PANNENA SAVES THE DAY!

As I watch the days of December bow to the darkness of January,

I remember another parable.  My story begins in a small house in St. Louis, Missouri. 

In the living room a family gathered together. Each brought a candle to the small

mantel over a fireplace. There were two very excited children. It was Chanuka!

Pretty soon, their father and mother welcomed other people.  Some of the guests

brought candles.  Some brought holiday dishes.  All welcomed one another.

As the ten days began family and neighbors came to celebrate.

But there wasn't enough room and oil for everyone.  So

the father turned to everyone and began to tell the story of Pannena.

He said, Pannena was sent to fetch  more oil. Pannena left the celebration.  

Everyone waited for her to return. While Pannena was gone, the

father told everyone how brave Pannena was. They listened carefully. 

While Pannena was on her journey.  Her house became filled by even more

visitors who wanted to hear about Pannena's story.  They listened as more

family and friends brought their candelelabras and shared food, stories and gifts. 

When Pannena returned, there was enough room to display everyone's 

Chanukah candles and one special gift for Pannena.  

Pannena's journey to fetch oil was important. It is remembered

for its selfless journey that brought light to so many others.

Stay safe. Get vaccinated. Wear your Masks. And VOTE.

Beverly

THE SEASON FOR ALL

 There they sat. 

More than a dozen people.

Working with all kinds of Holiday trimming.

To make synthetic trees; White and Green.

Decorations began, as the trees were being assembled.

All the trimmers were residents of Revitz.

It was a small room filled with people of different religious faiths.

Some spoke of special Holiday celebrations.

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza.

People wore hats, some wore yamakas, some wore aprons.

With intentions to enjoy the season and decorate their trees.

They sang, laughed, and spoke of past times.

Participants came to enjoy their friends and neighbors.

Some came to share their news of the world.

While others wanted an activity in which to participate.

But all were there for a specific reason.

To express their Holiday Spirit. 

Before the snow decides to come.

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Thanksgiving November 23rd, 2023

 As I sit here, a day before my Thanksgiving dinner, I am not with my family. My oldest son, Edward, is traveling to meet his brother in New York City. My youngest son Andrew will be celebrating Thanksgiving with his wife Miggie, Edward, and my grandchildren Hoben, and his fiance Corbyn, and Emma. Emma has just completed a Shiva service as a Chaplin. My brother and his wife will see their children and grandchildren that are coming from many different states. 

Next to me is a young woman typing this blogpost. Her ancestors hail from Nigeria. Three other helpers of mine come from Pakistan, Uganda, and the Phillipines. All of us will celebrate in some fashion the American Thanksgiving holiday. When I opened today's newspaper, the image on the front page horrified me. Before my eyes, laid eight premature babies. They were birthed at a hospital in Southern Gaza. They were there because we suddenly seem to have forgotten the duty of Pidyon shvuyim, the Jewish mandate to free those who are held captive unjustly. As written in the newspaper, and in the Talmud, " he who saves one life saves the world entirely." 

When antisemitism rears its ugly head, conspiracy theories encourage them, and we allow the spirit of darkness to block our light. American progress was never inevitable. Courage was greatly taken. No one has been more aware of this than most marginalized and vulnerable communities. 

The effects of this are significant. It may seem as though we have taken steps backwards.We seem to have drifted from our principles. We still strive to be a community. We thank each other for what we have given to each other. I am grateful, on this Thanksgiving Day, that the security and safety of my forebearers and friends are protected. May others around the world feel the same.

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KEEP THE FAITH ALIVE

During the beginning of the Jewish New Year, my family and

I made plans to get togather for Rosh Hashanah.  We did so

here at Revitz House . Andrew and Miggi and

Ed and  I had dinner with small glasses of wine. 

Though news about the horrific events in the world had upset us, 

we joined Rabbi Amy Perlin and Gary Perlin at their lovely home. At their table, 

we shared a great dinner and the importance of Shabbat to each of us.  As we approached

 the heart of this holiday, we used Zoom to watch and hear

my granddaughter Emma sing Yom Kippur at her Synagogue in Boston.  

