that led up to the birth and certainly after, Barbara (Safti) and Phyllis (Grandma) spent lots of Shoshana time, meaning pick-ups from Gan (day care), playing in the park, sleepovers, even time on Shabbat to let her parents sleep a little. This was great re-acquaintance time; after we spent 2 months here this spring, the closest we got to Shoshana was on Skype (although she did try to have Barbara tie her shoe on Skype once, it is not quite like being there!)Finally on Monday evening, Bruce arrived, having bypassed the storm in Philadelphia, and luckily being routed to Israel via Paris instead of on his scheduled USAir flight. So, more visits to the new baby, more Shoshana outings, like our trip to the zoo, and more time to show
grandma around Israel, since her last trip was in 1996. This included a visit to the newly renovated Israel Museum, which was updated and opened for business this fall. It has an enormous collection of treasures that tell the story of the history of Israel and the Jewish people, from early prehistoric artifacts, through the biblical periods and medieval and modern times. A highlight is the reconstruction of 4 synagogues from places like India, South America and Europe, plus the famous Dead Sea Scrolls and the scale model of Ancient Jerusalem during Temple times. Definitely worth a few hours rain or shine.On Thursday, the big day arrived. The new baby was 8 days old, and we were going to celebrate his bris (circumcision). This is, as you probably know, a very special event in the life of a new-born Jewish male. The brit took place where Elan works and studies (Ariel studies there as well) and is located in the center of the Jewish quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. The Beit Midrash (study hall) overlooks the Western Wall, and the view is breathtaking and spellbinding. You
are steps away from one of the holiest places on Earth, certainly the holiest for Jews. This is an amazing setting for the entry of a new Jewish male into the community of Israel. We were joined by a warm and amazing crowd of family, friends, and well wishers including Elan’s many students and classmates, Nomi’s friends and family, and a great collection of Montrealers and ex-Montrealers (you know who you are!!).The most auspicious part was the naming of the baby. He is named Shlomo Yehuda, after my late father Sidney (Shlomo Henoch) Mazer. His name is very Regal, reminiscent of King Solomon and Yehuda, Jacob’s fourth son, from whom the great Royal dynasty starting with King David arose . Elan spoke beautifully and eloquently about his family, his amazing wife and partner Nomi, and the reasons behind the names.
As you may know, we have had a very difficult few months, with the passing of my father in August and Barbara’s mother Molly Samuel in November. The amazing continuation of the life cycle with the arrival of Shlomo Yehuda helps carry on the torch of those who gave life to us, who taught us so much and whose legacy we pass on. In fact, Sholomo Yehuda’s name includes the remembrance of Barbara’s mother, whose Hebrew name was Malca or Queen. As Elan intimated, this is a fitting combination of names for a baby with tremendous potential and who will carry forth the Regal traditions of his great grandparents and who, we hope, will always proudly portray his heritage as did those he is named for.
With this, we wish you a wonderful, warm and peaceful Shabbat, with time to reflect on what is really important in life and how important it is for us to be true to the legacy of our parents and families.
Shabbat Shalom
Barbara and Bruce
