The Exception

As 2024 nears its end I think a lot of us are looking back and asking, “Was anything good?” I know I am. And if something was good, can we share it? Yes. We have to.

Recently I was visiting family in California. A large dinner was planned at a lovely restaurant. Ok. Nothing exceptional here. But, there was. This restaurant was owned by two men. One from Israel and one from Iran.

We typically do not eat out on a Friday night. We like to stay home or be with friends on Shabbat. Exceptions are made. This dinner was on Friday and the owner from Israel was not there because he observes Shabbat. His partner from Iran was. This exception was worth it

His greeting was genuine. His smile was warm and so was the way he welcomed every person who was there. Who we are did not matter.

We live in a complex world. We are praying every day for those fighting on the front line. On our streets, near our homes, in our schools, we are fighting a different battle. Antisemitism. It is at an all-time high.  Everyday we have to defend ourselves and the propaganda that is constantly spread. We have to find strength to walk with our head high and to not hide. Every Jewish person is exhausted. We keep going.

This night was as if none of the above existed. It was a glimpse of what could be. It was a table filled with Jewish and non Jewish people. Complex became simple. It restored my faith in people. It filled my cup. It gave me the energy to continue to speak up for myself, our heritage, and for the ones we have lost.

Shabbat has a way of bringing people together. It somehow takes all of the chaos away and lets us see something beautiful.  That night, on the same streets that want to keep us at war was a handshake from a man who isn’t the definition of what his country is. Forever grateful the Friday night I went out.