My grandson Hoben and Corbyn's Wedding invitation arrived just in time

to complete the joyous holiday. In spite of a world in turmoil,

the Sukkot was built and I was especially delighted to be able to

eat there, and found other residents who did the same.

Before I added to my blog today, I took a walk outside.

The trees have begun their showing.  Leafs crunched under

my feet. Somewhere there are people in places that may

not know or allow others to know the beauty of music that nature brings.  

May all people know the sweet harmony of faith, now and in the future.

Beverly.

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And VOTE.

SKY WATCH AT REVITZ HOUSE!

It was the brown bird of prey.

Waiting, waiting untill others would deal with the garbage.

The black birds, some very young, following others,

Zoamed across my sight through window curtains.

It was the high holidays on a rainy, misty night.

Standing on a bare branch, the bird was almost hiden

until a worker came along to take care of trash, than

the Bird of Prey took what it was after and vanished.

May the New Year 2024 be good to you.

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And VOTE!

MAGIC LADY REACHES 94

As the world turned from one century to the other,

the years were about to go from 1999 to 2000.  At the time,

people and businesses, had little international understanding

of what might happen when clocks would adhere to 2000. 

Top level management of many different  facilities and

Religious Communities predicted castastrophe, even though

humanity has been through more wars than historians

could accurately study.  So it was that when I reached the year

2023, my birth year of age 94, I was concerned about the planet's 

ability to survive. 

 Now as we prepare for the New Year,

I will mark my 95th birthday. I will do so by remembering the 

events that I believe will keep us hopeful. I use this small 

story, Magic Lady Reaches 94, to express the hope that I have for us.

 

In 1891 there was a fairly priced department store called Lit Brothers.

The store became more moderately priced and was called Strawbridge 

and Clothier. There were larger stores such as John Wanamaker and 

Gimbles.

In 1991, Colonel Samuel David Lit opened the small store at 7th and 

8th streets.The store became a major Christmas Outlet. It was well known

and popular for its "ENCHANTED VILLAGE", in which Magic 

lady and other holiday characters were there, from 

Thanksgiving to Christmas. 

Some Oil Company bought the original store and reactivated it to 

make it the "Please Touch Musuem." The musuem than contributed 

to the "American Treasure Chest", which is now located in 

a Business Center in Oaks, Pa, west of Valley Forge Historical Park.

So it is, that in the New Year, 2024, when the "Magic Lady" reaches 

95, let us remember that faith, education, and trust in each other, even 

in the face of conflict, allows us to enjoy humanity and life to its fullest. 

 

Beverly

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Stay Good and VOTE!

SKY WATCH: 2023

Fourth of July: 2023

We watched lighting strike close by here in Maryland.

There was scary thunder and rain poured down on

our streets.  Highways were closed.  We were not sure

exactly what or who had been hit.  Had the storm taken

down sheltering trees?  Could a parched Earth absorb rain?

Behind us a neihbor's child does not understand why he

can not go swiming?  It was as if Mother Nature had said,

Enough! In every state, North, South, East and West of us, 

all people seem unable to deal with reality. Some of us

are homeless, without food and water. 

We need to extend more kindness to each other.

Beverly

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And VOTE!

 

 

MEMORIAL DAY 2023

My daughter-in-law, Miggie and my yonger son, Andrew and I spent an early

Memorial Day visit here in Silver Spring, Maryland.  We had a lovely dinner

at a favoriet Italian Restaurant.  We enjoyed each other's company and then came 

back to my apartment and went over family photos and told stories.  When they left.

I picked up my May 27 edition of the New York Times and read the article, "Tornado.

Treasure. Tina. Turner. The singer enthralled us by bringing her electricity to songs

about survival."

