This week Ann-Christine asks, “Magical – I wonder…what is magical to you?” According to Wikipedia, Magical can mean: “…beautiful or delightful in a way that seems removed from everyday life. ”
A game of dreidel is played during Chanukah. 4 sides of the spinning top have hebrew letters that represent, “A great miracle happened there!”
In this time of war it is also important to remember the Ukrainian people who are standing up for the right of their country to exist against the odds. Their fight keeps the war contained to that region.
Last week I lost my Aunt Elsa. She died in Boca Raton, Florida at 99 1/2 years. Elsa leaves two children and many, many grandchildren. She was the last of the previous generation. A Holocaust survivor born in Lodz, Poland. Despite the horrors that she experienced at the hands of the Nazis she remained a quiet, kind, sweet, and optimistic person. Much of the family lives in Israel. I will miss her.
I am saddened that the world has forgotten the history of 75 years ago. My parents carried their trauma of surviving Nazi concentration camps before restarting a life in New York after World War II. I also feel it in my bones. Being aware of what trauma does to those who survive I see no winners in war. My first cousin (1 generation removed) from Holon, Israel spoke to a Sacramento, Ca. congregation last week. She spoke about a yearning for peace in the region.
Maybe in the coming year 2024, a miracle or some magic can happen to bring about peace for all!
A Photo's Worth 
Great post Marlene. We do need some miracles and magic!
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A beautiful post Marlene. So sad to see how little we’ve learned about the tragedies of war and man’s inhumanity to man. May we find, somehow—magical or not—a way to peace. Belated Happy Hanukkah to you and yours.
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What a touching story and beautiful photos to accompany that, Marlene! It gives me hope that the world may see the light and realize that peace is the only way.
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I am sorry for your loss, Marlene. We’ve had many Holocaust survivors in Sweden who voluteered to visit schools and talk about their experiences. Not many are left now. It is of uttermost importance to talk about it and try to get young people to understand and learn from their stories. I too feel a great sadness for mankind, that somehow never learns from mistakes or experiences.
May there be hope for a better future. The Ukrainian people are strong and brave, but in the end we must support them as much as we can. They are a small country and their enemy is so much bigger.
May peace come to us all. In a war there are no winners, only losers.
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I am so sorry for your loss, Marlene…
Yes, “Standing up with strength”, we must!
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A few tears from me, Marlene. It is so sad to see what is happening in the world right now. And so sad that 75 years ago seem to have been forgotten. Sometimes I feel like our savior might think I have exceeded my limit on prayers, but I will continue. We have too. I am sorry for the loss of your aunt. That generation had so much to teach us about courage, strength, fight, and optimism. I love the symbolism of your sunflowers. So perfect. I hope you were surrounded with family last week. Your aunt’s passing is also symbolic. I hope you will always tell her story over the holidays. Always.
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