I love Shabbats because they always offer unknown adventures and conversations. This Shabbat was no exception. It began with my mom asking me to recite the shehecheyanu while I visited with her at dinner. Then, I met Steve at the Walgreen’s parking lot so we could ride together to Cinebistro to dine, wine and watch Oscar nominee and Best Picture, Hidden Figures with our dear friends, Bruce and Lori Dorman. I ordered Wagyu Beef Sliders, Fingerling Potatoes, and Crispy Brussel Sprouts with Cauliflower. Steve feasted on Ahi Tuna Taquitos and the Salmon BLT. We shared the Caramelized Banana Cheesecake in honor of Grandma Carol as she was known as the “Cheesecake Lady.” The movie was an important one. It was particularly interesting to me as the setting was Hampton, Virginia at Langley Air Force Base (1961+) – essentially my backyard as I was born in 1964 in Newport News, Va. It is “the story of a team of African-American women mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the US space program.” I cried, cringed, and cheered throughout the story. It is a must-see event and inspires meaningful conversations. After the movie, I headed to the bathroom and bumped into Alison Bishop and her girlfriends. We had a lively discussion on segregation and desegregation in Sarasota schools. While we did not complete the usual Shabbat rituals, we did take a pause on this Shabbat eve.

This Shabbat also marked Tu B’shvat, the new year of the trees, and in our case, the first time harvest of the Temple Emanu-El community garden. Steve, my husband, worked tediously to improve his health after receiving stents December 2015. He solidly believes in “yardio” – playing and working in the yard daily by planting, hoeing, cutting, chopping, mowing, mulching, reaping, building, etc. It has restored his health as it pertains to energy, weight loss, cardiovascular health, sweating, Vitamin D & sunshine, mental health, and overall sustenance for his family. He wants the Temple community to “see” the benefits of gardening for improved health on a variety of levels.

 Steve, along with Amy Meese from Temple, coordinated the event, “A Mezuzah, A Garden and a Bon Fire.” There were about forty people in attendance to bless the garden. Rabbi Michael Shefrin led us in traditional blessing, and children enjoyed picking fresh vegetables from the garden. We enjoyed fresh foods like Strawberry, Watermelon, Tomato Salad and had Mediterranean fare. As it was Tu-B’shvat, we had the traditional fruits such as dates, nuts, and a plethora of fruits as well as fresh salad. Desserts flowed and s’mores were available for the makings around the bonfire.

We so enjoyed this special time with friends and Temple Family to end the Sabbath with the Havdalah Service and usher in a new week. It was also special that we brought in the Sabbath with our friends, Lori and Bruce, and ended it around the bon fire with them.

In the words of Rabbi Michael Shefrin: “I was just reflecting on this past weekend’s event at your lovely home.  I am actually short of words. It was so special. There were so many sweet and memorable moments. It feels like we honored all of the goals and our tradition and community in a meaningful way.  The garden moments were such a sacred center piece of the evening.  Truly holy. Plus, the food and camaraderie was delicious. Yay!  I want to personally thank you and all involved for your efforts and for keeping Temple Emanu-El growing and nurtured with events like this.  It is an honor to serve in this community.” We are so honored to be part of something bigger! Shabbat Shalom.