July 22, 2017 – Sarasota, FL

Getting back with the friends who inspired me to reintroduce and reunite with Shabbat is always meaningful and playful. And with each Friday meal, there is always something magical about it. Mia, the 12 year old daughter, asked me to help her write her upcoming Bat-Mitzvah speech. To me this is a huge honor. There are many people in her life, and she chose me for this public agenda. I was just delighted. Prior to Shabbat dinner, she came over to my house, and we pondered, discussed, googled, and laughed. It was just the right segway into the pause of Shabbat. As usual, Sam, Mia’s dad, had prepared a magnificent spread of olives, kebabs, grilled veggies, and couscous. The meal was complete with fresh challah, Steve’s (my husband) caribbean cocktails, candles, wine, and Mia’s delightful homemade chocolate cupcakes with fresh ice cream and fruit. De.li.cious. I initially split one with Steve, but soon opted for my own. She learned her baking skills from her grandmother Linda in Tel Aviv. She explained to me that because of time with her grandmother, she has become known as the “girl with the baked goods” which has helped her make positive social connections. Food is definitely a connector. Breaking bread with people is special. For me, and I think, the rest of my family, we have come to find it to be a necessity at the end of the week. Shabbat Shalom!