 Because it was Memorial Day, I remembered a ceremony in Ardmore, PA.   

where I use to live.  Our services were held at the end of a football field,

next to a duck pond. There were always one or two people who raised and 

and lowered the flag poles. Several others brought beach chairs and watered 

to one or two pots of flowers.  Most people were elderly. As the day began, young

people came to the field to play touch football.  After a while, some people from

a High School Band began to play.  And couples pushing baby coaches came and

put a blanket on the ground just to enjoy the day, as the Train from Ardmore, came

by on its way to New York.  I think of all this on Memorial Day 2023.

I do so not to recreate a memory of more than 50 years ago.  I live now in a

Retirement Community that is about to be torn down. But I do wonder, what

sort of commitment to integrity and honesty shall be remembered of the people

who now govern Seabury at Sringvale Terrace, in Silver Spring, Maryland?

What ever befalls me and where ever my home will be, Tina Turner's 

zest for life shall stay with me.

Beverly 

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NEUTERED BUNNY 'N ME

It appeared MARCH was refusing to give way to May.  Pouring, drenching rain, still made many of us put

away plans for outdoor events.  One night, when an angry, wind awaken me from sleep,  I went

to my window to see if any damage had been done.  As I looked out, below me, there was a creature on

my lawn.  I was not sure what it was.  It was fat and laying very still.  I knew it was not a squirell because

it did not seem to trouble the small birds flying close by.  The small creature began nibbling at the plants

on the lawn.

As I watched, the animal caught sight of me and stood up.  There was no bushy tail, so I decided,

it must have been a bunny rabbit that had escaped from its cage.  I opened my window and asked

the animal, why are you up so early and what happened to your tail?  With that, the bunny rabbit

stretched its legs and said, " I am looking for the hole I live in."  What are you doing under my

window? It was quite cold and I wanted to give the creature somthing to eat.  "You don't

have to do that! I'll get my food and warmth from my family."  Your family?  "Yes. Maybe you

forgot. You met my family, the mouse family, when you moved here.  So, we remember

when you moved in and we'll know when you move out." But this place is about to

be torn down. "It does not matter. Our family knows all about that. We keep this 

information to ourself."

But who will profit from all this? It had started to rain again,and the neutered Bunny

 was looking for a new dwelling in which to live.

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EARTH DAY 2023

 On a DC 9  Airplane, our pilot, did a slow dip to the East and we were able to

see a large river below.  We asked our flight attendent wether or not it was the 

Mississippi.  She wasn't sure but said, "I'll ask the captain." Shortly there after, she 

returned to tell us, there would be a delay coming into St. Louis because of cloudy 

weather.  The flight captain identfied the river below.  It was called,"Driftwood."

When Shazia and I came back home, I looked for "Driftwood" on my computer.

I did not find "Driftwood" but what I did find was extensive information about the great rivers

that feed into the North American Continent from Canada, and South to Mexico.  For me, as

I look forward to celebrating EARTH DAY 2023,  I feel sure that "Driftwood" was among the great

 rivers.  This small story began a 4-day trip we made to St. Louis to attend the Memorial and Life  

Celebration for Donald L. Snyder.  During our time away, we met with Don's family and many 

of his friends. Don was survived by his sons Richard (Elspeth Keller) and Philip Snyder (Carol) and 

three grandsons, Owen, Alex and Elias.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole.

In the next two weeks, I shall be celebrating EARTH DAY and ARBOR DAY.  I will do so

reminded of the beauty and value of all life.  So, even as "Driftwood" seems unlisted among

the great rivers of this continent, it remains near and dear to many who know it.

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DONALD L. SNYDER MEMORIAL AND LIFE CELEBRATION

THE PROGRAM DEPICTS DON EXPLAINING SOMETHING TO A YOUNG STUDENT.  THE PHOTOGRAPH, WAS TAKEN AT WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY,  IN LOUIS. DEPICTING DON'S DEVOTION TO TEACHING MATH, PHYSICS, ENGINEERING, AND SCIENCE. 

