Mar
Thoughts Turning to Spring
Easter is on its way, a certain harbinger of spring. Della’s being a bad sport about it, but I don’t mind. I get to celebrate not one, but two, spring holidays. Easter, of course, is one. The other is Passover, via my husband, Alex.
Easter for me is not a huge deal. I enjoy it for the traditions and for the foods. This is the time of year I make frequent trips to tiny, out-of-the-way Polish delicatessens and load up on home-made kielbasa, real rye bread and babka, ham, eggs, sweet and sharp horseradish varieties and more. When I was a kid we did more. I still remember our Easter bonnets, patent leather shoes and white gloves. The churches were packed to the rafters. We usually got there late and had to settle for seats far in the back.
Alex and his family still observe Passover with a seder with all the works. There’s another food-filled night (or nights) for you. His family makes just about everything from scratch, including harosset, gefilte fish and matzo balls. They even grate their own horseradish. It’s an all-night affair with wonderful food and live music. Alex comes from a family of musicians and music lovers.
Alex’s family always made me welcome, even though I’m not Jewish myself. They almost always have company for the seder and invite Jewish as well as non-Jewish friends and family. It’s very inclusive. In some ways it reminds me of Wigilia, the Polish Christmas Eve celebration that my family observes. Alex comes back to Buffalo with me each year and we frequently have Jewish friends visit for the holidays. In the past, a few have joined us for the meal as well.
It’s still pretty cold outside, with a snow/ice storm predicted for the weekend. Pretty soon, though, those spring buds will be poking their heads through the snow. I can’t wait and intend to drag Della out for a few gardening sessions!
