Do you remember 10 years ago the hype and scattered hysteria about the threat of a Y2K computer bug which turned out to be a non event? Do you remember OOTC 10 years ago when our chefs would cook for 175 guests every Tuesday? Do you remember 10 years ago the total OOTC guests were 7,066 with 301 staying over with only 5 churches operating?
Changes in 10 years have been many. First, the only bug we have now at JSB is the occasional cockroach; we need only feed 120 guests since Centenary Church opened 3 years ago; and last year, there were 16,670 guests with 1,651 overnight guests with 8 churches in operation. Soon, we will have a ninth church.
One thing that has remained constant in our Tuesday offering. People coming together. In a OOTC newsletter published in 2000, “ Beth Jacob Synagogue under the leadership of Mrs. Gloria Silverman is being very creative by inviting families to serve as volunteers.” Gloria would be pleased to know that many new families stepped up to the plate last night to substitute for other families and MAC students away on vacation. We would like to thank the Lerner/Calmans, Molot/Mandel/Allens, Wilkinsons, Bender Sibs, and Balinsons and all the other individuals who really added a spark to our already large family. They were warmly welcomed by guests and volunteers alike!
The meal seemed very family styled too. REALLY delicious home-made meat sauce made by YoursTruly. (That’s why the stove and backsplashes were so artistically splattered and a few pot bottoms burned. Again, I’M SORRY!) Meatballs were tenderly cooked in the sauce, Caesar salad, hot veggies and fruit for 135 guests who appeared momentarily carefree.
Could the mood have been just another halcyon day? Halcyon is a name for a bird of Greek legend which is commonly associated with the kingfisher. The phrase comes from the ancient belief that fourteen days of calm weather were to be expected around the winter solstice - usually 21st or 22nd of December in the Northern Hemisphere as that was when the halcyon calmed the surface of the sea in order to brood her eggs on a floating nest. It means calm and tranquil, or happy, carefree. Well, the weather is far from mild, but we were happy to breed a few new families and happy with whatever put our guests in a pleasant mood.
Have a peaceful, healthy and meaningful 2010!
Cindy
PS My family member, Lowell, dressed in black sweater, slacks, white shirt and tie was approached by a guest last night who said, “You must be the minister.” Ha, ha
PSS Our volunteer, Jim, made a wise suggestion regarding the two similar sounding church doorbells. If you are at the Jackson Street door, ring the bell twice. If you are at the parking lot doorbell, ring once. Therefore, insiders will know what door to answer! Brilliant. Thanks Jim!
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