Family & Friends

As I stood this morning near the stove cooking Shabbat dinner, I thought of the people I've met over time.

My first move happened when I was 5 years old. I still remember it and both addresses in Tel Aviv. Since then, I moved 27 times in total - between 2 countries; 2 provinces; 13 cities - The Wondering Jew in action.

In every place we moved to, we met new people and I made new friends. There were always people around to welcome us to the new neighbourhood and to help us to re-culture ourselves. I was taught how to cook the local foods, how to understand the local language, how to find shops and schools and bus stops. It was the chicken soup this morning that made me think of these friends. I thought of my current close friend that taught me how to skim the skimming off Chicken Soup easily (pronounced coffee in Hebrew. Fun)

In every place we lived, we were loved, we collected friends. Some of these are still in touch and will be for life. Some write on Face Book, or sent us email, some write snail mail and some even phone. Some of them moved from the places we met, which allow us to stretch out tents and include all five continents in our mailing list. Some went to be with the Lord and I expect to meet them later on.

Every person in my life gave me a special something that I cherish. It had been said that you cannot choose your family only your friends; however, if I had the choice, I would choose each one, family and friends, to be nearby me.

Third day, 2014 - I thank God for all the people in my life. For all who raised me, befriended me, corrected me, taught me, laughed with me, cried with me, connected to me and loved me - family and friends alike.

Bless them all dear Lord with all your love and goodness and remember the happiness they brought into my life.  

Shabbat Shalom, 

Orith