joanne.

Hi Cindy! I have already ordered the cupcakes and Lou and I will drop them off at the church as we usually do.  As far a reimbursement goes, you can use the money for something else.  Lou and I have been donating the cupcakes for our guests for Chanukah and Christmas for a number of years.   We do it out of genuine love for these people.  All we wanted was to give them a little happiness.  I guess I am being a little selfish.  Doing these little acts of kindness makes Lou and I feel good.  It is so nice to be able to do things because we want to and not because we have to.  So, it is our pleasure to do this once a year for our guests and why don’t you use the donation for something else.      See you Tuesday if not before.  Rhona

Rhona and Lou: You two are prime examples of tsadiks.  Righteous . Real givers, with the kindest and purest of intentions. Thank you, thank you from all the guests who, as you know, get soooo excited by the sight of cupcakes!

No comments:

Post a Comment