YET HE HAD MANY CONTRADICTIONS AS WELL. 

A MAN OF MANY HABITS, HE WANTED THE FRONT ROW SEAT WHERE EVER WE WENT. WETHER AT THE WOODWORKERS GUILD PROGRAM of "SHOW AND TELL", OR AT JOE'S,  THE SCIENCE CENTER, OR HERE FOR SATURDAY MORNING LECTURES. THOUGH HE DID HIS SHOPPING AT SUPER MARKETS; HIS LOVE OF "THE HILL" IN OLD CITY, ST. LOUIS, FORTIFIED HIM. HE WAS GENEROUS TO A FAULT. REMEMBERING THE NAMES OF MANY WORKING PEOPLE AND OFFERING HIS HELP IN TIME OF TROUBLES. YET, HE WANTED TO YELL, "GET A JOB," TO HOME LESS PEOPLE. HE WAS A SHY MAN TO MYFAMILY, YET ENJOYED THEIR COMPANY WHEN THEY VISITED.

HE INSPIRED MANY PEOPLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE EARTH AND THE MOON. HE WORKED HARD TO BRING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE SIGNIFICENCE AND PLEASURE OF BUILDING SUN DIALS AND LOCATED MANY OF THEM IN CEMENTARIES AND IN SCHOOL YARDS. DON INSPIRED MANY PEOPLE TO BECOME INVOLVED IN THIS COUNTRY AND SOMETIMES AROUND THE WORLD.

I SAW A GREAT DEAL  OF MISSOURI'S NATURAL BEAUTY AND
MEET SO MANY PEOPLE BECAUSE DON HAD SHARED MUCH OF

IT AND THEM WITH ME.  HE DELIGHTED IN SO MUCH OF LIFE

AS DID I WITH HIM.  

 

SUNDAY MORNINGS WE WOULD ENJOY BREAKFAST AT CHRIS'

DINNER WHERE PEOPLE WAITED IN LINE WITH CHILDREN.  WHEN

WE CAME IN, DON PULLED OUT A HAND FULL OF COINS.  HE GAVE

 THE CHILDREN COINS TO DROP INTO A POT.  THE CHILDREN

WATCHED THE COINS SPIN AROUND AND DROP OUT OF SIGHT.  DON 

WATCHED THE CHILDREN TURN TO HIM. THEN HE SAID, "WHERE DO YOU THINK

THOSE COINS WENT?"  AT THAT POINT, I UNDERSTOOD. WE WERE ABOUT

TO LEARN ABOUT GRAVITY.  DON WAS PLEASED.  AFTER THAT WE WALKED

AND HAD A LOVELY AFTERNOON

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Don't retire, reinvent yourself.

Don't Retire, Reinvent Yourself.

During the St. Patrict's Day holiday.  Some of my family

came to visit me.  They stayed at a hotel close by.  We had

a pleasant time sharing stories, photographs and memories.

Just before that, my son, who is a classic Jazz lover took me

to see and hear The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band.  I 

thought of both events because I enjoyed both.  Then I

saw the latest issue of The BECON NEWSPAPER with

the headline Don't Retire, Reinvent Yourself.

The Conservatory Classic Jazz Band did exactly that. 

When the pandemic of 2000 hit this world, six talented

musicians got together and played.  They formed the 

Conservatory Classic Jazz Band to present traditional

jazz to Washington DC audiences.  They play New

Orleans style, Chicago style, small-group swing and

mainstream.  On the night we saw them they also

did a Jam Session in the middle of their performance.

The following day, when we met with our family,

I was glad to see some family were trying to reinvent

themselves.

Beverly

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 And VOTE!

SKY WATCH 2023

 JANUARY, FEBRUARY
IN COMES MARCH...

Bringing with it our hope for greater 

opportunity For World Peace 

as we plant seeds in the Planet's

Earth for greater understanding 

even as Clouds rush past balloons.

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Wash your hands.

       ************